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On the Water

Go Ahead, Splash Around!

Erie is best known for its water so what better way to experience our destination than ON THE WATER?! From the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park and Lake Erie to our various streams and creeks, you'll find plenty of watery adventures! 

Presque Isle State Park is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2021!  

Our Top Favorite Activities at Presque Isle!

Erie’s largest outdoor playground and National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle State Park, on the shores of Lake Erie and beautiful Presque Isle Bay, welcomes over 4 million visitors each year. Get in the waters of Lake Erie for swimming, surfing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and more.  Seven miles of sandy beaches and world-class sunsets await you.

Take a ride on any one of our sightseeing cruises - Scallywags Pirate Adventures, Victorian Princess Cruises, The Lady Kate, Lettie G. Howard Schooner or Your Sailing Adventure.  We also have boat rentals and more at Port Erie Sports and Hidden Harbor Water Rentals! (full listings are below).  

Fish from shore or stream, bring your boat or hire a charter! Marinas, boat launches and bait and tackle concessions dot Erie’s Bayfront. Northwest Pennsylvania is one of the country’s greatest angling destinations and Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and the surrounding creeks, streams, tributaries and ponds are the places to land your big catch!  

Check out our recommendations below and set sail for our shores!

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Set sail aboard the Lettie G. Howard Schooner!

Take a swashbuckling adventure aboard Scallywags!

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Swimming/Beach Status

There are 12 permitted public bathing beaches along the Erie County shoreline, 11 at Presque Isle State Park and 1 in North East, PA. The Erie County Department of Health works with the managers at both locations to ensure that the public is aware of the current swimming status for these beaches. Every Sunday and Monday for Presque Isle beaches and every Monday for the North East beach, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, water samples are collected and analyzed from 36 total sites.

The status of those results are published to an interactive web map that the staff at the Erie County Department of Health developed and launched in 2018. The Erie County Health Department wants everyone who visits Erie to enjoy our beaches and be able to make informed decisions based on the current swimming status for themselves and their families.
Get up-to-date information regarding swimming and beach conditions at Presque Isle State Park. Learn More

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Diver's World of Erie, Inc.

814-459-3195
1111 Greengarden Road
Erie, PA 16501

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Erie Maritime Museum/U.S. Brig Niagara

814-452-2744
150 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507

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GypsyLyn Fishing Charters

724-316-2529
35 State Street
Erie , PA 16507

HiddenHarbor Water Rental

Hidden Harbor Water Rentals

814-602-5846
12 East Dobbins Landing
next to Woody's Backwater BARge & Grill
Erie, PA 16507

Letti G Howard

Lettie G. Howard

814-449-9012
150 East Front Street - Erie Maritime Museum
Erie, PA 16507

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Port Erie Sports

814-452-2628
402 West Bayfront Parkway
Erie, PA 16507

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Presque Isle Boat Tours - The Lady Kate

814-836-0201
Perry Monument at Presque Isle
Erie, PA 16501

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Presque Isle Lighthouse

814-833-3604
Presque Isle State Park, east of Beach 6
Erie, PA 16505

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Presque Isle State Park

814-833-7424
Foot of Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505

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Scallywags Pirate Adventures

814-453-2627
2 State Street
Erie, PA 16507

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The North Pier Light

814-833-7424
Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA 16505

Tightlines sportfishing custom baits

Tight Lines Sport Fishing LLC

724-880-1283
Captain John E. Lampe Marina, Foot of Port Access Road
Erie, PA 16507

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Victorian Princess Cruises

814-459-9696
Foot of State Street/Dobbins Landing
Erie, PA 16507

XTR Fishing 2019

XTR Fishing Charters

724-679-4510
Ft. of, Port Access Rd
Erie, PA 16507

YourSailingAdventure

Your Sailing Adventure

Wolverine Park Marina
34 State Street
Erie, PA 16507

Partner Spotlight

bayfront grille

Outdoor Dining at the Bayfront Grille

The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is excited to announce that our Bayside Patio is open for Lunch and Dinner. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.

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ad port farms

Holidays at Port Farms

Experience the holidays at Port Farms November 26th through December 23rd. The farm features horse-drawn carriage & sleigh rides, Santa's Workshop with holiday activities, surprise visits from Santa, live music, pick your own Christmas trees, holiday decor, and more. The farm will be open Wednesday - Sunday. Create lasting memories with your family and friends at Port Farms! www.portfarms.com

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upmc

UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 423-bed hospital in Erie, PA, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services, and serves as a regional referral hub and Level II Trauma Center.

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millcreek mall

Millcreek Mall

A destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Experience it all!

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spotlgiht the cove

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Join us today! The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

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erie reginal chambers

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

The Erie Regional Chamber is leading Erie’s economic evolution through awareness, advocacy, and access to the people, education, and information integral to elevating regional success and economic growth. Become a member today and join us in championing a vibrant and sustainable regional economy.

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Creation Station

The Creation Station is an unique arts and crafts studio where kids can create and have fun!
Book your birthday party, register for a ladies night out or stop in during open Craft days and choose a project from the project board.

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partner mazza vineyards

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

Local wine is great for holiday entertaining, plus it makes a great gift! Stop by to try (and pick up) award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA.

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spotlight Erei Airport

Direct Daily Flights to Charlotte, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

Erie International Airport is serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines with daily flights to Charlotte, Chicago, and Washington D.C. with connecting flights to the east coast, west coast, and international destinations. Book your flight today at www.aa.com or www.united.com.

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dobbins landing

Dobbins Landing

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.

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u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

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!”

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the cork

The Cork 1794

The Cork 1794 is the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion! Indoor and outside seating available with amazing food.

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