A Charming Ohio City Nestled On The Shores Of Lake Erie Offers A Serene, Overlooked Waterfront Escape

The Buckeye State may not offer oceanic views, but we'll take Lake Erie's shores any day — especially when you discover hidden gems such as Conneaut, with specialty shops and beaches. In fact, Ohio's entire strand is dotted with delightful towns, like Geneva-on-the-Lake and its glassy waters. And Bay Village should be the next on your radar. Unlike other waterfront destinations, this city has a slower pace; you can take in the tranquility and experience a true retreat. Whether you prefer taking a dip in the lake or having a beachside picnic, this family-friendly city is the perfect place to unwind without the crowds. People aren't hesitating to move to Bay Village, either — it was ranked third in Cleveland Magazine's "Top 20 Suburbs of 2025" list.

Boasting gorgeous lakefront parks, cute shops, and quaint eateries, Bay Village is more of a residential area than a touristy town. Amenities are catered towards families with plenty of opportunities for children to be active — from playgrounds and swimming pools to soccer fields and baseball diamonds. With extremely low crime rates and walkable streets, everyone is safe to stroll along the shoreline and bike from one place to another. During the winter months, kids can go sledding and ice skating, and serenity is guaranteed no matter the season.

Since Bay Village is considered a Cleveland suburb, it only takes 20 minutes to reach the city. Toledo is in close proximity, too, about one hour and 40 minutes away. Columbus is slightly farther at two hours and 10 minutes, but you can still make a day trip out of it. Nevertheless, it's worth spending a night or two in Bay Village. Book a stay at a vacation rental or opt for hotel chains such as Courtyard by Marriott, WestSpring Inn, or Wyndham Garden, all within 10 minutes of downtown.

Many residents of this city spend their free time at Huntington Beach Reservation Park. Covering over 100 acres of lush forests and verdant meadows, this outdoor space is the go-to for hiking and relishing the lake's beauty. You can get to the swimming beach via a staircase and lounge on the shore with the water lapping at your feet. The sandy stretch is equipped with facilities like bathrooms and changing rooms, as well as playgrounds for the little ones to run around.

When the weather's too cold to swim, go for a short hike along the Hemlock Loop and Fox Squirrel Loop Trail. The 0.8-mile path is a wonderful walk among the woods and by the riverfront, with Lake Erie vistas peeking out every now and then. The Porter Creek and Songbird Loop is a great trail, too, where you'll come across butterflies and soaring birds along the 1.3-mile path. In the same area, you'll find Cahoon Memorial Park West. Featuring 116 acres of land, this is the ideal place for a family outing. You can practice your swing at the baseball diamonds, improve your dribbling on the basketball courts, play a game of volleyball, and show off your backhand serve on the tennis court. There's also a seasonal outdoor pool that's only open for residents.

Another beachside spot is the 1.5-acre Columbia Road Park, which provides access to Lake Erie. The best part about this place is that there's a secret waterfall — the 22-foot Columbia Beach Falls drops directly into the lake, which you can see from the observation deck. If you want total seclusion without facilities, make your way to Parklawn Beach, just a few minutes from Columbia Road Park, to soak up the sun.

Learn about wildlife rehabilitation at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. The whole family will enjoy animal encounters, like the resident bald eagle, Icarus, and the peregrine falcon, Nomad. After viewing deer, snakes, and other creatures, kids can participate in a science class — better yet, they can check out the planetarium for a star-filled simulation of the night sky. The programs last anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes. For a quick history lesson, swing by the Rose Hill Museum. Constructed in 1818, this was the home of Joseph Cahoon, the first settler of Bay Village in 1810. Now, it's been converted into a museum.

All these activities will have you craving a cup of coffee — head to Mojo's Coffee for freshly brewed batches of flavored coffee, cortado, macchiato, or a flat white. Or, treat yourself to some of their specialties, such as the oatmeal cookie latte, raspberry truffle, or vanilla chai smoothie. Food-wise, Thyme Table is a top-rated spot, with dishes such as barbecue beer-braised short ribs, grilled bone-in pork chop, and seared ahi tuna. Don't forget to order dessert — their salted chocolate chip cookie skillet and s'more cake are to die for. Quinn's Kitchen and Bar is another spot with all your favorites, including smash burgers, crispy beef tacos, Tuscan chicken risotto, and buffalo cauliflower.

You can't leave without a little bit of souvenir shopping. Stop by The Print Shop to purchase candles, cocktail books, and Bay Village-branded apparel. Need a fun read for the kids? Dizzy's Comics and Toys will have everyone browsing graphic novels for hours; you might find a new addition to your collectibles. Don't let Bay Village be the last time you visit a lakeside city — only 30 minutes away is Vermillion, a harbor city with beach vibes and Midwest charm.