Located on the shores of Sandusky Bay, Downtown Sandusky is a breathtaking destination featuring fantastic restaurants and bars, unique shopping, ferry service to the Lake Erie Islands and much more.
NOTICE: The Erie County Parking Garage is closed for maintenance from 5:00pm Friday, September 8, 2023 through Sunday, September 24.
View September Downtown Ferry Parking Map
Downtown Sandusky offers various parking options including handicap accessible spots. On-street parking is free and is limited to two hours in most locations (please observe all posted restrictions. Free surface lots (BLUE), long-term surface lots (RED) and a covered parking structure (GREEN) are also available.
If you are utilizing one of the ferry services to get to the islands, please check with the ferry company about locations and procedures for drop-off.
For questions related to parking, please review the FAQs below the map or call 419.627.5973.
Short-term parking is free, however, there are time restrictions. Convenient long-term parking (24 hours or more) is available at various locations, some requiring a nominal fee of $10 for 24 hours.
Long-term parking has designated parking spots throughout the district. Ferry-goers, downtown employees, and others are encouraged to use the long-term parking lots.
Downtown Sandusky offers numerous handicapped accessible spots.
Vehicles with a handicap placard or tag are given the allotted time plus an additional two hours.
Oversized vehicles including, buses, RV’s and campers are permitted to park at the Shelby Street Boat Launch.
Weekends and Holidays tend to be the busiest times for parking downtown.
Money from long-term parking goes back to the City of Sandusky to assist with the maintenance associated with the equipment to manage long-term parking.
Parking holidays are not currently offered.
Time restrictions on parking creates turnover for our commercial storefronts which allows more shoppers and diners to be able to access their favorite locations.
There are designated parking areas for downtown residents throughout the district. Downtown residents can register for residential parking through the Sandusky Planning Department at
419.627.5872.
Residential parking permits are utilized for designated parking spots in the central business district and do have parking restrictions. For more information about the parking restrictions or to obtain a residential parking permit, call
419.627.5972.
Residential parking permits are not provided for transient rentals.
