Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Kelleys Island, Ohio
Kelleys Island feels like a step back in time, where golf carts replace cars, and neighbors wave as you pass. The town center offers just enough restaurants, shops, and ice cream stops to keep things interesting, without overwhelming the island’s calm rhythm. From its forest preserves to historic limestone features, the island is full of unexpected treasures. Kelleys Island is where nature, history, and simplicity combine to create a perfect summer getaway.
Top areas to stay at in Kelleys Island, Ohio
Downtown Kelleys Island
Downtown Kelleys Island is the social and commercial hub, with shops, cafés, and the ferry dock all within walking distance. Vacation rentals in Kelleys Island include charming cottages, studio apartments, and Airbnbs above storefronts. Guests enjoy easy access to the general store, local pubs, and the beach.
West Bay
West Bay is a favorite for sunset views, beach lounging, and quiet shoreline relaxation. Rentals in West Bay include waterfront homes, family cottages, and romantic cabins tucked into tree-lined lots. The bay’s calm water and scenic beauty make it ideal for paddleboarding and evening bonfires. West Bay is a peaceful and photogenic place to stay.
East Lakeshore Drive
Following the island’s eastern edge, East Lakeshore Drive features scenic views of Lake Erie and access to trails, parks, and waterfront bluffs. Guests can stay in lakeside homes, A-frame cabins, or bright, airy Airbnbs with full kitchens and decks. The area is perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
South Shore Area
The South Shore Area includes quiet, wooded neighborhoods and access to trails leading to Kelleys Island State Park. Rentals include large family homes, screened-in porches, and secluded stays ideal for longer visits. It’s a great option for guests seeking forested charm and access to beaches without downtown crowds. The South Shore is tranquil and connected to the island’s wilder side.
Camp Patmos Vicinity
Near the Christian youth camp and eastern point of the island, the Camp Patmos Vicinity offers rustic scenery, bikeable roads, and stunning lakefront views. Vacation homes at Camp Patmos Vicinity include family cabins, nature-inspired Airbnbs, and cozy houses within walking distance to the shoreline. This area feels remote, relaxing, and close to the lake’s edge.
Must-visit places and attractions in Kelleys Island, Ohio
Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve
The Glacial Grooves are the island’s most famous attraction, showcasing ancient limestone striations carved during the last Ice Age. Visitors can walk the raised platform trails, learn from interpretive signs, and marvel at the preserved grooves.
Kelleys Island State Park
Covering over 600 acres, Kelleys Island State Park offers sandy beaches, wooded trails, and quiet camping spots. Guests can swim, fish, picnic, or explore rugged shoreline cliffs. The park also features a boat ramp and birdwatching platforms.
Inscription Rock
Carved by Indigenous people centuries ago, Inscription Rock features petroglyphs that are protected under a glass shelter for public viewing. Visitors can learn about the region’s Native American history and interpret the ancient symbols.
Scheele Preserve
A quiet spot managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Scheele Preserve includes boardwalks, wetlands, and migratory bird habitats. Nature lovers can enjoy peaceful walks, photograph native flowers, or catch glimpses of rare species during spring and fall migrations. The preserve highlights the island’s commitment to conservation.
Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Garden
This island art destination features indoor and outdoor exhibits by local artist Charles Herndon. Guests can tour the gallery, admire stone and metal sculptures in the garden, and even meet the artist when he’s in residence.
Kelleys Island Wine Company
A family-run vineyard and eatery, the Kelleys Island Wine Co. offers tastings, wood-fired pizza, and a laid-back island atmosphere. Visitors can try local blends, relax on the outdoor patio, or catch live music on weekends.
Island House Restaurant and Bar
Located in downtown, the Island House is a local institution offering fresh fish, burgers, and a popular outdoor bar with lake views. It’s known for its relaxed vibe, friendly service, and signature cocktails. Guests can dine al fresco or grab a drink after a day on the beach.
Caddy Shack Square
A lively cluster of shops, eateries, and mini-golf in the heart of downtown, Caddy Shack Square is fun for all ages. Visitors can enjoy ice cream, play games, shop for souvenirs, or just take in the energy of island life.
Where to find a vacation rental near Kelleys Island
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Just a short ferry ride south, Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island comes alive in the summer with historic attractions and lively waterfront energy. Tour Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, explore the island by golf cart, or enjoy vibrant dockside dining. Staying in a vacation rental in Put-in-Bay, such as a lake-view cottage or marina-side condo, adds a festive spark to Kelleys Island’s tranquil charm.
Sandusky, Ohio
About 45 minutes away via ferry and road, Sandusky is known for Cedar Point’s world-class roller coasters and a range of family-friendly attractions. Water parks, scenic marinas, and lakefront dining complete the experience. Choosing a vacation rental in Sandusky, whether a historic lakefront property or family apartment, brings energy and entertainment to complement Kelleys Island’s peaceful retreat.
Cleveland, Ohio
Roughly two and a half hours east, Cleveland offers museums, stadiums, and music history along the Lake Erie shoreline. Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, explore the West Side Market, or enjoy a ballgame downtown. Resting in a vacation rental in Cleveland, like a city-view loft or a historic home in a leafy neighborhood, brings a dose of culture and city life to your island trip.
Toledo, Ohio
About two hours west, Toledo blends lakefront beauty with Midwestern culture and comfort. Explore the Toledo Museum of Art, enjoy the zoo, or kayak through Maumee Bay. Booking a vacation rental in Toledo, such as a riverside cottage or downtown apartment, adds relaxed inland balance to the coastal pace of Kelleys Island.
Port Clinton, Ohio
Roughly 30 minutes by ferry and car, Port Clinton is a charming lakeside town and the main access point to the Lake Erie Islands. Visitors can fish, visit the Liberty Aviation Museum, or catch a sunset cruise. A vacation rental in Port Clinton, from a marina-side home to a cozy walkable cottage, offers both convenience and lake-town appeal alongside your Kelleys Island stay.
Embark on an exploration of nature's creations and the charm of American islands
Kelleys Island, nestled in the serene expanse of Lake Erie, offers a tranquil escape into nature. Enhance your adventure by exploring the magnificent landscapes and enchanting natural settings. For instance, the Chesapeake airbnb options immerse you in the exquisite waterways and lush wildlife of Virginia. Further south, you can discover the serene beaches and unique flora by choosing an airbnb in Key Biscayne, Florida. Additionally, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg vacation rentals provide another retreat into the embrace of nature, with its majestic mountain vistas and scenic trails.
For island enthusiasts, this locale offers a gateway to other captivating American islands. Unearth the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico with Marco Island rentals, where sugar-sand beaches and marine life promise a memorable coastal experience. Explore the historic allure and untamed beauty with airbnb on Ocracoke Island, a part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, recognized for its charming village atmosphere. As you venture north, vacation rentals on Mackinac Island offer a step back in time, complete with horse-drawn carriages and stunning views of the Great Lakes, forming a perfect postscript to your island adventure.