Enjoy Lakefront Life in Fairport Harbor 🌊

For a taste of life in a quaint beach town, look no further. From swimming and shopping to historical attractions and delicious restaurants, Fairport Harbor offers plenty to do amidst stunning Lake Erie views.

Plan your perfect day on the water at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. The family-friendly beach is open year-round and offers ample opportunities to swim, splash and play. Build sandcastles on the beach or catch some waves with the kiddos. There is also a playground perfect for the little ones, and lunch on the beach is made easy with the concessions stand. Looking for a different way to explore the lake? Rent sit-on-top kayaks or stand-up paddle boards to paddle your way along the shoreline. Boating and fishing are some other favorite activities visitors can enjoy. Across the park’s 21 acres, you’ll also find paved trails, picnic areas, volleyball courts and a playground.

To see an iconic, historic structure, make your way to the close by Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse. Originally built in 1825 and rebuilt in 1871, the 60-foot-tall lighthouse features an observation deck at its top. Climb the 69 steps in its spiral staircase yourself to take in stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding area. The museum was created in 1945 by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society, and it is home to artifacts about life on the Great Lakes, as well as exhibits focused on maritime history. Check the museum’s calendar to find seasonal events like Friday Night Lights, where you can ascend the lighthouse tower at sunset and discover the beauty of Fairport Harbor aglow. The museum has expanded their hours of operation but be sure to visit the website and check their hours before your visit.

No trip to the beach is complete without a souvenir to take home. While you can always collect beach glass along the beach, Fairport Harbor is home to a walkable downtown featuring a boutique shopping district where you can stroll from one shop to the next. The Arlington Garden sells beachy items to commemorate your trip, alongside other unique gifts and even flowers and plants. Junie Balloonie offers hand-crafted glasses, ornaments, jewelry and other unique Lake County, Ohio, souvenirs to take home.

A plethora of local art abounds in Fairport Harbor. At Beth Lynne Studio, you’ll find pieces including prints, custom apparel, jewelry and sculptures, all created by the local artist. Pottery, glass artworks, metal sculptures and woodwork pieces from more local artisans grace the shelves at The Gravel Pit, where you can also purchase reclaimed vintage items and varied home décor. The Green Shepherdess also sells one-of-a-kind items, including favorites like recycled metal art and handmade art from across the world. Looking to unleash your inner artist? Plan your trip to coincide with a painting class at My World Better, a collection of artists who welcome everyone to the art community in addition to selling their own art.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring Fairport Harbor, choose from a multitude of local restaurants waiting to welcome you. Swing by Rego’s Brickhouse Pizza for classic pies made from fresh ingredients, including dough that’s made every morning. Keep an eye out for Beach & Barrel Brewery; coming soon to Fairport Harbor, this beer-centric surf shack will be a laid-back spot to relax after a day at the beach. Can’t make up your mind? Try a wide array of dishes at The Pompadour, a tapas restaurant and bar specializing in creating small plates and handcrafted cocktails with fresh ingredients. End the night with a scoop of home-made ice cream at Fairport Harbor Creamery. From classic flavors to unique options like boozy ice cream and shakes, there’s bound to be something for anyone with a sweet tooth.

If beachside vibes lead to seafood cravings, you’ll be excited to try two mainstays in nearby Grand River. Pickle Bill’s Lobster House is an independently owned family restaurant pairing waterfront views with all-you-can-eat seafood offerings. Choose from Alaskan Snow Crab legs, Lake Erie walleye, classic fish-n-chips and more as you sit on a carousel-style barge right on the water. Nearby, Brennan’s Fish House has a history of serving delicious fish. Housed in a building that was built in 1865, the restaurant has been a community favorite since 1973. Munch on everything from chowder and crabcakes to sandwiches, steaks, and, of course, seafood dinners with options including fresh Lake Erie perch and walleye, northern Atlantic whitefish, haddock and fresh oysters.

Painesville, Ohio, also close to Fairport Harbor, provides more opportunities to enjoy everything Lake County has to offer. Joughin Hardware has served Painesville residents since 1877 by preserving their Victorian homes and assisting with any hardware needs. This local landmark, which has been on South State Street since its opening, offers many services; from paint matching and key cutting to screen and window repair and blade sharpening, you’ll always be able to find a helping hand for whatever you need.

For lunch, stop by El Taco Macho, Picante Mexican Grill or one of the many other restaurants on the Lake County Taco Trail for tasty Mexican fare. If Italian cuisine is more your style, Silvestro’s Depot Café has you covered. This family-owned and -operated restaurant has been serving up authentic Italian dishes, made from Grandma Jen Silvestro’s family recipes, since 1936. Savor pasta, pizza and sandwiches, or try the steak, prime rib and seafood also offered on the menu.

Delight in a beautiful sunset at the Painesville Township Pier, located within Painesville Township Park. The 200-foot ADA accessible pier extends from the Lake Erie shoreline and provides opportunities to glimpse stunning views, feel the summer breeze or spend the day fishing. The 37-acre park also includes baseball and softball fields, a concession stand, a dance hall and more to continue the fun. Gather your family and friends for an event, such as a wedding, reunion or meeting, at the handicap-accessible community center, which can be rented for private functions.

Looking to stay overnight in Painesville? The Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Hub offers a luxurious stay for all of its guests. This full-service venue and boutique hotel was originally a French Second Empire home built in 1867. In 2001, the mansion had a fire, but it was restored to its 1870s grandeur in the early 2010s and is now on the National Registry for Historic Buildings. Each of the 16 rooms in the mansion are lavishly decorated with unique period antiques, and every guest can enjoy a full complimentary breakfast during their stay. Enjoy cocktail hour at the in-house bar on Wednesdays and Fridays, which is also open to the public, and take some time to wander through the halls of the mansion. If you’d like to explore the mansion but don’t have time to stay, take one of the monthly tours with the owner; just be sure to call ahead of time.