Bay There, Done That: Put-In-Bay, Ohio
Updated: Jul 30
Put-In-Bay, Ohio, is the must-visit summer spot you’ve got to check out! This three-day itinerary highlights all the top places and experiences in Put-In-Bay, ensuring you soak up everything this charming island offers. Whether you're into breathtaking views, outdoor fun, or just chilling by the water, Put-In-Bay has it all.
Day 1: Exploring History and Local Flavors
Kick off your trip by checking out Perry’s Victory Memorial. This spot pays tribute to the heroes of the Battle of Lake Erie and usually gives you awesome views from the observation deck. Just a heads up, the deck will be closed for rehab during the 2026-2027 season. It's still a cool way to dive into the island's history and get a feel for the place.
Next, make your way over to the South Bass Island Lighthouse, just a 10-minute trip. This charming brick lighthouse, built in the Queen Anne style, is perfect for snapping some photos and learning about the island's maritime history. You can join free guided tours of the living quarters and climb the 60-foot tower, but these are only available on certain dates. Public tours are free and happen on Fridays and Saturdays from early June to late August, usually between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It's a chill spot to check out before grabbing lunch.
Make your way back to Delaware Avenue in downtown for an exciting lunch adventure! Drop by The Boathouse Bar and Grill—it's the island's ultimate destination for fun and fantastic local cuisine. This vibrant, boat-themed hotspot has been a favorite for over 50 years. The lively area is packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The kitchen dishes out fresh Lake Erie seafood and Southern comfort food that'll make your taste buds dance!
After lunch, catch the Put in Bay Tour Train at the Downtown Bus Terminal. Hop on this fun tour train, running every half hour for just $15, and enjoy a comfy ride pulled by a trusty Jeep! Your driver is more than just a driver—they're your lively guide, ready to share cool stories and interesting facts about Put-In-Bay. Get ready to dive into the island’s rich history, check out key landmarks, and enjoy some fun trivia along the way. It’s an easy and entertaining way to soak up the island’s charm while taking in the sights!
Get ready to chill and unwind for the afternoon at the one and only Splash!. This awesome spot is strictly for those 21 and over. It's known as one of the biggest swim-up bars, and it's the summer hangout you just can't miss. Dive into a massive pool, grab one of the 97 underwater bar stools (yep, you heard that right!), or soak up the sun on one of the 150 chaise lounges. On weekends, get ready for a lively party scene with live DJs or bands and an energetic crowd. But on weekdays, it's all about that relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Get ready for dinner at The Boardwalk, a cool two-level waterfront spot. Known as the "Lobster Bisque Capital of Ohio," it’s got a bunch of different places to eat and drink, all in one place. Plus, you'll get awesome views of the Lake Erie harbor and downtown docks.
After dinner, take a stroll by the waterfront and grab some ice cream at Dairy Isle. Wrap up your day with a chill sunset walk through DeRivera Park, where you can catch the sky's colors shifting over the water. Or, just find a bench by the water and kick back as the sun sets.
Day 2: Adventure Awaits
Kick off your second day early and with excitement at Oak Point State Park, renowned as one of the top destinations on South Bass Island for catching a breathtaking sunrise! Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Lake Erie, Fishery Bay, Squaw Harbor, and the majestic Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Grab some breakfast before our next adventure at Topsy Turvey's Bar and Grill, which serves a highly rated breakfast every day during their open season, making it a staple on South Bass Island where early morning dining options are limited.
Swing by Oak Point State Park and rent a kayak from Kayak the Bay for just $25 per person. You buy the first hour, and the second hour is free! No need to book in advance—they've got plenty of kayaks ready for you.
Let's start our kayaking adventure near Gibraltar Island. Ohio State University owns the whole island, so you can't visit without booking a tour with them. But you'll have a great time paddling around and checking it out up close.
There's a spot on the island called the "Needles Eye," which is a fun challenge to kayak through because it's a tight squeeze between the cliffs. This little adventure is known as "threading the needle."
After checking out Gibraltar Island, keep kayaking towards the northwest point to see Benson Ford. It's this huge ship that essentially was cut in half, moved to the shore, and turned into a house. The best views are from the water, so snap your best picture and then head back to shore.
After you get back to shore and drop off your kayaks, head over to Kimberly's Carousel. It's just a 15-minute walk, and you'll find this historic, all-wooden carousel right downtown. For $6, you can hop on one of the last working wooden carousels of its kind in the U.S.
Get ready to enjoy lunch at Margaritas on the Rock!. This spot is famous for its incredible selection of both frozen and on-the-rocks margaritas, perfectly paired with delicious southwestern dishes like tacos and burritos. Visitors rave about the mouthwatering Birria tacos, the loaded chicken nachos, and the tasty fish tacos.
Only a quick 6-minute golf cart ride away, you can hit up Massie Cliffside Preserve for some amazing lake and cliff views. It's the ideal spot to kick back and get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. This 11-acre trail takes you on a chill walk through woods and an old vineyard, ending at a dolomite cliff with a view of Lake Erie. There are benches along the cliffs where you can sit and soak in the awesome scenery.
Just a 7-minute trip back and you'll find yourself at Adventure Bay Amusement Park, a favorite spot on the island with a huge tropical pool, cool electric go-karts, and a fun arcade. Games are pay as you play, and there's more than just go-karts and arcades—you can also check out the batting and soccer cages, Water Wars with water balloon launchers, and virtual bowling lanes. The atmosphere shifts heavily in the afternoon to 21+, transitioning from a daytime swim spot into a massive outdoor nightclub venue.
Day 3: Relax and Reflect
Kick off your day at The Forge. Located in a cool, 120-year-old restored blacksmith shop, this hip downtown spot is known for its handmade crepes, unique cocktails, and specialty espresso drinks. It's the perfect place to fuel up on your last day!
Hop on your golf cart and check out South Bass Island State Park. It's got trails, picnic spots, and some awesome scenic views for you to enjoy. The road loops around the whole park, so you can easily explore it all.
Don't worry, we'll come back for the Put-In-Bay Sign later!
After you've had your fill of the park, head on over to Put-In-Bay Watercraft Rentals just up the road. They’ve got all sorts of Lake Erie rentals, and you can pay by the hour or half-hour. If you're up for some fast-paced fun, you can grab a single-rider jet ski for $80 for half an hour or $130 for a whole hour. Prefer something a bit more chill? You can paddle around on a single kayak or stand-up paddleboard for $20 an hour. For families wanting to explore the harbor together, there are small motorized power boats available. A 25-horsepower boat, which fits 2 people, costs $70 per hour, while a 40-horsepower boat that holds 4 people is $100 per hour. Pick your adventure and set sail to explore the harbor.
Lunch can be enjoyed at The Keys, a popular, Florida Keys-themed waterfront restaurant and bar located in downtown. It is famous for its vibrant island vibe, tropical frozen cocktails, and panoramic views of the harbor and Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Make your way back to Splash! and climb aboard the Flaming Skull, Put-In-Bay's one-and-only pirate ship bar—it's so good, it’s got awards to prove it! This swashbuckling watering hole is perched right above the Splash pool deck, so if you're gazing at the Splash pool, you’re staring straight at the ship.
Make sure to grab an iconic photo at the Sunset Put-In-Bay Sign. It's a 15-foot, 3D script sign. The state park is on the southwest side of the island, so the sign's right in front of the water—perfect for watching and snapping pics of the sunset.
Afterwards, get some dinner at Joe's Bar, self-proclaimed as the "Best Dive Bar on the Planet"—is a legendary local hangout housed in a historic 19th-century wine press house. It sits in a peaceful, wooded area right next to the entrance of the South Bass Island State Park, making it the perfect post-sunset dining destination.
Tips for a Stress-Free Adventure
Lake winds often bring brisk mornings and cooler evenings, so a sweatshirt or light jacket is highly recommended, even in the summer.
Leave the Car Behind: Bringing a vehicle onto the island requires time and money, and parking is very limited once you arrive.
Ferry Options: You can ride the Miller Boat Line from Catawba or the Jet Express from Port Clinton. Consider bundled ferry and golf cart packages for the best value.
Golf Cart Rentals: Renting a cart is the most popular way to get around. You can use providers like E's Golf Cart Rentals (often bundled with Miller Ferry) or Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rentals in downtown.
Taxis: Island taxis are an affordable and easy alternative to driving. Fares are typically around $3.00 per person, and 24-hour dispatch is available.
Weekdays vs. Weekends: If you prefer a quieter, more family-oriented pace with shorter wait times, visit during the week. Weekends tend to be much busier and feature a more active nightlife scene.
Events in Put-In-Bay
Ohio's Island Wine Festival (June 20, 2026): Sample regional wines and enjoy local food pairings right on the island.
Pirate Fest XVIII (June 26–28, 2026): Pirates "invade" the downtown harbor for a weekend of costumes, themed activities, and family-friendly entertainment.
Independence Day Celebration (July 4, 2026): Features a classic antique car parade at 2:00 PM followed by a massive fireworks display over the water at night.
Jeep Invasion & The Big Duck (July 9–12, 2026): Hundreds of Jeeps take over the island alongside a special summer visit from the World's Largest Rubber Duck.
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