Just because the Buckeye State isn’t nestled against ocean waters doesn’t mean you can’t experience your own little slice of paradise in Ohio. From under-the-radar water parks to waterfront restaurants, there are little Caribbean paradises hiding all over Ohio—you just have to do some searching. The following list just might lead you to your new favorite summer escape or little-known beach. Take a look:
- The Watering Hole (Port Clinton)
Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark/Facebook
Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark/Facebook In addition to all the usual water park amenities, you’ll find a swim up tiki bar, private cabanas and even a small zoo here. The Watering Hole is located at 1530 S Danbury Rd., Port Clinton, OH, 43452. The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark (Monsoon Lagoon), 1530 S Danbury Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
- Huntington Beach (Bay Village)
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook This beautiful beach in Ohio is tucked away on the shores of Lake Erie, near the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. During the summer months, it comes alive with locals seeking a little slice of paradise. You’ll find it at 28649 Lake Rd., Bay Village, OH, 44140. Huntington Beach, 28492-28648 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
- Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill (Cincinnati)
Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill/Facebook
Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill/Facebook Near the Ohio River within Four Seasons Marina, Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill is southern Ohio’s own little slice of paradise, waiting for you. With tropical decor, delicious food, live music and even a pirate or two wandering around, this unique restaurant is fun for the whole family. It’s located at 4609 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45226. Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar & Grill, 4609 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
- Huron
City of Huron/Facebook
City of Huron/Facebook “A Great Lake Place,” the town of Huron is a gorgeous lakeside town in Erie County that’s picture perfect for a beach day. With several parks, boating culture and public beaches, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation here. (While you’re in Huron, you’ll definitely want to visit Nickel Plate Beach, which you’ll find on Nickel Plate Drive, just off of Tiffin Avenue.) Huron, OH 44839, USA
- Baylor Beach Park (Navarre)
Baylor Beach Park Unless you’re a local, you’ve likely never heard of Baylor Beach Park, which features a two-acre manmade swimming lake with sandy beaches. It’s picture perfect for a family day of fun in the sun, as there are activities for all ages here. You’ll find it at 8777 Manchester Ave. SW, Navarre, OH, 44662. Baylor Beach Park, Inc. Water Park & Campground, 8777 Manchester Ave SW, Navarre, OH 44662, USA
- Dock’s Beach House (Port Clinton)
Dock’s Beach House/Facebook
2012sunilmumbai/Trip Advisor Open for the spring and summer months, Dock’s Beach House is a tropical retreat rain or shine, no matter the temperature. This popular lakeside eatery features a casual tiki bar, delicious pub grub, live entertainment, indoor and outdoor dining and the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. You’ll find it at 252 W Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton, OH, 43452. Dock’s Beach House Restaurant, 252 W Lakeshore Dr, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
- Coney Island (Cincinnati)
Coney Island Amusement Park/Facebook This Queen City amusement park is also home to an absolutely epic water park in Cincinnati. Here you’ll find multiple water slides and the famous “Sunlite Pool,” which is the largest flat-surface swimming pool in North America. It is located at 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45230. Coney Island Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230, USA
- Put-In-Bay
Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island/Facebook
CheshireCat98/Flickr When you want to really get away from it all for a day and see a side of Ohio you may not have ever seen before, consider visiting the Lake Erie Islands. It’s a lot easier than you think—and you can do it in just a day. Take a ferry to South Bass Island, where you’ll find Put-In-Bay. No matter your interests, you’ll find something to do in this one-of-a-kind town. Put-in-Bay, Put-In-Bay, OH, USA
How many of these places have you visited during the summer? Let us know!
Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark/Facebook
In addition to all the usual water park amenities, you’ll find a swim up tiki bar, private cabanas and even a small zoo here. The Watering Hole is located at 1530 S Danbury Rd., Port Clinton, OH, 43452.
The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark (Monsoon Lagoon), 1530 S Danbury Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
This beautiful beach in Ohio is tucked away on the shores of Lake Erie, near the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. During the summer months, it comes alive with locals seeking a little slice of paradise. You’ll find it at 28649 Lake Rd., Bay Village, OH, 44140.
Huntington Beach, 28492-28648 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill/Facebook
Near the Ohio River within Four Seasons Marina, Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill is southern Ohio’s own little slice of paradise, waiting for you. With tropical decor, delicious food, live music and even a pirate or two wandering around, this unique restaurant is fun for the whole family. It’s located at 4609 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45226.
Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar & Grill, 4609 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
City of Huron/Facebook
“A Great Lake Place,” the town of Huron is a gorgeous lakeside town in Erie County that’s picture perfect for a beach day. With several parks, boating culture and public beaches, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation here. (While you’re in Huron, you’ll definitely want to visit Nickel Plate Beach, which you’ll find on Nickel Plate Drive, just off of Tiffin Avenue.)
Huron, OH 44839, USA
Baylor Beach Park
Unless you’re a local, you’ve likely never heard of Baylor Beach Park, which features a two-acre manmade swimming lake with sandy beaches. It’s picture perfect for a family day of fun in the sun, as there are activities for all ages here. You’ll find it at 8777 Manchester Ave. SW, Navarre, OH, 44662.
Baylor Beach Park, Inc. Water Park & Campground, 8777 Manchester Ave SW, Navarre, OH 44662, USA
Dock’s Beach House/Facebook
2012sunilmumbai/Trip Advisor
Open for the spring and summer months, Dock’s Beach House is a tropical retreat rain or shine, no matter the temperature. This popular lakeside eatery features a casual tiki bar, delicious pub grub, live entertainment, indoor and outdoor dining and the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. You’ll find it at 252 W Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton, OH, 43452.
Dock’s Beach House Restaurant, 252 W Lakeshore Dr, Port Clinton, OH 43452, USA
Coney Island Amusement Park/Facebook
This Queen City amusement park is also home to an absolutely epic water park in Cincinnati. Here you’ll find multiple water slides and the famous “Sunlite Pool,” which is the largest flat-surface swimming pool in North America. It is located at 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45230.
Coney Island Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230, USA
Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island/Facebook
CheshireCat98/Flickr
When you want to really get away from it all for a day and see a side of Ohio you may not have ever seen before, consider visiting the Lake Erie Islands. It’s a lot easier than you think—and you can do it in just a day. Take a ferry to South Bass Island, where you’ll find Put-In-Bay. No matter your interests, you’ll find something to do in this one-of-a-kind town.
Put-in-Bay, Put-In-Bay, OH, USA
For more slices of pure and pristine paradise in Ohio, check out our previous article: 11 Little Known Water Parks In Ohio To Visit Before Summer Ends.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Paradise in Ohio May 18, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other places that are like a Caribbean paradise in Ohio? If you want to keep the laid-back, island vibes going, you’ll love exploring these beaches in the Buckeye State that really are like paradise in Ohio! One hidden gem that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves is Maumee Bay. This destination is a magnificent place to swim in the warmer months, though you’ll want to check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in advance to make sure there are no water quality advisories preventing swimming. This half a mile long beach features an amphitheater for special entertainment, an inland lake for smoother swimming, a large inflatable water slide, beach volleyball and boat rentals. Visit this beautiful beach at 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH, 43616. We absolutely adore Kelleys Island; and tucked away on the north side of Kelleys Island is a secluded and lovely 100-foot stretch of sand and a beach perfect for wading waist-deep in Lake Erie. This 676 acre beach on the Lake Erie islands is an absolute escape from reality. You can find it at 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH, 43438. Last but certainly not least, is Lakeview Beach in Lorain County, Ohio. Lorain County’s beloved beach features a summer concert series, beach volleyball, the historic Rose Garden, a nearby cafe and even stand-up paddle board lessons. Operated by the Lorain County Metro Parks, this pretty spot has long been coveted by locals. Swing by the beach at 1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH, 44052. What are some campgrounds in Ohio that are like paradise? Funny you should ask… did you know there was an actual campground in Ohio called paradise? It’s true… and with a name like Paradise Lakes Family Campground, expectations are high for a totally sublime summer experience. And happily, this 100-acre campground just north of Warren, Ohio, brings a lot to the table. Paradise Lakes Family Campground truly lives up to its name, boasting four idyllic lakes and a beautiful family-friendly campground. The campground offers a variety of sites, ranging from RV hookups to traditional tent sites. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit different, you can rent a camper or private cabin. There are even a few safari-style “glamping” tents available! During the day, you’ll love taking advantage of all the family-friendly activities and amenities. From tractor rides to miniature golf, swimming, fishing, and biking, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun here. If this isn’t paradise in Ohio, we don’t know what is.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Paradise in Ohio
May 18, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other places that are like a Caribbean paradise in Ohio? If you want to keep the laid-back, island vibes going, you’ll love exploring these beaches in the Buckeye State that really are like paradise in Ohio! One hidden gem that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves is Maumee Bay. This destination is a magnificent place to swim in the warmer months, though you’ll want to check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in advance to make sure there are no water quality advisories preventing swimming. This half a mile long beach features an amphitheater for special entertainment, an inland lake for smoother swimming, a large inflatable water slide, beach volleyball and boat rentals. Visit this beautiful beach at 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH, 43616. We absolutely adore Kelleys Island; and tucked away on the north side of Kelleys Island is a secluded and lovely 100-foot stretch of sand and a beach perfect for wading waist-deep in Lake Erie. This 676 acre beach on the Lake Erie islands is an absolute escape from reality. You can find it at 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH, 43438. Last but certainly not least, is Lakeview Beach in Lorain County, Ohio. Lorain County’s beloved beach features a summer concert series, beach volleyball, the historic Rose Garden, a nearby cafe and even stand-up paddle board lessons. Operated by the Lorain County Metro Parks, this pretty spot has long been coveted by locals. Swing by the beach at 1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH, 44052. What are some campgrounds in Ohio that are like paradise? Funny you should ask… did you know there was an actual campground in Ohio called paradise? It’s true… and with a name like Paradise Lakes Family Campground, expectations are high for a totally sublime summer experience. And happily, this 100-acre campground just north of Warren, Ohio, brings a lot to the table. Paradise Lakes Family Campground truly lives up to its name, boasting four idyllic lakes and a beautiful family-friendly campground. The campground offers a variety of sites, ranging from RV hookups to traditional tent sites. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit different, you can rent a camper or private cabin. There are even a few safari-style “glamping” tents available! During the day, you’ll love taking advantage of all the family-friendly activities and amenities. From tractor rides to miniature golf, swimming, fishing, and biking, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun here. If this isn’t paradise in Ohio, we don’t know what is.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you want to keep the laid-back, island vibes going, you’ll love exploring these beaches in the Buckeye State that really are like paradise in Ohio! One hidden gem that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves is Maumee Bay. This destination is a magnificent place to swim in the warmer months, though you’ll want to check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in advance to make sure there are no water quality advisories preventing swimming. This half a mile long beach features an amphitheater for special entertainment, an inland lake for smoother swimming, a large inflatable water slide, beach volleyball and boat rentals. Visit this beautiful beach at 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH, 43616. We absolutely adore Kelleys Island; and tucked away on the north side of Kelleys Island is a secluded and lovely 100-foot stretch of sand and a beach perfect for wading waist-deep in Lake Erie. This 676 acre beach on the Lake Erie islands is an absolute escape from reality. You can find it at 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH, 43438. Last but certainly not least, is Lakeview Beach in Lorain County, Ohio. Lorain County’s beloved beach features a summer concert series, beach volleyball, the historic Rose Garden, a nearby cafe and even stand-up paddle board lessons. Operated by the Lorain County Metro Parks, this pretty spot has long been coveted by locals. Swing by the beach at 1800 W Erie Ave, Lorain, OH, 44052.
What are some campgrounds in Ohio that are like paradise?
Funny you should ask… did you know there was an actual campground in Ohio called paradise? It’s true… and with a name like Paradise Lakes Family Campground, expectations are high for a totally sublime summer experience. And happily, this 100-acre campground just north of Warren, Ohio, brings a lot to the table. Paradise Lakes Family Campground truly lives up to its name, boasting four idyllic lakes and a beautiful family-friendly campground. The campground offers a variety of sites, ranging from RV hookups to traditional tent sites. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit different, you can rent a camper or private cabin. There are even a few safari-style “glamping” tents available! During the day, you’ll love taking advantage of all the family-friendly activities and amenities. From tractor rides to miniature golf, swimming, fishing, and biking, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun here. If this isn’t paradise in Ohio, we don’t know what is.
