Cleveland itself is a magnificent coastal city. Nestled up against the shore of Lake Erie, our pretty city is a dream come true for those that crave a haven where city life meets the splendor of nature. This atmosphere is coveted by both locals and tourists, believe it or not, as many have found themselves in search of the coziest coastal towns to visit. While Cleveland isn’t much of a town (despite its small-town feel), many have spent countless hours exploring the suburbs and the entirety of the Northern Ohio coastline. The best coastal towns near Cleveland are all within reasonable driving distance of home, and they make for magnificent day trips and weekend getaways alike. No matter the season, you’ll fall in love with these pretty places:
- Sandusky
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr Though only a few counties away, Sandusky feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Greater Cleveland. In fact, it’s somewhat… well, touristy. Nonetheless, there’s much to do here, and every visit unveils another side of this gem of a city. This gorgeous destination is number one on our list because it has been recognized by USA Today 10Best as the number one coastal town in the nation. How do you like them apples, Hawaii?
- Lakewood
Jeff K/TripAdvisor There’s so much to love about Lakewood. Though this city is rather large and is close to Cleveland, mimicking its personality almost to a tee, Lakewood is a quaint destination that’s perfect for dreamy days spent on Lake Erie’s shore. Lakewood Park’s Solstice Steps are the perfect place to catch a local sunset!
- Fairport Harbor
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr Fairport Harbor is a tiny village over in Lake County that’s downright gorgeous. Though it boasts only a few thousand residents, the beauty on this little stretch of coast is indescribable. In fact, one could argue that the live-action Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster was set in this quirky community. If you’re wondering if the community has its own Scooby-worthy mystery, it does. Its lighthouse is home to a resident ghost cat.
- Geneva-on-the-Lake
Doug Butchy/Flickr Geneva-on-the-Lake is a gorgeous yet modest village over in Ashtabula County. Located amidst the splendor of Ohio’s wine country. Though it has just barely more than 1,000 residents, this community is a slice of paradise and is frequented by tourists in the warmer months.
- Vermilion
Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr Known locally as the Village of Lake Captains, Vermilion is a city of just over 10,000 residents. This pretty community lies just around 35 miles west of Cleveland, and it features a beach, a lighthouse, and a historic district that’s downright charming.
- Marblehead
Doug Kerr/Flickr At the very tip of the Marblehead Peninsula is an itty bitty village that’s overflowing with splendor. Though it has approximately 900 residents, many Clevelanders consider this pretty place to be their go-to Ohio vacation destination. Life just seems to move at a slower pace here, and history abounds. Nearby, visitors can even spot the remains of a Civil War prison and a Confederate cemetery.
- Put-in-Bay
katesheets/Flickr Put-in-Bay is often referred to as the Key West of Ohio, and it’s truly no secret why. This quirky community is situated on one of the Lake Erie Islands, South Bass Island, and it’s something of a party town. Don’t believe it? A trip to the world’s longest permanent bar just might change your mind.
- Port Clinton
Vicki Timman/Flickr This community is known to locals as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” but its human population is just barely more than 6,000. Nonetheless, Port Clinton is an incredible community that’s overflowing with rewarding views. While you’re in town, be sure to visit exotic animals at the local drive-through safari!
These pretty places are among the very best coastal towns near Cleveland. Are there any places you’d add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
Though only a few counties away, Sandusky feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Greater Cleveland. In fact, it’s somewhat… well, touristy. Nonetheless, there’s much to do here, and every visit unveils another side of this gem of a city. This gorgeous destination is number one on our list because it has been recognized by USA Today 10Best as the number one coastal town in the nation. How do you like them apples, Hawaii?
Jeff K/TripAdvisor
There’s so much to love about Lakewood. Though this city is rather large and is close to Cleveland, mimicking its personality almost to a tee, Lakewood is a quaint destination that’s perfect for dreamy days spent on Lake Erie’s shore. Lakewood Park’s Solstice Steps are the perfect place to catch a local sunset!
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr
Fairport Harbor is a tiny village over in Lake County that’s downright gorgeous. Though it boasts only a few thousand residents, the beauty on this little stretch of coast is indescribable. In fact, one could argue that the live-action Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster was set in this quirky community. If you’re wondering if the community has its own Scooby-worthy mystery, it does. Its lighthouse is home to a resident ghost cat.
Doug Butchy/Flickr
Geneva-on-the-Lake is a gorgeous yet modest village over in Ashtabula County. Located amidst the splendor of Ohio’s wine country. Though it has just barely more than 1,000 residents, this community is a slice of paradise and is frequented by tourists in the warmer months.
Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr
Known locally as the Village of Lake Captains, Vermilion is a city of just over 10,000 residents. This pretty community lies just around 35 miles west of Cleveland, and it features a beach, a lighthouse, and a historic district that’s downright charming.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
At the very tip of the Marblehead Peninsula is an itty bitty village that’s overflowing with splendor. Though it has approximately 900 residents, many Clevelanders consider this pretty place to be their go-to Ohio vacation destination. Life just seems to move at a slower pace here, and history abounds. Nearby, visitors can even spot the remains of a Civil War prison and a Confederate cemetery.
katesheets/Flickr
Put-in-Bay is often referred to as the Key West of Ohio, and it’s truly no secret why. This quirky community is situated on one of the Lake Erie Islands, South Bass Island, and it’s something of a party town. Don’t believe it? A trip to the world’s longest permanent bar just might change your mind.
Vicki Timman/Flickr
This community is known to locals as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” but its human population is just barely more than 6,000. Nonetheless, Port Clinton is an incredible community that’s overflowing with rewarding views. While you’re in town, be sure to visit exotic animals at the local drive-through safari!
Want to keep your waterfront adventures close to home? Enjoy some waterfront hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks!
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Address: Sandusky, OH 44870, USAAddress: Lakewood, OH, USAAddress: Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USAAddress: Geneva-on-the-Lake, Geneva-On-The-Lake, OH 44041, USAAddress: Vermilion, OH, USAAddress: Marblehead, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USAAddress: Put-in-Bay, Put-In-Bay, OH, USAAddress: Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
