Put-in-Bay

Travel Guide
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Put-in-Bay
Photo by Eve Reeves
Photo by Deepti Reddy
The historical site of the Battle of Lake Erie gets a modern makeover as Ohio’s top getaway destination.

Surrounded by Lake Erie, Ohio’s South Bass Island feels a world apart from the mainland. The island’s only town, Put-in-Bay (often written Put In Bay), has become a top Midwest getaway. The village got its name in the 1700s, when boats would “put in” to the bay during inclement weather. 

Put-in-Bay has many restaurants, shops and bars concentrated in its downtown. Relax in a village nightspot and enjoy live music, available almost any evening. During the day, find a winery and pass the afternoon lounging on the expansive vineyards. Doller House, one of the area’s most famous wineries, doubles as a museum depicting island life in the mid-1800s. Heineman’s Winery is home to the famous Crystal Cave, which holds the world’s largest geode. 

Spend a few hours at Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, with cave tours, an antique car museum and a butterfly house. Learn about the history of the island at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, which was built to commemorate those who fought in the War of 1812’s Battle of Lake Erie. The setting of the massive column against the water creates a perfect photo opportunity. 

Lake Erie appears prominently in Put-in-Bay’s recreational activities during summer the waterfront is filled with swimmers, kayakers, Jet Skiers and sailors. Moorings are also available so that visitors can bring their boats from the mainland. 

The town offers a variety of accommodation that ranges from budget hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfasts. South Bass Island State Park, located at the far end of the island, has a campground with full facilities. 

Although cars are permitted in Put-in-Bay, most people opt to explore by foot, or with golf cart or bicycle, both of which can be rented upon arriving on the island.

Most people visit Put-in-Bay from May to September. Ferries run to and from the island daily during the peak season. Port Clinton, Sandusky and Catawba Island are the top mainland departure points. Alternatively, visitors can fly into the tiny Put-in-Bay Airport or take a private boat.

Put-In-Bay Resort and Conference Center
Put-In-Bay Resort and Conference Center
3 out of 5
439 Loraine Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (750 reviews)
"Pool area is crazy busy but we still had a great time. Conveniently located but isn’t everything on the island?"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2024

Put-In-Bay Resort and Conference Center
Bay Lodging Resort
Bay Lodging Resort
2.5 out of 5
405 Lakeview Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
The price is P6,624 per night from 6 Jan to 7 Jan
P6,624
P7,452 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 6 - Jan 7
Stay at this hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (404 reviews)
"Decent stay, room was a little dirty and property is showing it's age. Customer service was PERFECT."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024

Bay Lodging Resort
Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay
Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay
3.5 out of 5
328 Toledo Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (152 reviews)
"Always love staying at Bayshore! Love everything about it! The pool, being on the water, the tiki bar and the coffee!"

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2024

Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Bays Edge
The Bays Edge
3 out of 5
5359 E Bay Shore Road, Port Clinton, OH
Stay at this 3-star condo in Port Clinton. Enjoy in-room washers/dryers and housekeeping. Popular attractions The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark and African ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
"Everyone was so nice. The kids had a blast fishing in the well stocked pond."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2024

The Bays Edge
Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
2.5 out of 5
1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH
Stay at this cabin in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and water park access (surcharge). Popular attractions Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (262 reviews)
"Loved"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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