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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$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.
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.
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.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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