Discover a charming Lake Erie getaway in Fairport Harbor, Ohio—complete with beach sunsets, lighthouse climbs, paddleboarding adventures, and the best salted chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted.

A Sweet Slice of Lake Life: Our Weekend in Fairport Harbor

Our next adventure took us down the coast of Lake Erie to the peaceful little gem of Fairport Harbor. For those who read our last post, you might remember spotting this town from the secluded shores of the Lake Erie Bluffs Nature Trail—a tiny place with a towering lighthouse. Naturally, we couldn’t wait to explore it up close.

After checking into our hotel just outside of town, we immediately headed to the beach. We arrived right as the sun was setting, and honestly, calling it “gorgeous” feels like a disservice. The soft orange glow of the setting sun shimmered across the gentle waves of Lake Erie, transforming the horizon into something straight out of a painting.

Since it was later in the evening and the temperature had dropped, the beach was mostly empty. Off in the distance, we could hear the laughter of kids on a playground and the murmurs of couples enjoying a sunset stroll—just like us. It was peaceful, romantic, and the perfect way to end the day.

Exploring the Town After Dark

Before heading back, we decided to hike back up the steep hill we had driven down. At the top stood the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, standing tall above the sleepy-looking town. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was closed for the evening, but we vowed to return the next day.

Despite its size, Fairport Harbor was anything but sleepy. We found a lively little downtown with bars, restaurants, an arcade, a mini-golf course—and most importantly, an ice cream parlor. Fairport Harbor Creamery was calling our names.

Even though we had just eaten, my wife suggested we stop in for a treat. I didn’t need convincing.

The place was packed—half the town must’ve been there! Normally, crowds aren’t my thing, but if people are lining up for dessert, you know it has to be good. And it was. Now, I’ll admit something controversial: I’m not much of an ice cream person. I prefer my sweets hot or crunchy. But right there by the register was a glorious sight—a salted chocolate chip cookie staring back at me from the glass case.

When we reached the front of the surprisingly fast-moving line, my wife ordered a chocolate milkshake, and I ordered three cookies (one of which I graciously offered to share—no surprise, she didn’t).

Her milkshake was rich and creamy, but those cookies? Absolutely divine. Soft, chewy, salty-sweet perfection. As we left to head back to the hotel, I was already planning my return visit the next day.

Adventure on the Water

The next morning, we were up early for a hike at the Lake Erie Bluffs (more on that in a previous post). On our stroll the night before, we had noticed paddleboard and kayak rentals right on the beach, so we headed back to Fairport Harbor ready for some lake adventure.

The rental shack was a charming, old-school wooden building that looked like it belonged in a ’70s surf movie. It gave off some serious laid-back beach vibes. I rented a kayak for an hour, while my wife—being the more adventurous one with far better balance—opted for a paddleboard.

We weren’t allowed to go too far out, but the designated area was plenty big for paddling and relaxing. I loved the rhythm of Lake Erie’s steady waves. My wife… not so much. Standing up on a paddleboard in choppy water is no joke.

Quick tip: Get there early. The rental shack had plenty of gear, but the line to sign waivers and pay took forever. And since everyone gets on the water around the same time, they also tend to return at once, which makes for a bit of chaos getting your board back on shore. I even got nailed by a rogue teen on a kayak. Lake life. After an hour on the water, we took a quick dip in the lake. It was refreshing—and a great cool down—but fair warning: while the beach is beautiful and very well maintained, it was packed. It was a holiday weekend with amazing weather, so it wasn’t unexpected, but if you’re looking for a quiet beach day, you might want to plan around the crowds.

Climbing the Lighthouse

After drying off, we finally headed up the hill to the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse. It’s part of a small but well-curated museum that covers the history of the lighthouse and the ships that once passed through Lake Erie. There’s a small entrance fee (free for veterans!), and it’s absolutely worth it.

One of my favorite parts? The massive ship’s wheel on display—it instantly turned me into a pirate captain. “Aye aye, matey!”

Then it was time to climb the lighthouse. I was pumped. But the moment I saw the open metal stairs spiraling up the 60-foot tower, I knew we were going to have a problem. For those who’ve read past posts, you’ll know my wife, Maggie, is not a fan of heights. She’s a trooper, though. She wanted to try and had me go up ahead so she could climb without anyone too close behind her.

I tried shouting some encouragement from the top, but—spoiler—she did not find that helpful.

When we both made it to the top, the view was absolutely breathtaking. On one side, the small town stretched out below us; on the other, Lake Erie sparkled endlessly into the horizon. The sky and water blurred into one endless stretch of blue. It was, without exaggeration, stunning.

Maggie stayed just long enough to snap a few pictures before quickly retreating down the see-through stairs. I don’t blame her—those open steps definitely add an extra level of adrenaline. Still, the railings were solid, and I felt totally safe up there. As we descended, the museum staff handed us ribbons for making it to the top. Some might call it childish, but I thought it was a fun touch. And hey, it was earned—especially for Maggie.

One Last Cookie for the Road

Before hitting the road, I had one last mission: another one of those salted chocolate chip cookies. Luckily, the creamery across the street was less crowded this time. We each grabbed a cookie and were about to head to the car when Maggie noticed stairs leading to a second-floor seating area.

We decided to enjoy our cookies up there, taking a few more minutes to soak it all in before heading back to reality. The upstairs was quiet and peaceful, with wide windows looking out over the lake. Honestly, it was the perfect way to end the trip.

And yes—somehow, the cookie was even better the second time around.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, I highly recommend Fairport Harbor. It’s a charming, laid-back town with:

• Stunning Lake Erie sunsets
  
• Great beach access
  
• Beautiful nature trails
  
• An adorable and lively downtown
  
• A historic lighthouse you can actually climb
  
• Kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake
  
• And, of course, those cookies.
  

Whether you’re craving adventure, nature, or just a good snack with a view—Fairport Harbor delivers. Just remember to climb that lighthouse first… you’ll want to earn that cookie.

Interested in adventuring more? Check out all of our articles!