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I’d heard about Put-in-Bay, Ohio for years — friends described it as part island party, part hidden gem on Lake Erie. So one summer weekend, I finally made it happen. Just 48 hours on South Bass Island, and let me tell you: that was all it took for me to fall in love with the place.
If you’re thinking of a weekend escape that mixes fun, food, nature, and lake views, here’s exactly how I spent my 48 hours in Put-in-Bay — and how you can too.
🚢 Friday Evening: The Arrival & First Impressions
We caught the Miller Ferry from Catawba, and the moment we stepped off the boat, it felt like we’d been transported somewhere much further than just an hour from the mainland. The lake breeze, island pace, and clusters of golf carts instantly set the tone.
First thing we did? Rented a golf cart. (If you don’t get a golf cart in Put-in-Bay, did you even visit?)
After checking into a cozy little rental near downtown, we headed straight to The Boardwalk for dinner. I’d heard about their lobster bisque served in a bread bowl and… yes, it lived up to the hype. We ate outside on the upper deck with a perfect view of the harbor as the sun started to go down.
Highlight: Watching the ferry lights twinkle on the water while listening to live acoustic music drifting from downtown.
☀️ Saturday Morning: Exploring Like a Local
We were up early(ish) and fueled by iced coffee from Pasquale’s Café, ready for a full day of exploring.
Stops included:
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Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial: We took the elevator to the top and were rewarded with incredible views stretching into Canada.
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Heineman’s Winery & Crystal Cave: The wine was great, but walking into the world’s largest geode? That was a total surprise. It’s unreal how blue and sparkly it is down there.
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Butterfly House: Calm, colorful, and a surprisingly peaceful break from the buzz of the streets.
Lunch was lakeside at The Keys, where the vibe felt like we’d landed in Florida for an hour. Caribbean music, frozen drinks, and lake views — yes please.
🌅 Saturday Evening: Bars, Boats, and the Best Sunset
After a quick recharge at our rental, we headed out for the night. First stop? Delaware Avenue — the heart of Put-in-Bay’s nightlife. We hopped between Mr. Ed’s, Round House Bar, and even danced at The Reel Bar. Every place had live music and a full crowd, but it never felt too crazy — just fun.
We made it back to the waterfront in time to catch a fiery sunset from the pier behind the Park Hotel. Golden skies reflecting off the boats, guitars strumming nearby… it felt straight out of a movie.
🌳 Sunday: Nature, Naps, and the Wind Down
Sunday morning was slow, and intentionally so. We grabbed breakfast again at Pasquale’s (the breakfast burrito = amazing), then headed to South Bass Island State Park for a peaceful walk and a bit of rock-skipping by the water.
We ended our trip at Dockside Gifts for a few souvenirs (yes, I bought the touristy magnet) and boarded the ferry back around 2 PM.
I left tired, sun-kissed, and already planning my return.
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🧭 48-Hour Itinerary Summary (For Easy Copy-Paste Planning)
Day 1 – Friday PM
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Ferry to Put-in-Bay
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Golf cart rental
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Dinner at The Boardwalk (lobster bisque!)
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Sunset stroll downtown
Day 2 – Saturday
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Breakfast at Pasquale’s
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Visit Perry’s Monument
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Crystal Cave + Heineman’s Winery
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Butterfly House
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Lunch at The Keys
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Bar-hopping on Delaware Ave
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Sunset at the docks
Day 3 – Sunday AM
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Breakfast at Pasquale’s (again)
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Nature walk at South Bass Island State Park
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Souvenir shopping
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Ferry ride home
Final Thoughts from a First-Time Weekender
Put-in-Bay surprised me. It had just the right mix of adventure and relaxation, party and peace. I came for the weekend, but honestly, it felt like I got a week’s worth of memories in just two days.
If you’re looking for a short trip that checks all the boxes — good food, fun nights, beautiful views, and small-town island charm — Put-in-Bay might be the perfect getaway.