Lake Erie Day Trips from Port Clinton

From our guest guide, updated September 2026. Hours and seasons change, especially after Labor Day, so check before you go.

Port Clinton is a central base for the Lake Erie Shores & Islands. None of these are walkable, but all are an easy drive or ferry.

Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)

Golf carts, Perry’s Monument, caves and wineries. Jet Express from downtown or Miller Ferry from Catawba. Ferry guide

Catawba Island (10–15 min)

It’s a peninsula, not a true island: Twin Oast Brewing, Gideon Owen winery, The Ørchard farm restaurant, Catawba Island State Park and the Miller Ferry dock.

Marblehead Lighthouse (20–25 min)

Ohio’s most photographed lighthouse, at 110 Lighthouse Dr. Tower climbs are seasonal. Pair it with East Harbor State Park or the Kelleys Island ferry.

Kelleys Island

The quieter island: Glacial Grooves, a state park beach, bikes and wineries. The Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line leaves from 510 W. Main St., Marblehead (cars and passengers).

Cedar Point, Sandusky (25–30 min)

One of the world’s best roller-coaster parks: daily in summer, then HalloWeekends into early November. Cedar Point Shores waterpark is a separate ticket.