Put-in-Bay, OH

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.

Islander Inn

Islander Inn

2.5 out of 5
225 Erie St, Put-in-Bay, OH
Stay at this hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 poolside bars. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (328 reviews)
"Stayed couple times. Alway a good experience."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Islander Inn
Commodore Resort

Commodore Resort

2.5 out of 5
272 Delaware Avenue, Put-in-Bay, OH
The price is NT$3,581 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$3,581
NT$4,035 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions DeRivera Park and Lake Erie Islands Historical Society ...
6.6/10 (396 reviews)
"Ok place tostay. If you have younger kids under 21 don't stay here. They will not let them in pool area."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Commodore 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
The price is NT$5,790 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$5,790
NT$6,543 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
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! (226 reviews)
"It was a quiet setting. The pools and jacuzzi were very nice."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

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.
Put-in-Bay Condos

Put-in-Bay Condos

3 out of 5
1240 Tri-Motor Drive, Put-in-Bay, OH
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Heineman Winery and Perry's Cave are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"5/5"

Reviewed on 2025/7/21

Put-in-Bay Condos
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! (295 reviews)
"wonderful cabin on the water!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

Cedar Point's Lighthouse Point
The Inn at Fulton

The Inn at Fulton

2 out of 5
201 Fulton St, Sandusky, OH
Stay at this aparthotel in Sandusky. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cedar Point and Merry-Go-Round Museum are ...
7.8/10 Good! (24 reviews)
Nice place if you want 2 bedrooms
"Room was nice and big enough for my family! The door system wasn’t the best and had to call for help with it! Hot water and water pressure were not the best in our room but we made do with it! Also had paper thin walls and could hear the neighbors talking and dog barking! Other than that it was fine ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

The Inn at Fulton
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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