Looking for the most beautiful and closest beaches to Ohio to spend a perfect weekend with your friends or family? Then we have something in store for you. Read this blog to find out what they are.
The summer is just around the corner. And in such scorching heat, nothing could be better than going on a beach vacation. The scenic views, sand, and rolling waves give a perfect weekend break to your soul from your mundane life.
And if you are an Ohioan, you already know that there are no ocean beaches within the state. But don’t get disheartened. If you are up for some adventure activities and willing to take the road trip, then there are a couple of mesmerizing beaches closest to Ohio for beachgoers like you and your loved ones.
And in this blog, we will be sharing the best ones to give you a little joy. So, what are we waiting for?
Let’s dive into them!
The best closest ocean beaches to ohio (in no particular order)
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The first pick on our list is Myrtle Beach, one of the most beautiful and well-liked summer vacation places in the East Coast region. The beach highlights a 60-mile string of beaches and is well known for its celebrity-designed 90+ golf courses, beachfront avenue, some of the fine family food restaurants, and souvenir stalls.
Myrtle Beach in South Carolina also features Skywheel, one of America’s tallest Gerris wheels, in its oldfangled Amus Kent Park. In short, the place offers something for everyone, which makes it one of the closest ocean beaches to Dayton, Ohio.
Some of the must-not missed things to do at Myrtle Beach
| Driving Distance from Ohio to Myrtle Beach | Rating (Tripadvisor) |
|---|---|
| 10 hours, 14 minute | 4.5 out of 5 |
Headlands Beach State Park, Mentor
Another stunning beach that is closest to Akron, Ohio is Mentor’s Headlands Beach. This state park is the ideal place for swimming, tanning, and making sandcastles because it is located on an extensive area of sandy beach along the beaches of Lake Erie. Pets are welcome at this beach as well, but they must be kept on leashes.
Additionally, there are lots of barbecues and grills accessible, so you may eat lunch or dinner by the lake. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can go on a trek on one of the numerous hiking paths that go through the surrounding dunes.
Also, fun fact: this park boasts Ohio’s largest natural beach. The mile-long Headlands Beach features natural sand and is considered to be among Ohio’s most gorgeous beaches.
Some of the must-not missed things at Mentor’s Headlands Beach State Park
| Driving distance from Ohio to Mentor’s Headlands Beach State Park | Rating (Tripadvisor) |
|---|---|
| 2 hours 15 minutes | 4.0 out of 5 |
Enjoy reading recommendations? Then, check out the best amusement parks in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dewey Beach, Delaware
Dewey Beach is located between Maryland and Rehoboth and is known for its little yet peaceful and isolated beaches. Beyond the regular hours of sunbathing and beach swimming, families can relish pursuits like the Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce’s Wednesday campfires and movies on Mondays.
Along with family beachgoers, Dewey is also widely recognized for its vibrant after-hours, which draws in younger visitors. You’ll adore Dewey’s extensive selection of genuine beach-town pubs and eateries if you prefer live music and/or seafood in general.
From sunrise to sunset, the Delaware beach in its every coastline region has something to discover, something to take part in, and something to just experience for everyone. And this is why it’s our one of the best picks in the list of closest ocean beaches to Ohio.
Some of the must-not missed things to do at Dewey Beach
| Driving Distance from Ohio to Dewey Beach, Delaware | Rating (Tripadvisor) |
|---|---|
| 9 hours 5 minutes | 4.5 out of 5 |
Ocean City, Maryland
Similar to Myrtle Beach discussed earlier, Maryland is one of the most liked oceanside retreats in the east coastal region and is also the closest beach vacation to Ohio. The beach gives very likely vibes to Atlantic City and features a 10-mile stretch of immaculate sand ideal for imbibing some sun rays and spattering in the fortifying waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The place is full of action-packed activities, including surging, kayaking, swimming, fishing, thrilling rides at amusement parks, and a lot more. But this is not the end here. Your visit to Ocean City, Maryland, is incomplete without visiting its iconic wooden boardwalk, also listed among the top 10 nation’s boardwalks according to National Geographic.
What’s more? The boardwalk is filled with family-friendly restaurants, fun activities for toddlers, and an exciting shopping experience for all sorts of people.
From fun rides to comfortable five-star oceanfront stays like Double Tree, Hyatt Place, or Courtyard by Marriott to mini-golf clubs, the beach town has something in store for everyone.
Some of the must-not missed things at Ocean City, Maryland Beach
| Driving distance from Ohio to Ocean City, Maryland | Rating (Tripadvisor) |
|---|---|
| 9 hours 18 minutes | 4.5 out of 5 |
Lakeview Park Beach, Loraine
Situated on Lake Erie, Lakeview Park Beach is the closest beach to Ohio for every age group. Lakeview Park is well-known for its factual rose garden, magnificent sunsets, Loraine’s lighthouses, and plethora of recreational activities for families, friends, and solo travelers.
It features large playgrounds and picnic tables where kids can play, sit, and relax; a water park for water sports enthusiasts; a zip line for toddlers; and open spaces for elderly people.
Its one-acre, widely spread swimming area is cleaned and filled with refreshing water on a daily basis. The beach is also famous for its clean sand, making it an ideal sandfly place for the perfect summer tan.
Also, fun fact: Lake Erie is the 4th largest lake worldwide and came into existence after the 1812 war.
Some of the must-not missed things at Lakeview Park Beach, Loraine
| Driving distance from Ohio to Lakeview Park Beach | Rating (Tripadvisor) |
|---|---|
| 1 hour 55 minutes | 4.0 out of 5 |
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is located on the south-eastern coast of Virginia, where a 3-mile-long iconic boardwalk expands across the sea-lined oceanfront.
This beachy vacation is an ideal place for families who want to spend some relaxing time on the beach’s fine-tune sands, dive into the sea of history, explore the refined breweries, or experience some fine pet-friendly restaurants.
In short, the place offers different ways for everyone to connect with this welcoming destination. Thus, Virginia Beach is one of the closest beaches to Ohio.
Some must-not-miss things to do at Virginia Beach, Virginia
| Driving distance from Ohio to Virginia Beach, Virginia | Rating (according to Tripadvisor) |
|---|---|
| 9 hours and 27 minutes | 4.5 out of 5 |
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Last but not least on the list of the best-closest ocean beaches to Ohio is Wrightsville Beach. Situated on the eastern coast of Wilmington and a town in New Hanover County, Wrightsville Beach is widely known for being a great surfing spot.
It is an ideal beach destination for families who want to experience a laid-back summer with the old-world charm of a small town.
The places feature a wide range of places and activities for all age groups, such as Airlie Gardens for those who want to bask in the beauty of nature, Crystal Pier, the Museum of History, and a lot more.
Some must-not-miss things to do at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
| Driving distance from Ohio to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina | Rating (Tripadvisor) |
|---|---|
| 9 hours, 51 minutes | 4.5 out of 5 |
The Bottom Line
Whether you are planning a romantic weekend getaway, spending a peaceful beach vacation with your family, or wanting to indulge in some thrilling water sports, the aforementioned closest ocean beaches to Ohio serve everyone’s purpose.
All these places feature an unparalleled dining experience, iconic boardwalks, some old-fashioned ferris wheels, amazing seafood, scenic beach views, live concerts, and so much more.
So, don’t think too much and open yourself up for a perfect weekend getaway by visiting one of these beautiful nearby Ohio beaches and having a great holiday.
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