Beaches and Waterfront

Escape the daily grind with time spent on seven miles of sandy beaches and out on the glistening waters of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Presque Isle State Park offers an unparalleled sanctuary where peacefulness and excitement intertwine, making it the perfect beach destination 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. The natural beauty of the Park’s lagoon system is a popular spot for kayaks, canoes, pontoons, or paddleboards, where it’s easy to get up close to a variety of small wildlife such as ducks and turtles. Bring your own equipment or easily rent from Presque Isle Boat Rental located on the park grounds, located just past Perry Monument. Narrated 90-minute boat tours telling the vast history of Presque Isle, Erie’s lighthouses, and the War of 1812/Battle of Lake Erie depart regularly during the summer from Perry Monument aboard The Lady Kate. 

When the weather is hot, you'll find a myriad of opportunities to get out on Erie's namesake lake. Get an exhilarating rush and feel the spray of water racing across Presque Isle Bay on the back of a jet ski or motor boat from Port Erie Sports. For a more leisurely ride and all kinds of room to spread out, take a 24 and 20-foot pontoon boat out on the water from Hidden Harbor Water Rentals. Kick it up a notch and add a towable water tube to the back of your pontoon. Everyone gets sworn in to be an official buccaneer when you set sail on a treasure-hunting voyage on the Scallywags. It’s an immersive, swash-buckling pirate adventure for all ages! Gain a deeper understanding of Erie’s rich maritime history and learn the art of square-rigged sailing with a day or sunset sail aboard the the Schooner Lettie G. Howard. Take a leisurely sunset,  dinner, or themed cruise aboard the majestic Victorian Princess, or create memories while enjoying pleasant conversations and light snacks from the deck of the luxurious 33-foot Sotto Voce at Your Sailing Adventure.

Bayfront District

Erie’s Bayfront District, set between Downtown Erie and Presque Isle Bay, presents vibrant and unique experiences day or night. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation. Daytimes are made for soaking in spectacular views of Lake Erie and the Bay while strolling along the Bayfront Promenade, taking in panoramic views from atop the 138-foot Bicentennial Tower, or sitting at the foot of State Street to watch boats sail by and fishermen cast their lines into the sparkling waters. The district boasts a variety of attractions, including the Erie Maritime Museum, where history enthusiasts can learn about the region’s rich maritime heritage. With stunning waterfront views and 18 holes of unique challenges and terrain, Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf is a great place to engage family and friends in some friendly competition. After your round just steps away is Oliver’s Beer Garden, offering delicious food, drinks, and live music. Once the sun sets, Erie’s Bayfront District transforms into a lively hub of nightlife. Local restaurants and bars buzz with locals and visitors indulging in satisfying meals, craft beers, and creative cocktails and mocktails. Live music venues such as Rum Runners provide a platform for talented artists, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.  

Fun for the Whole Family

In addition to the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park, Erie is brimming with excitement and has many family-friendly activities that will make your Erie summer getaway memorable. Before or after your day of fun in the sun, stop at Sara’s, a 50s diner-inspired restaurant with fun photo cutouts, whimsical cartoon figures, and wallet-friendly deals on burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and orange/vanilla twist cones. From incredible views atop the 100-foot Ferris Wheel to the endless smiles inside the Kidz Zone spray park, there’s something parents and kids of all ages at Waldameer Park and Water World. The family-owned park features thrilling slides and rides, traditional midway games, and refreshments set among beautifully landscaped grounds and picnic groves and best of all, admission and parking are always free! Cheer alongside C. Wolf when the 2023 Eastern League Championship Erie SeaWolves AA baseball team takes the field at UPMC Park. The SeaWolves season is packed with creative promotions, dazzling fireworks, and wholesome family entertainment. Plus, their Kids Fun Zone provides the perfect outlet for children to burn off their boundless energy.

Experience Erie’s warm weather hospitality and culture at family-friendly festivals throughout the summer such as CelebrateErie, Port Farms Summer Days, Discover Presque Isle, and Corry, PA First Fridays.

Free Summer Concerts

Throughout the summer, free outdoor concerts and live music resonate across the Erie region. Pick your perfect spot and immerse yourself in the beat. The grassy hill of the Highmark Amphitheater at Liberty Park during 8 Great Tuesdays provides a different music genre on Tuesdays from July 9 to August 27 accompanied by gorgeous views of Presque Isle Bay and spectacular sunsets. Speaking of sunsets, Beach 11 at Presque Isle State Park comes alive during the UPMC Sunset Music Series, a dynamic concert series held Wednesday evenings from June 19 to July 24. On August 3-4, Frontier Park transforms into a blues and jazz haven, where the Erie Blues and Jazz Festival showcases national, regional, and local musicians performing hypnotic rhythms and soulful tunes. On Monday evenings from June 3 to July 29, the serene Celebration Garden at Asbury Woods is filled with the sounds of folk, bluegrass, and classic rock music during Monday Music in the Woods.  For a complete listing of summer concerts, click here.