Best-reviewed beaches in Northeast Ohio

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(WJW) – The shores of Lake Erie stretch for over 300 miles to offer some of Ohio’s most scenic spots for sunbathing, swimming, and outdoor fun.

Here’s a roundup of the top-rated beaches in Northeast Ohio, based on reviews and comments from Google, Facebook, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

Cedar Point Beach (Sandusky)

Cedar Point Beach is located just next to Ohio’s iconic amusement park in Sandusky. The beach is highly rated for its clean sand, stunning views of Lake Erie, and, of course, access to thrilling roller coasters and rides.

Admission to Cedar Point gets you access to the beach, but if you aren’t going to the park, you still need to pay for parking.

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Reviewers say it’s worth it.

Reviews highlight:

“The best beach experience I’ve had in Ohio, and the amusement park next door makes it unforgettable!”

It’s also a very popular beach and visitors say it can get crowded.

Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor)

Located in Mentor, Headlands Beach State Park is Ohio’s longest natural sand beach.

The 35-acre beach was recently used in the filming of Superman (2025).

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The park has scenic walking trails and picnic tables with charcoal grills. You can also swim at the beach at your own risk.

Headlands Beach State Park, Mentor, OhioMentor Headlands BeachMentor Headlands beach April 15Kelsey Hamilton- Mentor, Ohio Headlands Beach

There are no lifeguards.

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According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, it’s also a great spot to search for beach glass.

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Reviews highlight:“My peaceful place. I love it here. You can have free family fun. Look forbeach glassby the lighthouse.”“Best beach in the Cleveland Area!! First off, it’s huge. Tons of space to spread out, set up a volleyball net, etc!y…They have bathrooms, a concessions stand, and lots of shaded picnic space.”

Geneva State Park (Geneva-on-the-Lake)

Geneva State Park in Geneva-on-the-Lake is a favorite for locals and visitors.

Geneva on the Lake

It has a 600-foot sand beach for swimming. There’s a separate area where dogs are allowed on the west end of the beach, according to ODNR.

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Reviewers mention how clean and quiet the park is.

Reviews highlight:

“This was a great spot to hang out and look for rocks…We also saw the beach being cleaned and raked.”

“A quiet and beautiful location with a small beach perfect for kids.”

There are trails throughout the park, and the park even includes an archery range.

Visitors also report the restrooms are very clean.

White Star Quarry Beach (Gibsonburg)

Visitors call this spot a hidden gem. White Star Quarry Beach is known for its clear, turquoise waters and scuba diving.

It is not on the lakefront. The Sandusky County spot is on a spring fed quarry.

More on scuba diving at the location here.

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The park also has hiking trails and picnic areas.

Reviews highlight:

“The water is so clear and clean! It feels like you’re at the beach in the Caribbean, not Ohio.”

“A wonderful spot for diving and swimming. It’s a hidden treasure in the area.”

“Great for a peaceful day of swimming, and the park has some beautiful nature trails to explore.”

Your chance to visit is limited. The park is only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

One thing to note: It is not a free beach. Click here for more on daily admission.

Kelleys Island State Park (Kelleys Island)

Kelleys Island State Park is most famous for its up-close look at history – where you can see glacial grooves formed from ice sheets.

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When you’re done with the history lesson, you can also hit the beach!

Small ephemeral waterfall flows into Lake Erie on Alvar Shore of Kelley’s Island. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on Ohio’s South Bass Island is on the backround.

Kelleys Island State Park has a beach with soft sand that extends more than 100 feet into Lake Erie.

One reviewer described it as “a paradise kept secret.”

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Reviews highlight:

“Sandy shallowbeachwith beautiful view.”

“I instantly fell in love with this island; the stillness of nature, the vegetation, lake, rocks, views, sunsets, the quaint downtown area, the quarry, ALL OF IT AND MORE. It might be small but there are so many nature trails and beaches are wonderful.”

Of course, to get to Kelleys Island, you’ll need to catch a ride, since it is, in fact, an island.

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Check the ferry schedule and prices here.

Fairport Harbor Beach (Fairport Harbor)

Fairport Harbor calls itself a beach town. “Life is better in a beach town!” their website says. Fairport Harbor Beach is one of the “finest public beaches in Ohio,” according to the village.

Lake Erie at Fairport Harbor

Click here to get a live look at the beach.

According to reviewers, it’s a great spot for families because it has a playground, lifeguards during the summer season, and a concession stand.

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The beach offers soft sand, shallow waters, and a gentle slope, making it ideal for families with young children, visitors say.

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The beach is also in close proximity to the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse.

Reviews highlight:

“There is a SMALL fee for parking that helps upkeep of the beach. Well worth it.”

“The lighthouse adds a unique charm to this beach. A peaceful place to enjoy Lake Erie.”

“The beach doesn’t feel like you are on a lake, mostly giving the ocean vibes.”

The beach is not free. It costs $3 for out-of-towners to park and $2 for locals.

People also mention the concession stand and kayak rentals as perks in their reviews.

East Harbor State Park (Marblehead)

East Harbor State Park is on a peninsula of land that stretches into Lake Erie.

A 2-mile-long strip of beaches and dunes separate the harbor from the open water of the lake.

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It has a 1500-foot sand beach and multiple trails that total more than 10 miles.

Visitors say the park’s natural beauty and large beach area make it a perfect place for a day of relaxing by the lake.

Reviews highlight:

“We were amazed, as were several other visitors, on how far one could walk out into the water.”

“Perfect for a quiet day by the lake. The park is beautiful and well-kept.”

Lake Erie at Fairport Harbor

It’s also a great spot for bird watching, according to ODNR. ODNR says you can spot black-crowned night herons, egrets, and great blue herons, in addition to large numbers of ducks, geese, gulls and other migratory birds.

Portage Lakes State Park (Akron)

Portage Lakes State Park is described as “very clean” and “family friendly” by visitors.

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The park has a 900-foot public swimming beach on Turkeyfoot Lake. There are no lifeguards at the beach.

(FOX 8 photo)

The park is popular with boaters and fishers, and there are hiking trails, as well as disc golf, a dog park, and a playground for kids.

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Reviews highlight:

“A nice little beach for families to bring their kids to swim and play in. People fish around here as well. There’s a playground, restrooms, basketball court, and volley ball courts at this beach.”

“This place is great if you’re looking for a fun family outing when the weather is nice and hot.”

Huntington Beach (Bay Village)

“A gem along Lake Erie!” Huntington Beach in Bay Village is a favorite for its stunning views.

People mention it is a great spot to hunt for beach glass.

It’s also well-maintained, according to visitors, who mention how clean the beach is.

Huntington Beach-Bay Village by Crystal Arnold

The beach has lifeguards, picnic tables and restrooms.

Reviews highlight:

“EXCELLENT forbeach-treasure searches!”

“Beautiful, clean beaches and skyline! Even when busy, it’s not overwhelming, and people tend to be kind and considerate of others.”

Did your favorite beach make the list? If not, email us at [email protected] and tell us why it is one of the best spots around.

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