
Who needs an expensive trip to the East or West Coast for a beach vacation? Northeast Ohio is home to a number of scenic beaches that rival those in any other state. Thanks to their convenient location, you can even head out for a day-long getaway.
Get your summertime sand-and-water fix at these fun-filled beaches near Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and other Northeast Ohio cities.
8777 Manchester Ave. SW, Navarre, OH 44662
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Ohio's beautiful countryside is the setting for Baylor Beach Park, just 30 minutes from Akron and an hour's drive from Cleveland. Named after its founding family, Baylor Beach Park has been a popular Northeast Ohio getaway since 1955. The two-acre lake includes diving boards and water slides, while a nearby one-acre lake is available for paddleboats, aquabikes, and "funyaks." If you want to stay on dry land, enjoy a friendly game of miniature golf, volleyball, basketball, or cornhole. Admission is $8-$10 for guests aged 3 and up. Park hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Baylor Beach Park is maintaining social distancing rules by limiting daily guests, so arrive early.
12001 Route 282, Garrettsville, OH 44231
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Have you ever marveled at pictures of daring swimmers leaping off a cliff into the water below? Indulge your adventurous spirit at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park. Grown-ups can get the thrill of jumping off centuries-old 50- to 60-foot cliffs, while kiddies splash around in their own shallow roped-off area in the clear, spring-fed water. With other activities such as scuba and snorkeling, fishing, and hiking, the whole family will find endless entertainment. Admission is $10-$12, with reduced rates for kids aged 4-14. Nelson Ledges is open daily, with day passes good until 8 p.m. Swimming is allowed 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. while lifeguards are on duty.
1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH 44052
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Ironically, although Lorain is situated on Lake Erie, there was originally no lakefront recreation available to city residents. That changed in 1917 when city officials purchased 42 acres of land that later became Lakeview Park. The spacious beach provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Take a break for a stroll through the historic Rose Garden, shaped like a wheel with eight spokes to honor the local Rotary Club. Lunch is served with a lakeside view at the Sunset Café, which also offers a limited concession menu throughout the afternoon. Lakeview Park is open seven days a week from sunrise - 11 p.m., with lifeguards on duty between noon - 6 p.m.
13190 Patterson St. NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666
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2020 marks the 72nd year Clay's Park Resort has been serving as a favorite summer retreat in Northeast Ohio. Founder Otis Clay's descendants carry on his tradition at the 10-acre, sandy-bottom lake that features dueling water slides and zip lines along with a barrel roll, inflatables, and a kids' splash pad. Unlimited use of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards is included with park admission. There's plenty of fun to be had on the ground with miniature golf, sand volleyball, basketball, and life-sized foosball. Admission fees are $20-$30 and $6 for kids ages 3-5. Park hours are noon - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Clay's Park is adhering to a specific number of guests daily, so follow their Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.
6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44102
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In 2013, Cleveland Metroparks assumed operational control of six lakefront parks formerly run by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. A subsequent multi-million dollar upgrade included formation of Lakefront Reservation, an outdoor oasis in the heart of downtown Cleveland and site of Edgewater Park Beach. With 9,000 feet of shoreline, there's lots of room for swimming, sunbathing, and yes, surfing when the wind is right. Bring Fido along to play and swim in the roped-off, leash-free area at the western end of the beach. Landlubbers can hang out at the pier and fish or just take in the views. Adjacent Perkins Beach isn't open for swimming, but it's a great spot to look for beach glass, shells, or driftwood. Park hours are 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily, with lifeguards on duty from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
920 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438
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The short ferry ride to Kelleys Island State Park enhances the sense of "getting away from it all." Along the north side of the island, you'll find a pristine 100-foot beach with stunning views. Water depth changes gradually, so there's a generous shallow area for kids. If you'd rather be on water than in it, a public boat launch and kayak rentals are available. Explore the six miles of hiking trails that include scenic vistas and historic sites. Leashed dogs are welcome in specific beach areas, so bring the whole family along. Kelleys Island State Park is open 24/7.
1169 N. Buck Rd., Marblehead, OH 43440
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Situated on a peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, East Harbor State Park Beach is surrounded by wetlands that offer sightings of Ohio birds and wildlife. The two-mile lakefront stretch includes a 1,500-foot beach with plentiful shade trees. While pets are not allowed on the beach, leashed dogs are permitted in other areas of the park such as the picnic area, where you and Fido can enjoy views of the shoreline. East Harbor State Park is open around the clock, year-round.
Where would you like to spend your summer vacation in Ohio? Let us know in the comments below.