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A Food Lover's Guide to Downtown Erie Restaurants

Local breweries, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serve everything from elevated comfort food to creative new flavors, making downtown a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Sailboat glides across the lake with a pink sunset in the background.

On the Water

One of Erie's greatest assets is all around you. And the best part? You don't need to own a boat to enjoy it. Whether you're paddling Presque Isle Bay, boarding a sunset cruise on Lake Erie, renting jet skis, or playing pirate for a day, getting on the water has never been easier.

Enjoy Erie on the Water

  • Lady Kate boat on bright blue Lake Erie waters.

    Take a Tour

    You don’t need a boat of your own to experience Erie from the water. 

    Cruise Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay aboard a sightseeing boat. Explore the quiet lagoons of Presque Isle State Park on a guided pontoon tour. Join a guided kayak or paddleboard adventure, or climb aboard a historic vessel for an experience you won’t find just anywhere. 

    From nature and history to sunsets over the lake, Erie’s boat tours offer plenty of ways to sit back, take it all in and enjoy the ride.

  • A woman kayaks on calm waters at sunrise on Presque Isle Bay in Erie, PA.

    Paddling in Erie

    Paddling in Erie can make you feel like you’ve entered another world. 

    Launch into the Lagoons of Presque Isle State Park to explore one of the region’s most unique natural waterways. Venture into Presque Isle Bay for a more open-water paddling experience, or explore one of Erie’s inland lakes for a change of scenery. Whether you’re taking the family out in a canoe, renting kayaks, or trying out a paddleboard, exploring Erie from the water is easy whether you’re an experienced paddler or a first-timer.

  • A woman poses on a jet ski in the middle of a lake.

    Watercraft Rentals

    No boat? No problem. Erie makes it easy to get on the water your way. 

    Pontoon boats, fishing boats, personal watercraft, and non-motorized boats are available for rent throughout the Erie region. With watercraft rentals, public boat launches and plenty of places to put in, your next Erie adventure can begin right at the water’s edge.

  • A man steers the wheel of a sailboat.

    Set Sail

    There’s something about setting sail from Erie.

    Feel the wind fill the sails as the shoreline slips away. Book a private sailing excursion, head out for a sunset sail or step aboard one of Erie’s historic tall ships.

    Whether you’re taking the helm or just along for the ride, sailing Lake Erie has a way of making an ordinary day feel extraordinary.

  • Surfer walks to the beach with the surf board atop their head.

    Surfing

    When the wind and waves line up, surfers head to the lake side of Presque Isle State Park to catch freshwater waves. Conditions can change quickly, making every good surf day something worth waiting for.

    Popular areas for surfing inclue Beach 1, Beach 10, and near the North Pier. Surfers are required to maintain a 100-food distance from guarde swimming zones while in operation. 

  • Scallywags ship has a water war with a group of people on land.

    For Families

    Some of the best family memories come with a little splash.

    Set off on a pirate adventure. Learn how to sail a Tall Ship. Try kayaking or paddleboarding together. With so many ways to experience the water, Erie makes it easy for families to find an adventure that’s just their speed

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A pontoon filled with people on a lagoon tour.

Pontoon Lagoon Tours at Presque Isle State Park

Discover one of Erie in a new way aboard a free, one-hour guided pontoon boat tour. Cruise through the park's scenic lagoons while learning about the wildlife, ecology, and history that make Presque Isle one of Erie, PA's most beloved destinations. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and first-time visitors, these tours are offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket. It's preferred that you bring your own, but one will be provided if needed. Sign-up begins 15 minutes before the tour starts at  the location between the lagoon boat launch and the Presque Isle Canoe and Boat Livery. Your entire party must be present for sign-up.

If any accommodations for disabilities are needed, please call Presque Isle State Park at  (814) 833-7424 to make arrangements. Interpreters for those who are deaf or hard of hearing are  also available with at least seven days' notice.

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Erie Water Activities FAQ

Do I need a license to fish in Erie?

Yes, fishing licenses are required for those aged 16 years and over. If you are an adult taking a young child fishing, you do not need a license as long as your child remains within arms’ reach of the assisting adult and is actively involved in the fishing activity. Adults can assist in baiting hooks, removing fish from the line, netting fish, preparing the fishing rod, and untangling the line without needing to hold a license.

Can I rent boats, including canoes and kayaks in Erie?

Yes, there is a rental shop located within Presque Isle State Park (Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery) and rentals are available at Port Erie Sports on W Bayfront Parkway. In Edinboro, rentals are available at Edinboro Lake Resort. 

Are there boat tours available in Erie?

Yes, visitors can experience Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay on sightseeing cruises, sunset sails, fishing charters, and historic vessel tours throughout the boating season. Learn more about tours here.

Are guided fishing charters available on Lake Erie?

Yes, Erie is home to numerous fishing charters that provide boats, equipment, and expert guidance for anglers looking to catch walleye, perch, steelhead, and other species. Charters are highly visible along State Street and Dobbins Landing. Visit our fishing page for recommended charters.

Where can I launch my boat into Lake Erie?

Public boat launches are available throughout Erie County offering both Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay access. Some of the most prominent launches are the Walnut Creek Marina, Presque Isle Marina, Chestnut Street Launch, East Avenue Boat Launch, and Lampe Marina.

Get on the Water in Erie

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