Situated just 60 miles from Downtown Cleveland on the shore of the glassy Sandusky Bay, Cedar Point’s 17 roller coasters tower over the horizon from both east and west, serving as a sort of terrifying beacon for people who, well, like to be terrified at insanely high rates of speed.
Truthfully, though, there’s so much more to Cedar Point besides its internationally revered collection of scream machines. Things like a recently reimagined waterslide-filled waterpark, sandy beaches and late-night entertainment.
Here are seven reasons you should make your Cedar Point visit a complete weekend getaway.
7. Um, hello. There’s a beach.
Your toes have been jonesing for a little white-sand immersion, amirite? And, the truth is, neither the Atlantic nor Pacific Oceans, for all their salty vastness, have anything on the freshwater beauty of Lake Erie’s Sandusky Bay.
That duo of white sand and the glassiness of Lake Erie – both available at CP — means you’ll quickly find your bathing suit bottoms seated in an umbrellaed beach chair, while the kids are busy engineering sand structures in between dips to cool off.
If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay on Cedar Point Beach awhile. If you get hit with some cannot-sit-still vibes, there’s cornhole and beach volleyball. For even more action, zoom along the shore in a rented waverunner or fly above it with a parasailing adventure.
6. Step back in time
Remember that computer game Oregon Trail, where you dodged disease and drama to head west during the 1800s? Well, Frontier Town at Cedar Point is kind of like that — sans the floppy disks. In Frontier Town and on the Frontier Trail, step back in time. Try your hand at glass blowing or dip your own candles. Take a ride on a pony.
In 2022, the popular Frontier Festival is also returning—and it remains an immersive Old West, sunflower-inspired street festival with local artisans, kids’ crafts and games, continuous live entertainment and wild food and drink.
5. Dance parties galore
Twilight at CP signals your open invite to a pretty great party — complete with nighttime antics, pyrotechnics and plenty of food and bev to go around. From July 29-August 21, the CP team heats things up with Cedar Point Nights, featuring glow-in-the-dark dance parties, games and some space to chill out with firepits along the beachfront.
4. Waterparks are an all-day affair
Sometimes the best cure for a busy work schedule is to shoot through a tube of water at tremendous speed. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark has you covered. Located right on Cedar Point’s property, take a summer day to slide through 18 acres of thrills and spills like the six-story test of bravery that is Point Plummet. Or simply squeeze yourself into your donut-shaped tube and take a few laps around Runaway Rapids, an action-packed alternative to the lazy river concept.
3. Coaster (and more) heaven
All of these activities don't overshadow the actual Cedar Point park itself. Sure, there’s more to do here than roller coasters, but those roller coasters happen to be among the best in the world. After all, this is what you’ve been training for.
Although the Wicked Twister coaster was demolished after last season, there are familiar standbys like the racing Gemini coasters or the heart-in-your-throat Magnum XL-200 coaster. Newer coasters like Steel Vengeance and Valravn are attractions in and of themselves. Also new in recent years is the Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island, an immersive, themed entertainment experience.
2. Crashing is easy
For many, staying at Cedar Point begins and ends with the recently renovated Hotel Breakers, a classic beachfront resort with waterfront views; popular restaurants like TOMO Hibachi Grill; indoor and outdoor pools; and all the other amenities you would expect at a world-class beach resort.
Lighthouse Point offers some of the most family-friendly accommodations marked by their intimate lakefront cottages, cute inland cabins and luxury RV hook-up sites for the ultimate road warriors. Bring the extended family, cook-out on your patio and take a short stroll over to the park.
Perhaps you got hit with a rainy day. Or, maybe you’re just a parent to a brood of sunburn-prone youngsters who can’t hang outside all day. ENTER: Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort. This is the place for indoor water-related shenanigans — from an indoor wave pool to a real water coaster.
And, if you’re looking to party on a budget, Cedar Point’s Express Hotel offers tremendous value along with an outdoor pool and free wi-fi. It’s located just a short drive from the park.
1. So. Many. Perks.
When you stay at Cedar Point, you’re not just getting some seriously nice accommodations (and a much-needed night’s rest), but you’ll also get some sweet deals on ticket packages, complimentary parking and shuttle service throughout Cedar Point’s peninsula.
And, when you book certain dates, you might even just get a free unlimited in-park fountain drink package and/or a complimentary Frontier Festival Tasting Card.
But what do we love most about staying overnight? It’s that oh-so-awesome perk of getting into the park one hour before everyone else. Amusement park to yourself? BOOM – dream came true.
THIS ARTICLE WAS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY CEDAR POINT.
So, listen. No one is saying you can’t go to Cedar Point for just one day. But, if that’s your line of thinking, then answer us this one Q: WHY?
Book your weekend getaway at CedarPoint.com.