Skip to Main Content

VisitErie Blog

Kite Beach by darlagraffphotography

7 Favorite Summer Activities at Presque Isle State Park

Tuesday May 9th, 2023

Presque Isle State Park is a National Natural Landmark and Erie’s top attraction, especially in the summertime. From pristine beaches to a rich history and natural beauty, a visit to Presque Isle promises endless fun and excitement, making it the perfect destination for a memorable summer getaway. As always, admission and parking is free. Here are a few ways for you to make the most out of your visit.

Main photo by @darlagraffphotography via Instagram 

Beach Families 155 June 13 2022 Edit copy FOR WEB v3

Bask in the Beaches

Presque Isle State Park features seven miles of sandy surf beaches, providing visitors with the only surf swimming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Presque Isle boasts distinctive qualities that set it apart from other beach destinations, and its eleven beaches each possess unique attributes that make them truly special. Beach 11 is popular for families with younger children due to its shallow, calm waters, playground area, and concession stand. It’s also one of the largest beaches at the park, giving you lots of room to spread out and enjoy the sun and sand. Beach 8/Pettinato Beach features a ramp that provides ADA access to the water’s edge. Swimming is permitted on guarded beaches from Noon until 7:15 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Expand Your Knowledge

Presque Isle has a rich maritime history due to its role in the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. The Perry Monument, adjacent to Misery Bay, is dedicated to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a prominent naval leader during the War of 1812. Interpretive panels detailing the story of the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie line the sidewalks surrounding the monument.

North Pier Light by Patrick Grab given with unlimited permission WEB

Explore Presque Isle's Lighthouses

Presque Isle is home to two lighthouses. The Presque Isle Lighthouse is a still-functioning lighthouse, originally built in 1873. Tours of the grounds and the structure are offered from April to October. The lighthouse’s observation platform offers breathtaking views of Lake Erie. The North Pier Light is sometimes referred to as a lighthouse but technically it is a "light structure”. The light, which is located at the far eastern end of Presque Isle State Park, helps ships and boats navigate their way into the narrow channel to Presque Isle Bay. Its black and white, unique square-pyramidal design is the only surviving example of this type left in the United States and in 2021, the lighthouse was featured on a postage stamp as part of the Mid-Atlantic Lighthouse series done by the United States Postal Service.

Photo (above) by Patrick Grab, of North Pier Light

Take a Tranquil Tour

The lagoons are a quiet, peaceful oasis to become one with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They are best explored via kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or small boat. Spend time up close with turtles, ducks, birds, and other wildlife. When the waters are still, it’s clear enough to watch fish swim by. The park offers free pontoon lagoon tours on a first come, first served basis Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 26 through September 10 at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Equipment rentals including canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and row boats are available at Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery, next to the pontoon boat launch.

Sightsee and Sail

Enjoy a leisurely 14-mile, 90-minute tour of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie aboard the Lady Kate. This fully narrated sightseeing boat tour includes scenic views of the North Pier Light, Presque Isle Lighthouse, the Erie Land Lighthouse, Presque Isle’s shoreline and beaches, Gull Point Nature Preserve, and Erie’s skyline. Lady Kate tours, including sunset cruises, depart from Perry Monument at various times May through September.

Cycle and soak in the scenery

Pedal your way along the paved 13-mile Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail and experience picturesque views of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, and its unique natural beauty. Look closely and you may spot some of the park’s animal inhabitants including waterfowl, beaver, and fox.  Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental at Waterworks Beach has a variety of bicycles including tandem, fat tire, youth-sized, and surreys (four-wheeled, covered quadricycles) so you can tour the park in style!

lifeguard chair sunset credit Karen Lauster v2

Chase the setting sun

The beaches of Presque Isle provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll to witness one of Erie’s world-class sunsets. The best sunsets views are at Sunset Point, near Barracks Beach as well as Lighthouse Beach, Waterworks Beach, and Pettinato Beach. From vibrant pinks and yellows to soft hues of red and purple, Presque Isle sunsets are truly remarkable and definitely photo-worthy.

Not sure where to watch? Read our suggestions here

Partner Spotlight

Hamot Spotlight 400 x 300

UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

Learn More

814 photo Spotlight 400 x 300

814 Photo

Showcasing the incredible year round beauty of the City of Erie and its surrounding areas, commonly referred to as its area code "the 814". Explore some of Erie County's most breathtaking landscape photography.

Learn More

Farmhouse retreat Spotlight 400 x 300

Farmhouse Retreat

Your “Home Away from Home” short term rental sleeps 8 and is in a great location close to Erie Sports Center, Splash Lagoon, shopping and restaurants, as well as Steelhead Fishing. This restored 1881 Farmhouse is located on 10 private acres. Reminisce about bygone days when life was slower and simpler. With a long driveway and large yard, kick back by the firepit, watch wildlife or enjoy a beautiful Erie sunset from the back patio.

Learn More

The Cork Partner Spotlight 400 x 300 1

The Cork 1794

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Get ready for an experience like no other. An atmosphere where uncommon style, comfort and service seamlessly meld. Where food and beverages are expertly crafted to be beautiful, satisfying and truly special. A place that makes every day feel like a reason to celebrate.

Learn More

mazza spotlight

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

Learn More

Mall Image Spotlight v2

Millcreek Mall

The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.

Learn More

the cove from the cove site

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

Learn More

Dobbins Landing Spring 2022 EB 2

Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

Learn More

u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

Learn More

Poverty Knob for web and app 400 x 300 px

Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales

Stop by Port Farms to check out the newest addition, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales. We offer hand-crafted beers and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages!

Learn More

ASCEND Spotlight 400 x 300 1

ASCEND Erie - Climbing | Fitness | Yoga

NOW OPEN! ASCEND fosters a community-centered climbing, fitness, and yoga experience by serving individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Located in Downtown Erie, ASCEND welcomes Erie visitors to stop in and give climbing a try!

Learn More

erie events spotlight

Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

Learn More

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row