Things to Do in Erie

From the miles of golden beaches on popular Presque Isle and lake-side eateries with million-dollar views, fun in Erie revolves around this magnificent lake. Enjoy all that the city and its lake has to offer when you visit this Pennsylvania town.

Fall in Love with Presque Isle

The city of Erie sits smack on the edge of Lake Erie, but a thin peninsula—Presque Isle State Park—curves out into the lake like a handle, directly west of the city. Whether splashing on one of 11 beaches, exploring the unique habitats on its 3,200 acres, digging for beach glass or trekking its trails, you'll fall in love with this special place. Get the lowdown on Presque Isle at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, a research center that looks and acts like an interactive museum, with 7,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and a movie theater with a screen four stories high that features nature documentaries. You can't miss Presque Isle Lighthouse that dates back to 1873 and offers sweeping views of the lake.

Amuse Yourself Summer or Winter

White knuckles and shrieks come with the territory at the Waldameer Park & Water World. Try—if you dare—the Ravine Flyer, rated the sixth-best wooden roller coaster on the planet. You'll whiz along at over 60 miles an hour through 120-degree drops and blackout tunnels. The water park doesn't disappoint either. Jump on a log at Thunder River, a log-flume thrill ride, and rush through rapids, fog tunnels and a thunderstorm to the 45-degree final plunge. If you come in winter, get wet at Splash Lagoon, an exciting indoor water park.

Eric Bluffs State Park

While much of the lakeshore has been developed into waterfront homes, restaurants and commercial properties, you can still dig your toes into the pristine sands at Erie Bluffs. This natural wonderland preserves the largest undeveloped stretch of Lake Erie shoreline as a state park. Explore the 90-foot bluffs overlooking Lake Erie, toss your line into Elk Creek for steelhead, stroll past the forested wetlands and watch for local wildlife. The park is only a few minutes drive from downtown Erie.

Dine with a View

You're on a Great Lake, so why not dine with a view? Try the Smuggler's Wharf that winningly bills itself as "a little restaurant overlooking a small bay on a Great Lake." Pick your own sandwich fixings to lunch on the one-price-fits-all sandwiches "created by your imagination." Or for dinner, sample one of the scrumptious seafood dishes at this casual, laid-back eatery. Another night, try Joe Roots Grill, named for a local personality who used to hang out on Presque Isle in the 19th century. Seafood specialties like Crab Stuffed Portabello Mushroom are great to share with your group.

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