Put-in-Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Put-in-Bay
Photo by Eve Reeves
Photo by Deepti Reddy

The historical site of the Battle of Lake Erie gets a modern makeover as Ohio’s top getaway destination.

Surrounded by Lake Erie, Ohio’s South Bass Island feels a world apart from the mainland. The island’s only town, Put-in-Bay (often written Put In Bay), has become a top Midwest getaway. The village got its name in the 1700s, when boats would “put in” to the bay during inclement weather.

Put-in-Bay has many restaurants, shops and bars concentrated in its downtown. Relax in a village nightspot and enjoy live music, available almost any evening. During the day, find a winery and pass the afternoon lounging on the expansive vineyards. Doller House, one of the area’s most famous wineries, doubles as a museum depicting island life in the mid-1800s. Heineman’s Winery is home to the famous Crystal Cave, which holds the world’s largest geode.

Spend a few hours at Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, with cave tours, an antique car museum and a butterfly house. Learn about the history of the island at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, which was built to commemorate those who fought in the War of 1812’s Battle of Lake Erie. The setting of the massive column against the water creates a perfect photo opportunity.

Lake Erie appears prominently in Put-in-Bay’s recreational activities during summer the waterfront is filled with swimmers, kayakers, Jet Skiers and sailors. Moorings are also available so that visitors can bring their boats from the mainland.

The town offers a variety of accommodation that ranges from budget hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfasts. South Bass Island State Park, located at the far end of the island, has a campground with full facilities.

Although cars are permitted in Put-in-Bay, most people opt to explore by foot, or with golf cart or bicycle, both of which can be rented upon arriving on the island.

Most people visit Put-in-Bay from May to September. Ferries run to and from the island daily during the peak season. Port Clinton, Sandusky and Catawba Island are the top mainland departure points. Alternatively, visitors can fly into the tiny Put-in-Bay Airport or take a private boat.

Islander Inn

Islander Inn

2.5 out of 5
225 Erie St, Put-in-Bay, OH
Stay at this hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 poolside bars. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (330 reviews)
"Reservations were constantly being changed. I requested first floor and they assured me by email it would be and when I checked in, it wasn't. They double booked us into someone else room then booking the golf cart kept getting messed up and I had to call 4 x to get it straightened out and in the ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Islander Inn
Commodore Resort

Commodore Resort

2.5 out of 5
272 Delaware Avenue, Put-in-Bay, OH
The price is NZ$226 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$226
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions DeRivera Park and Lake Erie Islands Historical Society ...
6.6/10 (396 reviews)
"Ok place tostay. If you have younger kids under 21 don't stay here. They will not let them in pool area."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Commodore Resort
Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay

Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay

3.5 out of 5
328 Toledo Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH
The price is NZ$369 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
NZ$369
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (227 reviews)
"Property was great. A little dated but I think that’s common for this area. Beds and pillows were super comfortable. Pool area was lovely. Staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Bayshore Resort at Put-in-Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Middle Bass Island retreat,10-min ferry ride to Put-in-Bay, Pet friendly!

Middle Bass Island retreat,10-min ferry ride to Put-in-Bay, Pet friendly!

Middle Bass
Stay at this vacation home in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St. Hazards Beach and Middle Bass Island ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Perfect for a little family getaway
"Nice, clean, quiet location. It was perfect and accommodating for my family."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Middle Bass Island retreat,10-min ferry ride to Put-in-Bay, Pet friendly!
Newly updated cottage in GREAT location - Walking distance

Newly updated cottage in GREAT location - Walking distance

Put in Bay
Stay at this cottage in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kimberly's Carousel and DeRivera Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
"We had a wonderful little cottage. It was decorated very nice and had lots of room. The kitchen was stocked with everything you need to eat/cook there without going out. The location was on a dead end road with no access to the water but it was very quiet. Not fancy but a good location with a nice ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Newly updated cottage in GREAT location - Walking distance
Cozy apartment in the heart of downtown Put in Bay

Cozy apartment in the heart of downtown Put in Bay

Put-in-Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Put-in-Bay. Enjoy patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Catawba Island State Park and Kimberly's Carousel are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Nice local"

Reviewed on 6 Nov. 2024

Cozy apartment in the heart of downtown Put in Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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