Once your meetings have concluded for the day, break away from the confines of your conference walls and head out to explore Erie! Whether you’re seeking group or individual experiences, you and your group will discover there’s a lot for you to see and do. Contact Hannah Stancliff, Director of Convention Sales and Services for custom itineraries and trip ideas.
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 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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”
Poverty Knob offers hand-crafted beer, cocktails, mocktails 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ASCEND is a community hub in downtown Erie that features climbing, fitness, yoga, youth programming, and so much more. We opened up last year and would love to meet you! Visit on your own, with friends and family, or book a team-building event with your coworkers.
Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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