Here, lakeside chill meets small-city spark. Charming local shops line the streets, and miles of sandy beaches line the shore. Whether you're looking for an active trip to stretch your legs, or to put your feet up and watch the sun go down, memories are simply waiting to be made in Erie.
Nothing says summer like a day at the beach, and in Erie, the beaches stretch for miles. Choose the one that is best suited for you: lively with beach volleyball and music, quiet and secluded, ones with wheelchair ramps to the water, or kid-friendly with shallow, calm water. No two beaches are the same.
Erie is Pennsylvania's only port on the Great Lakes: so it's only natural that one of its best features is its waterfront. During the summer months, the Bayfront District comes alive with nightlife, bayside dining, and live music nearly every night. Dotting Erie's coastline, you'll also find historical markers and museums, ways to get out on the water, and family attractions.
Summer festivals are the hallmark of Erie's events calendar, laden with can't-miss events that visitors look forward to all year. Check out any number of heritage and cultural festivals, free live music on the water, classic parades, and up-close sporting events.
Share your experience using #VisitErie!
Find more Erie-inspired playlists here.
No trip is complete without exploring the local dining scene. Erie boasts an eclectic mix of local flavors across the county, from classic dinors, to rustic meals in the vineyard, to an upscale experience on the water.
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.
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.
Dine. Sip. Enjoy the view. Admire the stunning views of the Lake Erie bayfront, either from Pier 6 Rooftop Bar or Bay House Oyster Bar. Pier 6 offers indoor and outdoor dining, with two rooftop decks. Bay House provides an upscale experience as Erie’s Only Fresh Oyster Bar & Wood-Fired Argentine Grill. All in one location, with two unique experiences.
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.
Erie Events plays a pivotal role in hosting a diverse array of events, including concerts, Broadway productions, family shows, and sporting events. Visit the five venues: Erie Insurance Arena, Waner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park.
$5 First Fridays through November, offering everyone a $5 Day Pass all day long! In town for a minute? Purchase a 3-Day Pass (for less than the price of 2 day passes) and visit up to 3 times in a 7-day span! Plus, shoe and chalk rentals are on the house for first-timers.
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 adn coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain 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's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.
Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.
Get ready for another season of world-class performances as the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture returns with an electrifying 2025–2026 lineup spanning genres, generations, and global influences.
In honor of its Centennial year, the Erie Zoo invites guests to be part of a century-long legacy of discovery, conservation, and connection. Throughout this year’s celebration, visitors can enjoy special events, interactive keeper talks, and up-close animal encounters that inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s a family outing or a day of adventure with friends, the Erie Zoo continues to be a cherished destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories.
Experience the best of summer at Port Farms — where every weekend is packed with themed festivals, entertainment, and memorable moments for all ages! Stroll through 3 acres of vibrant u-pick flower fields, enjoy over 20 farm attractions, and treat yourself to delicious eats and handcrafted drinks. From bubble dance parties and character visits, to goats and hands-on fun, there’s always something new to discover. Located just 13 miles south of I-90.
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.
Hop aboard the Presque Isle Water Taxi “Aquabus” for a scenic ride across the bay! Depart Downtown from the Landing Dock (5 State St, Erie, PA 16507) and be dropped off at the Public Dock on the Presque Isle Bike Trail.
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!
Join us on Erie’s beautiful bayfront for a new experience from the creators of Oliver’s Rooftop restaurant. Oliver’s Beer Garden is an outdoor facility with great views of the Erie Bayfront and the nearby Bicentennial Tower. Enjoy craft brews, signature cocktails, and refreshing drinks served alongside delicious food from our very own food truck.
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
© 2025 Copyright VisitErie
Chances are, you are planning your trip to Erie. Why not download your free guide that's been put together right here, by those who know the region the best!
We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.
To accept cookies form this site, please click the Allow button. Allow Cookies Manage Cookie Settings