5 easy tips to see Cedar Point in the offseason

Editor's note: Justin Dietz represents a Cedar Point food blog, (CPFoodBlog.com, @CPFoodBlog on Twitter). He recently talked about ways to view the amusement park during winter.SANDUSKY — With Cedar Point closed for the season, guests are eagerly awaiting spring and the opening of the park on May 6, 2017.While you can't get into the park to ride your favorite roller coaster or share a funnel cake — or two, don't judge — here are five easy tips to see Cedar Point during the offseason:1. Live streamingMost guests may not realize that they can see Cedar Point online at any time simply by opening up their internet browser and visiting the Cedar Point website live stream. The three cameras point at various sections of the park, and usually one is pointed at the area where the upcoming improvements are being constructed, such as the new Cedar Point Shores water park.2. Skyline from a distanceIf you really have the itch to see Cedar Point in person, you can actually visit Battery Park located in downtown Sandusky, 701 E. Water St., for free. Once you park your vehicle, you can walk along the marina out to the water's edge. Then glance across the bay to see the spectacular Cedar Point skyline. With a good zoom lens, one can capture amazing photos of the park.3. A boater's glanceThose fortunate to own a boat who can brave the cold winter weather can travel out near the peninsula to get a closer glimpse of the Cedar Point. With a camera, just imagine capturing the perfect photo of your catch while having Millennium Force in the background. Epic!4. Dinner with a ViewOur favorite tip to see Cedar Point during the offseason is by visiting Bay Harbor restaurant. The fine dining establishment on the Cedar Point peninsula is open all year, though right now it has a reduced schedule during the offseason (Wednesdays through Saturdays). Enjoy favorites like prime rib, lobster bisque, and pasta specials while getting a glimpse of the Blue Streak, Raptor, and Valravn roller coasters. Access is limited to the Bay Harbor restaurant, and guests are not permitted to venture further down the perimeter road.5. Chill out: It gets betterFor those that still desire to be in the park, on Feb. 25 Cedar Point will open their gates for Winter Chillout. The special-ticketed event benefits charity and gives diehard guests the chance to see the park during the offseason, enjoy rare behind-the-scenes tours and get insight into some of the unannounced improvements for the new year. Tickets are limited and do sell out. So it would be wise to keep an eye out for when tickets are available on the Cedar Point website.Cedar Point is officially closed for the season. Therefore, unauthorized access on the property is not permitted. Cedar Point has stepped up security around the perimeter of the park to prevent eavesdroppers, and those caught will be dealt with accordingly.Use of these five tips can ensure a safe return when the park opens again. See you in the spring!A view of the Cedar Point skyline from Battery Park Marina in Sandusky.