Headlands Beach State Park is the area’s most expansive lakefront beach — in fact, its mile-long natural sand beach is the longest in Ohio — and it’s only a 30-minute drive east of downtown Cleveland.
In the summer, of course, it’s packed with swimmers, sunbathers, picnickers, windsurfers, dappers, and joggers taking advantage of its paved trails. In the off-season, it’s home to a variety of birds, taking advantage of the protected plantings in its nature preserves and hundreds of cottonwood trees growing among its sandy dunes. There are several trails and lots of places to walk, lots of nature to observe in relative peace and quiet, with the swishing of waves on the shore. The concession stands won’t open until May (assuming the corona virus crisis has passed) but you can bring your own food and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables that are out all year round.
It’s cold to swim, but you can dap! What’s that? It’s a term for stone-skipping. Find a light, flat stone as round as possible, and try your hand at sending it skimming and jumping over the water.
Mentor, OH 44060