Cedar Point

1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

Added on April 10, 2025

Operating season: May through October

Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is often referred to as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World — and for good reason. With 16 coasters, dozens of flat rides, and a full water park, it’s a mecca for thrill seekers and families alike. The park’s iconic setting on a peninsula along Lake Erie gives it one of the most scenic backdrops of any amusement park in the world.

History & Background

Cedar Point began as a bathhouse and beer garden in 1870, making it one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the U.S. Over the decades, it evolved into a thrill-focused resort destination. It became part of the Cedar Fair chain and now features not just record-breaking rides, but also on-site hotels, beaches, and live shows. In the coaster community, it’s legendary, with multiple “world’s first” and “world’s tallest” titles under its belt.

Ticket Prices & Packages

One-day admission typically ranges from $49 to $79, with the best prices available online in advance.

Options include:

Season Passes (Gold, Prestige)
Fast Lane (skip-the-line access)
Ride & Refresh bundles
Group ticket discounts
Hotel + ticket packages

Buy tickets here

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Cedar Point operates seasonally from early May through late October, including HalloWeekends in the fall.

Typical hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours in peak summer.

Best times to visit:

Weekdays in May, early June, or September
Early mornings for short lines on top-tier coasters
Avoid Saturdays in July unless you purchase the Fast Lane

Top Rides & Attractions

Top Thrill 2 – A triple-launch strata coaster, reaching 120 mph and 420 feet tall
Steel Vengeance – Widely considered one of the best coasters on Earth, a hybrid beast of airtime and inversions
Millennium Force – First-ever giga coaster, smooth and massive with lake views
Maverick – Multi-launch terrain coaster with sharp twists and aggressive pacing
Magnum XL-200 – Historic hypercoaster with retro appeal and scenic finale
Valravn – Dive coaster with vertical drops and hang-time
Raptor – High-speed inverted coaster looping through the front of the park
GateKeeper – Wing coaster that flies over the main entrance
Gemini – Dueling racing coaster with classic steel track

Family & Kids Rides

Cedar Creek Mine Ride – A classic steel mine train ride
Sky Ride – Gondola ride with aerial views of the midway
Cadillac Cars – Drive through a tree-lined path in a classic convertible
Camp Snoopy – Dedicated kid zone with Peanuts characters and gentle rides
Lake Erie Eagles – Swing ride with a view of the lake

Cedar Point Shores Waterpark

Accessible by combo ticket or Season Pass add-on, this water park includes:

Point Plummet – Drop slide tower
Storm Surge – Tube slide with twists and turns
Breakwater Bay Wave Pool – Massive wave pool
Runaway Rapids – Lazy river
SplasH20 – Multi-level play area with dumping buckets

Open late May through Labor Day.

Dining Options

Hugo’s Italian Kitchen – Pasta, pizza, and meatballs
BackBeatQue – Smokehouse BBQ with live music nearby
The Farmhouse Kitchen & Grill – Rotisserie chicken, mac & cheese, and seasonal dishes
Coasters Drive-In – Classic diner-style burgers and shakes
Beachside beer gardens and food trucks also rotate during the season

Mobile ordering is available through the Cedar Point app. All-Day Dining Plans and Drink Bottles are popular and convenient.

Hotels & Accommodation

Cedar Point is a full resort with on-site hotels, including:

Hotel Breakers – Historic beachfront resort just steps from the park
Castaway Bay – Indoor waterpark hotel, family-focused
Cedar Point’s Express Hotel – Budget-friendly with a modern refresh
Lighthouse Point Cabins – Waterfront cottages and RV sites

All resort guests receive early entry, discounted tickets, and free shuttle service.

Getting There & Parking

Address: 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
Easily accessible via OH-2, about 1 hour west of Cleveland and 2 hours from Detroit.

General parking: $25
Preferred parking: $40
EV charging stations are available
Hotel guests receive free or discounted parking depending on the package

Tips for Visiting

Get to the gate 30 minutes before opening for early entry
Ride Steel Vengeance, Maverick, and Top Thrill 2 early or with Fast Lane
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen — the park has long walkways and little shade
HalloWeekends starts in September and is VERY popular — plan ahead
If staying overnight, Hotel Breakers is worth it for the location alone