United States
Ohio (OH)
Put in Bay
Things to Do in Put in Bay
South Bass Island
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South Bass Island

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See all things to do
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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Top ways to experience nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
42 within 3 miles
Joe's Bar and Restaurant
97
400 ft$ • American • Bar • Grill
Joe's Darn Good Food
9
0 ft$
Goat, Soup and Whiskey
566
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
The Forge
323
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Goat Soup & Whiskey
3
0.7 mi$ • German • Austrian • European
Reel Bar
212
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Hooligans
321
1 mi$$ - $$$ • Irish • Bar • Pub
Pasquales Cafe
394
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Mojito Bay Tiki Bar
276
1.1 mi$$ - $$$
Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery
209
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pizza
See all
Attractions
20 within 6 miles
South Bass Island Lighthouse
121
0.2 miLighthouses
Butterfly House
254
0.4 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Jane Coates Wildflower Trail
12
0.3 miHiking Trails
Heineman Winery
482
0.5 miWineries & Vineyards
Perry's Cave
346
0.5 miCaverns & Caves
Put-in-Bay Winery
240
1.1 miWineries & Vineyards
Miller Ferry
92
0.9 miFerries
Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial
890
1.6 miHistoric Sites • Observation Decks & Towers
Chocolate Museum
117
0.7 miSpeciality Museums
Miller Boat Line
455
Ferries
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
367 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
87
Average
29
Poor
11
Terrible
5
LeetylouandLarrytoo
Stillwater, OK65 contributions
Fun day!
Jun 2020
If you are going for the day- I highly recommend that you read the review from Wayfairing-Man on November 3, 2018. We did as he suggested and had a great day.
A couple of notes-
1) Millers Ferry is a great way to go. You can buy tickets on line if you are going during a busy time or save the service fee and buy at the dock if things are quieter.
2) Check prices on the golf carts. Between the coupon on the Miller's Ferry website and by calling around, we saved about $20 on a one day rental.
3) There is quite a bit open and the places that are open are doing a decent job keeping things distanced and clean.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DCLMom
North Carolina850 contributions
Morning visit
Aug 2021
We took the ferry over and visited the island on a Monday. It was slow in the morning and the crowds picked up slightly around lunchtime. We rented a golf cart and drove all over the island, which was nice. We didn’t really go into many shops, we just enjoyed the island. We kept seeing signs about respecting the community, but there were a few obnoxious people on carts and I could totally understand why. It’s worth a visit as the island is beautiful and we loved the Perry monument.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kris S
13 contributions
Way more to do here than just party!
Sep 2021
We just spent 5 nights on the island at the Chapman House. The holiday weekend crowd in town was pretty loud and a bit crazy:) But into the week it quieted and we visited a lot of sites that most people probably don't even know exist. So make sure to check out some of the parks, museum and visitor centers. We really enjoyed biking our way around to various spots, it really allows you to see the scenery is a slower manner that zipping along in a golf cart:) We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will return again!
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jayjay099
Cartersville, GA594 contributions
Way Overrated
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.
Al Z
1 contribution
Horrible shirt shack next to Misty Bay Boutique
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.
travelgirl179
Pennsylvania323 contributions
Beautiful Getaway!
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.
22travel2x
Kent, OH87 contributions
Crowded and tacky
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.
Donna M
Cleveland, OH154 contributions
Fun place to visit
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.
Cincybearcatfan
Cincinnati, OH1,243 contributions
Third Time Back - The Good and the Bad
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.
Bonnie Bettison
41 contributions
Small Bass Island And Put-In-Bay Was Far More Enjoyable Than I Expected!
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.
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South Bass Island (Put in Bay) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about South Bass Island