Beach Beach Beach
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Living in the Sandusky area can be quite beachy.
With Cedar Point beach, East Harbor in Lakeside-Marblehead, Nickel Plate in Huron and Gem Beach in Port Clinton, to name just a few, area residents and tourists have a wide selection of places to get their feet wet.
“One thing I love about living in Sandusky every summer is knowing I can take off driving and find a place to swim, whether I want to travel five miles or 50,” Shanna Talesman said.
Talesman, like others who frequent Sandusky during the summer months, said she wishes she’d known more about the various locations sooner.
“A lot of families just moving here don’t realize how many beaches are readily available, and most of them for free,” she said.
Jam-packed on the weekends, most area beaches offer the finest of Lake Erie with miles of sand and family fun.
For those who prefer to stay close to home — and who hold season passes — Cedar Point beach provides the luxury of soaking up rays next to America’s Roller Coast during the day and dining along the causeway at dusk.
Although its entrance off Nickel Plate drive is well hidden with large greenery, it’s easy to see why Nickel Plate Beach is no secret to area residents. Once you pull into the massive parking lot, you can see miles of beach stretching out in front of you.
Gem Beach and East Harbor are a little farther away, but they also offer a place where families can toss a Frisbee, ride a Jet Ski or serve up some volleyball.
Many Lake Erie beaches do not regularly stock vending machines, so it’s up to the families to pack a picnic lunch. Parking fees vary and are usually per carload, depending on the day of the week — so it’s wise to throw a little cash into the glove compartment.
Parents are advised to keep an eye out for little ones, because most beaches are posted with “swim at your own risk” signs, meaning there are no lifeguards on duty.
Talesman said sunning and swimming are great, but watching the eager faces of children — anyone’s children — is the highlight of a beach trip.
“Watching determined children rebuild sand castles after the waves have continuously crashed them over three or four times is great,” she said. “I wish I had that patience.”
It’s easy to have a great time at the beach, but here are some tips to make your hours spent less hectic:
n Wear protective footwear. Due to litter, bugs, hot sand and broken shells, shoes can be especially important for fast-paced youngsters.
n Go heavy on bottled water. Once you arrive at the beach, there’s almost no going back. Most beaches do not have vending machines. Pack as much water as you can fit into your cooler, plus two more.
n Bring a change of clothes — unless you want chafed legs or a wet, sand-filled car.
n Bring money in case there’s a parking fee.
n Bring sunscreen. An umbrella or hats will also help prevent sunburn.
n Bundle little ones up in life jackets.
n Be prepared to vacuum your car the next day. Sand is inevitable.
n Keep cell phones and radios out of the water and sand.
n Most times there’s no lifeguard on duty, so keep a close eye on children.
n Bring plenty of food, but keep in mind it’s easy to get sand on anything that touches your hands.
n Bring inner tubes, “noodles,” buckets and shovels to occupy those with short attention spans.
Nickel Plate Beach
Address: Nickel Plate Drive, Huron
Hours: The beach is always open, but recommended hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Miles from downtown Sandusky: 10 miles
Time commitment: 3-4 hours (including drive, lunch and a few hours of swimming)
Meal costs: For a simple picnic of bread, lunch meat, condiments, fruit, chips and candy bars for dessert, $15-$25.
Total cost for a family of four: $30-$40 for lunch, beverages, plus a bag of ice for the cooler and a possible parking fee of $5.
Cedar Point Beach
Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky
Hours: Open to the public during Cedar Point hours, but closes at dusk
Miles from downtown Sandusky: 4.5 miles
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours (including drive, lunch and a few hours of swimming)
Cost: Free to season pass holders
Meal costs: If you stop in the park for burgers and shakes at Johnny Rockets, a family of four will pay about $40
Total cost for a family of four: $40 (if season pass holders)
East Harbor
Address: 1169 N. Buck Road, Lakeside-Marblehead
Hours: The beach is always open, but recommended hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Miles from downtown Sandusky: 15.5 miles
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours (including drive, lunch and a few hours of swimming)
Meal costs: For a simple picnic of bread, lunch meat, condiments, fruit and chips, $15-$20
Total cost for a family of four: $25-$30 for lunch, beverages, plus a bag of ice for the cooler and a possible parking fee of $5.
Gem Beach
Address: 3000 N. Carolina St., Port Clinton
Hours: The beach is always open, but recommended hours are from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Miles from downtown Sandusky: 18.5 miles
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours (including drive, lunch and a few hours of swimming)
Meal costs: For a simple picnic of bread, lunch meat, condiments, fruit, chips and candy bars for desert, $15-$20
Total cost for a family of four: $25-$30 for lunch, beverages, plus a bag of ice for the cooler and a possible parking fee of $5.