19 Low-Key Beaches Within Driving Distance of Cleveland

Firefly Beach Resort

4903 Cleveland Rd E, Huron, 419-557-4108
Located off the shore of Lake Erie, Firefly Beach Resort is the perfect place to relax and meditate. Not only does the lakefront resort afford summer cabins, camping and RV sites, but it also offers yoga classes with a certified instructor three days a week.

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Headlands Beach State Park

9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor, 440-466-8400
The largest in the state, this mile-long beach is a magnet for wildlife, attracting migrating songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, gulls and Monarch butterflies. There are also ample opportunities for fishing at a federal breakwall east of the park, where anglers can catch bluegill, walleye, coho salmon and carp among others.

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Nickel Plate Beach

1 Nickel Plate Dr, Huron, 419-433-8487
The largest public beach in Erie County has everything you’ll need for a fun-filled summer day: swimming, picnic tables, grills, playground equipment and sand volleyball courts. Here, there’s something for everyone.

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White Star Quarry

901 S. Main St., Gibsonburg, 419-334-4495
White Star Quarry is all about the scuba diving. Divers’ friends and family can watch them plunge for free, or they can spend some time swimming at the beach.

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Alum Creek State Park Beach

3400 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, 740-548-4631
If you feel like swimming, Alum Creek State Park is Ohio’s largest inland beach in the state park system. Away from the beach, the state park offers boating, disc golf, a dog park, fishing and more.

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Main Street Beach

479 Main St, Vermilion, 440-204-2402
Main Street Beach is great for swimming, but visitors also have the opportunity to go canoeing, kayaking, fishing and birding. Head on over, and try them all.

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Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park

301 Huntington Beach Dr, Fairport Harbor, 440-639-9972
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park is a great place to swim, kayak, paddleboard or just hang out on the beach. Make sure to check out the adapted programming for people with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities, too. Get on over there before Labor Day.

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Maumee Bay State Park Beach

1400 State Park Road, Oregon, 419-836-7758
At Maumee Bay, you can swim in Lake Erie or in the park’s inland lake. Take a day trip or stay in the campground, cabins or lodge. You may need to make it a weekend trip, because there are many activities to choose from.

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Salt Fork Lake Beach

14755 Cadiz Road, Lore City, 740-439-3521
Salt Fork Lake was once just Salt Fork Creek, which has since been impounded to offer visitors many recreational activities. Salt Fork State Park has a swimming beach, an 18-hole golf course, 14 hiking trails and 10 boat launching ramps. Visitors can even camp on their boats in no-wake zones.

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Euclid Beach Park

16301 Lakeshore Blvd, 216-635-3200
Visiting Euclid Beach Park, a 90-acre amusement park that was open from 1895-1969, is a great way to immerse yourself in some Cleveland history. Part of the lakefront property is now owned by the Cleveland Metroparks, and you can check out some great views from the beach or newly-redone pier.

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