Featured Things To Do

Put-in-Bay is only 20-30 minutes away from the mainland by ferry boat, and another 30 minutes from local hotspot Cedar Point. Many guests combine both experiences into their summer vacation trip. There’s a lot to do in the area – just click on the ideas above and below to find your adventure.

How do you get around Put-in-Bay?

Renting a golf cart is the most fun and most popular way to get around Put-in-Bay. It is by far the biggest featured things to do, next to the Perry’s Monument. The island is small so it just asks to be traveled by golf cart! Golf carts are fun for both kids and adults and are a unique way to get around. You just can’t do that in a regular city! For late night, we recommend taxi rides instead, especially if you visit our local pubs.

Are there wineries on the island?

Put-in-Bay has two wineries on the island: Heinemans Winery and The Put-in-Bay Winery. South Bass Island has a strong history of winemaking going back hundreds of years. Situated on the historic Doller Estate, The Put-in-Bay Winery looks out over the downtown harbor while guests sit on the patio sampling the world-class wines. They offer a tasting tour of the estate, individual wine samples, wine flights, glasses and even bottles of wine to take home! You can even play some cornhole while you relax!

Endless Attractions

From one end of the island to the other, visitors will find one of our featured things to do. From the South Bass Island Lighthouse on one end, to Massies East Point Preserve on the other. And nestled in the middle, you can’t miss the putt-putt, cave tours, and Butterfly House all conveniently located at the Perry’s Family Fun Center. Kids have a blast at Put-in-Bay. Kayak the Lake Erie Islands if you want for some more grown up fun.

How do I rent a Put-in-Bay Golf Cart?

Golf Cart rentals are one of the few businesses open right now which is awesome news because that means you can still get around anywhere on the island in style. Use it to get to and from your rental home, hotel, or resort and explore all of the great Put-in-Bay attractions. You can head to the Perry’s Monument Visitors Center for more upcoming events if you run out of ideas. The island is open, book your Bay vacation today!

Take a Leisurely Stroll Through DeRivera Park

While Will’s Playground will most likely remain closed, there’s still much to explore in DeRivera Park. Check out the central structures and awesome antique cannons lining the perimeter of the park, seemingly ready to defend against any potential plunderers looking to lay claim to this great island! Get a view of Perry’s VIctory and International Peace Memorial. You can even grab your lunch at Cameo Pizza and eat it on the picnic tables!

Enjoy the Peace and Quiet of a Lakefront Condo

Downtown Put-in-Bay is known for being a loud and entertaining place, especially on weekends. It is true that most midweek days are relatively tame, especially during the day time, as families and kids enjoy all that the island has to offer. This is a rare opportunity where potentially the fewest amount of people ever recorded for the summertime will be here and we think you should take advantage of it! Lodging is open a year in advance so book a getaway at the Bay today! Enjoy some peace and quiet on your own private lakeside balcony at the Put-in-Bay Waterfront Condos!

Relax with a Sunset at the South Bass Island State Park

The State Park is home to many great and open activities such as camping, RV parking, and a large open field that is great for sports which may speak briefly of that compound bow. There’s also a kids’ playground, the Saunders Golf Course next door, and Put-in-Bay Jet Ski rentals from local island musician Bob Gatewood! The State Park is a top choice to have some family fun so don’t forget to check it out next time you come to the island.

How do I take advantage of lodging specials?

May is a perfect time to visit Put-in-Bay Ohio, this year or any year! Great Put in Bay hotels and homes, Put-in-Bay resort options, and other bay lodging. This year, the Island Club has some incredible discounts and bargains for those who want to book a getaway. Their two big specials are the (1) “May Madness Free Golf Cart” promo where you can get a complimentary golf cart rental with every 2+ day midweek rental at either Island Club or Put-in-Bay Condos up until June 15th, and (2) “Travel Safe Travel Secure” promotion, which gives you 10% off any reservation for arrival after June 15th. Explore May Madness Specials over on Putinbay.com and save some money!

Can you fish at Put-in-Bay?

There are many great fishing spots on and around the island, accessible both from land and from boat. The ODNR just released a statement saying that they will resume out-of-state fishing license sales, so we welcome back all of our fishing friends from Wisconsin, South Dakota, and elsewhere. There’s absolutely no excuse not to go take a break from quarantine while still easily being able to maintain social distance! Many leave from the Boardwalk, one of the best Put-in-Bay restaurants.

Ride the Ferry, It’s Part of the Adventure

Getting here is half the fun! It’s easy to get caught up wanting to get here as fast as possible. However, you should attempt to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful ride to the island across the wonderful Lake Erie waters. You can only hop on the Miller Ferry out of Catawba Island and the Jet Express will also be back up and running out of Port Clinton and Sandusky! Stop by the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center while you are here and view an antique care museum, perry’s cave, Fort Amaze’n, War of 1812 putt putt mini golf (miniature golf), gemstone mining, ice cream, a rock wall, and the butterfly house. All across the street from Heineman’s Winery and the crystal cave. There’s so much to do in Put-in-Bay Ohio that you may have to visit a couple times this summer!