This 140-Mile Drive Is The Best Way To See Ohio's Stunning Coast
By April Dray|Published August 25, 2017
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
Before summer officially ends, you’ll want to soak up the sun as much as you can. That’s why we’ve designed this coastal road trip for you. It takes about 3 hours to complete, so you can do it all in one day if you’re feeling up for it. Along the way, you’ll experience some of the best Lake Erie sights, restaurants and more. (Even some lighthouses.)
Take a look:
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The trip covers a total of 138 miles and takes about 3 hours to complete. Take as much time as you’d like at each stop. (To view a Google Map of the trip in a separate tab or window, click here.)
We recommend kicking off your day trip with a visit to this beautiful coastal park, centered around Marblehead Lighthouse. The oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes is a beautiful sight to behold. Since 1822, this lighthouse has been an active aid-to-navigation. Today, you can tour the lighthouse for a small fee, observe the museum in the keeper's house and picnic on the grounds of the park. It's located at 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead, OH 43440.
For lunch, we recommend stoping at the gorgeous lakeside town of Huron. The Sand Bar is a humble little dive near Nickel Plate Beach . Everything here is delicious. From seafood to pizza, they have a little bit of everything here. (Pictured is their White Pizza.) You'll find it at 54 McKinley St., Huron, OH 44839.
After you've had lunch, hop back in the car and head to another one of Ohio's most treasured lighthouses. This "Jewel of the Port" is a beloved landmark in Lorain. Since 1908, this iconic lighthouse has stood as a historical reminder of Lorain and Lake Erie's shipping history. Today, you can tour the lighthouse during the summer months for a fee. It's located at 100 W 1st St., Lorain, OH 44052.
You can't explore Ohio's coast without stopping at the largest natural sand beach in the state. Take a dip in the lake or explore the nearby sand dunes for an unforgettable afternoon. You'll find it at 9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor, OH 44060.
Brush up on your history a bit more with a visit to Old Main Fairport Harbor Lighthouse. What is now the The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum was once an operating 1825 lighthouse accompanied by a two-story keeper's house. The museum was founded in 1945 and houses various artifacts and maritime exhibits, which you can observe for a small fee. It's located at 129 2nd St., Fairport Harbor, OH 44077.
End your trip with a dinner (or dinner and an overnight stay) at The LakeHouse Inn and Winery at Geneva-on-the-Lake. With breathtaking views of Lake Erie, you'll feel as if you're right on the water here. On the menu, you'll find a wide variety of wood-fired cuisine that's perfect to pair with one of their exceptional wines.(Please note: Reservations are highly recommended.) You'll find this picturesque restaurant, winery and inn at 5653 Lake Rd .E, Geneva, OH 44041.
What do you think of this trip? Would you take it? Be sure to let us know what you think!
