Located at the mouth of the Ashtabula River on Lake Erie, Ashtabula lies an hour between the cities of Cleveland and Erie. Outdoor recreation abounds in Ashtabula, from water sports on Lake Erie to walking the trails in local parks. There are plenty of cultural activities in Ashtabula as well, with numerous museums, historic districts, and art centers in town. Kent State University at Ashtabula contributes a variety of cultural amenities to the community as well.

Ashtabula hosts the annual Crafts in the Park event every year, where guests can shop hundreds of handmade items. There are a wide variety of events across Ashtabula County as well, with the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival and Ashtabula County Fair held annually in neighboring Jefferson. Getting around from Ashtabula is easy with access to Route 11, U.S. 20, and I-90.