The Best Places to Catch an Erie Sunset
Tuesday May 17th, 2022
Erie Pennsylvania is considered by many to have some of the best sunsets in the world. With the stunning backdrop of Lake Erie and its miles of shoreline, Erie sunsets set the perfect scene for romantic proposals, friendly gatherings or a place for quiet reflection after a long day. There are lots of Instagrammable opportunities throughout Erie County to capture a fantastic sunset photo. So grab your camera, pick a spot and take time to watch the sun make its colorful descent into the horizon. Here are some suggestions on where to find the best places to catch an Erie sunset.
Main photo: Presque Isle State Park, credit: Dean Zeller
Sunset Point - Presque Isle State Park
If there is one thing Presque Isle is known for besides its beaches, it’s their spectacular sunsets. Framed by beautiful sandy beaches and Lake Erie, Presque Isle is one of the most tranquil places to watch the sun go down. Although pretty much anywhere along the beach is a good spot, the appropriately named Sunset Point beach is the most photogenic. Sunset Point is located between beaches nine and ten. Other great point of views can be found at Lighthouse beach, Waterworks (beach 7) or Pettinato (beach 8) areas. Photo credit: @puravidaboardsports via Instagram
The top of Waldameer Park’s Ferris Wheel
Travel to the top of Waldameer Park’s Ferris Wheel for breathtaking views of the sunset, Lake Erie and the park's Ravine Flyer II coaster. The giant gondola wheel leisurely carries its riders to its maximum height of 100 feet, pausing long enough so you can snap a bunch of photos. There’s nothing quite like this view!
Photo provided by Waldameer Park and Water World
Sunset Sail aboard the Lettie G. Howard
Set sail for an adventure of a lifetime! Enjoy a two-hour cruise on Lake Erie waters aboard the Lettie G. Howard Schooner that is filled with fun historical factoids and phenomenal photo opps. With cruises running from May through September, the Lettie G is taking reservations for day sails and sunset sails. They are also offering special excursions during the “8 Great Tuesdays” Bayfront concert series as well as “Boom Over the Bay” Fourth of July fireworks event. Click here to check availability and book your cruise!
It may be a small beach but it has a huge viewing area! In addition to being a great sunset spot, this area is a popular outdoor hangout complete with nature trails, picnic grounds, woodlands, play areas and a boat launch. Shades Beach is located north of Route 5 (East Lake Road) in Harborcreek, PA. Find it here.
Photo credit: @kgcolors via Instagram
The Shoreline Bar & Grille’s Outdoor Patio
Located at the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel in Erie’s Bayfront District, the Shoreline Bar and Grille’s full-service outdoor patio is a stylishly comfortable, casual environment where family and friends can gather to enjoy good food, a specialty cocktail and watch an incredible sunset. Photo credit: Chris Creations
Known as a quiet beach area without all the crowds, Avonia Beach Park is a small 3.6-acre park situated along the western shores of Lake Erie in Fairview, PA. This quaint park has benches and a charming gazebo that provide just the right setting for peaceful sunset gazing. Avonia Beach Park also has a public walkway, small sandy beach area and a fishing platform. Find it here.
Photo credit: @francisxmurray via Instagram
Your Sailing Adventure Sunset Cruise
Experience a Lake Erie sunset like never before with a sunset cruise aboard Your Sailing Adventure. Sail or motor (as weather permits) into Lake Erie for a two hour excursion with other guests or reserve the boat for your own private four hour tour. All sunset cruises include light snacks, regional wine selections and great conversations. It is an unforgettable moment! Photo provided by Your Sailing Adventure
Lake Erie Community Park is set on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie in Lake City, PA. The 125-acre park has plenty of space for you to spread out and enjoy unique cliff-side sunsets. The park also has picnic shelters, nature trails, baseball fields, a playground and boat launch. Find it here. Photo credit: nickjburch via Instagram
