Guide to Lake Erie's 40+ Best Beaches

Michigan

Sterling State Park Beach, Monroe
The only state park beach on Lake Erie in Michigan, this 1-mile beachfront is a wonderful destination for swimming, sunbathing, launching boats and fishing.
Nearby: Explore the park’s 7 miles of hiking and biking trails.

City of Luna Pier Public Beach and Pier, Luna Pier
Located in the “Key West of Michigan,” discover an expansive beach in a charming nautical community. Bring your fishing pole and join the dozens of anglers that dot the pier looking to reel in yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and more.
Nearby: Take a short walk down the street to enjoy a variety of welcoming local restaurants, including Luna Pier Beach Café, Chateau Louise Restaurant and Gander’s Family Restaurant.

Lake Erie Islands

Kelleys Island State Park Beach, Kelleys Island
Settle into the soft sand of Kelleys Island’s most popular beach, ideal for paddling, fishing, hiking, biking and camping. Because of the gradual water depth, the beach is an ideal swimming spot for families with young children. And Kelleys Island Kayak Rental offers easy ways to explore beyond the shores and, because of the gradual water depth, the beach is an ideal swimming spot for families with young children.
Nearby: Don’t miss the Glacial Grooves, a National Natural Landmark that contain marine fossils from 350+ million years ago.

Scheele Preserve Beach, Kelleys Island
Looking for a more secluded natural setting? You’ll find it at this beach, featuring a mix of sand and pebbles, with some rocky areas for exploring.
Note: Restrooms and changing facilities are not available here, and it’s a half-mile walk along a trail to get to the beach. 

South Bass Island State Park Beach, South Bass Island
Take a dip in the lake, cast a line at the fishing pier or head to the public launch ramp to rent a boat, kayak or jet ski at one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations.
Nearby: When you need a break from the sun, grab a refreshing drink or plate of Lake Erie perch tacos or walleye bites and dozens of restaurants located in Put-In-Bay.

Delaware Avenue Beach, South Bass Island
Situated near Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, this beach offers a more low-key experience than its state park counterpart. It’s a fantastic option for those visiting the memorial who are looking for place nearby to cool off with a quick swim.

Middle Bass Island State Park, Middle Bass Island
Located near the main island dock, this beach offers a natural setting for a day of swimming and relaxing by the water.

Nearby: Grab a bite to eat and pick up some island swag at J.F. Walleye’s, or stop by Lonz Winery, a historic destination with wine exhibits, a café and bakery and a speakeasy featuring cocktails, small pates and a patio bar.

Sunrise Beach, Pelee Island
As the name suggests, this cozy, quiet, white sandy beach offers the ideal destination for early risers looking to catch the first rays of the day.
Note: There is no public restroom or changing station. With a less gradual water depth, it’s not the island’s most suitable spot for small children to swim.

Sunset Beach, Pelee Island
Just north of the ferry terminal, this spot offers stunning sunset views and is a popular spot for swimming and enjoying a livelier atmosphere.
Nearby: Plan a trip to the west side of the island with local hot spots in mind, including Pelee Island Bird Observatory, Stone House 1891, Westview Tavern, Pelee Island Winery, and Pelee Art Works.

Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve, Pelee Island
Located on the southwestern tip of the island, take a 1.6-kilometer hike along a trail to bask in the beauty of panoramic Lake Erie views at a magnificent beach. A picturesque destination, it’s also a favorite for bird watchers, as the area is an important stopover for tons of migrating species.

Lighthouse Point Provincial Nature Reserve, Pelee Island
Easily accessible through short hiking trails, those looking for a scenic spot to cool off will appreciate views of the stunning Pelee Island Lighthouse, built in 1833.
Nearby: A variety of trails make this destination a nature-lover’s paradise. Rich with wetlands and marshes, be on the lookout for aquatic birds and other animals, such as the red-eared slider turtle.

Ohio

Maumee Bay State Park Beach, Oregon
Situated near Toledo, this large beach offers a view of Toledo Harbor Lighthouse in the distance. Known for its wide, sandy shoreline and calm waters, it’s an excellent destination for beachcombing and swimming.
Nearby: Maumee Bay State Park also is home to a golf course, nature trails and camping facilities, allowing visitors to turn a trip to this natural escape into a weekend-long affair. Or take a short drive to downtown Toledo, where cruises, rooftop restaurants, museums and dozens of other activities beckon you to plan an extended stay in this magnificent waterfront city.

Port Clinton City Beach, Port Clinton
Located adjacent to Waterworks Park, this popular beach offers plenty of space to enjoy a day at the beach, as well as a variety of amenities that include restrooms, concessions and a playground. Walk to the west end of the beach for a glimpse of the Port Clinton Lighthouse.
Nearby: Not in the mood to pack a picnic basket? No worries. Make the very short trek to Jolly Rogers Seafood House to dine on some of the best perch and walleye dishes you’ll find around the lake.

Cedar Point Beach, Sandusky

It’s all about sun, sand and thrills on America’s Roller Coast beach, located next to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Whether you’re looking for a quick cool off, beach games, jet ski rides, a windsurfing excursion, or simply a relaxing day on the beach, you’re sure to find it here.
Note: All Cedar Point admission packages that include parking allow access to the Cedar Point Beach.

East Harbor State Park, Lakeside Marblehead
From swimming, fishing and boating to several hiking and biking trails, East Harbor State Park Beach has it all. Have a four-legged friend in tow? A second of the park allows leashed dogs on the beach, providing a great option for letting your furry friend enjoy the waves.
Nearby: Regardless of if you only have a few hours, a whole day or an entire weekend to spare, don’t miss an opportunity to nurture the mind, body and spirit at Lakeside Chautauqua, a cultural community featuring a variety of shopping and dining destinations, recreational activities and cultural arts performances.

Nickel Plate Beach, Huron
Gorgeous sunrises, stunning sunsets and views of the Huron Lighthouse offer a scenic backdrop during any time of day. Snacks, refreshments and beach gear, including paddle board, kayaks, water mats, beach chairs and umbrellas, are available for rent seasonally at The Paddle Shack.
Note: Beach gear rentals are available at The Paddle Shack Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the destination also offers volleyball courts, a playground, a ping pong table, corn hole boards and more.

Huntington Beach, Bay Village
Whether you prefer swimming, fishing, kayaking or hitting the trails, you’re sure to find your favorite way to convene with nature here. The beach is located atop a cliff with stairs that lead down to the water. It’s within Huntington Reservation, which is also home to The Hut, a concession building complete with soft pretzels, crispy walleye sandwiches and an Ohio summer must — Honey Hut ice cream.
Nearby: Huntington Reserve also is home to engaging interactive learning environments that include BAYarts and the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, which boasts a planetarium and animal encounters.

Edgewater Park Beach, Cleveland
With 9,000 feet of shoreline complete with a boardwalk, concessions, volleyball courts, boat ramps, a fishing pier, rentable pavilion, there’s plenty to keep Lake Erie lovers of all ages busy here. Plus, your pup will appreciate that the westernmost portion of the beach is dog friendly. Don’t miss a photo op with the Cleveland script sign with the city’s skyline in the background.
Nearby: With its proximity to Downtown Cleveland, activities that include the Great Lakes Science Center and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are a short, 5-minute drive. Or plan an entire weekend in the city, which features a variety of exciting museums and a vibrant nightlife. Rooftop dining, anyone? 

Headlands Beach State Park, Mentor
The longest natural beach in Ohio, this massive 35-acre paradise attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. A well-known spot for swimming, beach glass combing and sunset viewing, it’s also an ideal location for bird-watching and fishing on the breakwall, as well as hiking and biking along a paved trails that runs along the park’s back dunes.
Nearby: Don’t miss the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse, featuring a variety of maritime artifacts and exhibits, or Pickle Bill’s Lobster House, a rustic space with tons of seafood offerings and waterfront seating.

Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach, Fairport
A popular spot for fishing, boating and swimming, this beach also offers restrooms, concessions and a playground. Leashed dogs also are permitted here.
Nearby: Fairport Harbor Creamery is a most for those with a sweet tooth. Everything on the menu is made in-house. For those 21+, opt for a boozy ice cream treat such as mint ice cream infused with whiskey and Crème de Menthe.

Breakwater Beach, Geneva
Part of the 698-acre Geneva State Park, Breakwater Beach boasts 600 feet of beautiful natural sand and a designated swimming area. An ideal destination for paddling, kayaking, building sandcastles and other waterfront fun, hikers also will appreciate the park’s 6 miles of multiuse trails and 2-mile paved trail that provides unparallel views of Lake Erie.
Nearby: If you’ve never been to Geneva, an overnight stay is a must. Opt for The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake or The Lakehouse Inn and include a trip to Lake Erie Canopy Tours, which offers adventure courses and ziplining complete with a bird’s-eye view of Lake Erie.

Walnut Beach Park, Ashtabula
Take advantage of plenty of space to swim, relax and explore the shoreline at this popular Lake Erie beach. A playground welcomes kids to burn off some energy, while nature trails offer hikers a trip through the wetlands and sand dunes behind the beach. Tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, as well as concessions stand, also can be found here.

Conneaut Township Park Beach, Conneaut
Featuring a large beach situated below the natural bluffs, Conneaut State Park’s 60-acre beach is a haven for outdoor activities, including swimming, beachcombing and bird-watching. During warmer months, enjoy the park’s variety of special events, from car shows and fundraisers to 4^th of July Fireworks, Sidewalk Chalk Art Day and the Perch & Pilsner Festival.

Pennsylvania

Presque Isle State Park, Erie
A visit to this 3,110-acre park yields a variety of beaches, lagoons, marshes and woodlands, making it one of Lake Erie’s most sought-after locations for swimming, fishing, boating and bird-watching. Beach 1 offers 7 miles of sandy shoreline. Meanwhile, several smaller beaches offer more tranquil settings to enjoy nature. Beach 11, also known as Kohler Beach, features shallow waters and a playground, making it the perfect destination for families with small children.
Nearby: End the evening with dinner at one of the city’s rooftop restaurants located inside Presque Isle Bay. Oliver’s Rooftop is great for a romantic date night or special occasions, and Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is ideal for families and casual affairs.

Walnut Creek Beach, Erie
This small, family-friendly beach offering a playground, picnic areas, bocce ball courts, boardwalk and a concession stand and a great place to search for beach glass.

Dobbins Landing, Erie
Although a small beach with limited amenities, this location is a popular destination for fishing, paddleboarding and launching boats, kayaks and canoes.

New York

Lake Erie State Park Beach, Brocton
High bluffs and nearly a mile of shoreline are just a few of the amenities you’ll find among Lake Erie State Park’s 355 acres, which feature some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Erie. Here, you’ll also find campsites, hiking trails and a marina.

Evangola State Park Beach, Irving
Rocky lakeside cliffs set the perfect backdrop for a day spent on this long stretch of stunning arc-shaped shoreline. Take a break from a day of swimming or sunbathing with a visit to the nature center, which is filled with exhibits on the Lake Erie ecosystem, or many playgrounds located at the park.
Nearby: Turn a day of paradise into a weekend of natural escape with an overnight stay at the state park, which has 80 campsites available for rent, as well as a cabin and several yurts with a variety of amenities.

Bennett Beach, Angola
Visitors to this popular swimming area will need to walk over a pedestrian bridge spanning Big Sister Creek and past an enormous sand dune to arrive at the shore, but the journey is worth it to check one of the region’s last remaining natural sand beaches and dunes.

Woodlawn Beach, Blasdell
With calm waters and a nearby playground, Woodlawn Beach is one of the best destinations for families with young children. The mile-long beach boasts panoramic views and an interpretive nature boardwalk through wooded wetlands.
Nearby: Follow the excitement of live music, beach games and recreational sports leagues to Solé @ Woodlawn Beach, which offers an array of food, drinks and activities.

Gallagher Beach, Buffalo
Here, discover a unique experience compared to other beaches on Lake Erie. Nestled on the outer harbor of Buffalo featuring a view of the city’s industrial waterfront and skyline, Gallagher Beach is a sandy area perfect for relaxing on the sand, enjoying the view, having a picnic or flying a kite. However, due to water quality concerns and lack of lifeguards, swimming is not officially permitted.
Nearby: Don’t miss prime fishing and kayaking opportunities at Buffalo Harbor State Park, which encompasses Gallagher Beach. Close by, little ones will appreciate a state-of-the-art playground. Those with four-legged friends in tow can visit the Barkyard, an off-leash dog park before making their way to Buffalo RiverWorks, a massive indoor/outdoor waterfront, boating, sports bar, music and entertainment destination located on the banks of the Buffalo River.

Ontario

Linden Beach, Kingsville
For those seeking a peaceful escape from bustling beaches and crowded waterfronts, Linden Beach is a perfect destination for a quieter, more intimate atmosphere while still spending quality time near the water.
Nearby: Dog lovers will appreciate a portion of the beach being dedicated for a fenced-in area where four-legged friends can run freely. A short trek from the beach brings with it a variety of activities, including the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, Kingsville Historical Park and tons of wineries and apple orchards to explore. 

Point Pelee National Park, Leamington
Located on the southernmost tip of Mainland Canada, Point Pelee National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring several beautiful beaches, sand dunes and destinations to enjoy swimming, biking, and hiking. Twenty kilometers of smooth, sandy beaches hug the east and west sides of the peninsula. Make your way to the southernmost beach for panoramic views of the lake and views of the historic Point Pelee Island Lighthouse.
Nearby: Plan your day to these beaches with plenty of time to stroll the Marsh Boardwalk, a .7-mile loop trail perfect for visitors of all ages, fitness levels and accessibility needs. The Marsh Observation Towner is the perfect spot to take advantage of this world-renowned birding hub, where more than 370 species have been spotted.

Erieau Beach, Chatham
This delightful combination of impeccable scenery and relaxing atmosphere makes for a flawless day of beach fun. It boasts a long stretch of beachfront, some of the lake warmest waters and ample parking, making a popular spot for families with young children and those seeking comfortable swimming conditions.
Nearby: The beach is steps away from the quaint town of Erieau, which offers a variety of restaurants, shops, cafes and a microbrewery.

Rondeau Provincial Park Beach, Morpeth
Rondeau Provincial Park Beach beckons visitors with prime opportunities for swimming and beachcombing, as well as hiking and biking through the park’s diverse ecosystem, which includes dunes and forests. The park also boasts a dog beach, an annual Festival of Flight in May and is a world-renowned bird-watching destination.

Port Stanley Beach, Port Stanley
Nestled along the shores of the charming village of Port Stanley, this Blue Flag designated beach provides one of the most exquisite stretches of sandy waterfront along the North Shore. Featuring shallow waters for swimming and a waterfront lined with shops, restaurants and plenty of amenities for visitors, you’re guaranteed a truly unique experience at this destination once dubbed the “Coney Island of the Great Lakes.”

Port Burwell Provincial Park Beach, Port Burwell
This long sandy beach is a popular destination for all kinds of water enthusiasts, from swimmers and kayakers to paddle boarders and boaters. Here, visitors can enjoy an exceptional family-friendly campground and a dog beach complete with a pet exercise area. This long sandy beach in Port Burwell is a popular destination for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts. The beach is part of the Port Burwell Provincial Park, which also offers camping, nature trails, and a historic lighthouse.

Long Point Beach, Port Rowan
This sandy spit of land juts out into Lake Erie and is known for its excellent bird watching. The area is a Provincial Park and visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and fishing. Home to several beaches, the area is known for its pristine sand and clear waters. The area is also renowned for bird-watching and camping.

Turkey Point Provincial Park Beach, Turkey Point
Situated near Port Dover, Turkey Point Provincial Park provides a sandy beach with shallow waters, making it suitable for families with young children. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, picnic, and explore the park's hiking and biking trails.
Nearby: Spend the night at Long Point Eco Adventures, a restaurant, glamping and adventure resort. Before you leave, make your way to Burning Kiln Winery, featuring award-winning wines and a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere.

Rock Point Provincial Park Beach, Dunnville
Rock Point Provincial Park features a picturesque beach with sandy shores and clear waters. It's a peaceful spot for swimming, picnicking and birdwatching. The park also offers nature trails and camping facilities.

Crystal Beach, Fort Erie
Once one of the most popular amusements parks in North American, Crystal Beach is now a beloved beachfront. Aptly named for its “crystal clear” water conditions and 305 meters of shoreline, it’s one of the lake’s best spots for swimming and other waterfront activities. In the distance, don’t miss views of one of Lake Erie’s most stunning historic sites, the Point Abino Lighthouse.
Nearby: Plan an extended stay to this quintessential beach town to take advantage of the dozens of local shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife located minutes from the beach.

Do you have an update to this list — or beautiful photo of a Lake Erie beach that you'd like to share? Email csmitek@glpublishing.com.

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