NUMBER 1
Ride a Put-in-Bay Ferry Boat
Just getting to Put in Bay island is a blast! Put-in-Bay, Ohio is situated off the shores of northwestern Ohio, accessible by Ferry Boat. There are two services that provide ferry service to Put-in-Bay. The Miller Ferry is an auto and passenger ferry departing from their 5174 E Water St location in Port Clinton, Ohio. They can even take motorcycles! Visitors can find a sizeable amount of free parking, near the ferry dock terminal. The 18 minute journey takes passenger past Mouse and Starve Islands. In the distance, Rattlesnake, Kelleys Island and more are visible, weather dependent. The Miller Ferry also provides service to Middle Bass Island. Ferry schedules for the busy season feature trips every half hour.
The Miller Boat Line aren’t the only ferry service on Lake Erie servicing the Lake Erie Islands. The Jet Express operates from Port Clinton and Sandusky, providing service to South Bass Island and Kelleys Island. In the peak times, they also run right to Cedar Point! The Jet Express is the only late-night service for Put-in-Bay. The ferry boat terminal for the Jet Express brings passengers directly to downtown Put-in-Bay, near Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rentals, hotels & resorts and a short distance from the Island Club Home Rentals and Put in Bay Condos.
So, plan your next getaway and take a ferry ride to Put-in-Bay! Grab your ferry tickets and set sail for a day of fun at wineries, restaurants and other Put-in-Bay attractions. You may have so much fun you won’t want to make the round trip!
NUMBER 2
Rent a Golf Cart
Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rentals are a must when visiting this favorite Lake Erie Island. These licensed motor vehicles are the preferred mode of transportation for many. Upon departure from one of the Put-in-Bay Ferry Boats like the Miller Ferry, there are golf cart rental agencies available. These services offer a variety of passenger golf carts with ranges from 2 person golf carts, four-person, six-person and even 8 seaters! Golf carts are equipped with taillights, turn signals, seat belts and are governed by the same traffic laws as normal vehicles. Drivers must be 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and have insurance coverage. Options include both electric and gas-powered carts for day rentals and overnight golf cart rentals as well.
South Bass Island, Ohio, or Put in Bay as most people know it, is a mecca for golf carts. From downtown Put-in-Bay to the ferry docks, you will find Club Cars, EZ Go’s, Yamaha Golf Carts and more scurrying about. They are a great way to get around and see all of the great Put-in-Bay attractions, and discover the island at your own pace.
So, before you get to Put-in-Bay Island, do your research to find your preferred golf cart rental company. Compare rental rates and find the best golf cart for you. Do you want gas-powered or electric golf carts? Renters have a variety of options, whether departing from the Jet Express ferry dock or the Miller Ferry. Regardless, when you are cruising down Langram Rd, Catawba or Delaware Ave in your golf cart rental, you can let the island guide the way!
NUMBER 3
Visit the Caves and Winery
When you visit Put-in-Bay, Ohio there are many great attractions and things to do. From water sports to Perry’s Monument, there really is a lot to do! Some of the favorite Put-in-Bay Attractions can be found at Heineman’s Winery and Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center. Two caves are able to be toured at these locales, both Crystal Cave and Perrys Cave.
First, Perrys has a host of fun activities. Onsite they have The Butterfly House, antique car museum, War of 1812 mini golf course, Fort Amaze’n, gemstone mining, rock wall and lovely gift shop. The War of 18 Holes miniature golf course features a waterfall and carvings of Oliver Hazard Perry. Make your way through the maze to the observation deck to see your path. This family-friendly option is perfect for a day trip and is on the Put-in-Bay Tour Train route. For hungry travelers, the Dan Dee Snack shack offers ice cream treats and affordable lunches.
Across Catawba Ave is Heineman’s Winery and Crystal Cave gift shop. Visitors can take a tour and view the World’s largest geode. Wine and grape juice samples are provided and offer a genuine taste of the Lake Erie Islands. This Put-in-Bay Winery grows and makes the wine that it sells. Both of these options are a short drive from the downtown area and all of the action on Delaware Ave. As mentioned above, a golf cart rental is ideal to make your way during your island getaway!
NUMBER 4
Eat at a Put in Bay Restaurant
After getting a Put-in-Bay golf cart, driving around downtown Put-in-Bay, going up in Perry’s Monument and cruising around the island, you have to be hungry! Fortunately, there is a bevy of great Put-in-Bay Restaurants. One of the most iconic eateries provides sweeping views of Lake Erie and a bounty of exceptional options. The Boardwalk Restaurant offers a variety of food options, with outdoor seating on its many decks. Tacos, nachos and margaritas are on the menu at Rita’s Cantina, at the front of the restaurant. For a more formal experience, the Upper Deck features the famous lobster bisque, walleye, Alaskan King Crab and impressive appetizers. Across the public docks, the Keys restaurant boasts a Caribbean vibe with island inspired entrees and frozen drinks. Ice cream and other novelties can be found in front of the Keys at the Dairy Isle.
Next to the Boardwalk is sort of a hidden gem. Topsy Turvey has the key west island, dive bar vibes down to a science. Step in and enjoy a Cuban sandwich, Lake Erie Perch tacos or some of their other great food options. Across the way on Bayview Ave is Mossbacks Island Grill. They are known for juicy burgers and some the freshest walleye and perch in Ohio.
Want something quick?
For more casual fare, check out Frosty Bar and Big Man’s Burrito Stand. Here, great pizza, nachos and burritos are highlights. Just down the way at the Roundhouse Bar, the Chicken Patio has been serving up chicken and smiles for years on South Bass Island. Don’t forget to ask to have your chicken dipped and grab some extra sauce. Yum. Lastly, for an excellent pizza pie, head over to Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grille. Inside, you will find the famous Cameo Pizza. For late night dining options, they take the cake! With so many options, what will you find to be the best restaurants of Put-in-Bay?
NUMBER 5
Visit a Park: National, State or Nature!
During the weekday on Put-in-Bay, the pace is a bit slower. A perfect opportunity to take the time to visit a park! Put in Bay Ohio is home to a wide variety of parks. From Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial to South Bass Island State Park, there are parks for all ages. Add in the numerous nature preserves, and your group can keep busy.
The grounds of Perry’s Monument provide sweeping vistas of Lake Erie and downtown Put-in-Bay. On a clear day, visitors to the top of the monument can even see Canada. South Bass Island State Park boasts a wonderful beach and camping facilities. Across the island, from Langram to Delaware and Catwaba too, there are nature preserves for your perusal. Take a stroll down a story walk or watch the water fowl at Scheef East Point Park. No matter what parks you choose, odds are you will have fun!
Conclusion
A Put in Bay Ohio daytrip is a great way to see all that the island can offer. Hopping a ferry boat, getting a golf cart rental and making your way around the island will be a memorable experience. Add in some cave exploration at Crystal Cave and a hearty bowl of bisque at The Boardwalk for a well-rounded, fun-filled day of good times and great memories. We look forward to welcoming you for a daytrip at Put-in-Bay! Start planning now.