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!
Our 7 Favorite Summer 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, Flagship U.S. Brig Niagara 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!
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 mid-September, water samples are collected and analyzed from 36 total sites.
The Erie County Health Department wants everyone who visits Erie to enjoy its beaches and be able to make informed decisions based on the current swimming status for themselves and their families. Click here for up-to-date water quality testing results.
Chances are, you are planning your trip to Erie. Why not download your free guide that's been put together right here, by those who know the region the best!