PUT-IN-BAY OHIO: AN ISLAND GETAWAY IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD!
Located just a short drive away from Cleveland, Put-in-Bay Ohio brings the Midwest region of The United States together. Nicknamed “Key West of the North” for its island vibes and Caribbean feel, the island entertains over 750,000 guests during its tourist season. Home to unique Put-in-Bay resorts and many spacious island home rentals, spending a few nights on the island relaxes the spirit.
Put-in-Bay Ohio is rich in history dating back to The War of 1812 featuring Oliver Hazard Perry and his influence on the Battle of Lake Erie. Today, instead of ships we have golf cart rentals! The island serves as the best summer vacation spot in the Midwest. Downtown Put-in-Bay features dozens of local restaurants like Mr. Ed’s, parks like DeRivera Park, and a booming nightlife.
FIND THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PUT-IN-BAY
Put-In-Bay Ohio is the place to get away from the ordinary. From comfortable guest cottages to stunning Put-in-Bay condos that offer both pool view and waterfront condos, there is a variety of options for lodging while on your Lake Erie Island Bay Vacation. Put-in-Bay is a popular getaway and vacation destination for families and friends during the week. Also, it offers a fun atmosphere for bachelorette groups and parties on the weekends. From awesome vacation rental homes, great Put-In-Bay Hotels to the best Put-in-Bay resort, we have the right Place to Stay on Put-In-Bay for you!
YOUR DREAM PUT-IN-BAY TRIP IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY
Need a Quick Put-in-Bay Ohio Reservation?
You have Put-in-Bay Ohio questions, and we have answers!! Call 216-898-9951 for reservations or information. You can also use our Put-in-Bay Contact form link to send us a quick email. Ask us anything about the Lake Erie islands and we will try to help! We are experts!
FILL YOUR VACATION WITH THE BEST THINGS TO DO AT PUT-IN-BAY
Put-in-Bay is nature’s playground when it comes to outdoor activities, Put-in-Bay attractions, sightseeing, and family-friendly entertainment. There is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, kids’ activities, the Historical Society Museum, South Bass Island State Park, and more.
Just getting to the island is fun on the Miller Ferry and Jet Express. So, depart from Port Clinton, Catawba, or Sandusky on a Bay Ferry for Family Fun and Adventure. Eat some pizza! Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the golf course, jet skis, and scenic bike paths. Not to mention, the island serves as a boater’s paradise. You won’t lack for things to do on Put-in-Bay!
Furthermore, check out our upcoming events starting with St. Patrick’s Day and ending with the Halloween Bash! For some serious family-friendly fun, look into coming for the annual Pyrate Fest featuring pirate reenactments and sword fights. Bash on The Bay serves as the island’s music festival and features a rowdier bunch. The Put-in-Bay airport shuts down for a few days and concert-goers enjoy the live acts of music’s most popular artists featuring Kid Rock, Rascal Flatts, and Toby Keith.
You can also check out the South Bass Island Lighthouse then get back on your golf cart and head to the State Park for some awesome watercraft rentals, picnic areas, and food plus a huge open field for sports. They do have restrooms located nearby the picnic areas. Check out Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center for mini-golf, the Butterfly House, and gemstone mining.
Bob Gatewood Bob Gatewood & the Calabash Band Put-in-Bay’s own Bob Gatewood entertains island crowds over 100 times a summer,...
Imagine soaring above Put-in-Bay in your very own helicopter ride. Take in Lake Erie, the surrounding islands, and even Canada...
More accustomed to speed boats? Happier at the bar than on the water? Kayak the Bay offers a very special...
Experience the best of Lake Erie with Captain Park’s Lake Erie Charters. Park Schafer, a full-time captain, leads the way,...
For something a little out of the ordinary, spend the day at the Butterfly House located at Perry’s Cave and...
A beloved fixture of downtown Put-in-Bay, Kimberly’s Carousel has been entertaining kids and kids at heart since it first opened...
If flying in an open cockpit bi-plane along the coastline of Put-in-Bay sounds fun then you’re in the right place!...
Bay Paddleboarding offers top of the line paddleboards to those wishing to explore Lake Erie at a slightly slower pace...
Put-in-Bay and the surrounding Lake Erie Islands are full of fascinating history. The Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum strives to...
Ride the waves of Lake Erie in a state-of-the-art jet ski rented from Put-in-Bay Jet Ski. speedy and exhilarating, these...
The Chocolate Cafe and Museum is fun, educational, and extremely tasty attraction located just outside of downtown Put-in-Bay. With an...
The Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve is an 8.8 acre parcel of land located on the eastern side of South...
THE TOP PUT-IN-BAY BARS AND RESTAURANTS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP COMPLETE
Prepare to experience some amazing tastes, recipes, and aromas presented with a host of locally sourced ingredients. From fine dining and superb bay views at the Boardwalk to pub grub at Mr. Ed’s and specialty wine and cheese at The Goat. Maybe try a Sloppy Scotty at Joe’s Bar!
We are sure to fill your stomach, quench your thirst, and feed your soul at any of our Put-in-Bay restaurants. When you’re ready to leave your home rental and experience the food, call an Island Club taxi and it will take you anywhere on the island for just $3 per person.
Casual Cuisine
Coffee & Breakfast
Restaurants
FREQUENTLY ASKED PUT-IN-BAY QUESTIONS
How to get to Put-in-Bay?
Put-in-Bay is an island in the middle of Lake Erie only accessible by boat or plane. The two ferry services are the Miller Ferry and the Jet Express. Both ferries leave from Port Clinton, Ohio, and arrive at the island in roughly 20 minutes whereupon you can grab a taxi to get around. The only other way to get to the island would be by private plane or to bring your own boat over from the mainland. The Jet Express can also take you to Kelley’s Island from PIB, and the Sonny-S can take you to Middle Bass Island.
Can you bring your car over to Put-in-Bay?
Although it is not recommended, you can bring your car over to Put-in-Bay on the Miller Ferry. Bringing your car over to Put-in-Bay during busy summer days could result in waiting multiple hours in line for the next ferry with space for your vehicle. The cost for bringing your car over on the Miller Ferry is $18 each way. Most people walk on the ferry and then rent a golf cart at their lodging.
Are golf carts allowed on Put-in-Bay?
Once on the island, you will see golf carts riddle the streets. Golf cart rentals are the most popular and convenient way to get around the island. If you own your own golf cart it is legal to bring it over as long as it is legally licensed and registered in the state of Ohio. For rates and availability regarding renting a golf cart visit our Put-in-Bay golf cart page!
Is Put-in-Bay family-friendly?
Put-in-Bay features many fun attractions that are family-friendly. Kids love to visit Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center, Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, The South Bass Island State Park and so much more! The best time on the island for family fun is during the week. From Sunday through Thursday the island is full of families. However, the weekend can get a little rowdy. This is truly the best island in all of the Great Lakes!
What is the best place to stay at Put-in-Bay?
The answer to this question depends on what you and your group are looking for. The Island Club has the best vacation rental homes at Put-in-Bay. Meanwhile, The Put-in-Bay Waterfront Condos was voted recently as Put-in-Bay’s Best Resort. Lastly, if you are looking for a Put-in-Bay hotel, look no further than the Commodore Resort.
What time does Put-in-Bay open?
Put-in-Bay is not like an amusement park with opening and closing hours. It is an actual village on an island in Lake Erie. There is a defined tourist season that usually runs from April 1st through October 31st. The most popular times to visit Put-in-Bay are June through August when many families allot their vacation time. But it is best to pre-plan your trip months in advance and secure your Put-in-Bay lodging before it all fills up.
Do cell phones work on Put-in-Bay?
How many days do you need for Put-in-Bay?
Can you walk around with alcohol in Put-in-Bay?
Walking with any type of open container of alcohol in Put-in-Bay Ohio is prohibited. Having an open alcoholic beverage in the street or on a golf cart rental is not allowed anywhere on South Bass Island. We recommend renting a Put-in-Bay Condo or vacation rental with a balcony or porch where one can enjoy an alcoholic beverage outdoors and the beautiful view of Lake Erie. Many restaurants and bars downtown Put-in-Bay also provide outdoor seating.
Where do you leave your car when going to Put-in-Bay?
PUT-IN-BAY FUN FACT
Enter our Free Weekend Contest!
With tens of thousands of active members, we publish specials and insider deals every month. Be the first to hear about island specials, themed weekend activities, and be entered into our monthly Free Weekend Contest! You could win a free weekend at PIB in a vacation rental home sleeping up to 8 people and a free Put-in-Bay golf cart rental for your stay!
Read Our Blog
Our Put-in-Bay Blog and News covers a wide range of topics. Don’t let our quiet streets fool you: history meets hip in putinbay. Whether you want to shop ’til you drop, experience the great outdoors, go hundreds of feet in the air up the Monument, stay in a Waterfront Condo, or immerse yourself in entertainment, this village on the lake has it all.
Guests find great Things To Do such as going down in Perry’s Cave, playing at South Bass Island State Park, exploring Chocolate Museums, and more… the island is calling.
Put-In-Bay Info When You Want It!
Put-in-Bay played a major role in the War of 1812 between the US and England. The waters around the island were the location of United States Navy commander Oliver Hazard Perry. He sailed from the port of South Bass Island on September 10, 1813, to engage a British naval squadron commanded by Captain Robert Heriot Barclay just north of South Bass Island in the “Battle of Lake Erie”. Moreover, he utilized Perry’s Cave to provide potable drinking water for his Men. You can read more about it on
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Put-in-Bay Ohio is THE place for a great local staycation. We have island visitors who come from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New York on a regular basis. Cities include Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, and beyond. Some even utilize the small but mighty PIB Airport. Boaters from across the region utilize the public docks across from DeRivera Park for safe refuge and get around the island with a quick taxi ride.
Put in Bay Guests From All Places!
But when it comes to family reunions or bachelor/bachelorette parties, South Bass Island sees guests come from almost every state in the Union, and Canada as well. The summer upcoming events cater to a broad range of interests so there is sure to be a Put-in-Bay Summer Event for you and your friends.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456 Nicknamed the “Key West of the North” offers an exciting nightlife with live musical entertainment to satisfy all generations. Strolling Barbershop singers, pyrates, steel drums and Ohio’s best entertainers are frequently seen on Putinbay island. And the island is safe, with Put-in-Bay taxis always available. Do you like history? Visit us for Historical Weekend and the War of 1812 reenactments. Do you like to party? Visit Put-in-Bay!
PIB is also known for it’s great Lake Erie Perch, Walleye, and lakeside dining.