When summer is on the mind, it’s time to start thinking about which Ohio beaches to visit. (Yes, OHIO beaches.) While there may not be ocean waters to explore off the coast of Ohio, there are several fresh water beach destinations throughout the state that are sure to give you your much needed fix of a day in the sun, complete with waves and sand — but without the bitter taste of salt water. The following are what many locals consider to be the best summer beaches in Ohio:

1. Maumee Bay State Park Beach (Oregon, OH)
Vicki Timman/Flickr
Maumee Bay is a magnificent place to swim in the warmer months, though you'll want to check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in advance to make sure there are no water quality advisories preventing swimming. This half a mile long beach features an amphitheater for special entertainment, an inland lake for smoother swimming, a large inflatable water slide, beach volleyball and boat rentals. Visit this beautiful beach at 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616.
2. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor)
Erik Drost/Flickr
Headlands Beach is a mile-long natural sand beach, which makes it the largest in the state. This area is also coveted for its unique collection of plants (many of which are rarities in Ohio, let alone this part of the country) and its rich history. Visit this iconic state park at 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060.
3. Huntington Beach (Bay Village)
Heather McLaughlin/Flickr
Just a few miles from downtown Cleveland sits this beloved beach (complete with ice cream and concession stands) on the shores of Lake Erie. Operated by the Cleveland Metroparks, this stunning beach is a haven to nature lovers... but it's not monitored, so be sure to bring a buddy for safety. Find this 103 acre park at 28728 Wolf Picnic Area Dr, Bay Village, OH 44140.
4. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach
Andrew BardwellFlickr
With sailing, paddle and kayak rentals, there's plenty to do at this Lake Erie beach—even for your dog, as this beach also features a designated swimming area for canine friends. Locals love this pretty spot, which is a part of the Lake Metroparks district. Visit this beach at 301 Huntington Beach Dr, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077.

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5. Kelleys Island State Park Beach (Kelleys Island)
Eve Hermann/Flickr
Tucked away on the north side of Kelleys Island is a secluded and lovely 100 ft. stretch of sand and a beach perfect for wading waist-deep in Lake Erie. This 676 acre beach on the Lake Erie islands is an absolute escape from reality. You can find it at 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438.
6. East Harbor State Park Beach (Lakeside-Marblehead)
Counselman Collection/Flickr
This Lake Erie beach also features a large inflatable water slide and is close to ferries for beach goers to take to nearby islands and Marblehead Lighthouse. East Harbor State Park offers more than just a beach, including camping and hiking. Visit this pretty place at 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440.
7. Lakeview Park Beach (Lorain)
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
Lorain County's beloved beach features a summer concert series, beach volleyball, the historic Rose Garden, a nearby cafe and even stand-up paddle board lessons. Operated by the Lorain County Metro Parks, this pretty spot has long been coveted by locals. Swing by the beach at 1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052.
8. Euclid Beach Park (Euclid)
Stu Spivack/Flickr
This serene beach is part of the Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Creek Reservation and features free admission. This park is one of the best places to catch a sunset near Cleveland! Find this beach at 16301 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44110.

Which of these spots do you consider to be among the best summer beaches in Ohio? Are there any that we should add to this list? Tell us in the comments!

Love summer days and beaches? Just wait until you discover this inflatable beach waterpark hiding in Ohio.

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More to Explore

Summer Beaches In Ohio

Nikki Rhoades | July 19, 2020

What are the best day trips in Ohio?

A trip to an Ohio beach is always rewarding, but summer can be made magical in other ways. You can visit local wineries, or swing by Amish Country. During the fall, any country road becomes a foliage wonderland, and winter brings us frozen waterfalls.

What are the best outdoor activities in Ohio?

The very best thing to do in the great outdoors in Ohio is hiking! Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is magnificent, and any of the country parks in the state are worth exploring. If you're a nature lover, you'll also adore tubing!

What are the most unique parks in Ohio?

There are many unique public spaces in Ohio! The Temple of Tolerance is something of a park, but it's unlike any other public space in the state. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is also otherworldly, and both destinations belong on your bucket list.

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Featured Addresses
1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616, USA
9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
Wolf Picnic Area Dr, Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
301 Huntington Beach Dr, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077, USA
920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH 44052, USA
16301 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44110, USA