Free to access and wide open to explore, Erie’s sandy beaches along Lake Erie are more expansive than many expect. With warm breezes, calm waters, and room to roam, our shoreline invites you to slow down, stay a while, and soak in the simple joys of lake life.
Presque Isle State Park is a National Natural Landmark that curves into Lake Erie, featuring seven miles of sandy beaches, and the only surf swimming in Pennsylvania. With its miles of beaches and acres of waterfront outdoor recreation, Presque Isle provides the perfect summer getaway. In a 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll, Lake Erie was named Best Lake and Best Lake for Water Sports in the country and was ranked third in the Best Lake for Swimming category. Swimming is permitted on guarded beaches, which are numbered and marked throughout the park. Guarded beaches are updated daily on a sign at the entrance to the park. Presque Isle’s beaches are open year-round and are also popular spots for kite flying, amazing sunsets, and picnics.
Click here for frequently asked questions about Presque Isle State Park.
Presque Isle's beaches are guarded and open for swimming from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, from 12 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Beaches marked "open" are guarded and open for all activities, including swimming. When a beach is marked "closed," that simply means it is unguarded. Beachgoers can still access closed beaches for many activities (perfect for sunbathing, reading, or picnicking), but be advised that no lifeguard is on duty, and visitors can only go in the water up to their knees. Swimming access is subject to change. Check the sign at the entrance to Presque Isle for daily updates.
The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) offers free rides to Presque Isle State Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June 7 to August 22, 2025, departing from locations in downtown Erie, West Erie Plaza, Liberty Park, and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, and making a loop around Presque Isle State Park. Stops include Beach 11, the Presque Isle Lighthouse, and Waterworks Beach. The full Presque Isle route information can be viewed here.
The Presque Isle Water Taxi/Aquabus offers a breezy, convenient trip across Presque Isle Bay where the water sparkles and the ride is half the fun. The Aquabus departs from Dobbins Landing in front of Smugglers Wharf and drops off at the Waterworks Dock at Presque Isle State Park, a short walk to Waterworks Beach and The Yellow Bike Rental Company. Every ride is skippered by a fully licensed United States Coast Guard Captain. The Aquabus operates Thursday–Sunday (including Monday holidays) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting. Ticket information can be viewed here.
Presque Isle State Park is open daily, from 5 a.m. to sunset, unless otherwise noted. Day-use areas close at dusk. After sunset, only tenants and people engaged in evening driving are allowed in the park. There is no parking permitted after sundown.
The Erie County Department of Health works with the managers at all area beaches to ensure that the public is aware of water quality. Water samples are collected and analyzed from 36 total sites from Memorial Day to mid-September. Check swimming and beach status here.
The cooler is packed and the sunblock is on. Park your chair at Beach 8 and let this playlist accompany your Presque Isle Beach Day. Check out all of VisitErie's playlists here.
Life's a beach when you visit Erie, Pa. Gather ideas for your next escape to our beaches here.
Erie's sunsets are among the best in the world. Relax and watch the sun go down over the lake at one of these spectacular sunset spots.
A trip to Presque Isle State Park is a trip in and of itself. Use this three-day itinerary to guide your family's long summer weekend.
Your pup will love a day on one of Erie's beaches! Plan a trip with your best friend at these dog-friendly locations.
Tucked among woodlands off of East Lake Road, on Lake Erie’s eastern shores, Shades Beach blends shady trails, play areas, and two picnic pavilions with full kitchens into one laid-back lakeside space. Shallow water makes wading easy for little ones, and when evening arrives, the beach provides a front-row seat for Erie’s breathtaking sunsets.
Quiet by design, Avonia Beach Park is a 3.6-acre park that offers a gazebo, hillside benches, and a gentle stretch of sand with just enough room to watch the sunset settle into the horizon or cast a line from the fishing platform. The crowds are small and the sky feels endless.
Along a rocky, beach glass-hunting coastline, Freeport Beach pairs lifeguarded swimming with volleyball nets, a playground, and breezy picnic shelters. Beachcombers comb for treasure, families hang around the snack shack, all while the lake keeps time. This beach is guarded from 10 a.m. to sunset daily from June 4 to Labor Day. (Pictured left)
Fifteen minutes south of the city, the Pat Crawford Beach at Edinboro Lake offers a tranquil, relaxed vibe with a spacious lawn area that’s perfect for picnics, and two public launches for anyone itching to paddle, ski, or boat. The beach is open and guarded for swimming daily from Noon to 4 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day.
A: Presque Isle State Park is open year-round from 5 a.m. to sunset. Guarded beaches are open for swimming from 12 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day.
A: Admission and parking at Presque Isle State Park are free.
A: Yes! On guarded beaches, leashed dogs are permitted in the tree line. On unguarded beaches, dogs are permitted both on the sand and in the water. In all spaces, dogs must be leashed at all times. For a list of popular dog-friendly beaches, and more information on dog-friendly attractions in Erie, click here.
A: Yes! ADA-accessible restrooms, picnic tables, fishing areas, swimming areas, and parking spaces have been designated throughout Presque Isle State Park. For easier access to the water, Mobi Mats are installed at Beaches 1, 3, 8, and 11 to help individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, or wagons get across the sand and closer to the lake. Beach wheelchairs are available at Presque Isle State Park free of charge on a first come, first served basis. They are available during the regular swimming season and weekends in September at Beach 8 and year round (weather permitting) at the Ranger Station/Public Safety Building from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can read more information on beach wheelchairs at Presque Isle State Park here.
A: Alcohol is not permitted on any part of the park.
A: Beaches 3 and 11 are designated clean-air beaches and smoking is prohibited. For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided.
A: Not necessarily. When a beach is "closed" that simply means it is unguarded. Beachgoers can still access closed beaches for many activities (perfect for sunbathing, reading, or picnicking!), but be advised there is no lifeguard on duty and you are only allowed to go into the water up to your knees. Beaches marked "open" are guarded and open for all activities, including swimming.
A: Food concessions are not available at Presque Isle State Park, however food trucks are often present on select beaches. There are many great restaurants near the entrance to Presque Isle State Park, but if you're planning to spend the day at the beach, it's best to pack a picnic. To find out when and where food trucks will be at Presque Isle, click here.
A: Beach 11 is popular for families with young children due to its large, flat beach and shallow waters. There is also ample parking and a natural playground on site.
A: Camping or any type of overnight is not permitted at Presque Isle
814-434-3307
12670 Edinboro Road
Edinboro, PA 16412
814-833-7424
Foot of Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505
Families can escape the cold at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, where it’s always 84 degrees and tropical. This Polynesian-themed destination features nine water slides, pools, hot tubs, a multi-level Tree House, and a massive arcade for all-day family fun. Recently ranked the No. 2 Best Indoor Water Park in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best, Splash Lagoon is the ultimate cold-weather getaway.
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 either of our two convenient locations: Greengarden, on 8th and Greengarden or Harborcreek on Buffalo Road!
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.
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.
Presented by the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture, Tony-nominated Broadway star and writer Melissa Errico reunites with America’s great piano man, Billy Stritch, for their fourth holiday season together—this time with a brand-new winter show, “The Secret Diary of Mrs. Santa,” on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Mercyhurst University’s Walker Recital Hall.
Explore the Erie Zoo, where every path leads to something new and exciting. From curious red pandas and playful otters to vibrant gardens and seasonal events, adventure awaits at every turn. Our habitats will bring you closer than you imagined to animals from around the world, creating wondrous and truly unforgettable moments. Your visit isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about connecting with nature, discovering the unexpected, and making memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
NWPAMade is a regional mission dedicated to locally made products and the artisans behind them. We connect shoppers with the stories and craftsmanship that defines our community, such as Borgia Artistry Studio's inventive crystal ball photography, or Sealed by Nature's artisan soaps made right in Edinboro. Grab your eco-friendly outdoor adventure gear at Hikes & Hose, stop for a delicious mead cocktail at Meadville's Blissful Meads, and visit Tia Maria Wigs for high-quality helper hair of all types and beauty accessories. At NWPAMade, we celebrate real people and real craft.
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 the perfect way to experience dining and genuine hospitality across our family of restaurants. With the John Russell Hospitality Gift Card, you have the freedom to enjoy six local establishments — each offering its own unique atmosphere, menu, and commitment to quality service. Dine, drink, and savor the best of local flavors — all with the convenience of a single gift card.
Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a full vacation, Erie Events brings the best of entertainment, sports, and culture right to the heart of downtown Erie. Managing five of Erie’s premier venues — Erie Insurance Arena, Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and Rebich Investments Amphitheater. Erie Events hosts everything from national touring concerts and Broadway shows, to thrilling hockey games, baseball, conventions, and community celebrations.
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, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
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.
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!
Experience the magic of Christmas at the farm from November 22 – December 21! Start a new family tradition as you cut your own Christmas tree and enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through our winter wonderland. Plus, decorate cookies and crafts, enjoy live music, and visit Santa every weekend in Santa’s Workshop! Free admission — activities are priced a la carte. Located just 13 miles south of I-90.
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.
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.
The Bicentennial Tower offers Erie’s best view in every direction, every season of the year! Take a quick ride up to the observation deck to enjoy the scenic and tranquil view of Presque Isle Bay. Now open for winter hours: Friday/Saturday/Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm. In December, don’t miss the tower lit in holiday colors!
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.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
Operating five unique venues right in the heart of downtown Erie’s entertainment and cultural district, there’s something for everyone.
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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