THE BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN PUT-IN-BAY
Trust us – the best days at the bay are spent outside. There are so many outdoor activities in Put-in-Bay that you can spend a full weekend biking, hiking, parasailing, sunbathing and more. To help you make the most of what the islands have to offer, we’ve created a day trip itinerary for you to spend a memorable day at the Bay soaking up the sun.
Getting To Put-in-Bay
Start the day bright and early to beat the noon heat and ensure you and your family are making most of the day at Put-in-Bay. Jet Express has a wide variety of departure times during the week in the with the earliest leaving the dock at 8:30 a.m. Make sure to wake up a little early to arrive at Jet Express’ Port Clinton dock in time to park and board the boat!
Tickets for the ferry can be purchased online or in person. Round trip for adults is $35. Kids six to eleven ride round trip for $11 and children under the age of five ride for free. Jet Express provides convenient parking for travelers, and the parking lot is conveniently located across the street from the dock allowing for easy boarding. Parking is only $12 for the whole day so passengers can spend as much time on the island without worrying about the parking fees they may incur throughout the day.
The journey to Put-in-Bay amounts to thirty minutes dock to dock. The ferry has restroom access and allows passengers to bring on any food, drinks or even their bikes! And with direct service to Downtown Put-in-Bay, you do not need to worry about how you will be getting to your island destinations when riding the Jet Express. Once the boat arrives in Put-in-Bay, passengers will disembark right in the heart of downtown, making it easy to secure transportation and navigate to your next stop.
Morning Put-in-Bay Activities
Once you arrive downtown it’s time to start the day of outdoor activities at Put-in-Bay. It’s easiest to get around the island and take in every stop on the itinerary by renting a golf cart for the day. Once you have your cart, it’s time for a little easy hiking! The first stop on the agenda is the Jane Coates Wildflower Trail. Warm up for a day of fun with this half-mile loop offering views of a variety of wildflowers as well as migratory songbirds.
Once you’ve gotten a chance to stretch your legs, head over to your next nature walk at the Scheef East Point Preserve. Part of the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, the Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve is an 8.8 acre parcel of land located on the east point of Put-in-Bay. It offers spectacular views of Lake Erie and all the surrounding islands including Middle Bass and Ballast Islands. Then, finish up your outdoor sightseeing with a walk through Cooper’s Woods. Park in the lot at the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church on Catawba Avenue to access the trails The dense trees will provide ample shade for a relaxing stroll.
Afternoon Put-in-Bay Activities
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for lunch! Take your pick between pizza and burritos at Frosty’s right in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay. Frosty’s is an island staple serving delicious pizza. Around the back, you’ll find Big Man’s Burrito Stand, serving the biggest and best burritos on Lake Erie. Take your lunch to DeRivera Park and enjoy it at a picnic table while you take in gorgeous views of Lake Erie and bustling Downtown Put-in-Bay. Make sure to keep the park clean and dispose of any snacks or drinks that may be enjoyed at the park.
After lunch, change into your water gear because it’s time for Put-in-Bay Parasailing! Make reservations online or purchase tickets at their stand located on the dock at the Boardwalk restaurant. Parasailing flights are ten minutes and that’s high or low, wet or dry — your pick. Once you’re back on the ground, head to Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rental for an activity of your choice. Rent a kayak or stand up paddle board by the hour or kick things up a notch with a jet ski or power boat rental.
After a long day of outdoor activities, treat yourself to a well-deserved lakeside dinner at The Boardwalk. With indoor and outdoor seating options, you have your choice of where to take in the views and live music alongside a delicious plate of traditional or fresh seafood. After your post-dinner drinks, it’s time to head back to the dock for the boat ride back to the car. Once back aboard the Jet Express make sure to grab a seat on the top deck to take in the setting sun and reminisce on a wonderful day outdoor activities in Put-in-Bay.
Ride with Jet Express
A quick day trip is an easy way to have a fun outing with family and friends for an adventure everyone will enjoy. Once you have decided to take the family on a day trip to Put-in-Bay, visit Jet Express to purchase your ferry tickets. You won’t regret it!