Presque Isle State Park

A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200 acre peninsula that curves into Lake Erie and features seven miles of sandy surf beaches, providing visitors with the only surf swimming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The 11 public swimming beaches at Presque Isle provide the perfect summer getaway and some of the most spectacular sunsets in the country! Presque Isle State Park is more than just a beach destination: it’s a year-round outdoor playground for kayaking, canoeing, boat tours, picnicking, kite flying, hiking and biking, in-line skating, birding and fishing. Rentals are available for bicycles, surreys (a four-wheeled carriage style bike), paddle boards, motor boats, row boats, pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks. Rental facilities are located at Waterworks Beach/Rotary Pavillion and at Graveyard Pond across from Misery Bay.

Erie’s Bayfront District

Erie is Pennsylvania’s only port on the Great Lakes: it’s only natural that one of Erie’s best features is its waterfront. Whether you spend time on the water or alongside it, you’ll find an abundance of things to do set against the beautiful backdrop of Presque Isle Bay. A popular spot in the warmer months, Erie’s Bayfront District is set between Downtown Erie and Presque Isle Bay and offers great ways to spend a group outing. Explore the Erie Maritime Museum where Erie’s very own Tall Ship, U.S. Brig Niagara is berthed. Get a bird’s –eye-view from atop the 187 foot Bicentennial Tower on Dobbins Landing, or take a leisurely stroll along the Bayfront Promenade. Catch live local bands at Rum Runners or Oliver’s Beer Garden. Pack a picnic lunch and soak up the sun at Liberty Park or walk to the foot of State Street to watch the boats and fishermen.

Lake Erie Wine Country

Lake Erie Wine Country is the largest grape growing region in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Featuring 30,000 sprawling acres of vineyards and 20 distinct estate and commercial wineries, Lake Erie Wine Country spans 50 miles of shoreline from Harborcreek, Pennsylvania to Silver Creek, New York along the southern shorelines of Lake Erie. Our area wineries produce unique and diverse wines for all tastes, from fruity native Labruscas and exquisite French-American wines to European-style wines and award-winning favorites. Most wineries offer tours, special events and concerts throughout the year.

Lake Erie Ale Trail

The Erie and PA Great Lakes region is home to 13 breweries that make up the Lake Erie Ale Trail. Each member brewery refines its beer from simple ingredients, mixing in a passion for the craft with a personable twist that gives uniqueness to an ever-expanding assortment of flavors, styles and funky names such as Erie Ale Works’ Keyboard Warrior and Lavery Brewing’s Neverending Hopstopper. Grab a growler, crowler, or a pint today!

Presque Isle Downs and Casino

Welcome to Northwestern Pennsylvania’s premier gambling destination and racetrack! Conveniently located off the I-90/State Street exit, Presque Isle Downs spans 272 acres and features more than 1,500 slot machines, a state-of-the-art poker room with nine tables, multiple lounges, live entertainment, customer incentives and Churchill's Bourbon & Brew restaurant. Place your bets on off-track and live thoroughbred racing. The live thoroughbred horse racing season runs May through October.

Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara

The Erie Maritime Museum tells the story of the maritime history and heritage of the Greater Erie region, the War of 1812 narrative, civilian activity and innovation, military service, and Pennsylvania’s contributions to the maritime industry and stewardship of the Great Lakes. Its centerpiece exhibit is the U.S. Brig Niagara, a floating maritime museum and active sailing vessel docked behind the museum.

Self-Guided Tours

Explore Erie on your own time with one of our self-guided tours. Most are available on VisitErie’s free ‘Hello Erie’ app. Available tours include Erie’s Lighthouses, African-American Heritage Trail, Murals of Erie County, Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk, Gems of the City and more. Find the full list of tours and information here.

Dining

Find the best restaurants in the Erie area where you will find a variety of dining experiences. From fine dining to casual, family friendly, ethnic, fusion and grab and go, there is a cuisine to please every palate. You can dine on a rooftop, on the water or the waterfront, bayside, curbside, inside or outside. The possibilities are endless! Visit our dining page.

Waterfront Dining - You just can’t top dinner with a view in Erie! Our waterfront restaurants offer dining by rooftop or right along the water’s edge. Set the scene for a romantic date night with dinner at Oliver’s Rooftop Restaurant or enjoy a meal under the lush flowering canopy at Smugglers Wharf. Hidden Harbor offers some of the area’s best waterfront dining at its locations: The Cove and Flip Flops Tiki Tavern, Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill (Erie’s only floating summertime hotspot!) or Rum Runners, known for its chill vibes and live music. Pictured: Oliver's Rooftop Restaurant