Sandusky Attractions

Sandusky’s attractions divide sharply between the amusement park and everything else.

Cedar Point operates from early May to early November, daily in summer and at weekends either side. Tickets are cheapest bought online ahead; parking is charged separately; and the queue-skipping passes are expensive but transform a busy day. The peninsula also has a beach, a water park and several hotels.

Downtown costs nothing to walk and has a restored waterfront, a small museum of carousel art in an old post office, and a working harbour.

The islands are reached by ferry from Sandusky or from Catawba and Marblehead further west; Kelleys Island has the glacial grooves and a state park, Put-in-Bay has the memorial and a lively bar scene.

Birdwatching in the marshes is free and world-class in May.