Lakeview Park Beach
The Scene: This destination draws visitors from southern coastal states. The beach is a third of a mile long, with lifeguards on duty every day during the summer, noon to 6 p.m. The bathhouse features the Rose Cafe as well as family changing rooms and showers.
Don’t Miss: In addition to the picnic shelters, trails and amphitheaters in Lakeview Park, the beach has a playground and volleyball courts.
When to Go: Don’t miss the stunning Rose Garden, with more than 2,000 rose bushes. See who is performing at the concert series that take place all summer long by visiting metroparks.cc/events.php. 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain
Lakewood Park Beach
The Scene: This modest little beach is just under three-quarters of an acre wide, flanked by deciduous trees.
Don’t Miss: The wooded path that leads from the parking lot to the beach is lined by a split-rail fence and makes a lovely setting for photos.
When to Go: Lakewood Park Beach is an ideal spot for a quiet date or a midday work break. There’s a picnic table and a grill so you can enjoy a meal as well as the view.
3801 Lake Road (Route 6), Sheffield Lake
Century Park Beach
The Scene: Enjoy the shaded Century Park, then take the steps or gravel path down the grass-covered bluff to reach this 320-foot-long beach. There’s good fishing access here, too.
Don’t Miss: You can make a day of it here. The sand, shell and rock beach is a manageable size, plus Century Park has picnic tables, a playground and restrooms.
When to Go: During the winter holidays, Santa sets up his workshop in the park’s Harbor House. East Erie & Massachusetts avenues, Lorain
Veterans Memorial Park Beach
The Scene: The tidy little beach is only 300 feet wide, but it’s good for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty 1 to 6 p.m. until Labor Day.
Don’t Miss: Six groins, or boulder walls, extend 40 feet into Lake Erie. You can fish off any of them, or just venture out and take in the view.
When to Go: This is a lovely place for an evening stroll: Right above the beach is a wide paved path with benches and a few picnic tables. 32756 Lake Road, Avon Lake
Findley State Park Beach
The Scene: This state park used to be a state forest, and the gorgeous pines and hardwoods make the view breathtaking from all sides. The 435-foot beach has a concession stand.
Don’t Miss: There’s an 18-hole disc golf course in the park above the beach. No fee to play, and you can rent equipment if you’ve left your Frisbee at home.
When to Go: Findley State Park has 16 miles of hiking trails and a 9-mile loop mountain bike trail, so the beach is an ideal place to relax between your physical exertions. 25381
state Route 58, Wellington
Rose Cafe Snack Bar
Frolicking in the surf can make you hungry. Luckily, the Rose Cafe Snack Bar is right on the beach at Lakeview Park. This takeout place still has snack foods like bagged chips, nachos and corn dogs, but it also has healthier items like wraps and salads. If you can’t stand the idea of interrupting your beach front play, have your food served on a (new, clean) Frisbee that’s yours to keep. 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, 440-245-7673
