Lake Erie Beaches

Beachcombers, water sports lovers, sunbathers and anyone else looking for a little Vitamin D flock to Lake County in the summers to enjoy some of the best Lake Erie beaches and Ohio’s great beach towns.

Don’t miss the largest natural sand beach in Ohio at Headlands Beach State Park. Sunbathers and swimmers alike frequent this 35-acre state park beach in the warm months and can enjoy plenty of personal space. If getting your feet wet and searching for beach glass is your cup of tea, keep a careful eye on the ground — Headlands is one of the best beaches in Ohio to spot the sparkles of these Lake Erie gems. Pack a picnic for lunch before taking a walk along the Buckeye Trail, which winds through this Ohio state park. Birders can spot hundreds of species during migration season in the adjacent Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve.

 Fairport Harbor, one of the great Ohio beach towns, welcomes beachgoers to Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. This family-friendly beach in Northeast Ohio offers kayak and paddleboard rentals throughout the summer to get the entire family out on the water. With lifeguards keeping watch Fridays through Mondays all summer, you know your kids have an extra level of safety while they’re enjoying the sand and surf. Dip your toes in and comb the shoreline for beach glass. Prefer to stay dry while enjoying the beach? Play some sand volleyball or take a stroll on the boardwalk.

Another one of the best beaches in Northeast Ohio can be found at Lake Erie Bluffs. Ideal for people looking for the calm quiet of nature, this beach protects wetland, meadow and undeveloped lakefront habitats. Enjoy low-impact activities like fishing, kayaking and hiking the gravel trails. Part of the Lake Erie Birding Trail, the bluffs are also home to many bald eagles, as well as merlin, yellow-breasted chat and more rare species. Climb the 50-foot coastal observation tower and take a seat at the top to drink in a stunning view of the lakeshore and surrounding area. Then walk down to the public access beach to explore the high bluffs and stretches of sandy and cobble beach.

Where to Eat in Lake County

As you work up an appetite exploring these Ohio beach towns, you’ll find a plethora of restaurants serving up delicious dishes to please any palate.

For daily fresh cut fries, creative hot dogs and ice cream treats as the cherry on top (or with a cherry on top, if you so choose), look no further than Scooter’s World Famous Dawg House in Mentor, a seasonal staple for over 20 years. Try a Flame Dawg, complete with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, cheese sauce, jalapeño peppers and ranch dressing, or a classic sundae made with their Rich-n-Creamy Soft Serve.

If fish is what you fancy, you won’t have to wander far from the best beaches in Ohio. Pickle Bill’s Lobster House in Grand River makes all-you-can-eat seafood the star of the show; diners can choose from Alaskan Snow Crab legs, shrimp, Lake Erie walleye and more. Don’t miss fun seating options, like a tiki bar featuring swings instead of barstools, or a carousel-style barge that lets guests have a drink right on the river during summer months!

Grand River is also home to Brennan’s Fish House, located in a historic 1865 building with offerings from lake, land and sea. Choose from a wide selection of fish, including Lake Erie perch and walleye, Northern Atlantic Whitefish, fresh oysters and even catfish. No meal is complete without a slice of their delectable banana cream, coconut cream or key lime homemade pies.

For those too tired to choose a single dish after a Lake Erie beach day, try an array of tapas at The Pompadour in Fairport Harbor. Upscale small plates with a seasonally changing menu are sure to impress. Sip on craft cocktails as you soak in the restaurant’s intimate ambiance. To finish off your perfect summer day, swing by Fairport Harbor Creamery to indulge in ice cream, pastries and desserts, all made in-house. Along with the classic single scoops and sundaes, the creamery also serves a variety of boozy ice cream flavors and milkshakes for their adult guests.

Whatever food you’re craving, you can find it in Lake County. Explore more Lake County restaurants here.

Trip Home Page