Looking for a place that has it all? Come visit Put-in-Bay, Ohio! Looking for a Put-in-Bay lodging resort for the perfect family island getaway, couple’s retreat, or fun-filled group weekend? Sometimes called the Key West of the north, there are so many fun Put-in-Bay events and activities, so you can stop your search for the perfect vacation.
Grab a golf cart at the Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Depot, right in downtown Put-in-Bay, and you can get around South Bass Island like an islander! Located next to the Victory Station Hotel, you'll find the best EZ-GO four and six passenger golf carts. Since the island is so small compared... View More
Historically, there may be nothing that Put-in-Bay is more significant for than wine. As you explore around the Lake Erie Islands you'll eventually run into big fields of grape vines. A long time ago, grape growers on the island learned that they had the longest period of time frost-free in... View More
Out of all of the great sightseeing there is to do on the Lake Erie Islands the South Bass Island Lighthouse is an absolute must-see! Just a short walk or golf cart drive from the Miller Ferry dock, the lighthouse's lakeside views are sure to wow! As you depart from... View More
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church is one of the oldest churches in Ohio. Located at 623 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay Ohio, Saint Paul's prides themselves on accepting members of all faith. Today it serves as a house of worship, a historical site, and a prominent member of the Put-in-Bay island community. The church... View More
Most people come to South Bass Island to relax. They want to put their feet up, layout in a deck chair looking over Lake Erie, and get some sun. Or some spend time in front of a grill flipping burgers, listening to music, and sipping a cold beer. Some people... View More
If you’re looking to get a little more active on your trip to Put-in-Bay, Ohio, one activity that will be sure to get your blood pumping is Bay Paddleboarding. You’ll get to see the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Erie up close and personal, get that heart rate up, and get... View More
Take your island vacation to the skies with a tour from Put-in-Bay Helicopter Rides. You will soar high above the Lake Erie Islands, taking in the incredible sights of Put-in-Bay. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, and you’ll come home with some great videos on your phone and an awesome... View More
If you want to get out onto the water and snag some fish during your trip to Put-in-Bay, let Captain Bruce and Captain Steve help you do it on their Lake Erie fishing charters. Between the two, they bring 50 years of experience with fishing charters to Put-in-Bay Charter Fishing.... View More
The Put-in-Bay Airport is home to an attraction that is sure to thrill. Right by the put-in-bay waterfront condos, you can soar in the air like pilots of old with Put-in-Bay Biplane Rides. This is an experience you probably can’t have back home. The open cockpit biplane is very similar... View More
There are so many things to do at Put-in-Bay, you’d need weeks to enjoy everything our little island paradise has to offer. But since we’re sure that you can’t join us for that long, we hope to provide you with all of the information that you need to make the most of your time on South Bass Island. Come by ferry (via Jet Express or Miller Ferry), tour the island’s attractions (via golf cart rental), and spend a couple of nights (book a waterfront condo, a put-in-bay resort, or a vacation home rental).
Famous Put-in-Bay Things To Do
Put-in-Bay’s most famous attraction is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. This massive Doric column celebrates our victory in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 led by Oliver Hazard Perry and is the fourth or fifth tallest monument in America depending on how the source defines a monument. This is one Put-in-Bay attraction that you won’t have a choice but to see. The majestic monument towers over downtown.
However, we recommend taking the time to get up to the top of Perry’s and look out onto the lake. From the observation deck, the views are absolutely remarkable! You can see Canada as well as the United States on a clear day. Down at ground level, the visitor center helps explain this national park dedicated to Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial.
Another incredibly popular Put-in-Bay Ohio attraction is Perry’s Cave. This is the perfect family activity. Head 5 stories below the surface into an amazing cave with an underground lake in it. When you’re done in the cave, take part in the many all-ages activities at the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center.
Mini-golf (War of 18 holes), rock wall climbing, Fort Amaz’n, the Butterfly House, and gemstone mining are great for the kids. Rock wall climbing, the antique car museum, and miniature golf are just a couple of other things you can do at Perry’s Cave! Hop on their Put-in-Bay Tour Train to see even more of the island! Also, check out the Crystal Cave to see some cool geodes on Put-in-Bay island.
Lake Erie Activities
If you’re lucky enough to come to Put-in-Bay on a weekend where the weather cooperates, you’ll definitely want to enjoy Lake Erie up close! Fortunately, there are a number of ways to do so. You can rent jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, or even a speedboat! You can find many different rental companies on this page to compare and find the right rental for you. And if that’s not thrilling enough, you can soar above the lake with Put-in-Bay parasailing!
Although beautiful Lake Erie surrounds the island, maybe you’re just more of a pool person. The good thing is that there’s no shortage of pools on the island. Depending on where you’re staying, most of the vacation rentals, hotel rooms, and rental homes on the island will have an outdoor pool and some will even have the added swim-up bar.
One of the best put-in-bay pools, not affiliated with a resort hotel, would be the pool at the Sand Bar. Grab a seat at the Tiki Bar, or grab a drink and sit poolside to catch some rays. One of our favorite lodging options with a poolview are the Put-in-Bay Condos, these rooms come with a great pool view, full kitchen, and living room . Another option would be the Commodore Resort, comes with free wifi, a great big pool right outside your room, and a Tiki Bar!
The waters around Put-in-Bay are famed for their fishing, especially walleye in the springtime. Just make sure you’ve got your Ohio fishing license, which you can pick up on the island, and then hit the Lake! You can find charter fishing out of Put-in-Bay, Sandusky, Catawba Island, Port Clinton, and although it’s not close sometimes Cleveland. If you staying at a Put-in-Bay hotel or resort they may have other options available for guests as well!
Put-in-Bay Bars, Pubs, and Nightlife
Once the sun sets, you’ll definitely want to take in some of the famous nightlife by checking out some Put-in-Bay bars and pubs. The downtown strip is loaded with bars to fit everyone’s style. Check out Put-in-Bay restaurants like the thumping beats at the Green Room, the sand in your toes at Mojito Bay or the lively atmosphere at Mr. Ed’s, downtown Put-in-Bay at night is like a minibar crawl!
Bachelorette parties enjoy visits to the Heineman’s Winery as well as the Put-in-Bay Winery. Kids can find ice cream open late on weekends. And for beautiful sunset views, dine out on the open deck of the Boardwalk where you can also see Gibraltar Island.
Put-in-Bay Fun
With all of these thrilling Put-in-Bay attractions, it would be easy to neglect all of the natural beauty of Put-in-Bay. But we think you should check out some of the Put-in-Bay beaches and parks, golf courses and water sports, even the Chocolate Museum and Carousel. You can also head to the Put-in-Bay airport and check out the Helicopter Tours of the island. Head to the visitors center near Derivera Park for more info on upcoming events. Make sure to look for cool gift shops on Delaware Ave!
There are great nature trails for hiking, birdwatching, and sightseeing. You can get from one to the other with ease with your Put-in-Bay golf cart rental. Stay downtown if you like, or go to the ends of the island to tour the South Bass Island Lighthouse or swim out at the South Bass Island State Park. Also, check out the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society and the newly updated Nature Center!
You also don’t want to miss out on probably the most fun weekend of the entire year in Put-in-Bay. The first Saturday weekend of May sees a huge party held out at the Island Club with thousands of island visitors and residents coming together for free food, free music, free beer, and lots of extra goodies each year. This event is known as the Official Original Put-in-Bay Spring Fling Customer Appreciation Party!
Conclusion
Nowhere in Ohio offers more fun per square foot than Put-in-Bay! You’ll never run out of things to do at Put-in-Bay and nearly every weekend has an event over the summer. This Lake Erie Ohio destination has it all to offer, so it’s time to start planning your trip today so you can get on a Put-in-Bay ferry sooner! Let us help you navigate the vacation planning process so you can focus on having fun at the Bay! Come to your next getaway on the best Lake Erie island today!
Top 5 Put-in-Bay Things to Do Questions
Are taxis on Put-in-Bay safe?
Yes! All taxi drivers are fully licensed by the village of Put-in-Bay and go through a rigorous FBI background check. It is much safer to ride a taxihouse or condo than to try and drive drunk on a golf cart!
Are there Taxis at the Put-in-Bay Ferry?
Yes! Both ferry docks have reserved parking for taxis and there will usually always be a taxi van there waiting to get you quickly from the ferry to your home, condo, or hotel.
How many people can a taxi hold?
It really depends on which taxi you ride in. All of the Island Club and Put-in-Bay Condo taxis can seat up to 12 people comfortably. Taxis are a great option for getting around the island safely.
Is there really a tunnel to Put in Bay?
Sadly no, there is no tunnel to Put-in-Bay. There are no plans for any new way of getting to the island to be added any time soon.
What do you wear to Put-in-Bay?
Most establishments on Put-in-Bay have nothing more than the typical "No shoes, no shirt, no service" policy, but make sure to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
Who owns the Jet Express?
The owner of The Jet Express is Todd Blumesaadt. The Jet Express is a passenger-only ferry that departs from Sandusky and Port Clinton.
FUN FACT: Put-in-Bay is actually just the name of the city. The island itself is called South Bass Island!
