🏖️Our Beach Town - Fairport Harbor
A Nautical Experience You Won’t Want To Miss
Fairport Harbor in Lake County, OH offers one of the most beautiful natural settings of any coastal community on the Great Lakes. Just 30 minutes east of Downtown Cleveland, this charming harbor town is perched on the bluffs above the mouth of the Grand River and overlooks two historic lighthouses and one of the finest public beaches in Ohio.
Fairport Harbor is also home to two museums, a charming sheltered beach with a boardwalk, unique shops, award winning restaurants and Airbnb accommodations, all within walking distance of one another.
Museums + Lighthouses
Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse
The museum was founded in 1945 by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society, which is devoted to preserving and perpetuating the historic tradition of Fairport Harbor and the Great Lakes area.
The original lighthouse was completed in 1825. The tower stood thirty feet high, capped with an octagonal-shaped iron lantern.
**Local’s Tip: You can even climb the lighthouse to look out at Lake Erie!
Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse
Uninhabited since 1948, the classic 4-square style working building first lit in 1925, is undergoing a top to bottom makeover.
The 40-foot-high Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse was built in 1925 to replace the Grand River Lighthouse, which had guided ships into Fairport Harbor and the town of the same name for nearly 100 years.
**Local’s Tip: This Lighthouse is open to the public ONCE a year and will be celebrating it’s 100th Birthday this year on June
Finnish Heritage Museum
The Finnish Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserve Finnish and Finnish/North American Heritage for future generations and to provide all visitors with an opportunity to learn about and better understand Finnish and Finnish/North American history and culture.
Shopping + Entertainment
Fairport Harbor offers a delightful array of specialty shops within its walkable downtown. Visitors can explore unique boutiques such as the Finnish Treasures Gift Shop, which features imported Scandinavian and Finnish gifts. Art enthusiasts can visit Beth Lynne Studio for original handcrafted paintings and custom-designed apparel. Additionally, The Green Shepherdess offers fair-trade certified products, ensuring ethically sourced and eco-friendly gifts. With its diverse selection of shops, Fairport Harbor provides a distinctive and enjoyable shopping experience for all visitors!
**Local’s Tip: Make sure to check out the Fairport Mini Golf right next door to the Fairport Harbor Creamery!
Dining Options
Breakfast - Julbean’s Coffee & Crêpes
A unique coffee shop in the heart of Fairport Harbor serving specialty coffee, teas, and sweet and savory crĂŞpes
Lunch - Fairport Family Restaurant
Welcome to Fairport Family Restaurant, where tradition meets taste in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Fairport, this family-owned and operated eatery has been a beloved local destination for over 14 years.
Dinner - The Pompadour
A small plates restaurant and cocktail bar located two blocks from the beach in historic downtown Fairport Harbor. Enjoy creative small plates and handcrafted cocktails made with the freshest ingredients in our cozy, dimly-lit destination with an urban vibe.
Dessert - Fairport Harbor Creamery
Fairport Harbor Creamery was the vision of part-time residents, Brian and Karen Volzer. All ice cream and most components of the ice cream are made in house, and all bakery and desserts are made from scratch.
Fairport Harbor Arts & Culture Alliance
Live at the Lighthouse
The Fairport Harbor Arts & Culture Alliance (FHACA) consists of local small business owners and community leaders who ​are dedicated to the support and growth of the arts and culture community in Fairport Harbor.
Upcoming 2025 Events
Folk and Country Fest - May 31, 2025
Live @ the Lighthouse Concert Series
Reggae in the Harbor - July 12, 2025
Jam by the Sand​ - August 9, 2025​Fairport Harbor's Harboritaville - August 31, 2025
Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with Tour Lake County!