Port Clinton, Ohio

Things to Do in Port Clinton

• Museums –
  The Liberty Aviation Museum is a newer museum that opened in 2012. It contains bombers, ground vehicles, guns and boats from battles. Lots of planes, tanks and other military machinery to explore! Or you could learn about some local history by visiting the Ottawa Museum to see artifacts from WWII.
• Roller Coasters Galore – 
  Are you a trill-seeking lover of roller coasters?  Then you’ve probably head of Cedar Point, dubbed as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World!”  With 17 roller coasters in the park, it’s easy to understand why.  The park features the World’s Second-Tallest Steel Roller Coaster, the Top Thrill Dragster, that measures an impressive 420-feet high! For more information about the coasters and the park, check out their website here: “Cedar Point Amusement Park”
• Boat Tours –
  The Miller Boat Line can take you to Put-In Bay island. It’s a quick ferry and very well priced. Or go wherever you’d like with North Coast Boat Tours. Whether you have your heart set on the Catawba Islands, Marblehead, or Kelly’s Island, they’ll take you there! If you’re looking for a little bit more of a voyage, the Jet Express travels at speeds of up-to 40 miles per hour and takes you from Port Clinton to Put-in Bay or Sandusky.
• African Safari Wildlife Park –
  This drive-through safari tour takes your through more than 100 acres of land, where the animals at the African Safari Wildlife Park roam free. Purchase carrots and grain to feed to the animals through your window for a memorable experience. The park has highland cattle, alpacas, deer, giraffes, zebras, gators, camel, bison and more!
• Outdoor Activities –
  Be sure to check out Monsoon Lagoon Water Park to cool off in the summer! They have many slides and the lazy river to keep kids busy. The park offers some great weekday deals to keep your wallet from drowning.  There’s also Island Adventures Family Fun Center to go mini golfing or ride some go-cars or bumper boats.
• Parks –
  Visit Catawba State Park to hang out on the beach or go swimming. Often people fish for bass, perch and walleye here. This is the perfect place to pack a lunch or grill for when travelers want to go out to enjoy the weather and view. There’s a small playground for kids to play, also, be sure to bring your Frisbee or walk one of their trails!
• Fishing –
  With our destination extremely close to Lake Erie, travelers who love fishing can head out on their own or take a fishing tour via one of the many local companies.  Anglers can expect to catch Walleye, Small Mouth Bass, Lake Trout, Steelhead, Perch and more!  If you are interested in a boat tour, check out the Fishermans Wharf’ website!

Restaurants

1. Coffee Express
2. Cielo Grande Tapas Bar
3. 1812 Island House
4. Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor
5. Ciao Bella
6. The Orchard Restaurant & Bar
7. Casa Las Palmas
8. Rosie’s Bar & Grill
9. Ala Carte Cafe
10. Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi

What To Pack

How to dress for Port Clinton largely depends on what you plan on doing on your trip. Make sure to check the weather at the top of this page to see average temperatures for the time of year you visit. If you’ll be doing something active, bring sweat resistant items that you can layer and take off or put on to accommodate fluctuations in temperature. Packing sneakers is pretty much a safe bet too if you know you’ll be walking a lot. If you plan on fishing, don’t forget those boat shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket, it can get pretty windy out on the lake! For more tips on how to pack your suitcase, check out our Sundance Vacations Packing Tips video.

Transport

Here’s some advice on how to get around in Ohio! There are shuttle services, taxis and even limos you could use. Check out this article on our Sundance Vacations Blog for some tips on how you could save money on a rental car if you decide that’s your best bet. There are also tons of ferry rides or boat tours you could take in the area to travel to islands or just catch a glimpse at the beautiful waters! For more information, visit the OCTA Public Transit.

Special Events

• January- The Great Sled Dog Race Classic of Northeast Ohio, Dickens Victorian Village
• February- Chocolate Is For Lovers Wine Trail, Arctic Ice Festival
• March- I-X Indoor Amusement Park
• April- Butterfly Show At Krohn Conservatory, Athens International Street Fair
• May- Wild Turkey Festival, “Roaring Twenties Live” at Speakeasy Dinner Theatre
• June- Troy Strawberry Festival, Lavender Earthship Festival
• July- The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival, Mansfield Rock N Ribs
• August- Sandusky Magic Festival, Doggie Splash and Dash Festival
• September- Grape Jamboree, Taste of Troy
• October- Fall Festival of Leaves, HallZOOween
• November- Hometown Holiday Horse Parade, Dayton Holiday Festival
• December- Woodland Lights, Island of Misfit Toys

Notable Navigation

Fun Facts!

1. Cleveland, Ohio was the first place a traffic light ever existed in the United States.
2. Let’s get growing! Ohio is the leading producer of the nations nursery and greenhouse plants!
3. Well hot dog! America’s favorite dog (well, food wise!) was invented in Ohio. Our nation’s love for hot dogs and baseball lives on. Read more about the best destinations to watch baseball on our Sundance Vacations Blog. 
4. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located in Cleveland!
5. Ohio has the largest Amish population in the U.S.