Erie’s warm summer temperatures and soothing waters provide numerous reasons to escape the worries of everyday life. One of the best ways to do that is to spend a day at one of Erie’s sandy beaches!
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, watching world-class 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 updated information.
Your free ride around Presque Isle State Park begins in downtown Erie! The EMTA will offer free rides to Presque Isle State Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June 7 to August 22, 2025, departing from French Street at 7th, and making a loop around Presque Isle State Park. Bus stops include the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Presque Isle beaches.
Presque Isle State Park is open every day of the year, 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.
On the shores of Lake Erie, Shades Beach is located at 7000 E. Lake Road in the town of Harborcreek. This sandy beach is a popular spot for families because of its shallow Lake Erie waters, and it’s a great gathering spot to watch Erie’s famous sunsets on the Lake. There are trails, woodlands, play areas, horseshoe courts, a beach area, boat launch and picnic grounds including two picnic complexes with full kitchens and restrooms.
Known as a quiet beach area without all the crowds, Avonia Beach Park is a small 3.6-acre park situated along the western shores of Lake Erie in Fairview, PA. This quaint park has benches and a charming gazebo that provide just the right setting for peaceful sunset gazing. Avonia Beach Park also has a public walkway, small sandy beach area and a fishing platform.
Freeport Beach is a small community beach located in the quaint town of North East in eastern Erie County. The rocky coastline is a haven for visitors searching for beach glass and using metal detectors. The beach has picnic areas, a playground, washrooms, volleyball nets and a snack bar. It is guarded from 10 a.m. to sunset every day from June 4 to Labor Day. (Pictured left)
Located approximately 15 minutes south of Erie in the college town of Edinboro, Pat Crawford Beach sits on Edinboro Lake, a peaceful 245-acre lake that’s a perfect, quiet getaway. The beach is open for swimming Memorial Day to Labor Day and is guarded from noon to 4 p.m. An adjacent playground and picnic area provides plenty of space to unwind and relax. two free public boat launches with public parking and a handicapped accessible fishing pier. The lake is unlimited horsepower rated, allowing for water skiing and the use of personal watercraft.
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 ADA-accessible swimming, check out Beach #8 (Pettinato Beach) and Beach 11 for the best water access. 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
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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.
Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Creative Building in Erie's Little Italy. If you are looking for an authentic place eat and hang out in, you've found the right place! Presley and Pear Arts and Crafts recently opened and is a unique and inspiring place to take the kids during the day & for adults to attend Creative Workshops in the evenings!
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
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.
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