Things to Do in Erie and Presque Isle
Pennsylvania's own seashore, on a sandy peninsula in Lake Erie.
See top-rated activities »About Erie
Pennsylvania's only Great Lakes port sits in the far northwest corner of the state, and its centerpiece is Presque Isle, a seven-mile sandy peninsula that curves out into Lake Erie and shelters the city's harbor. Presque Isle State Park has about a dozen swimming beaches, two lighthouses, quiet lagoons for kayaking and a paved multi-use trail that loops much of the peninsula. It is one of the most visited state parks in Pennsylvania, and the sunsets over the lake are a local ritual.
Start at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the park entrance, which has exhibits on the peninsula's dunes and wetlands and a tower with views of the lake. On the bayfront downtown, the Erie Maritime Museum is home port of the U.S. Brig Niagara, a reconstruction of Oliver Hazard Perry's relief flagship from the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie and the official flagship of Pennsylvania. The Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing gives a high view of the bay and the peninsula.
For families, Waldameer Park and Water World, beside the park entrance, has rides and water slides, and the Erie Zoo is close to downtown. East of the city, the Lake Erie shore is grape country, with Concord vineyards and wineries along Route 5 and Route 20 around North East. The region gets heavy lake-effect snow in winter, so most visitors come between June and October.
Don’t Miss
Lake Erie beaches, lighthouses, lagoons and a loop trail on a sandy peninsula.
Exhibits on the peninsula's ecology and a lookout tower at the park entrance.
The reconstructed brig from the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, docked beside the museum.
Rides, wooden coasters and water slides next to Presque Isle.
Wineries among the Concord grape vineyards along the lake shore.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Erie
Tours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Pennsylvania Travel Guide may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Can you swim at Presque Isle?
Yes, at the guarded beaches in the summer season. Swimming is not allowed when lifeguards are off duty or the beaches are closed for water quality or weather.
How far is Erie from Pittsburgh?
About 130 miles, or two hours by car on Interstate 79.
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