The Erie region calls out to adventurous souls looking to embrace the thrill and serenity that only the great outdoors can offer. Whether you find joy in gliding down snowy slopes, exploring rugged trails, seeking tranquility while casting a line, or reveling in the beauty of nature on two wheels, Erie has opportunities for every outdoor enthusiast. With expansive landscapes and pristine waters, it’s the perfect backdrop for some quality time with Mother Nature.
Presque Isle State Park is more than just a beach destination: it’s Pennsylvania's most-visited state park and year-round playground for outdoor recreation. The 3,200 acre peninsula is perfectly flat with water on three sides, making it an exceptional destination for biking, hiking, fishing, paddling, birding, and so much more.
The 13-mile paved Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail encircles the entire park and is great for walking, jogging and bicycling set among the scenic shorelines of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Coastal Living Magazine ranked the multi-purpose trail fourth on its list of the 18 best bike rides at beaches. Bicycle rentals are available at Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental located on the park grounds. Off road exploration at Presque Isle will lead you to breathtaking views and lots of wildlife sightings, with fifteen hiking trails located in the core of the park. Check out the Gull Point Trail to reach the edge of Presque Isle, or the Graveyard Pond Trail around the final resting place for many of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's men during the winter of 1812.
A trip to Erie isn't complete without time spent on the water. At Presque Isle, both non-powered craft and registered motorboats are permitted. All across the park, you'll find opportunities to launch canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Paddle out onto the lagoons to truly be one with nature, or launch at the Marina and go out on the Bay or Lake for more open water fun. Rentals are available at the park at Presque Isle Canoe and Boat Livery.
Wildlife is abundant at Presque Isle, where it's not uncommon to see a flock of turkey along the road, or migratory birds on an off-the-beaten-path trail. Given the Great Lakes location, for many it's about fishing. Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay are among the top bass fishing locations in the country (just ask the pros who have competed here!), while other common species include perch, walleye, trout, northern pike, muskellunge and crappie. Popular shore fishing locations include the East and West piers, Waterworks area, the Perry Monument, and The North Pier. Presque Isle is considered to be one of the top birding hot spots in the country due to its location along the Atlantic Flyway, making it a favorite spot for birds to stop, feed, and rest on their migration across Lake Erie. More than 339 species of birds have been documented at the park, including 47 species of special concern. For a list of birding hotspots in Erie, click here.
Presque Isle State Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to sunset. Restroom facilities are located throughout the Park, with three open year-round: Public Safety Building, Rotary Pavilion, and the Perry Monument.
Hiking is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the Erie region’s natural beauty. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the lush woodlands and scenic trails found at Asbury Woods, Erie Bluffs State Park, and Wintergreen Gorge. Wintergreen Gorge, part of the Greater Erie Regional Trail Network, was named a "2022 Great Place in PA" by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association. Traverse the rugged paths where sunlit filters through the canopy of trees, as you wind your way along gurgling creeks and serene streams, it’s the perfect setting for contemplation and rejuvenation. From the breathtaking lake views atop Erie Bluffs to the colorful wildflowers at Asbury Woods, Erie’s hiking trails cater to all skill levels.
With a network of well-maintained biking trails and scenic roadways, Erie is the only county in Pennsylvania with three official BicyclePA State Routes (A, Y and Z) and three national bike routes: Northern Tier Bicycle Route (4,265 miles), the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route (2,006 miles) and the Underground Railroad Spur (153 miles). Enjoy the freedom of being on two wheels as you pedal along the shores of Lake Erie on the Bayfront Promenade, part of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, and experience refreshing breezes and stunning views. Explore Erie’s beautiful countryside, where farmlands and charming towns are nestled among acres of vineyards, rolling hills, and forests. Each July, Erie hosts Lake Erie Cyclefest, an all-cycling weekend for cyclists of all ages who are invited to participate in self-supported rides on routes that feature Erie’s vast terrain from sandy beaches and Downtown Erie to old-growth forests and fragrant vineyards.
With the perfect location along the shores of Lake Erie, the Erie region is renowned for its abundant fish populations and diverse angling opportunities. Lake Erie was recently ranked #3 out of the Top 100 Best Bass Lakes of the Decade by Bassmaster magazine and is a popular haven for anglers seeking adventure and the chance to reel in a memorable catch. Whether you’re casting your line from a pier, fishing from a boat on the open waters of Presque Isle Bay or Lake Erie, or wading through creeks and streams, you’ll be greeted by a wealth of species including walleye, steelhead, pike, panfish, bluegill, yellow perch, and large and smallmouth bass. Lake Erie’s nutrient-rich waters and favorable conditions contribute to the exceptional fishing experience, drawing anglers from across the globe.
Read more about fishing in Erie County here.
With expansive coastline and calm waters, Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay is a fantastic destination offering the perfect setting for beginner and experienced watersport enthusiasts. Feel the adrenaline rush as you zip across the water on a jet ski or enjoy the peaceful serenity of gliding atop the water’s surface from a paddleboard, kayak or canoe. Get connected with nature by spending time out on the water on a relaxing sailboat or a thrilling power boat ride. Bring your own or find a variety of personal watercraft available for rent from Port Erie Sports.
Erie isn’t just a warm weather destination. Erie is a winter wonderland of exhilarating winter sports activities. With snowy landscapes and cold temperatures, the region transforms into a winter playground for snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, and more. Peek’n Peak Ski Resort and Mount Pleasant of Edinboro provide excellent downhill skiing, tubing, and snowboarding trails for all skill levels, complete with well-groomed slopes and amazing views. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, Asbury Woods and Presque Isle State Park provide trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing among beautiful winter scenery. Snowmobiling trails are maintained by a variety of clubs in the snowbelts of Erie County. For information and trail maps, click here.
Need inspiration for your next adventure? For wooded or water trails, these songs are perfectly paired for a day in the great outdoors. Check out all of VisitErie's playlists here.
Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood and coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Five Iron Golf is Erie’s premier indoor golf and entertainment destination, blending top-tier technology with a vibrant, social atmosphere. Featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan simulators, a full bar and kitchen, and Duckpin Bowling, it’s the perfect spot to play, practice, or just hang out. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or swinging for fun, Five Iron Golf brings people together through golf, food, and great times.
Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.
Explore the Erie Zoo, where every path leads to something new and exciting. From curious orangutans and playful otters to vibrant gardens and seasonal events, adventure awaits at every turn. Our habitats will bring you closer than you imagine to animals from around the world, creating wondrous and truly unforgettable moments. Your visit isn't about seeing wildlife —it's about connecting with nature, discovering the unexpected, and making memories you'll treasure for years to come.
Join us at Oliver’s Rooftop, located on the eighth floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites on Erie’s scenic Bayfront. Open daily, with Sunday brunch from 10 AM–2 PM, featuring chef-inspired specialties. Enjoy inventive cuisine paired with stunning views, unforgettable sunsets, and unique nature watching. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide incredible vantage points overlooking Presque Isle Bay. Award-winning and recently recognized as Erie’s Choice Community Choice Awards Best Fine Dining Restaurant (2025). Reservations are recommended.
From tailgating and birthday parties to travel sports and family reunions, Donatos is here to feed your whole crew! Right now, get four large 1-topping pizzas and three 2-liter bottles of Pepsi products for just $74.99! Use code 262 when ordering online or mention at our Harborcreek on Buffalo Road!
The Field at DICK’S Sporting Goods is where passions come to life. Designed to inspire movement and connection, The Field offers opportunities to try new experiences, demo the latest gear from top brands, and bring people together. Host your next event with us. Also, offering a wide range of community programming, including fitness and yoga classes, youth sports camps and clinics, and more. Community partnerships are at the core of everything they do, and they take pride in supporting teams, athletes, and organizations in meaningful ways.
If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!
Discover Erie’s favorite dining destinations with the John Russell Hospitality app—bringing all six of our locations together in one place. Make reservations, order online, earn rewards, and stay up to date on events across every venue. Whether you're planning a waterfront dinner or a casual night out, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a full vacation, unforgettable live entertainment is waiting for you in Erie. Set along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, the Rebich Investments Amphitheater comes alive every summer with the “8 Great Tuesdays” free community concert series- taking place every Tuesday in July and August. Recently, voted Erie’s Choice for Best Local Event. Relax by the water, enjoy the view, and experience incredible live music under the open sky. Erie Events, the driving force behind downtown Erie’s vibrant entertainment scene, brings excitement year-round across five unique venues in Erie, PA. Come for the music, stay for the experience. Erie is where every show comes with a waterfront view.
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia believes that “there is always…local, an alternative, and a story.” They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift.
Presenting SiriusXM host, pianist, conductor, writer, and performer Seth Rudetsky in “Divas by the Decade” on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. Blending humor and insider insight, Rudetsky celebrates Broadway’s legendary leading ladies with stories, rare audio, and video from shows like “Hamilton,” “Gypsy,” and “West Side Story.”
Blissful Meads is an award-winning winery and restaurant in Meadville, PA, specializing in the production of excellent meads, wines, and ciders in small batches. We sell by the bottle, flight, or glass. We also offer imaginative cocktails & mocktails, local beer & spirits, and unique food. We're located at 847 Market Street in downtown Meadville. We offer catering options and you can rent our tasting room for events.
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.
Take a quick ride up to the observation deck to enjoy the stunning 360° veiws of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, downtown Erie, and even Long Point, Ontario on clear days – all from 138 feet up at Erie’s iconic Bayfront Tower.
Stop by Port Farms to check out our on-site brewery, Poverty Knob! 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!
Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.
Discover five unique venues in the heart of downtown’s entertainment district, with live music, comedy and experiences for every kind of night. Make your visit unforgettable.
Voted Erie's Choice Best Hospital for ten years in a row.
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
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