South Bass Island
South Bass Island
4.5
About
Theres plenty to see at South Bass Island, such as the Marblehead Lighthouse, the Cedar Point Amusement Park, and the William Perry Monument, and its fishing opportunities cant be beat, especially if you're fishing for Walleye and Perch.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
373 reviews
Excellent
238
Very good
89
Average
30
Poor
11
Terrible
5
Jayjay099
Cartersville, GA604 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
I’m glad we picked a Tuesday to go to the island, crowds were small:) Taking the Miller’s Ferry over and back will cost you $16 a person😳 We rented a golf cart as soon as we got off the boat at the top of the ramp, $85 all day. We had a great lunch at Hooligans Irish Pub:) Drove around the entire island:) and walked around the very small square. What few shops they have are way over priced. Many places were closed maybe due to no help. We spent 4 hours on the island and the party was over:( Simply didn’t get a bang for our buck:(
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill
Olmsted Falls, OH2 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
The major attractions Perry's Monument, and the PIB museum were very nice, and the staffs at each location and the visitor information center as well were very friendly and helpful. And the annual historical auto races were also great as r=there were for them many last years I attended them. . Unfortunately, the new paid parking rules were very poorly done and unsatisfactory, There were signs up every ware saying paid parking,. But no clear information about how to pay them. Being old fashion, my cell phone isn't a smart one so it was impossible to pill any information up. So we avoided or boycotted all the downtown restraints that didn't have their own lot,
Written September 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Al Z
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Do NOT buy from the t-shirt shop between TJ smokehouse and Misty Bay boutique. Place doesn’t have signage (might be the shirt shack). Employee was completely rude and called me a ignorant m** f*** when I tried to verify the price of a flimsy tank top (came up on the register as 30.00 sweatpants). The customer behind me was appalled and put their items back and walked out. The island has many reputable places and bend over backwards for tourists but not his place. Not worth your time or money.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelgirl179
Pennsylvania354 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
We stayed in port Clinton and then took the ferry over for a day and had an amazing day! We took the first ferry over, had breakfast and then hit the main attractions, like the caves, the wineries and then restaurants. We were finished with the main attractions around dinner time and then drove the golf cart around the island and had some drinks after that until it was time to leave. I think one day is about all you need to visit everything, but the island is truly beautiful and there’s lots of little parks all around. I definitely recommend renting a golf cart to get around, it’s super fun! There’s not a ton to do for families with children, but a lot for adults! This is definitely a great spot for a weekend getaway!
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cincybearcatfan
Cincinnati, OH1,220 contributions
Jun 2021
This was our third time back to the island in 6 years. Many things remained the same - shops, dining, parks - which was awesome. One thing changed, however, and that was the demographic. Younger, more obnoxious individuals seem to have taken over the northern side of the island. Loud, smoking (cigarettes and weed), inconsiderate (stopping carts in the middle of the street to talk to their friends, profanity), no consideration with the individuals driving the carts for pedestrians (almost hit twice in a crosswalk). Not sure if this is just a one off because of the COVID release or if these morons are here to stay. If the latter, I'd definitely recommend another location. Highly disappointed this go around.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonnie Bettison
42 contributions
Sep 2020
Our recent trip (my first) to Small Bass Island, home of Put-In-Bay exceeded my expectations for enjoyment! There were plenty of golf carts and bicycles to rent (we elected to leave our car on the mainland of Ohio), restaurants and pubs in which to eat and drink, shops to look for unique gifts and mementos and places of interest encouraging activities and exploring . It really seemed like the "Key West" of Ohio! It was clean, well designed and welcoming. The individuals in the various service positions (wait staff, hosts, bartenders and cashiers) were all friendly, professional and well-trained. I was also happy to see many families participating in the various attractions there as well.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna M
Cleveland, OH161 contributions
Sep 2021
The island is home to Put in Bay, which is the party center of Lake Erie and a fun place to visit with lots of restaurants, shops and bars, and live entertainment during the season. But there is more to the island that the village. A winery, small state park, interesting homes and a nature preserve, as well as the Perry Peace memorial. There are places to stay in town near the action, or places farther out in quieter surroundings. Lake breezes and views make for a nice change of pace.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
22travel2x
Kent, OH182 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We have been visiting the island annually together for over 40 years. In the beginning, it was more laid back and intimate. Just a few restaurants, bars, and wineries. Over the years it has grown into a crowded mess. Nothing intimate about it. Too many businesses crammed into a small place. We did manage to find sanctuary at the Put in Bay winery. I fear our old go to place has turned into the Walmart of islands.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawna P
Carleton Place, Canada53 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This island feels, on a hot day, like a resort in the Caribbean. It feels like you've just got off a cruise ship and you're in a port or in a town and what's most interesting is you're essentially in Sandusky. This for me is the good part!
The bad part is it is really just a big bar, feels a little lawless with the golf carts though they do seem to check your bags when you enter bars so not completely lawless.
There doesn't seem to be much of a beach or at least not easy to find. I was looking for a beach like Myrtle Beach because of the whole vibe and it doesn't seem like there is one.
The bad part is it is really just a big bar, feels a little lawless with the golf carts though they do seem to check your bags when you enter bars so not completely lawless.
There doesn't seem to be much of a beach or at least not easy to find. I was looking for a beach like Myrtle Beach because of the whole vibe and it doesn't seem like there is one.
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jh
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
My credit cards that had 0 balance on them before I went was compromised, I had 3 credit cards I had to destroy, bring cash folks! I had a great time but beware of 2 sour pusses. Perry cove and front desk off bay lodging. Both to young to have such an attitude.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! Are there designated (free) places to park golf carts in the main downtown area? (Just in case we'd rather walk around)
Written September 21, 2020
When we were there last sept it was very quiet and there was plenty of free parking
Written September 21, 2020
Hello. Is South Bass Island walkable? We will be arriving on the south end via the Miller Ferry. Debating whether or not to just walk or to rent a golf cart for the day. My concern is the roads. Are they narrow, curvy, heavy with golf carts? We don't want to feel unsafe walking from one end of the island to the other. Golf cart sounds fun, but we like our exercise too!
Thanks!
Written September 21, 2020
It's quite a hike to walk to all over the island. You will definitely get your exercise of you walk! I recommend a golf cart. The roads are good and car traffic is respectful of the carts on the roads. I have never felt un-safe and have been to the island several times. If you travel there during the week there is a much lighter crowd than going on the weekend.
Written September 21, 2020
Relax663794
New Carlisle, Ohio
Is there somewhere to rent fishing poles and to fish?
Written September 3, 2018
I dont know. Possibly ask their tourist board or chamber of commerce. Also check on Tripadvisor.
Written September 4, 2018
I’m not sure there is any boat rentals on the island. Only kayak ; and jet ski rentals.
Written September 13, 2018
$95 per day..And you will NOT regret to have it for a day! I am sure you will enjoy!
Written August 12, 2019
My favorite ones are inside Mr. Ed's and Frostys. Always clean, smelling nice, and BIG!
Written June 17, 2020
How do you get to campground from Miller Ferry or Jet Express?
From campground to town?
Thanks
Written January 13, 2018
Take your car to the island on the Miller Ferry and drive to the campground to unload your gear.
Written January 14, 2018
Hello!!
I have not had the opportunity to stay here yet, but from what I've read:
Site Type: CAMPSITE ELECTRIC
Site Reserve Type:
SpecificCheckin Time: 3:00 pm
Checkout Time: 1:00 pm
Written August 14, 2017
what airport do you fly into for South bass island?
Written July 22, 2017
You don't really fly to the island. You can but it's not like it's a destination where airlines fly to. It's just a tiny little airport for personal aircraft. If you want to go to South Bass from out of state, you'd fly into Cleveland, Akron, Toledo or Detroit and drive your way to Port Clinton and take the Jet Express or Miller Ferry over.
Written August 9, 2017
are you pet friendly. ..places to camp or stay that's pet friendly.
Written June 15, 2017
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