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Put in Bay Ohio offers travelers many options for a relaxing vacation. Put-in-Bay's most frequently asked questions may be found here along with answers. If your questions are not answered here, just e-mail us!
How far in advance should I make Put in Bay lodging reservations?
It is suggested that you make you hotel reservations very early in the year especially if your stay involves a weekend. Hotel rooms are limited on the Island and booking early will help insure you get the dates you want.
How old do I have to be to rent a moped or golf cart?
You must be 18 years of age to rent or operate a moped or golf cart.
How do I get to Put-in-Bay?
We have one ferryboat operator that services the Island with a high-speed passenger ferry. The Jet Express services the island for passengers and lands/docks right in the heart of downtown. There is also the Miller Ferry which lands at the back end of the island.
Do I need advance reservations for the ferry boats?
No! Our ferry services run on a first-come first-served basis operating as quickly as one boat every 15 minutes during the peak season and one boat every hour offseason. Both ferry services have numerous boats. Arrive early for your trip to Put-in-Bay! Check the Jet Express Website for details.
Do I need my car on the Island?
We recommend you do NOT bring a car to the Island. Aside from the expense associated with transporting your vehicle, parking is very limited on the Island. Waits to get a car on or off the Island can run as long as four hours. The Put-in-Bay Resort is located in town and just a short walk from Downtown Put-in-Bay and a pleasant golf cart ride to most attractions. Golf Carts, Bicycles, and Mopeds may be reserved at Delaware Rentals and are also readily available there.
What is the weather like in Put in Bay?
The weather at Put-in-Bay is much like all of northern Ohio coastal communities. In spring and fall a light jacket our sweatshirt is recommend for evenings. Island dress is casual. Current weather and a 10-day forecast may be found in our weather section. Just remember, it NEVER rains inside our great restaurants and bars!
What is your operating season?
The Put-in-Bay season starts April 1st and our last big weekend is the Halloween weekend the last weekend in October. Off-season activities include walleye and perch ice fishing.
Do your Put in Bay hotels have a minimum stay?
On weekends our Put in Bay hotels require a two-night minimum. On holiday weekends there is a three-night minimum. There is no minimum stay requirement Sunday thru Thursday nights where Sundays are not on a holiday weekend.
Can I bring alcohol to P&Q?
Yes, we permit you to bring your own beverages to the privacy of your own rental home. You may not bring your alcoholic beverages into any of our bars or poolside bars as they are considered part of the liquor permit premises. There is no need to bother bringing beer and wine from the mainland as we have carryouts here on the Island with prices comparable with those on the mainland. There is no full-proof liquor store on the Island.
What time do the Put in Bay bars close?
As a general rule, most downtown bars close around 1:30 am. There are some late night bars on the Island including Mr. Ed's Bar & Grill and the Brewery.
Do I need a driver's license to rent a golf cart?
Yes! Golf Carts are treated as licensed motor vehicles on the Island. All traffic laws apply including open container laws as well as drinking and driving. All of the cart rental outlets downtown rent to licensed drivers over the age of 18. For those under 18 but holding a valid license, a parent or guardian may rent a golf cart for your use.
Can I walk from bar to bar with a drink in Put-in-Bay?
NO! As anywhere in Ohio, we have an open container law. No alcoholic beverages may leave a liquor permit establishment. This is strictly enforced.
What bands are playing in Put-in-Bay?
Check our entertainer pages for your favorite Put in Bay entertainer!
Does Put-in-Bay have a school?
Yes! Put-in-Bay has a k-12 school that is located in the downtown area.
Is there a grocery and a place to buy beer and wine?
Yes! There is a full service grocery on the Island located on Catawba Avenue. There is a drive thru with beer and wine located next to the Boathouse Bar and Grill on Hartford Avenue.
How do you get back and forth from the Island in the winter?
When the ferryboats stop running, there are several charter airlines that fly in and out of Put-in-Bay. There is also a hovercraft offering ferry service across the ice to the mainland.
How far are you from Cedar Point?
Both ferryboat lines can be reached from Cedar Point in about 20 minutes.
Where is the best place to eat?
That is a tough one! There are a wide variety of great dining choices on the Island that serve an even wider variety of food. While touring the Island, stop in and look over the menus to determine your choice! You can also download our printable Island Guide in PDF format for a listing and map of local dining establishments.
How many people live on the Island in the winter?
There are about 480 full time residents on the Island.
