The Beaches

Presque Isle State Park’s seven miles of sandy beaches on the shores of Lake Erie are the only surf swimming you’ll find within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All eleven of Presque Isle’s beaches possess unique attributes that set them apart from other beach destinations. For example, Beach 6 is known for its sand volleyball courts and social scene. Budny Beach (Beach 10) is more laid-back with a peaceful vibe, suitable for sunbathing or reading a good book under a colorful umbrella. A complete list of Presque Isle beaches is here. Swimming is permitted on guarded beaches from noon until 7:15 p.m. daily, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. 

The Lagoons

The tranquil waters of Presque Isle State Park’s lagoon system are an immersive and serene experience filled with lush vegetation, vibrant flora, and wildlife. The calm lagoon waters are ideal for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture out into the open waters of Misery Bay and Presque Isle Bay. The best starting point to glide your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard into the water is Graveyard Pond, just past the Perry Monument. Conveniently nearby, Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery offers a variety of rentals as well as guided tours, enhancing your ride with insights into Presque Isle’s maritime history and ecological significance.

Beach Eats

Although food concessions are not available at Presque Isle State Park, there are many ways to enjoy a day at the beach with delicious food! Charcoal grills and picnic tables are located throughout Presque Isle. Please remember to clean up and extinguish your hot coals before you leave. The following suggestions are within two miles of Presque Isle State Park.

• Throughout the summer, food trucks are often present on select beaches, offering a variety of tasty treats. To find out when and where food trucks will be at Presque Isle, click here. 
• Sara’s, a colorful 50s-inspired diner at the entrance to the park, has lots of summertime favorites available for dine-in or to-go including grilled hamburgers and Smith’s hot dogs (made right here in Erie!), curly fries and onion rings, and their iconic orange/vanilla soft serve twist.
• Underdog BBQ has everything needed for your barbecue beach picnic. From mouth-watering ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken to those perfectly paired sides of mac and cheese, potato salad, and baked beans, it’s ready to go by the pound or quart. Call ahead 814-790-4001 to pre-order or simply stop by on your way to the beach.

• Pressed Books, Coffee, and Gifts has a wide selection of coffees, teas, sweet treats, and books to pack into your beach bag. Their seasonal favorite, “The Beach 6” iced latte, is a thoughtful tribute to Presque Isle’s beaches, blending creamy white chocolate and salted caramel with hints of coconut, and finished with a sugar sand topping.
• The Great Lakes Popcorn House has more than 30 varieties of gourmet popcorn and roasted nuts, available in an array of flavors and sizes. From rich, buttery classics to innovative chocolate-drizzled delights, there’s something savory or sweet for everyone, and they make a perfect beach snack. 

Live Music and Chill Vibes

During the summer months, visitors can always find free live music at venues across the county, including many locations within close proximity to Presque Isle. Here are just a couple of the regular spots to check out during your stay.

• Altered State Distillery: Located two miles east of Presque Isle State Park, this locally-owned, and award-winning distillery offers a casual and inviting space for cocktail enthusiasts to gather. Year-round live music fills the air on Friday and Saturday nights. In the summer, the excitement extends to Sunday Sessions, on the outdoor patio with live music, food trucks, and a Bloody Mary bar. Try one of their classic prohibition era cocktails, like their famous smoked Old Fashioned, a seasonal selection like a Blueberry Lavender Spritzer, or a cocktail flight. The alternative mocktail list is also tempting with Italian sodas made with house-made syrups, and the fun fruity Presque Isle Bay Breeze.
• Oliver’s Beer Garden: Across from Presque Isle State Park in Erie’s Bayfront District, Oliver’s is a booming, open-air summer staple with great in-house food and beverages, live local music, and beautiful waterfront views. There’s ample seating and a spacious dance floor, plus Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf is right next door.
• UPMC Sunset Music Series: On Wednesday evenings from June 19 to July 24, Presque Isle’s Beach 11 comes alive with live music. The gentle lapping of waves and the soothing sounds of music combine to form an idyllic summer evening. Music styles range from classic rock to rhythm and blues. 
• 8 Great Tuesdays: On Tuesday evenings from July 9 to August 27, live music entertains the crowd against the picturesque backdrop of Presque Isle Bay, set on the grassy slope of Liberty Park. Each week features a different music genre, culminating in a grand finale of Erie’s world-class sunsets over the water. Enjoy a selection of food and drinks from on-site food trucks and vendors. 

Where to Stay

Indulge in stylish vacation rentals that capture the essence of Erie’s beachy charm with a memorable and carefree overnight stay at Kelso Woods Rentals, Kelso Beach Rentals, or Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cottages & Camping. Each offers a selection of rentals along Erie’s lakeshore and includes amenities such as picnic tables, charcoal grills, fire pits, and lots of elbow room for outside games such as cornhole or horseshoes. For a complete listing of cottages, cabins and quaint retreats, click here.