Are you planning a road trip from Cleveland to Cedar Point and looking for an epic itinerary?
Well, buckle up because I have just what you are looking for!
I recently took my own trip from Cleveland to the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, and now I’m sharing all my insider tips so you can have the perfect Cedar Point road trip itinerary.
From the different ways to get to Cedar Point from Cleveland Ohio, where to eat, where to stay, and my favorite hidden gems along the way.
So, what are we waiting for?
Let’s hit the road and plan out your Cedar Point road trip to make this one incredible adventure to remember.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
3 Ways to Get to Cedar Point from Cleveland, Ohio
- Train: You can take the Amtrak from Cleveland to Sandusky station in just a little over an hour. It is only 10 minutes away from Cedar Point. From there you can take a quick taxi ride over to the theme park. You will want to take a look at departure times, as they run pretty early in the morning.
- By Bus: Greyhound Bus has a route that goes from Cleveland to Sandusky Ohio that typically has one short stop along its route. The bus trip itself isn’t too long, around 1.5 hours. But the schedule is a bit limited and might not work with your Cedar Point itinerary.
- By Car (Road Trip): This one is my favorite and most popular way to get to Cedar Point from Cleveland because it gives you the freedom to go at your own pace. Driving from Cleveland Ohio, to Cedar Point takes about 1.5 hours or longer, depending on how many fun stops you make along the way.
The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary: Cleveland to Cedar Point
Now that you have the basics out-of-the-way, let’s go through your best road trip guide to Sandusky, Ohio.
Road Trip Stop #1: Arrive at Cleveland Airport
Welcome to Cleveland Airport, your Cedar Point road trip officially starts now!
Picking up your car rental is super simple when you get to the Cleveland airport.
There is an airport shuttle to the rental car center provider, so there is no stress, and you can start your Cleveland to Cedar Point road trip on the right track.
Get YOUR Discount Cedar Point Tickets TODAY!
Road Trip Stop #2: Explore Downtown
Time to take a breather, stretch your legs, and do a little exploring! I just love it here (if you can’t tell by my picture below).
The Public Square, right in the heart of downtown, has beautiful gardens and fountains and is a great place to take in the vibe of the city and recharge.
Plus, you will want to get some photos of the awesome waterfront views downtown.
My Favorite Places to Eat Lunch in Downtown Cleveland
Margaritaville Cleveland: This tropical restaurant is the perfect theme park vacation starter, putting you right into vacation mode.
Margaritaville is known for its famous wings, which, of course, I tried and loved.
But they also have lots of other menu selections at the Margaritaville Restaurant in Cleveland, like the Louisiana Cajun Shrimp and Grits, Lava Lava Shrimp, and Loaded Tots, which I highly recommend.
I definitely suggest going upstairs, having a drink, sitting by the fireplace on one of the comfy couches.
Plus, I loved checking out the cool views of the Flats at East Bank when you visit Margaritaville in Cleveland.
You get all kinds of gorgeous views up there!
Sora: If you are craving something a little more upscale, then Sora is the Cleveland restaurant I recommend.
It is a full-scale scale elevated, sensory-driven sushi experience. Plus, it’s absolutely gorgeous inside, and the ambiance is on a whole other level!
You can choose from dishes like Truffle Avocado Crispy Rice, Poke, and Drunken Fried Ramen Bowl,and Steam Buns that melt in your mouth.
They also have lot of other items to chooses such as Inside Out Rolls like the Salmon Skin Roll, which is so tasty, Small and Large Rolls, Nigiri/Sashimi, and Lunch Sets with miso soup and salad.
Road Trip Stop #3: Check into Your Hotel
If you are still trying to figure out where the best place to stay in Cleveland is, then I recommend the Drury Plaza Hotel in the downtown area.
The location is great and is walkable to lots of areas around downtown, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
I love that they have a fresh and free hot breakfast every morning and a free 5:30 Kickback in the evening (with free wine!), so I am saving money not having to eat out every meal.
Before you head out, take a moment to explore the hotel.
The Drury Plaza Hotel isn’t your ordinary overnight stay in Cleveland! It has a unique history, and you can feel it the moment you pull up.
There are fully restored murals painted in 1931, the incredible fountain out front, grand sitting rooms with sky-high ceilings and beautiful architecture, and of course, the pool and jacuzzi.
If you can pull yourself away from all the amenities at Drury Hotel Cleveland, then lace up your sneakers because you need to get back out and explore Cleveland some more.
Best Things to Do in Cleveland
- Jump Aboard the Antique-style Lolly the Trolley: This is a great sightseeing tour of Downtown Cleveland, Public Square, North Harbor, and other popular spots throughout Cleveland
- Paddle around Lake Erie: Spend some time on Lake Erie on a relaxing paddle boat. You can head over to the North Coast Marina at Rock and Dock, where you can rent one or even a kayak
- Visit The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: It is within walking distance of Drury Inn and is located on Rock and Roll Boulevard off East 9th Street. Filled with not only music but really cool collections and exhibitions, there is something for everyone here
- Shop Your Way Through Tower City Center: There are three levels filled with shops, cool cafes, and yummy restaurants
- Try your Luck at Jack Cleveland Casino: It is actually connected to Tower City Center over in the Public Square, so it is easily accessible without having to go far
- See Downtown Cleveland from Above: The observation deck in the Terminal Tower is one of the best places for panoramic views up on the forty-second floor. I love that it is an iconic part of Cleveland’s history, built back in the 1930s, and actually stands at a whopping fifty-two stories.
- Step Aboard the History of Cleveland: The USS Cod Submarine Memorial is a 312-foot submarine that played a heroic role in WWII. Decommissioned in the mid-1950s, it’s now a national historic landmark located on North Marginal Road
Road Trip Stop #4: Before You Leave Cleveland, You Must Visit the West Side Market
You have to stop at the West Side Market when planning out the best things to do in Cleveland for your Cedar Point trip!
This historic indoor market in Ohio City is Cleveland’s largest and oldest continuously operating public market since 1912.
You’ll literally find anything and everything here. And if you’re even the tiniest bit hungry, prepare to leave absolutely stuffed!
The smell of the fresh-baked breads, mouthwatering pierogies, sizzling meats, rainbow-colored fruits, rich artisan cheeses, and hand-crafted sweets are all so incredible.
I even loved just walking around and looking at it all. Everything just looked and smelled so good and I found so many cool and unique things to pick up.
Road Trip Stop #5: Visit the Christmas Story House
If you’re a fan of holiday classics like I am, A Christmas Story House in Cleveland is a must-visit any time of the year.
Right across the street, you’ll find A Christmas Story Store and Museum, and trust me, it’s worth taking a few minutes to pop in.
You’ll find original props, costumes, and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos.
Road Trip Stop #6: Find a Waterfall
On my road trip from Cleveland to Cedar Point, I had a chance to visit Cascade Park and find a waterfall.
I was super excited because there wasn’t just one but two amazing waterfalls inside this 145-acre park.
It had both paved and natural hiking trails, wooden bridges, a hemlock forest, and breathtaking views of the Black River throughout.
It felt like I was far away in a nature retreat, but I was just minutes from downtown Elyria.
There is also a really pretty waterfall loop trail at Black River Reservation in Lorain, Ohio, where you can see the cascading Day’s Dam Falls.
Or if you don’t mind taking a bit of a detour on your Cedar Point road trip, then Olmsted Falls is another peaceful and beautiful place to stop.
I spent some time here on my trip from Cleveland to Cedar Point, and I absolutely loved it!
Road Trip Stop #7: Have Lunch at JoJo Carloni’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
About 10 minutes from Cascade Park is the perfect place for an authentic Italian lunch on your road trip from Cleveland to Cedar Point.
JoJo Carloni’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria serves up homemade Italian food that’s simply bellissimo.
My Favorite Dishes on the Menu at JoJo Carloni’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
- Eggplant Parmigiana: Thin-sliced, lightly breaded, marinara sauce, mozzarella/provolone cheese, side pasta marinara
- Nona’s Meatballs: Meatballs, whipped ricotta, marinara & grilled Tuscan bread
- Hot Italian Stromboli: Italian deli meats, garlic butter, hot relish, banana peppers, Italian dressing, mozzarella/ provolone cheese & side pizza sauce
- Pickle Dillicious Pizza: Roasted garlic cream, mozzarella/provolone cheese, crispy dill pickles, candied bacon, red onion, fresh dill
- Seafood Deluxe Pizza: Roasted garlic cream, real crab, shrimp, mozzarella/provolone cheese, red onion, fresh spinach
Trust me, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu! I recommend ordering a little bit extra you will want leftovers because it is that good.
Recommended: Top 10 Ways You Can Find CHEAP Cedar Point Tickets
Road Trip Stop #8: Hop on Highway 57 to Ride Along Lake Erie and Explore the Majestic Small Towns
After lunch, you will hop onto Highway 57, which will take you to US-6, and runs parallel to Lake Erie.
Even though I know the plan is to get from Cleveland to Cedar Point, you’ll see beautiful towns such as Lorain, Vermilion, and Huron along the way before arriving to beautiful Sandusky, Ohio.
In my experience, I recommend not rushing on your Cedar Point road trip if you don’t need to.
If you have the time to stop in, even to stretch your legs and stroll around, I really suggest it because it’s not every day you will come across these majestic small towns.
There is the iconic red-and-white lighthouse in Lorain, Ohio known as the “Jewel of the Port,” and Lakeview Park with its historic rose garden shaped like a floral labyrinth.
Vermilion, Ohio is as postcard-perfect as they come. It has an adorable little lighthouse too, cute shops, ice cream parlors, and an old-school candy shop in its historic downtown.
Meanwhile, Huron is a dream for outdoor lovers with stunning lakefront views, peaceful parks, and a birding paradise at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve.
I love the idea of enjoying the calm at Nickel Plate Beach, and the breeze along Huron Harbor and Pier before screaming your way through Cedar Point!
Get deals up to 85% off for Sandusky, Ohio on Groupon TODAY!
Road Trip Stop #9: Arrive at Cedar Point
You’ve made it! Cedar Point is located at 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Cedar Point usually opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m. in the summer months.
But hours change in the fall, so always check the park’s website or mobile app before your visit.
Don’t forget to snap a pic of where you park.
I always make sure I do this when I park in the Cedar Point parking lot because it’s a lifesaver when it’s time to head home after a long day at Cedar Point.
How long does it take to get to Cedar Point from Cleveland Airport?
Directly with no stops: You can expect a drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Cleveland Airport to Cedar Point, if you don’t make any stops along the way.
As a road trip: It depends on how many things you choose to do on your Cedar Point road trip.
For me, it took 5 hours because I wanted to really explore this beautiful area of Ohio.
Read 45 Cedar Point First Timers Tips here or if you’re more of a podcast person, then you can WATCH the FULL video here.
Final Thoughts on the Perfect Cedar Point Road Trip
Well, there you have it, ThemeParkHipsters, your perfect road trip from Cleveland to Cedar Point.
If you have the chance, I highly recommend turning your visit into an epic Cedar Point road trip. There’s so much to see along the way, and really made my theme park trip one I’ll never forget.
What’s your favorite thing to do on your way to Cedar Point? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
Contributors
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
