Labor Day weekend is one of the last chances to enjoy summer in Sandusky before things start to slow down for the season. Cedar Point is still open, our outdoor pool is typically open through the holiday weekend, and there are several events happening around the area.

Whether you're planning one last family getaway before school starts, coming to Sandusky for Cedar Point, or looking for something a little different to do around Lake Erie, Labor Day weekend is a great time to visit.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most of your Labor Day weekend in Sandusky.

Spend the Day at Cedar Point

Of course, no Labor Day weekend in Sandusky would be complete without a day at Cedar Point.

The park is just about 1.8 miles from South Shore Inn, so you can spend the day riding coasters without spending a lot of time getting back and forth. After a full day at the park, it's nice to have a comfortable room waiting for you just a few minutes away.

If you're visiting with kids, Labor Day weekend can also be a great time for one last summer adventure before school is back in session.

See more things to do near Cedar Point →

Enjoy the Last Weekend of Our Pool Season

If your kids aren't quite ready for summer to end, neither are we!

Our outdoor pool is typically open through Labor Day weekend, making the holiday one of the last opportunities of the year to enjoy the pool, waterslide and hot tub.

The pool features a 2-flume waterslide and an 8-foot-deep pool, while the hot tub gives adults a place to relax while the kids are busy swimming.

After a day at Cedar Point, you don't necessarily have to call it a night when you get back to the hotel. Grab your swimsuits, head to the pool and let everyone get a little more summer fun in before heading home.

Watch Strongman Champions League in Sandusky

One of the biggest additions to Labor Day weekend in Sandusky this year is the return of the Strongman Champions League.

The event is coming back to the area September 5–6, 2026, bringing some of the world's strongest athletes to Sandusky and Port Clinton for an action-packed weekend.

On Saturday, September 5, the competition will take place at Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton as part of the Rally on the Runway event. On Sunday, September 6, the action moves to downtown Sandusky along the waterfront.

Best of all, the events are free to attend.

If you've never watched a strongman competition before, this is definitely something different from your typical Sandusky weekend. Expect incredible feats of strength, including events such as deadlifts, truck pulls, keg tosses and other challenges.

There's even a special strength challenge for younger spectators at the Sandusky Library on Sunday.

Check the official Strongman Champions League agenda →

Visit the Milan Melon Festival

Looking for something a little more relaxed?

The Milan Melon Festival is another Labor Day weekend tradition taking place September 5–7, 2026.

The festival is about 20 minutes from South Shore Inn and offers a very different experience from spending the day at an amusement park. There are local vendors, food, entertainment, a road race and plenty of small-town festival atmosphere.

Admission is free, so it's an easy addition to your weekend if you have some extra time between your other plans.

Milan Melon Festival details →

Spend Some Time Downtown Sandusky

It's easy to spend an entire weekend at Cedar Point and never really see Sandusky. We definitely recommend leaving a little time to explore the city, too.

Downtown Sandusky is home to local restaurants, shops and the waterfront along Sandusky Bay. Jackson Street Pier is a great spot to take a walk, enjoy the lake views and watch the boats coming and going.

And if you're looking for dinner after a day at Cedar Point, there are plenty of local restaurants around town to choose from.

See more things to do in Sandusky →

Get Out on Lake Erie

Labor Day weekend is also a great time to take advantage of Sandusky's location on Lake Erie.

If you have an extra day, consider making the trip to one of the Lake Erie islands. Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island are both popular summer destinations, with restaurants, shops, waterfront views and plenty to explore.

The ferries are still operating around Labor Day, but schedules can vary, so be sure to check the current ferry schedule before heading out.

Don't Forget Breakfast Before You Head Out

One of the easiest ways to make a busy weekend go a little smoother is to start the morning with breakfast here at South Shore Inn.

Our complimentary breakfast is served from 7:00–9:30 AM. It runs daily through August; starting in September, we shift to a Friday–Saturday–Sunday schedule — but for Labor Day weekend, we run breakfast all four days, Friday through Monday. Expect the usual favorites — pancakes, fresh fruit, yogurt, bagels, toast and coffee.

Grab some breakfast, get everyone ready and head out for the day without having to make another stop before getting started.

A Sample Labor Day Weekend at South Shore Inn

Not sure how to fit everything in? Here's one way you could plan your weekend:

Friday: Arrive in Sandusky, get settled in and enjoy some time at the pool and hot tub before dinner.

Saturday: Start with breakfast at the inn, then spend the day at Cedar Point. Come back for an evening swim or some time relaxing at the hotel.

Sunday: Grab breakfast, then check out the Strongman Champions League event in downtown Sandusky, explore the waterfront and grab dinner in town.

Monday: Grab one last breakfast, sleep in a little and squeeze in one more swim if the pool's still open before heading home.

Of course, you can mix and match depending on what your family wants to do. That's one of the nice things about staying in Sandusky — there is plenty to do beyond Cedar Point.

Where to Stay for Labor Day Weekend

South Shore Inn is a family-owned motel located just minutes from Cedar Point, downtown Sandusky and Sports Force Parks.

Our rooms range from standard king and queen rooms to larger two-room and three-room suites with bunk beds, making it possible to find an option that works for families and larger groups.

Guests also enjoy:

• Complimentary breakfast — daily through August, Friday–Sunday in September and October (all four days over Labor Day weekend)
• Seasonal outdoor pool
• 2-flume waterslide
• Hot tub
• Free Wi-Fi
• Mini fridge and microwave in every room
• Coin laundry
• Free parking
• Convenient location near Cedar Point and Sports Force Parks

We're also just about 0.3 miles from Sports Force Parks, which makes us a convenient option if you're coming to Sandusky for a Labor Day tournament.

Explore our rooms and suites →

Planning a Labor Day Weekend Trip to Sandusky?

Whether your plans involve roller coasters, strongman competitions, the Lake Erie waterfront or simply getting one more weekend of summer in before school starts, there's plenty happening around Sandusky over Labor Day weekend.

And if you're looking for a place to stay close to everything, we'd love to have you here at South Shore Inn.

Check Rooms & Availability →

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Event dates, times and schedules can change. We recommend checking with each event's official website for the most current information before making your plans.