Disclosure: My family was offered free passage on Miller Ferry and a golf cart to use for the day. Regardless, all opinions are my own.
This post was created in 2021.
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Our family was looking for something fun to do outdoors! Last week we visited Put-In-Bay and found it was the perfect island vacay! Best of all, you can hop on a ferry and be there about an hour from Cleveland!
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A great way to get to Put-In-Bay is with the Miller Ferry. They have awesome prices, which are great for the whole family. Kids under six are free, ages six to eleven are $1.50 each way, and adults are only $7.50 each way. You can even bring your car if you choose.
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We’ve been to Put-In-Bay several times and I personally think it’s such a jewel in Ohio’s crown! While there are a few things we do every time we visit the island (FAV), this trip we wanted to try out a few new things that we had never done before (NEW).
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NEW: This was the first time we brought our car along on the Miller Ferry. While we had planned to rent a golf cart, we also wanted to have options after we turned in our cart for the day and have an easy way to get back to the ferry in the morning. It was a lot of fun to ride the ferry along as the waves on Lake Erie splash a bit. Since we were in our own car we didn’t have to worry about masks either. If you aren’t bringing your car there is more than enough room to stand or sit elsewhere on the ferry.
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FAV: Renting a golf cart on Put-In-Bay is a tradition. It makes you slow down, enjoy the scenery, and, well, it’s just plain fun! There is nothing like feeling the wind in your hair and the cool breeze from Lake Erie on your face. They have a large selection of carts for any size group or family up to 8 people. Best of all, they are located at the top of the ferry dropoff. Just go up the hill and turn right. You’ll see the si for E’s!
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NEW: If you love lobster bisque, the Upperdeck is where you want to go! I’ve had a taste of it before, but this time I brought my family. We enjoyed a scrumptious lunch while looking at the gorgeous views of Lake Erie. If you are looking for an amazing meal and views that can’t be beaten, the Upperdeck is your place. Ask for an outdoor table if the weather is nice.
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NEW: On this trip, I was on a mission to find the South Bass Island Lighthouse, which is located at the southern point of the island. The lighthouse was first lit in 1897 and is much the same as it was when it was first built. While the lighthouse wasn’t open when we were there, it was a really pretty area to walk around and take pictures. When open, visitors can climb the stairs to take in stunning views of Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the grounds are open to the public from dawn to dusk, with occasional closure for private events.
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NEW: We’ve passed Aventure Bay quite a few times, but this time we stopped in! It’s a fun stop if you are a thrill-seeking go-kart enthusiast! Our whole crew jumped in and had a blast trying to come in the first place. It’s $10 a cart, and it fits up to 2 people. Masks were worn by all while driving around the track but were taken off for a picture.
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FAV: Who doesn’t need an afternoon pick-me-up? Dairy Isle is a favorite for my family, and with delicious burgers and ice cream treats, who couldn’t love it? We ordered our treats to go and ate in our golf cart while driving around town. Yummo!
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NEW: On this trip, I found something new – a public beach. While we didn’t stay long, it’s a place that we will definitely be visiting again. This public beach is tucked away at the end of Delaware Avenue, near the downtown area. Here, guests can swim in Lake Erie while taking in great views of Perry’s Monument. While it is a small area, it offers picnic tables and grills. Great for families!
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FAV: We always make a stop at South Bass Island State Park, as it’s the perfect place for skipping rocks. We have contests to see whose rock can go the furthest. This unique 33-acre park offers visitors great views and access to Lake Erie. It offers both primitive and electric sites along with a stone beach, fishing pier, and more! It’s a great place for a lakeside picnic and offers a quiet retreat from the bustle of Put-in-Bay.
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NEW: Get your family out and explore! Put-in-Bay offers several hiking trails, and most are available year-round. Look for birds, get some exercise, and take in the views of these islands’ hidden gems. We spotted several while driving around on our golf cart but wound up only exploring one. Here are more hiking trails to check out while in Put-In-Bay.
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NEW: While we have visited Put-In-Bay many times, this visit, we decided to stay the night. I looked at a lot of options online, but I found the perfect place at Harbour Square Suites. Located downtown and within walking distance of restaurants but far enough away from the nightlife, Harbour Square Suites is great for families and couples. It has suites large enough for groups of up to 10, so great for a weekend with friends too! See my full Harbour Square Suites review.
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FAV: While our kids played at the park around the corner, my husband, brother, and I were able to sit down and relax at a local restaurant. There are a ton to choose from on the island, and with all the safety measures put in place, I felt completely safe. With so many restaurants and pubs on the island, we try to visit a new one every visit.
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My family had such fun two days on the island, and we are so glad we went! I’m always amazed by the beautiful views in Put-In-Bay and it truly feels like a tropical resort town. If you are looking to take a day or two away, check out all there is to do at Put-In-Bay!
