Although it's a small town, Sandusky has one of the Midwest United States' most beautiful collections of historic architecture. It's population grew quickly in the 1800s when Irish and German stonecutters came to help build the city. Most of the early buildings were carved from the plentiful limestone in the area of the Port of Sandusky.

In the late 19th Century, the white sand beaches at Cedar Point made the Port of Sandusky a popular tourist destination. Having easy access to Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay attracted industry, and the population grew more quickly. Today, the Cedar Point amusement park has a huge collection of rides that attracts residents and visitors alike to the Port of Sandusky.

The Port of Sandusky has a humid continental climate with large seasonal differences in temperature. Port of Sandusky summers can be hot and humid, and winters can be severely cold. Temperatures in the Port of Sandusky range from an average high of 21°C (70°F) in July to an average low of just above -6°C (20°F) in January. Precipitation peaks at centimeters (four inches) in September and falls to centimeters (1.25 inches) in February. Humidity levels are highest in the Port of Sandusky in August and September (90%) and lowest in April and May (about 78%). Snow comes to the Port of Sandusky from October through May, peaking in January at just below 30 centimeters (12 inches).

In 1870, Cedar Point Peninsula became the home to a bathhouse, beer garden, and dance floor created by local businessman Louis Zistel. By 1892, the park had a roller coaster. The Bay Shore Hotel appeared there in 1899. Then in 1902, the park got its second roller coaster. As time passed, more rides and attractions, including a midway, grew up at the Port of Sandusky's Cedar Point. In 1959, the Cedar Point Marina opened, becoming the one of biggest marinas on the Great Lakes. The park is well-known for having the world's most roller coasters and rides, winning it the nickname of "America's Roller Coast." The Golden Ticket Awards have ranked it the world's best amusement park for 15 years in a row.

From May until August, Port of Sandusky residents and tourists alike flock to the islands near the Port of Sandusky: Kelley's Island, South Bass Island, Middle Bass Island, and North Bass Island. Thousands of people join in themed parties like "Island Fest," "Christmas in July," and "Rock on the Dock." Beginning in 2008, the "Barge Party" brings boats from the area, including Cleveland and Toledo, that dock their together inside Sandusky Bay twice a year.

The Maritime Museum of Sandusky focuses on the maritime history of Sandusky Bay with interactive exhibits and programs about boat-building, commercial shipping and fishing in the Port of Sandusky, ice harvesting, wetlands, shipwreck's, the Underground Railroad, and recreational and passenger boating. One exhibit tells the story of pirates on Lake Erie. This Port of Sandusky museum is open June through August from Tuesday through Saturday from 10am until 4pm and on Sunday from noon to 4pm. From September through May, the museum is open the same hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Admission to the Port of Sandusky's maritime museum is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and children under 12, and $12 for immediate families.

The Port of Sandusky Merry Go Round Museum celebrates the age of the Merry-Go-Round including its history and art. The museum features a restored Allan Herschell Carousel with a band organ. Visitors can watch the carvers restore carousel pieces including the beautiful "painted ponies" that exemplify traditional carousels. From Memorial Day until Labor Day, this Port of Sandusky museum is open from Monday through Saturday from 10am until 5pm and on Sunday from noon until 5pm. Off season, the museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am until 5pm and on Sunday from noon until 5pm. In January and February, the museum is open on Saturday and Sunday. Admission for this Port of Sandusky museum, which includes one ride token, is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children from four to 14.

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