Just because the Buckeye State isn’t nestled against ocean waters doesn’t mean you can’t experience your own little slice of paradise in Ohio. From under-the-radar water parks to waterfront restaurants, there are little Caribbean paradises hiding all over the state — you just have to do some searching. The following list just might lead you to your new favorite summer escape or a few beach vacations in Ohio. Take a look at these summer places:

1. The Watering Hole (Port Clinton)
Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark/Facebook
The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark (Monsoon Lagoon), 1530 S Danbury Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark/Facebook
In addition to all the usual water park amenities, you'll find a swim-up tiki bar, private cabanas, and even a small zoo here at The Watering Hole. It's one of the best beach vacations in Ohio you can take.
2. Huntington Beach (Bay Village)
Huntington Beach, 28492-28648 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
This beautiful beach in Ohio is tucked away on the shores of Lake Erie, near the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. During the summer months, it comes alive with locals seeking a little slice of paradise. Of all the Ohio beaches, you should put this at the top of your list to visit.

3. Pirate's Cove Tropical Bar and Grill (Cincinnati)
Pirate's Cove Tropical Bar and Grill/Facebook
Pirate's Cove Tropical Bar & Grill, 4609 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Pirate's Cove Tropical Bar and Grill/Facebook
Near the Ohio River within Four Seasons Marina, Pirate's Cove Tropical Bar and Grill is southern Ohio's own little slice of paradise, waiting for you. With tropical decor, delicious food, live music, and even a pirate or two wandering around, this unique restaurant is fun for the whole family.

4. Huron
City of Huron/Facebook

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Huron, OH 44839, USA
City of Huron/Facebook
"A Great Lake Place," the town of Huron is a gorgeous lakeside town in Erie County that's picture perfect for a beach day. With several parks, boating culture, and public Ohio beaches, there's plenty of outdoor recreation here. (While you're in Huron, you'll definitely want to visit Nickel Plate Beach, which you'll find on Nickel Plate Drive, just off Tiffin Avenue.)
5. Baylor Beach Park (Navarre)
Baylor Beach Park; Water Park & Campground, 8777 Manchester Ave SW, Navarre, OH 44662, USA
Baylor Beach Park
Unless you're a local, you've likely never heard of Baylor Beach Park, which features a two-acre manmade 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.

6. Dock’s Beach House (Port Clinton)
Dock's Beach House/Facebook
252 W Lakeshore Dr, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
Dock's Beach House Restaurant/Google Local
Open for the spring and summer months, Dock's Beach House is a tropical retreat rain or shine, no matter the temperature. This popular lakeside eatery features a casual tiki bar, delicious pub grub, live entertainment, indoor and outdoor dining and the beautiful shores of Lake Erie.
7. Put-In-Bay
Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island/Facebook
Put-in-Bay, Put-In-Bay, OH, USA
CheshireCat98/Flickr
When you want to really get away from it all for a day and see a side of Ohio you may not have ever seen before, consider visiting the Lake Erie Islands. It’s a lot easier than you think—and you can do it in just a day. Take a ferry to South Bass Island, where you'll find Put-In-Bay. No matter your interests, you'll find something to do in this one-of-a-kind town.
8. Coney Island (Cincinnati) - CLOSED
Coney Island Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230, USA
Coney Island Amusement Park/Facebook
Editor's note: Unfortunately, Coney Island and Sunlite Pool have permanently closed.

This Queen City amusement park is also home to an absolutely epic water park in Cincinnati. Here you'll find multiple water slides and the famous "Sunlite Pool," which is the largest flat-surface swimming pool in North America. This is one of the most fun beach vacations in Ohio!

Have you taken any beach vacations in Ohio? How many of these places have you visited during the summer? Let us know!

For more slices of pure and pristine paradise in Ohio, check out our previous article: 11 Little Known Water Parks In Ohio To Visit Before Summer Ends.

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More to Explore

Paradise in Ohio

Sarah M. | May 18, 2022

What are some other places that are like a Caribbean paradise in Ohio?

Other places that are like a Caribbean paradise in Ohio are the following:

  • If you want to keep the laid-back, island vibes going, explore these beaches in the Buckeye State that really are like paradise in Ohio!
  • Maumee Bay is adestination that's a magnificent place to swim in the warmer months, though 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.
  • Kelleys Island which has a secluded and lovely 100-foot 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.
  • Lakeview Beach in Lorain County, Ohio 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. 

 

What are some campgrounds in Ohio that are like paradise?

One campground in Ohio that's like paradise is a campground called Paradise. This 100-acre campground just north of Warren boasts four idyllic lakes and a beautiful family-friendly campground. The campground offers a variety of sites, ranging from RV hookups to traditional tent sites. Or, if you're looking for something a bit different, you can rent a camper or private cabin. There are even a few safari-style “glamping” tents available! During the day, you'll love taking advantage of all the family-friendly activities and amenities. From tractor rides to miniature golf, swimming, fishing, and biking, there's no shortage of ways to have fun here.

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