Say Cheese! The Best Places to take a Picture in the Erie Region
Wednesday May 11th, 2022
The best types of memories are those best captured by the photographs we take. Whether they show off your friends, families, a special pet or a selfie, photos are a great way to preserve great times and special moments. Choosing just the right backdrop for your photos can be equally important to set the scene. The Erie region has many unique locations that are considered to be picture perfect or "Instagrammable".
Here are a few suggestions of the best places to take a picture in the Erie area. Be sure to use #VisitErie in your posts too!
Main photo: Sara’s Restaurant by Andy Teach
The ERIE Sign
Since it was installed in March 2021, the 10 foot wide, 5 foot high ERIE sign has become a trendy picture spot. The hard-to-miss bright white sign sits on the bluff at Bayview Park overlooking Presque Isle Bay near the foot of Cherry Street. Find it here.
Photo by Connie Bootz
Erie’s most recognizable attraction, the Bicentennial Tower at the foot of State Street is a popular setting for individual photos, wedding parties, family reunions and more. With its two observation decks and spectacular views of Downtown Erie, Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, the Tower is a must-stop for memorable photos.
Photo by @dominidragoone via Instagram
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center Observation Tower
The views from atop TREC’s 75 foot observation platform provide breathtaking views of Presque Isle, Lake Erie and their next door neighbors, Waldameer Park and Water World.
Photo by @christineserfozo via Instagram
The Erie Land Lighthouse is located in east Erie at the foot of Lighthouse Street which overlooks Erie and Presque Isle State Park. The recently renovated Presque Isle Lighthouse includes a new observation platform and landscaped beach area. The North Pier Light, situated at the very tip of the North Pier, provides many photo opportunities of the Light itself and the many sailing vessels that travel through the channel that connects Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. The Presque Isle Lighthouse and the North Pier Light are inside Presque Isle State Park.
Pictured: Presque Isle Lighthouse
The Boardwalk Trail at Asbury Woods
Set amidst the natural beauty of Asbury Woods is their serene woodland Boardwalk Trail. Strike a pose along the trail or at its two designated rest areas, Shaw Gazebo and the Wasiesky Teaching Pavilion. The .33 mile trail is accessible from Asbury Woods’ main entrance and the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center east entrance.
Photo by Hannah Stancliff
“The Butterfly Effect” Mural
Showcased on the H & S Computer building at 31 East Main Street in Downtown Girard, “The Butterfly Effect” was created by local artist Lacy Brant. The mural’s colorful wings feature words and phrases meant to inspire kindness and positivity. Position yourself in front of it to give the appearance that you have sprouted beautiful butterfly wings. Find the mural here. Photo by Connie Bootz
Ella the Elephant at 21 Brix Winery
When you go to 21 Brix Winery in nearby Portland, NY, be sure to stop and get your picture taken with Ella the Elephant. The vividly pink, eye-catching pachyderm got her name and color from the winery’s Pink Catawba wine, appropriately called “Ellatawba”. Read Ella’s full story here! Photo by Kathy Mosier
Whether it’s gathering around the oversized Simpsons Family display, Humpty Dumpty on a life guard chair, the comical looking Hotdog Man or numerous wacky cardboard cut outs, Sara’s is loaded with fun photo options! Sara’s can be found at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park and is a great place to stop, “say cheese!” and grab some delicious food! Photo by Michelle DiMarco Nunez
The Erie Zoo “Man and Dog” Statue
Swing by the Erie Zoo and just past the back entrance of the Main Building you’ll find a statue of a man sitting on a bench with enough room for someone to sit next to him and admire his best friend. The “Man and Dog” bronze statue is a perfect spot for a picture...and a rest.
Pier 6 Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
Newly opened on the top floor of the Courtyard Marriott Bayfront parking garage, Pier 6 Rooftop Bar and Restaurant features two sizeable outdoor patio areas overlooking beautiful Presque Isle Bay. Bring your family and friends and enjoy fabulous food, creative cocktails and of course the view! Photo by @sydneyseroka via Instagram
The Waterfall at Wintergreen Gorge
The Wintergreen Gorge Footbridge, the Gorge Overlook are both cool places to snap a photo but the scenic, cascading waterfall on Four Mile Creek is the most popular. Wintergreen Gorge is off Cooper Road between Station and Shannon Roads in the eastside town of Harborcreek, PA. Photo by @jude_lampman via Instagram
Immerse yourself in five acres of vibrant zinnias and vibrant sunflowers during the annual Port Farms Flower Festival. The bright cheery colors create the perfect backdrop for your special memories. The festival typically runs during August and September. 2022 dates coming soon! Photo provided by Port Farms.
