Erie, Pennsylvania, is an ideal summer escape for solo travelers craving quality "me" time. This small city offers big amenities, a beautiful Great Lake, and a laid-back environment. Traffic is minimal compared to larger metropolitan areas, allowing you the luxury to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed. Spend a day at the beach or sample the region’s delicious cuisine at your leisure. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of an unfettered Erie getaway.

1. Spend Time at Presque Isle State Park: Presque Isle State Park offers the perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty, featuring seven miles of sandy beaches on Lake Erie, Pennsylvania’s only surf swimming attraction. With so much beach, it’s easy to find your own space, stick your toes in the sand, and let those everyday stressors wash away with the waves. Presque Isle’s beaches are open year-round, with swimming permitted from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend on guarded beaches, which are marked throughout the park. Beaches 9 and 10 offer the perfect setting for peace and quiet, away from the busier shores so you can unwind, relax, and enjoy your solitude without the usual crowds. Before hitting the beach, consider complementing your Presque Isle visit with the latest best-seller and a fresh-brewed coffee, tea, or latte from Pressed-Books+Coffee+Gifts located less than two miles from the park’s entrance.
   
   
2. Take a Guided Walking Tour of Erie’s Bayfront: Erie’s newest attraction stepped off this summer, bringing fun, education, plus a little exercise to Erie’s beautiful Bayfront District. Tour Erie is an immersive mix of history, mystery, and stunning views. Led by lifelong Erieites Heather and Lauren Cass, Tour Erie was created as a way for this mother/daughter duo to share their love for their hometown by offering two guided walking tours. The Best of Erie’s Bayfront Tour explores fascinating points of interest that include Erie’s role in the War of 1812 and the U.S. Brig Niagara. Tours are available Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays at 11 a.m. For a spookier experience, the Eerie Stories, Legends, and Lore Sunset Tour delves into the Bayfront’s mysterious side, with tales of rum running and eerie legends, ending with one of Erie’s world-class sunsets (weather-permitting). This tour is available Friday through Sunday, starting 90 minutes before sunset (specific times are provided at booking). Both tours run throughout the summer and begin at the Bicentennial Tower. Tours last 90 minutes and cover approximately 1.5 miles over relatively flat terrain.
   
   
3. Savor Local Flavors at the Flagship City Food Hall: Are you a bagel aficionado or a taco enthusiast? Do you swoon at the sight of fresh mozzarella's perfect pull? Whatever flavor you crave, the Flagship City Food Hall in Downtown Erie has your tastebuds covered from grab-and-go bites to casual dining. Nothing like a typical mall food court, the Flagship City Food Hall is home to seven local vendors and an environment with a contemporary design of historical accents, high ceilings, industrial lighting, exposed brick walls, and communal tables, meant to encourage socializing and meeting new people. From fresh mozzarella hand-pulled at ippa Pizza Napoletana to zesty Mexican fare at Taco Cabana, the variety of cuisines set inside one location means you won't have to settle for just one flavor.
   
   
4. Shop for Local Treasures: Locally crafted gifts, unique pieces, and artisan products are found throughout the Erie region. Erie’s Flagship City District is an area of Downtown Erie that is experiencing remarkable growth and renaissance, with a mix of refurbished spaces and new additions. One such addition is The Shops at 5^th and State, an eclectic mix of local retailers including City Supply by Erie Apparel and the Dollhouse at Pointe Four. City Supply features a curated selection of stylish and locally inspired apparel and accessories that highlight Erie’s spirit and heritage. The Dollhouse is a charming boutique showcasing sustainable fashion, chic vintage, and one-of-a-kind gems for contemporary fashionistas. Just a short drive west is Village West, a specialty shopping plaza created in the style of a quaint New England Village. Village West has a range of unique shopping options including Ralph Miller Jewelers, Board & Brush, and Lake Erie Candy Company, the Tri-state area's most comprehensive selection of handmade, gourmet, Erie-themed, and novelty candies. 
   
   
5. Blissful and Creative Massages: You’re on vacation so why not treat yourself to something that reaches outside the traditional massage but still has the same relaxing effects? Certified therapists at A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy and Monacella Massage and Kinesiology, offer unique treatments that transcend traditional techniques. A Compassionate Hart exclusively features the art of Ashiatsu and Roxiva Light Therapy. Ashiatsu, also known as a barefoot massage, is a deep tissue technique where therapists use their feet to apply pressure. Roxiva Light Therapy promotes relaxation, mental clarity, and overall well-being through the use of light and sound. At Monacella Massage, the ancient healing practice of Thai Massage is their specialty. Performed on a floor mat with clients fully clothed, Thai Massage improves flexibility, releases tension, and promotes overall well-being through rhythmic movements, passive stretching, acupressure, and energy work. Scheduled appointments are recommended for both businesses.