The Port Clinton center is approximately the area of Shores Condominium Resort and 1 mile northeast of Magruder Hospital.
Every time of year is a great time to visit Port Clinton, but you'll want to consider your vacation budget and weather preferences before booking your trip. Port Clinton experiences four distinct seasons every year, with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and fall usually bring high temperatures in the mid-60s, while winter brings lows in the low 20s and upper teens, along with about 3 feet of snow. Summer is high season here, thanks to average highs in the mid-80s and sunny skies.
Summer is also festival season in Port Clinton. The season kicks off in late May with the Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, which features a parade, a fishing derby for kids, a 5K run, rides, and over 100 local vendors. In early August, Arts in the Park welcomes art lovers with dozens of arts and craft vendors, demonstrations, and family-friendly fun.
Hotel prices tend to be highest from late spring to early fall because of the pleasant weather and seasonal attractions. If you book your accommodations in advance and seek out group discounts, however, you can find an affordable place to stay in Port Clinton just about any time of year.
Getting a great deal on your Port Clinton hotel is a breeze. Browse the area's best group rates and hotel discounts.
Government employees get special rates at the Sandusky Inn & Suites in nearby Sandusky. This budget-friendly property has an outdoor swimming pool the whole family will love, along with free breakfast and a convenient location near Cedar Point.
AARP members and senior travelers can get discounts at the Baymont Inn & Suites, a midscale hotel in Sandusky. With free breakfast, free HBO, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking, this conveniently located hotel offers plenty of value.
AAA members can save at the Fremont Days Inn, which is just north of Interstate 80 and a short drive from the lakefront. This affordable property is a great pick for travelers on a budget and offers guest laundry facilities, in-room microwaves and minifridges, and an indoor pool.
Looking for a mix of wallet-friendly rates and ample amenities? You will love Port Clinton's top-rated midrange hotels.
Book your stay at the Best Western Port Clinton, and you will get access to countless amenities and your choice of comfortable guest rooms. Kick back with free HBO and Wi-Fi in your double or king room, go for a swim in the outdoor pool, or use the convenient guest laundry facilities. Start your day with the complimentary breakfast bar, and in the evening, grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants. Fido is welcome at this pet-friendly hotel.
Whether you opt for a standard room or you upgrade to a suite, you'll enjoy a comfortable stay at the Sleep Inn & Suites. In addition to over 70 well-equipped guest rooms, this Port Clinton hotel has guest laundry facilities, free high-speed wireless internet access, and complimentary breakfast. Fuel up with eggs, bacon, waffles, and hot coffee each morning of your stay.
Located just a short drive from the Lake Erie waterfront, the Holiday Inn Express has all the extras you want on vacation. Use the free Wi-Fi to book excursions in Port Clinton, help yourself to freshly brewed coffee, and start your day with cinnamon rolls and other goodies from the free Express Start Breakfast Bar. This midrange hotel also has an indoor pool and two available meeting rooms, making it a great pick for groups and get-togethers.
From museums to outdoor attractions, Port Clinton has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Start your visit at the Ottawa County Museum, which features a variety of historical exhibitions and contemporary photography shows that highlight local icons and attractions. Be sure to check the museum's opening hours before you go, as it is typically open one day a week during the off-season.
Aviation enthusiasts will also want to Liberty Aviation Museum, which has an impressive collection of World War II-era aircraft. Stop by for a tour, and be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Tin Goose Diner, a full-service vintage spot connected to the museum.
Ready to get outside and explore? Head straight for Lakeview Park, which is perched right on the shores of Lake Erie. Whether you want to let the kids run around in the play area, enjoy a picnic or a cookout, or take in the beautiful views, this park is the perfect spot.
If you're traveling with kids, you will also want to pay a visit to the African Safari Wildlife Park. Choose from a walk-through or a drive-thru safari and spot camels, giraffes, bison, zebras, and many more animals. Want to get up close and personal with camels, rabbits, or kangaroos? Join one of the park's special animal experiences, most which are open during high season.
The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark is another popular spot for families and kids of all ages. Visit the zoo and safari park, make a splash at the water park, rev your engine at the Montego Bay Raceway, or find something sparkly in the gem mining zone. You'll find a little something for everyone at the Watering Hole.
For an even bigger outdoor adventure, head to Catawba Island State Park, a 10-acre park right on Lake Erie. Hike through the red cedar groves, spot snakes and songbirds, or go fishing for yellow perch and white bass. In the winter, you can even go ice fishing or ice skating here.
Whether you're planning a quick weekend visit or you want to stay for a week or longer, don't wait to start planning your trip. Port Clinton and the Lake Erie shore await!
Below are reviews of the city of Port Clinton, OH from an actual visitor's perspective.
The lake, park and beach, the area is very inviting and beautiful!!
The Lake Erie!
We have boated there for 13 years and just love the area!
The lake!
Great place to visit!
Very central to all activities.
Resources in the area are nice.
The people were extremely friendly, the restaurants had great food at reasonable prices and the view of Lake Erie was beautiful!
Everyone is friendly and there's a lot to do close by without seeming like a tourist location.
Love being by the lake. A very nice city; went to McCarthy Irish pub, very good food!
The views!
Fishin!
The views!
I was able to get to any amenities easily and enjoyed the stay.
I was able to get to any amenities easily and enjoyed the stay.
Great place for a beer and some good food, I really like the history and old classy style of the town, some great old bars and hangouts, great views of Lake Erie. A homerun for me and my family!
The view of the lake!
Lake Erie
Love the pool and the lake!
Port Clinton is a great place to visit. Lots to do.
Lake Erie, Magee Marsh, ONWR, Brick House, Popcorn Shop!
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Magee Marsh. The birding was fantastic!
Great fishing city!
Check out the Jolly Roger in Port Clinton for great Lake Erie perch in a low key setting.
I love coming to Port Clinton and going over to Put-in-Bay.
We like to go fishing in Port Clinton; there are many restaurants to choose from also.
City was clean, quite and calm.
Gideon Owen Winery is a beautiful place.
Proximity to the water, location and cleanliness, loved the entire experience. Thank you.
I like the location and fishing on Lake Erie.
Nice location near the big stone winery and restaurant.
Great restaurants around and very close.
It was beautiful. Close enough to a lot of attractions. Can go to Cedar Point, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Football Hall of Fame. I would love to come back in the future.