When you think of Northern Ohio, Sandusky may come to mind because of Cedar Point Amusement Park.
The surrounding area offers additional adventures if you extend your stay.
I’m sharing more about the fun things to do in Port Clinton, Ohio, only 20+ minutes away from Sandusky.
Some of these adventures were hosted by Shores and Islands Ohio, while others were not. As always, all opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
Visit The African Safari Wildlife Park
267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, OH
African Safari Wildlife Park is THE place to go for an unforgettable adventure with animals! The wildlife park has a drive-thru park and a walk-thru safari.
Your admission includes one cup of grain for your vehicle to be used during the Drive-thru Safari.
Realistically, you’ll want to purchase additional food so that more people can feed the animals. There is also a lot of spilling that takes place during the ride, both inside and outside the vehicle.
Be on the lookout for camels, bison, alpacas, elk, emu, giraffes, zebra, llamas, highland cattle, deer, and more from the safety of your vehicle during the Drive-Thru Safari!
You’ll want to go through the Drive-Thru Safari more than once during your visit because the animals are active at different times of the day.
You may see some animals you didn’t notice during your first time.
The animals can get pretty zealous while eating out of the cups.
Younger kids may do better watching the feedings in the beginning, or you may need to help them hold the container; otherwise, it will most likely spill.
The Drive-Thru Safari experience brings plenty of smiles and laughs, so keep your camera or cell phone close.
We laughed nonstop during the whole drive-thru portion of our visit.
The Walk-thru Safari has peacocks, parakeets, red kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, alligators, and more.
This is also a great opportunity to get out and stretch, learn, and explore.
Check the daily times on the summer show schedule from late May through Labor Day.
Additional Animal Encounters at African Safari Wildlife Park
*Animal encounters are available during the summer season and Extended Weekends only. Some of these animal encounters are an additional fee.
- Aviary Adventure
- Camel Rides
- EdZoocational Animal Programs
- HogWILD Experience
- Zoo-It-All Animal Encounters
- Giraffe Encounter
- Capybara Encounter
Here are a few tips before you go to African Safari Wildlife Park
- Visit the drive-thru safari in the morning when the animals are hungrier
- Allow several hours for a visit
- You may want to purchase the largest-sized animal food package if you plan on going through the drive-thru multiple times and have multiple kids in your vehicle.
- Use both hands to grip the bottom of the cup when feeding animals and hold on tight!
- Your admission includes unlimited trips through the drive-thru safari. I recommend going through it at the beginning of your visit and after visiting the walk-thru safari.
- Have your camera or video ready during the Drive-Thru Safari
- There is a cafe onsite if you want to purchase snacks or a meal during your visit
- Pricing, hours, and days of operation vary throughout the year. Check online before you go.
- Many of the special animal encounters need to be booked in advance, and they’re only available on specific days
- Closed-toe shoes are required for several animal encounters
Aviation Appreciation at Liberty Aviation Museum
3515 E State Rd, Port Clinton, OH (Erie-Ottawa International Airport)
The Liberty Aviation Museum was founded by volunteers in 1991 to showcase aircraft from World War 2.
Highlights of the Liberty Aviation Museum:
- 1928 Ford Tri-Motor “City of Wichita”/”City of Port Clinton”
- WWII North American Aviation B-25J Mitchell Bomber “Georgie’s Gal”
- WWII Consolidated-Vultee PBY-6A Catalina
- Lake Erie Warbirds’ WWII Grumman TBM Avenger
- Lake Erie Warbirds’ Canadian Car & Foundry Harvard IV
- WWII Boeing Stearman Biplane (Model 75) “Harold’s Dream”
- #97 Denight Special DDT Pylon Racer
*The actual aircraft, vehicles, and displays at the museum at any given time can vary depending upon air show & car show touring schedules, visiting aircraft from other museums & private collections, special events, and other factors.
Dine at the Tin Goose Diner
Located within the Liberty Aviation Museum Complex, 3515 E State Rd, Port Clinton, OH
*Open on select days.
The 1950s-themed American diner was originally built by the Jerry O’Mahony Diner Company in 1951 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and later restored and relocated to the museum complex in 2012.
The Tin Goose Diner is known for its $100 burger, not because the burger is $100, but because it was a diner that pilots could previously fly to for around $100 in food and gas for the plane.
That price has most likely gone up in recent years, but it’s still a pretty cool place to fly to for a burger, fries, a milkshake, or a root beer float.
100% of the profits from the diner go to the Liberty Aviation Museum.
Go Fishing at the “Walleye Capital of the World”
Did you know Lake Erie is known as the “Walleye Capital of the World?”
You can go fishing on your own, or book a charter fishing trip with the pros. Either way, you must purchase a fishing license for anyone ages 16 and up.
A benefit of going with a fishing charter is that they provide all the equipment, and know the best places to fish.
I’m confident that my dad and I wouldn’t have caught as many fish on our own. And I never had to bait the hook, which was another perk.
There are several charter fishing companies to choose from on Lake Erie based on price per day and review score.
Champion Charters
5925 Saylor St, Lakeside Marblehead, OH
My son and I were guests of Champion Charters for our most recent visit to Lake Erie for the Governor’s Fish Ohio Day.
We had a great time on the water. My son didn’t catch walleye, but he was very happy to catch his personal record 7 fish.
See the Port Clinton Lighthouse at Waterworks Park
205 E. Perry St. (SR163) Port Clinton, OH (Waterworks Park)
The Port Clinton Lighthouse dates back to 1896, originally at the entrance of the Portage River. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1952 and moved by orders of the US Coast Guard.
You can tour the Port Clinton Lighthouse on select Saturdays from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Waterworks Park also has a beach, playground, baseball field, a fishing pond, and walking trails.
Walk Jefferson Street Pier at Port Clinton
This is a popular spot for fishing or a walk down the pier for a scenic view.
The vantage point from the pier gives you another perspective of the Port Clinton Lighthouse.
Friendship Park is also within close proximity of the Jefferson Street Pier.
Enjoy Fresh Fish at Jolly Roger’s Seafood House
1715 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH
Jolly Roger’s Seafood House is known for its Lake Erie yellow perch and walleye.
You can even watch employees bread the fish while you wait to order food at the counter. We ordered our perch and walleye as fish tacos, but they also have sandwiches and platters.
Jolly Roger’s has plenty of non-fish options on their menu too.
Guests will find plenty of seating indoors with natural light, or you can enjoy your meal outside with a nice view of Lake Erie.
The Ice Shanty
1737 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH
(Open seasonally)
Who doesn’t love an excuse for ice cream?
There are lots of creative Toft’s Dairy ice cream flavors to choose from, along with classic flavors at The Ice Shanty.
Their portions are generous, so be prepared that your eyes may be bigger than your stomach. My dad and I ended up with a backup cup for our cones.
Seating is available inside, and there’s additional outdoor seating on the patio.
Stay on Lake Erie in Port Clinton
Fairfield Inn & Suites Port Clinton Waterfront
1811 E Perry St, Port Clinton, OH
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Port Clinton Waterfront is a great option to stay right on the water.
The hotel has a spacious outdoor area where guests can enjoy views of Lake Erie.
Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, a fitness center, free parking, and a continental breakfast.
You can compare hotels in Port Clinton, Ohio, here.
Visit or Stay at Lakeside Chautauqua
Marblehead Peninsula (Only 16 minutes from Port Clinton)
Lakeside Chautauqua is a gated community that offers a variety of activities, recreation, shopping, dining, and accommodations ranging from hotels to cottages.
You can purchase a day pass or book an overnight stay. Day passes are required to enter the grounds from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
The Chautauqua Pass includes admittance to the grounds, access to evening entertainment in Hoover Auditorium, the Grindley Pool and Wellness Center (on a first-come, first-served basis), and a variety of religious, educational, cultural arts, and recreational opportunities.
There’s a very good chance you’ll run out of time before you’ll run out of things to do during your visit.
Watercraft rentals are also available, including kayaks, sailboats, and stand-up paddleboards.
The Fountain Inn
236 Maple Avenue, Lakeside, OH
During another visit to the area, my son and I stayed at The Fountain Inn at Lakeside Chautauqua. We were able to walk to restaurants, shops, and recreation within steps of our hotel room.
Hotel Lakeside is also within a block of the Fountain Inn if you prefer to be steps from the water.
Stop By the Shores & Islands Ohio Welcome Center – West
770 SE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH
The Shores & Islands Ohio Welcome Center – West has great interactive exhibits where visitors can learn more about the local ecology.
I always like to stop by a local welcome center to learn about special events during my visit and additional recommendations for things to do and places to eat.
You can also pick up a local map to have a point of reference for the area and brochures for any additional experiences you may want to try during your visit or in the future.
Visit Marblehead Lighthouse
110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH (20 minutes from Port Clinton)
Marblehead Lighthouse has bragging rights as the “oldest continuous lighthouse in operation on the Great Lakes.”
The lighthouse was built in 1821 and is one of the most photographed buildings in the state.
The museum, lighthouse tours, and gift shop are open for select times/ days. The Tower climb is very popular and available for guests ages 6 and up for an additional fee.
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is a wonderful place to watch a beautiful sunset over Lake Erie.
You can also get another perspective of Cedar Point Amusement Park.
Ferry to Nearby Islands
You can take a ferry from Port Clinton to nearby islands in Northern Ohio.
Miller Ferry (Departs from Catawba Dock) to Put-in-Bay Island
5174 E Water St., Port Clinton, OH
- 18-minute ferry from the tip of Catawba Island to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)
- 40-minute ferry from the tip of Catawba Island to Middle Bass Island
Check their lodging, golf carts, and family fun packages here.
49 Jackson Street, Port Clinton, OH
25-minute ferry from Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay
