Looking forward to having some fun in the sun? Here in Ohio, summertime can be the best time. It helps to know where the prettiest beaches are—and it helps to know where the less crowded ones are. The following are 10 little-known beaches in Ohio with warm, sandy shores, and deep blue water. They’re also some of the best hidden beaches in Ohio.

Please note: Be sure to call ahead or check the Facebook pages to find out when these beaches will open for the season.

1. Breakwater Beach (Geneva State Park)
google/Michael Hillman
While the entire state park is gorgeous, the beach at Geneva State Park is unparalleled. Warm, smooth sands, and picture-perfect views of Lake Erie await you at this little-known beach after a morning or full day of hiking.
2. Baylor Beach Park (Navarre)
Baylor Beach Park; Water Park & Campground, 8777 Manchester Ave SW, Navarre, OH 44662, USA
Baylor Beach Park/Facebook
Unless you're a local, you've likely never heard of Baylor Beach Park in Ohio, which features a 2-acre, man-made swimming lake with sandy beaches. It's picture perfect for a family day of fun in the sun, as there are activities for all ages here.
3. Cedar Point Beach (Sandusky)
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Andrew Borgen/Flickr
While the beach behind Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio isn’t necessarily a secret, it’s not the most accessible beach—making it seem like an exclusive, picture-perfect beach away from it all. If you’ve never been here before, it’s definitely worth a visit.
4. Nelson Ledges Quarry Park (Garrettsville)
Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, 12001 Nelson Ledge Rd, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
Nelson Ledges Quarry Park/Facebook
Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, Ohio is a family owned and operated park that features a stunningly beautiful quarry where you can swim, scuba, snorkel, camp, and more.
5. Kelleys Island State Park Beach (Kelleys Island)
Kelleys Island State Park, 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
Eve Hermann/Flickr
Tucked away on the north side of Kelleys Island is a secluded and lovely 100-foot stretch of sand and a beach that's perfect for wading waist-deep in Lake Erie.

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6. Natural Springs Resort (New Paris)
Natural Springs Resort, 500 S Washington St, New Paris, OH 45347, USA
Natural Springs Resort/Facebook
What was once Stone Quarry is now a family fun destination. The gorgeous spring-fed lake makes a fun swimming hole for visitors and campers alike. You can also rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle boat. Right by the beach, you'll also find a heated swimming pool and two water slides.
7. Walnut Beach (Ashtabula)
Lake Avenue & Walnut Boulevard, Lake Ave & Walnut Blvd, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA
Mark K./Flickr
One of the most little-known Lake Erie beaches features a nearby playground and a picturesque view of the Ashtabula Lighthouse. You'll also find interesting rocks and pieces of driftwood along this pretty little beach.
8. Centennial Quarry (Sylvania)
5773 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560, USA
Centennial Quarry/Facebook
This deep-water, spring-fed swimming hole is a hidden gem for visitors and a best-kept secret for locals. For a small fee, you can swim at the quarry's sandy beach, which features diving platforms, water toys, a slide, log roller, swim rafts, sand volleyball courts, and even a basketball court.
9. Nickel Plate Beach (Huron)
1 Nickel Plate Dr, Huron, OH 44839, USA
City of Huron/Facebook
Tucked away behind several cottages you'll find Nickel Plate Beach in the small coastal town of Huron. In addition to some beach volleyball nets, you'll find some playground equipment for the little ones on this beach.
10. Clay's Resort Jellystone Park™ (North Lawrence)
Clay's Resort Jellystone Park in North Lawrence, OH, 12951 Patterson St NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666, USA
Clay's Resort Jellystone Park/Facebook
With an adventure water park, RV resort, and campground, Clay's Resort Jellystone Park is the perfect place to spend a summer weekend. The 10-acre swimming lake features a sandy kid’s beach, dual 150-foot-long water slides, inflatables, dual zip lines, a challenge course, barrel roll, and more.

Have you ever been to any of the best hidden beaches in Ohio before? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.

For more Ohio adventures out on the water, be sure to check out our previous article: 5 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Ohio To Start Planning Now.

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More to Explore

best hidden beaches in ohio

Jennifer Young | April 22, 2022

What are three secret beaches in Ohio that are worth discovering?

Ohio is filled with many amazing beaches, including several that are a bit secretive and mostly only familiar to locals. Listed below are three secret beaches in Ohio that are certainly worth discovering no matter the time of year.

1. Kelleys Island State Park Beach

On the north side of Kelleys Island is a 100-foot stretch of sand. This beach area is the perfect spot for wading in beautiful Lake Erie.

2. Walnut Beach

Walnut Beach is a little-known beach on Lake Erie. It features a playground and an incredible view of the Ashtabula Lighthouse.

3. Breakwater Beach

Breakwater Beach is located at Geneva State Park and offers beautiful sand and picture-perfect views of Lake Erie.

What are three of the best Ohio beaches to visit during summer?

When it comes to summer, it's hard to beat a day at the beach. If you've ever asked yourself "I wonder if there are any fun beaches near me," wonder no more. Listed below are three of the best beaches in Ohio you'll want to check out once summer arrives. Even though some of them are much more well known than others, all of them are equally wonderful.

1. Headlands Beach

Headlands Beach, which is located at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, is one of Ohio's most popular beaches. In addition to it being a mile long, it's also the largest natural beach in the state.

2. Geneva State Park Beach

Geneva State Park Beach is located on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio's Geneva State Park. This beautiful beach, which is both kid- and pet-friendly, belongs on everyone's bucket list.

3. Kelleys Island State Park Beach

One of the most popular beaches on Lake Erie is Kelleys Island State Park Beach. With a stretch of only 100 feet of sand, this beach is one of the most pristine spots on the water.

 

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