No Ocean, No Problem: The Best Beaches In Ohio For A Weekend Escape

If laying on a beach soaking up the sun sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday, listen up.

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful view or some sand between your toes, sometimes there’s nothing that will do the trick quite like going to the beach.

Of course, there are plenty of water parks, lazy rivers, natural swimming holes, and swimming pools open this summer. But nothing beats a day splashing around in the lake.

So pack up the beach bags, grab the umbrella, and head to the car. A sun-soaked day awaits. Don’t forget to practice proper social distancing, wear a mask when you can’t, and wash your hands frequently.

Lake Hope State Park

Lake Hope State Park offers a 500-foot beach perfect for catching some rays. Additional activities at the park include camping, boating, hiking, and mountain biking. From the stunning Zalecki State Forest to the enchanting fields of wildflowers, this park is always worth a visit. Be sure to watch the video above before visiting the beach.

Where: Lake Hope State Park, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651
Cost: Free
Features: Camping, boating, hiking, mountain biking
Distance From Columbus: 70 miles

Long’s Retreat

There are lots of fun activities at Long’s Retreat but just stopping by to swim will only cost you $5 per person. Long’s Retreat is cash only and be sure to bring a little extra in case you want to rent any watersports equipment or ride the waterslides. If you’re interested in staying over, there are cabins available for rent.

Where: 50 Bell Hollow Rd, Latham, OH 45646
Cost: $5 per person
Features: Waterslides, splash pad, diving boards, and more
Distance From Columbus: 80 miles

Baylor Beach Water Park

The 146 acres of Baylor Beach park are a great place to spread out and get some space. There’s also a variety of activities on the lake including watercraft rentals, slides, inflatables, and more. If you’re camping at Baylor Beach Park, you can get a discounted admission to the waterpark area.

Where: 8777 Manchester Ave. S.W., Navarre, Ohio 44662
Cost: $17 a person (kids 3 and under are free)
Features: Camping, slides, inflatables, diving boards
Distance From Columbus: 115 miles

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

Nelson Ledges is a great place to find a little adventure on their 250 acres of forests, meadows, streams, and rock ledges. They offer a variety of activities such as scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kayaking. Their 400 campsites are located in a variety of scenaries to fit everyone’s style, whether it’s wooded or waterfront. The water is usually 30ft deep with lots of shelves, rock formations, plant and fish life to explore while scuba diving.

Where: 12001 Nelson Ledge Rd, Garrettsville, OH 44231
Cost: $12 per person on weekends, $10 on weekdays
Features: Scuba, fishing, camping
Distance From Columbus: 162 miles

Maumee Bay State Park

Maumee Bay offers 1,336 acres of park land for great camping sites with tents or RV’s. The park has two Lake Erie beaches, a golf course, two miles of trails, and a nature center. Who wants to go bird watching?

Where: 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616
Cost: Free
Features: Trails, fishing, boating
Distance From Columbus: 135 miles

Kelleys Island State Park

There’s so much to do on Kelleys Island. The 677-acre state park is located on the North end of the island. The park has a 100ft public swimming beach as well as eight miles of trails for hiking.

Where: 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Cost: Free
Features: Trails, kayaking, fishing, boating
Distance From Columbus: 136 miles

Nickel Plate Beach

Nickel Plate’s well-maintained beach makes it a great place to experience Lake Erie with 12.3 acres of beach front. There’s soft sand into the water at the public swimming and a network of sandbars in the lake. If you’re interested in a little exploring, the Huron River’s one-third mile east jetty is accessible from Nickel Plate Beach.

Where: Huron, Ohio
Cost: Free, with a parking fee
Features: Volleyball courts, playground, grills
Distance From Columbus: 115 miles

Salt Fork State Park

A day trip to the 2,500 foot beach at Salt Fork State Park should definitely be on your agenda this month. There are 14 scenic trails in the park and other land activities such as Kennedy Stone Historic House, playgrounds, and even a mini golf course. The dog park is about one acre and features a waterfront area for the puppers to swim off-leash. Let’s see that doggy paddle!

Where: 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755
Cost: Free
Features: archery, dog park, fishing, trails
Distance From Columbus: 91 miles

Headlands Beach State Park

If you want to visit Ohio’s largest natural sand beach, Headlands Beach State Park is the place to be. This mile-long beach along Lake Erie offers soft sand, clear water, and a chance to watch the waves roll in like you’re on the coast. The adjacent nature preserve is also a gem for bird watchers and hikers.

Where: 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060
Cost: Free
Features: Swimming, sunbathing, nature preserve, hiking
Distance From Columbus: 145 miles

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach in Bay Village is one of the most scenic Lake Erie beaches and a perfect summer day trip. Nestled in the Cleveland Metroparks system, the beach features views of the downtown skyline, plenty of sand for lounging, and clean water for a refreshing dip. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, and the nearby cliffs offer gorgeous sunset views.