The results are in, and what local residents and visitors have known for years is finally gaining national recognition – that Sandusky, Ohio, is the best coastal small town in America!
Recently, a panel of experts at USA Today nominated Sandusky for its 10 Best Coastal Small Towns award. Nominees for this prestigious honor had to have a population of less than 25,000 and offer “uncrowded, unpretentious, and affordable” waterfront fun. Once chosen for the award, a nationwide vote was launched and Sandusky beat out 19 other towns for the top spot.
In addition to now being known as the Best Coastal Small Town in the country, Sandusky is also known as the home of world-class attractions, including: Cedar Point amusement park, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, indoor water parks, a vibrant shopping and dining scene, and its waterfront with ferry service to the Lake Erie islands and even Canada!
All of Sandusky, but in particular it’s downtown area, has seen a renaissance over the past several years. Sandusky has seen an investment of $100M with historic buildings being renovated and over 30 new businesses entering the marketplace. Public-private projects are transforming the waterfront and the city, including: the creation of a 12 mile path, called the Sandusky Bay Pathway, a distinct program with Bowling Green State University and Cedar Fair that offers students the opportunity to learn resort management and hospitality from Cedar Point professionals, and the reconstruction of a pier to include a greenspace, boardwalk and sunset stairs. The downtown offers an incredible food destination along with a variety of activities: ax throwing, escape rooms, Segway tours, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. The recent addition of Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center, an outdoor sports entertainment complex, combined with a new indoor sports facility debuting later this year, along with the area’s outstanding fishery, and other venues have helped make the area “America’s Sports & Family Fun Capital.”
To learn more about what’s happening in the city of Sandusky, check out the city’s website at ci.sandusky.oh.us.
