Ohio's Underrated Coastal Suburb Has Scenic Parks, A Family-Friendly Feel, And Beautiful Lake Erie Beaches

Most people do not associate the Midwest with beachside towns and cities. However, thanks to the Great Lakes, states like Ohio have dozens of delightful lakeside burgs, complete with white sand beaches and gorgeous waterfront scenery. From Toledo to Conneaut, you can find all kinds of hidden gems, including the coastal Cleveland suburb of Mentor-on-the-Lake.

To help pinpoint this relatively small city, you can head north from the RiverRock House, architect Frank Lloyd Wright's final project, or you can head west from Headlands Beach State Park, home to one of the Midwest's largest natural sand beaches. Because it's on the lake, you can find beautiful beaches, small-town vibes, and picturesque parks that offer fun for the whole family. Plus, since this city is so close to Cleveland, you're also near various world-class attractions and amenities, giving you the best of both worlds. If you want a laid-back Great Lakes adventure, Mentor-on-the-Lake might be just the ticket.

If the name of this city seems a bit odd, it starts to make more sense when you realize it's surrounded by the city of Mentor. The two cities started as one, but a petition in 1924 sought to separate Mentor-on-the-Lake as its own municipality. However, it wasn't until 1971 that the dream was realized, and the city was officially incorporated and separated from Mentor. For the most part, Mentor-on-the-Lake is a vibrant residential suburb, as most of the city is comprised of single-family homes.

To take advantage of the lake, there are two primary spots to enjoy the water. First, there's Overlook Beach Park, a family-friendly spot with a playground, picnic area, and an observation platform. At the time of this writing, the park is undergoing renovations to make it even more accommodating. The second option is Mentor Beach Park, which features a historic pavilion and event venue. In both cases, you get unfettered access to the water and the white sands, making these parks excellent for unwinding.

Beyond spending time on the shores of Lake Erie, most of the other attractions within Mentor-on-the-Lake are situated along Andrews Road, which cuts through the eastern edge of town. Here, you can find restaurants and dessert shops, such as Ninja Sushi and Hibachi, Enzo's Pizza, Pelican's Sno-Balls (serving New Orleans-style shaved ice), and Biggie's Custard. No beachside vacation is complete without something cold and sweet, and either Biggie's or Pelican's is perfect for any occasion. You'll also find Joy's Roller Rink, which has been offering family fun since 1908.

Although Mentor-on-the-Lake is close to Cleveland, it's actually about a 40-minute drive from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, since it's located on the opposite side of the city. As far as accommodations go, there are no hotels in Mentor-on-the-Lake. However, you can find a few vacation rentals within the city limits, including some that overlook the water. If you prefer staying in a chain hotel, there are clusters of different options along Highway 2, just south of the city.

As with the rest of Ohio's lakeside region, spring through early fall are the best times of year to visit Mentor-on-the-Lake. While the weather can get pretty hot and muggy in the middle of summer, the lake helps provide cool breezes and cold water to mitigate the rising temperatures. Another benefit of visiting during the fall is that Cleveland is one of the most affordable Midwest travel destinations in September, so you can save money and still enjoy the lake beaches before the temperatures drop too significantly. Finally, one way to enhance your vacation to Mentor-on-the-Lake is to visit its neighboring city of Mentor. Here, you can explore larger parks, dine at more restaurants, and soak up the Midwest vibe.