When it comes to summer getaways, Erie is in a league of its own. A charming small city on the shores of Lake Erie, getaways start on water, but offer so much more.
Nothing screams summer like time on the coast. A Great Lakes getaway in Erie offers more than you might expect, highlighted by the seven miles of sandy beaches at Presque Isle State Park, and Erie's vibrant Bayfront region.
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 within a short drive. Each beach has distinct attributes ranging from the family-friendly shallow waters at Beach 11 and high-energy sand volleyball at Beach 6 to ADA-accessible Beach 8. For a more serene atmosphere, check out Erie's smaller beaches, like Shades Beach, Avonia, and Freeport Beach.
Set between Downtown Erie and Presque Isle Bay, Erie’s Bayfront District presents an ideal setting for memorable family outings or lively nights out with friends. Located in the heart of Erie's Bayfront at the foot of State Street, the iconic Bicentennial Tower stands proudly as a symbol for the region, and is a must-visit spot for photos and sightseeing. Access to the lower-level platform is free and open to the public, and there is a small fee to take in the views atop its 138-foot observation platform, where you can see all the way to Long Point, Ontario on a clear day!
Erie's central Bayfront District is also frequented for its nightlife, with hotels, bars and restaurants with plentiful patio seating, and music venues that make for memorable summer nights.
Erie’s family traditions come alive at Waldameer Park & Water World, where the vintage charm of one-of-a-kind rides like the Whacky Shack and Pirate’s Cove spark nostalgia, laughter, and new memories. Free admission, parking, and ongoing updates keep the park fresh. When the heat rises, Water World cools things off with Battle of Lake Erie splash zones and the tri-state’s largest wave pool.
The Erie Zoo welcomes families to explore more than 400 animals in a compact, easy-to-navigate space that’s ideal for little explorers with big curiosity. Whether you’re interacting with the Zoo’s family of Bornean orangutans or watching adorable river otters Max and Mimi splash around, every turn sparks wonder. The Zoo’s smaller size allows kids to get close the animals, and the park can be completed in a few hours.
Minor League Baseball screams summer fun, and at UPMC Park, every seat feels close to the game as you root for Erie’s back-to-back Eastern League champs, the Erie SeaWolves. The AA-affiliate of the Detroit Tigers bring the action while beloved mascot C. Wolf hands out high fives. Check out the SeaWolves’ promotional calendar for some epic theme nights.
A trip to Erie isn't complete without time spent on the water. At Presque Isle, both non-powered craft and registered motorboats are permitted. All across the park, you'll find opportunities to launch canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Paddle out onto the lagoons to truly be one with nature, or launch at the Marina and go out on the Bay or Lake for more open water fun. Rentals and tours are available at Presque Isle at Presque Isle Canoe and Boat Livery.
Hiking is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the Erie region’s natural beauty. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the lush woodlands and scenic trails found at Asbury Woods, Erie Bluffs State Park, and Wintergreen Gorge. Wintergreen Gorge, part of the Greater Erie Regional Trail Network, was named a "2022 Great Place in PA" by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association. Traverse the rugged paths where sunlit filters through the canopy of trees, as you wind your way along gurgling creeks and serene streams, it’s the perfect setting for contemplation and rejuvenation. From the breathtaking lake views atop Erie Bluffs to the colorful wildflowers at Asbury Woods, Erie’s hiking trails cater to all skill levels.
Summer festivals are the hallmark of Erie's events calendar, full of can't-miss events that visitors look forward to all year. Check out any number of heritage and cultural festivals, free live music on the water, classic parades, and up-close sporting events.
In the summer months, ethnic festivals like the Troika Russian Festival (May), Panegyri Greek Festival (July), AmeriMasala (July), St. Paul’s Italian Festival (August), Zabawa Polish Festival (August), German Heritage Festival (September), and St. Patrick’s Irish Festival (September) are must-visits for the authentic food alone. Free waterfront concerts dot the calendar, including events the UPMC Sunset Series at Presque Isle State Park, and 8 Great Tuesdays at Rebich Investments Amphitheater.
Click here for a complete calendar of events!
Blissful Meads is an award-winning winery and restaurant in Meadville, PA, specializing in the production of excellent meads, wines, and ciders in small batches. We sell by the bottle, flight, or glass. We also offer imaginative cocktails & mocktails, local beer & spirits, and unique food. We're located at 847 Market Street in downtown Meadville. We offer catering options and you can rent our tasting room for events.
The Field at DICK’S Sporting Goods is where passions come to life. Designed to inspire movement and connection, The Field offers opportunities to try new experiences, demo the latest gear from top brands, and bring people together. Host your next event with us. Also, offering a wide range of community programming, including fitness and yoga classes, youth sports camps and clinics, and more. Community partnerships are at the core of everything they do, and they take pride in supporting teams, athletes, and organizations in meaningful ways.
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.
Take a quick ride up to the observation deck to enjoy the stunning 360° veiws of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, downtown Erie, and even Long Point, Ontario on clear days – all from 138 feet up at Erie’s iconic Bayfront Tower.
Stop by Port Farms to check out our on-site brewery, Poverty Knob! We offer hand-crafted beers 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.
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 and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
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.
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.
Explore the Erie Zoo, where every path leads to something new and exciting. From curious orangutans and playful otters to vibrant gardens and seasonal events, adventure awaits at every turn. Our habitats will bring you closer than you imagine to animals from around the world, creating wondrous and truly unforgettable moments. Your visit isn't about seeing wildlife —it's about connecting with nature, discovering the unexpected, and making memories you'll treasure for years to come.
Join us at Oliver’s Rooftop, located on the eighth floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites on Erie’s scenic Bayfront. Open daily, with Sunday brunch from 10 AM–2 PM, featuring chef-inspired specialties. Enjoy inventive cuisine paired with stunning views, unforgettable sunsets, and unique nature watching. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide incredible vantage points overlooking Presque Isle Bay. Award-winning and recently recognized as Erie’s Choice Community Choice Awards Best Fine Dining Restaurant (2025). Reservations are recommended.
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 our Harborcreek on Buffalo Road!
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.
Discover Erie’s favorite dining destinations with the John Russell Hospitality app—bringing all six of our locations together in one place. Make reservations, order online, earn rewards, and stay up to date on events across every venue. Whether you're planning a waterfront dinner or a casual night out, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a full vacation, unforgettable live entertainment is waiting for you in Erie. Set along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, the Rebich Investments Amphitheater comes alive every summer with the “8 Great Tuesdays” free community concert series- taking place every Tuesday in July and August. Recently, voted Erie’s Choice for Best Local Event. Relax by the water, enjoy the view, and experience incredible live music under the open sky. Erie Events, the driving force behind downtown Erie’s vibrant entertainment scene, brings excitement year-round across five unique venues in Erie, PA. Come for the music, stay for the experience. Erie is where every show comes with a waterfront view.
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.
Presenting SiriusXM host, pianist, conductor, writer, and performer Seth Rudetsky in “Divas by the Decade” on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. Blending humor and insider insight, Rudetsky celebrates Broadway’s legendary leading ladies with stories, rare audio, and video from shows like “Hamilton,” “Gypsy,” and “West Side Story.”
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