Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Kelleys Island & Marblehead Travel Guide: Shores & Islands Ohio
18
items From island escapes to lakeside towns, Shores & Islands Ohio is full of fun finds, great food, and even outdoor adventure. I’m sharing some of my favorite spots—from unique wineries and cool parks to fun attractions and local eats. Whether you’re...
Map
Sections
5
Where to Eat & Drink
Outdoor Adventures in the Shores & Islands
Where to Stay
Planning Tips & Must-Know Info
Unique Attractions & Hidden Gems
Where to Eat & Drink
The Shores & Islands region is full of casual lakeside dining, wineries, breweries, and sweet treats. These are my top picks for grabbing a meal, sipping Ohio wine, or enjoying local flavors. Lake Erie perch is a must try!
The food was fantastic both for brunch and dinner. Try the “Tropic Like It's Hot” drink! The pink color was so vibrant and it tasted delicious! The walleye tacos (dinner) and frommage melt (brunch) were both yummy, and they take great care to observe...
Wave Lakeside Dining
Everything I tried, from the walleye bites to the perch tacos, to the asian ginger bowl and the pistachio gellato was delicious. I left SO full and SO happy.
Red's Lakehouse
The restaurant is beautiful, both inside and out. Get the crab cakes for an appetizer!
Beach Glass Lounge
They have a variety of wines and a full food menu, which was delicious! I loved the daily special (jalapeno popper) grilled cheese and tomato bisque and the spinach artichoke flatbread. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu, though!
Kelleys Island Wine Co.
The wine slushies are perfect for a hot summer day out on the island. They're sweet, so be ready for that if you go!
Monarch Winery
What a beautiful and peaceful setting, and their wines are mostly made from grapes grown on the island. I tried the 2 drier reds and the rose, and I don't think I can choose a favorite. They were all fantastic!
Crooked Tree Vineyard - Kelleys Island, OH
Juices, bowls, and handhelds great for breakfast or lunch. I really enjoyed the buckeye protein ball!
Root to Rise Wellness Cafe
Right in downtown Sandusky, the space is huge and every beer I've had from there is fantastic. They also have a large selection of bourbons and asian style food.
CLAG Brewing Company
Outdoor Adventures in the Shores & Islands
Hiking trails, lighthouses, kayaking spots, and parks—these outdoor experiences help you soak up the beauty of the region and enjoy the Lake Erie love.
Did you know these are some of the most famous glacial grooves in the WORLD? They're so easily accessible and there are opportunities for hiking around them in the area, too.
Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve
If you want to camp right next to the beach, explore great little hiking trails, and just disconnect, this is the place for you!
Kelleys Island State Park
Where to Stay
My favorite places to stay during a Shores & Islands trip—from island campgrounds and lakeside hotels to cozy B&Bs on the mainland.
A completely renovated boutique hotel right across the street with open views of Lake Erie and just a few minutes from the Marblehead lighthouse + Kelleys Island ferry. The restaurant onsite is fantastic, too!
The Wave at Marblehead
Planning Tips & Must-Know Info
Helpful tips for visiting the Shores & Islands region—ferries, seasonal timing, parking, getting around, and ways to make your trip smoother.
The easiest way to get to Kelleys Island from Marblehead. It's just a quick 20 minute ride.
Kelleys Island Ferry
Golf carts are the preferred method of transportation on Kelleys Island. Reserve one ahead of time to avoid the waits and have all your info ready to go.
Caddyshack Golf Cart Rentals
If you're looking for a fun but laid back wine tasting experience, Kelleys Island is the place ot go. This is all you need to know!
A Unique Wine Tasting Experience in Ohio: The Kelleys Island Wineries [2025 Guide]
Unique Attractions & Hidden Gems
Quirky museums, historic sites, family-friendly attractions, and fun finds I loved during my trip. Perfect for mixing up your itinerary with something unexpected.
If you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't stumble upon it. Make sure you visit when the resident artists are doing demos. Jackie is fantastic at blowing glass, and Carmen really let her passion for the place shine through.
Charles Herndon Gallery and Sculpture Garden
Jackie makes some of the most beautiful blown glass, is fantastic at explaining the process, and works in a beautiful setting.
Double Dipped Studios (@doubledippedstudios)
They believe that to understand animals, we must be close to them and learn from them. We got up close with some capybara.
African Safari Wildlife Park
Some of the most unique and beautiful glass cutting! You can also find beautiful paintings of local scenes and blown glass art.
Ferguson Gallery - Lakeside Marblehead