Presque Isle State Park: A Visitor's Guide to Erie's Peninsula
Which beach to pick, the lighthouses, the 13.5-mile loop by bike, the free nature center and its tower, sunsets at Sunset Point and how to time your visit.
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20 Things to Do in Erie, Pennsylvania
By AshleyUpdated Oct 26, 20265 min readThis guide will include affiliate links once the site launches. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
A rebuilt War of 1812 flagship, the bayfront tower, three lighthouses, a historic amusement park, minor-league baseball and junior hockey, and a lot of beach.
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Erie is a lake town first. Presque Isle's beaches, the bayfront and the sunsets get most of the attention, and they deserve it. But there's a lot more: a rebuilt War of 1812 warship, a 130-year-old amusement park, three lighthouses, minor-league baseball and junior hockey downtown, a zoo, museums and a wine region just up the road. Here are 20 of the best things to do in Erie, from summer beach days to snowy winter weekends.
Check before you goHours, seasons and admission change, and many attractions are seasonal. We link to each official site. Check before you go, especially in spring and fall.
01On the water
1. Spend a day at Presque Isle State Park
The peninsula is Erie's crown jewel, with beaches, trails, lighthouses and sunsets, and there's no entrance fee. Read our full Presque Isle guide.
2. Bike the Presque Isle loop
The park road makes a loop of about 13.5 miles, with a paved multi-purpose trail alongside much of it. It's flat and scenic, and rentals are usually available near the entrance in season.
3. Climb the Bicentennial Tower
The Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing, at the foot of State Street, has an observation deck with views over the bay, Presque Isle and the city. On a very clear day, you may even see Long Point in Ontario, about 27 miles away. It's open daily in summer and on weekends in the off-season, weather permitting.
4. Board the U.S. Brig Niagara
The U.S. Brig Niagara is a reconstruction of Commodore Perry's relief flagship from the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, and it's the official flagship of Pennsylvania. It returned to Erie in July 2026 after a major restoration. The ship is being re-rigged and must be certified before sailing programs resume, so check the Erie Maritime Museum for current deck tours and updates.
5. Visit the Erie Maritime Museum
The Erie Maritime Museum on East Front Street tells the story of the Battle of Lake Erie, the building of Perry's fleet and the city's history on the lake. It's the Niagara's home port.
6. Watch the sunset from Sunset Point
The peninsula faces west over the lake, and the sunsets are famous. Sunset Point, near Beach 10, is the classic spot, but the bayfront and Dobbins Landing are good too.
02Lighthouses
7. Tour the Presque Isle Light Station
The Presque Isle Light Station, on the lake side of the peninsula, has a museum and seasonal tours that include a climb to the top.
8. See the Erie Land Lighthouse
The Erie Land Lighthouse, on a bluff above the lake east of downtown, stands on one of the oldest lighthouse sites on the Great Lakes. The grounds make a pretty stop for photos.
9. Spot the North Pier Light
The small North Pier Light marks the entrance to the channel between the peninsula and the mainland. Look for it from the beach near the channel or from a boat.
03Family fun
10. Ride the classics at Waldameer
Waldameer Park & Water World, on Peninsula Drive near the park entrance, celebrated its 130th season in 2026. There's no general admission charge; you buy a wristband or pay per ride. The park is seasonal, usually from early May to Labor Day, and it's closed on some weekdays. Check the park hours.
11. Splash indoors at Splash Lagoon
Splash Lagoon is an indoor waterpark resort near I-90, open year-round. It's a lifesaver on a rainy summer day or a snowy winter weekend.
12. Visit the Erie Zoo
The Erie Zoo on West 38th Street has typically been open from March 1 to Nov 30. Check the hours before you go.
13. Explore the Tom Ridge Environmental Center
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center, at the entrance to Presque Isle, is free, with exhibits about the peninsula and an observation tower.
14. Walk the trails at Asbury Woods
Asbury Woods is a nature center with trails through woods and wetlands, plus programs for kids and families.
04Sports and shows
15. Catch a SeaWolves game
The Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, play at UPMC Park downtown. The 2027 home opener is April 6.
16. Watch the Erie Otters
The Erie Otters are a junior hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League, and many future NHL stars have played here. Home games are at Erie Insurance Arena downtown through the winter.
17. See a show at the Warner Theatre
The historic Warner Theatre on State Street is a grand 1930s movie palace that now hosts touring shows, concerts and the Erie Philharmonic. The Erie Playhouse is a long-running community theater.
05Museums and history
18. Visit the Erie Art Museum
The Erie Art Museum downtown has a collection that spans centuries and styles, with rotating exhibitions.
19. Explore the Hagen History Center
The Hagen History Center covers Erie County history, with exhibits and historic buildings.
06Day trip
20. Taste your way through Lake Erie Wine Country
About half an hour east, North East and the surrounding towns are part of Lake Erie Wine Country, with vineyards along the lake. Read our wine country guide.
07Ideas by trip type
With kids
Start with the beaches at Presque Isle, especially sheltered Beach 11, then add Waldameer, the Erie Zoo, the free Tom Ridge Environmental Center and a SeaWolves game. On a rainy day, Splash Lagoon is the easy answer.
For history lovers
Spend a morning at the Erie Maritime Museum and the Niagara, visit the Perry Monument at Crystal Point on the peninsula, tour the Presque Isle Light Station and finish at the Hagen History Center.
For a couples' weekend
Book a bay-view hotel, ride the Presque Isle loop, watch the sunset from Sunset Point, eat on a bayfront rooftop and spend a day tasting in wine country.
On a budget
The state park has no entrance fee, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is free and Waldameer has no general admission charge, so you only pay for rides. Pack a picnic for the beach and watch the sunset for free.
On a rainy day
Lake weather can turn quickly. Good indoor choices include the Erie Maritime Museum, the Erie Art Museum, the Hagen History Center, the exhibits at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Splash Lagoon. If the rain clears by evening, the sunset after a storm can be the best of the trip.
08Planning tips
- Get a car. Attractions are spread out across the city.
- Mind the season. Beaches, Waldameer and many tours are summer-only.
- Check the weather. Lake conditions can change quickly.
- Book summer weekends early. Hotels and restaurants fill up.
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09Frequently asked questions
What is Erie, PA best known for?
Presque Isle State Park and its beaches, the U.S. Brig Niagara and the Battle of Lake Erie, Waldameer amusement park, its sunsets and nearby Lake Erie Wine Country.
Is Presque Isle free?
Yes. The state park doesn't charge an entrance fee.
What can you do in Erie in the winter?
Splash Lagoon, Otters hockey, shows at the Warner Theatre, museums, holiday light displays and, when conditions allow, winter sports on Presque Isle.
We link the official site for every place we name. Hours, prices and schedules change; confirm with the venue before you go.
