Sandusky: Home of Cedar Point
Thrill seekers, look no further: Sandusky is a charming city in Ohio that boasts the world-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park. Along with one of the best theme parks on the planet, the area is also home to exhilarating water parks, spectacular coastal trails and alluring sandy white Lake Erie shores. Not only that, but downtown Sandusky also offers historic architecture, exciting dining options and unique shopping opportunities – all of which are ripe for exploring.
Family Thrills
When it comes to thrills in Sandusky – and even Ohio overall – the only place to start is with Cedar Point. Described as the ‘roller coaster capital of the world’, Cedar Park astonishingly contains more than 70 rides overall. From the world’s first Giga Coaster in the form of Millennium Force to gentle rides suitable for younger travellers, there is virtually something for everyone to get a large dose of excitement and adrenaline. And putting aside the amusement rides aspect for one moment, this immensely popular destination also has an array of hotels and resorts, food and drink options, and regular live shows – making it a great one-stop place for an extended stay. Yet this isn’t the only choice for adventure; Sandusky features a wide assortment of water parks. Along with the expansive and varied Kalahari Resorts a top pick for unwinding and splashing around, other highly regarded options available include Castaway Bay Waterpark and the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park.
Attractions to Experience
Although it is fair to say that amusement parks are generally at the forefront of a trip to Sandusky, this does not mean that the city lacks other things to do and experience. This is evidenced by the selection of museums that are dotted throughout the area. One of the most acclaimed is the Merry-Go-Round Museum, where you can explore and learn about the history of the carousel. The Sandusky Maritime Museum has a varied amount of exhibits to discover, while the Follett House Museum – with its focus on local history that is preserved via an outstanding collection of artefacts – is also a recommended place to visit. For exhilaration of a different kind, the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center combines a haunted house atmosphere with multiple family-friendly activities. Animal lovers are covered by the enchanting Lagoon Deer Park, and drink lovers can enjoy high-quality wine at the Firelands Winery. Oh, and don’t forget the Sandusky Speedway, where you can catch a race… or even experience a lap of the track yourself with the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience!
Dining Delight
If preparing food at your hotel or accommodation choice is not part of your travelling plans, you will be pleased to know that Sandusky has an appealing selection of dining options available. In line with the city being aimed at families, casual restaurants are plentiful. From independent pizza joints to famous franchises, there is something for everyone – young and old – to satisfy their taste buds. With that said, if you are in search of a special dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Berardi’s Family Kitchen is the place to go. With its origins dating back to 1939, this Sandusky institution serves up tasty home-style cooking to the delight of Ohio residents and visitors from around the world. Away from the food side of things, the city also has diverse picks when it comes to enjoying a drink. Whether it’s a trendy nightspot or laidback pub with live music, finding a place to suit your needs is simple when residing in downtown Sandusky.
Shopping in Sandusky
If shopping is your focal reason for travelling, it is fair to say that Sandusky is not the best option in America. However, don’t let that dissuade you from grabbing all kinds of treats and gifts during your trip – the city still benefits from a healthy amount of well-known retailers and independent stores. As for one place that has a concentrated place full of shops, the Sandusky Mall is arguably the best place to visit. Located to the south of the city centre, this mall contains more than 70 establishments – many of which are popular national chains that contain nearly everything you could need. That said, if you are seeking an item that is a touch more unique and individualistic, the area is populated by numerous boutique shops. Most of these can be found in the downtown area of Sandusky, with them offering a lovely combination of charm and distinctive character.