Everything you need for a fun and easy family getaway is in one picturesque spot at Presque Isle State Park: seven miles of sandy beaches, scenic flat trails, and acres of land to explore. With free parking and admission, Pennsylvania’s most visited state park is an easy destination for families simply looking to take a break. This three-day guide breaks down what to do, what to bring, where to stay, and helpful tips to make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Beach Day

The Beaches
A trip to Presque Isle has to start with a beach day. With seven miles of sandy beaches along the shore of Lake Erie, families with children of all ages will find plenty of room to spread out. A complete list of beaches with their amenities (like picnic tables, ADA accessible ramps to the water, and restrooms) are here, but here are a few suggestions:

• Beach 6 (Lyons Beach): Featuring rows of sand volleyball courts, large restrooms, and a beach house changing area, this is a great spot for families with tweens and teens who enjoy a more active day at the beach with other young adults.
• Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach): Directly adjacent to picnic areas, reservable shelters, the Yellow Bike Rental Company, and large playground, this beach features restrooms with changing areas, and is great for families with kids who have varied interests.
• Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach): This beach features a ramp that provides ADA access to the water’s edge, changing areas and restrooms. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Public Safety Building, just a short drive away.
• Beach 11 (Kohler Beach): Located at the very end of Presque Isle, this is the most sheltered beach on the peninsula, with calm, shallow waters, perfect for families with small children. There’s also a large natural playground and large restrooms with changing areas.

The beaches are open year-round, but swimming is permitted only on guarded beaches from noon until 7:30 p.m. daily, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Be sure to check the sign at the park’s entrance for daily updates on guarded beaches.

Sara’s Restaurant
At the end of your beach day, Sara’s Restaurant is a convenient stop. Located just outside the park entrance, Sara’s is a summer staple for locals and visitors, known for its nostalgic 50s diner vibes, Erie-made Smith’s hot dogs, orange-vanilla twist cones, and an eye-catching mix of colorful cutouts and quirky statues.

Sunsets
Framed by sandy beaches and Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world to watch a sunset. The best views are at Sunset Point, situated between Beaches 9 and 10. With its wide-open, unobstructed sightlines, it offers a front-row seat to a dazzling show as the sun slips below the horizon. Other great viewing locations are at the Presque Isle Lighthouse and Beach 7 Waterworks Beach.

Travel Tips:

• Try to arrive at the park before 10 a.m. for easier parking, especially on summer weekends.
• Check beach status for closures or advisories on signage at the park entrance or here.
• There are no regular food concessions on the park. Bring a cooler with lunches, snacks, and drinks (no alcoholic beverages are permitted at Presque Isle).
• Beach Zero, near the park’s entrance, is a great spot to pick up beach souvenirs, sand toys, and supplies.

Day 2: Stretch Your Legs

The Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail
Presque Isle’s 13-mile multi-purpose trail winds around the entire perimeter of the park, taking you to fun photo-worthy stops. This paved trail is very flat, making it easy for all ages to navigate on foot, by bike, stroller, or wagon. To explore by bike, start at Yellow Bike Company, located near Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach). There you can rent beach cruisers, surreys and more, starting your ride near the middle of the park. Whether you explore on the bay side of the trail, or in the more covered side near the lake, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. You’ll find many species of ducks and other birds, turtles, turkeys and more all around the park.

Lighthouse Tours
After returning your bikes, take a drive down to the Presque Isle Lighthouse, where you can get a glimpse into Erie’s maritime past through preserved architecture and interpretive displays. For $8 per person, visitors can climb the Presque Isle Lighthouse tower and explore the house and grounds at their own pace. Guests who climb to the tower’s top are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Lake Erie. The lighthouse is open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tower climbs are every 20 minutes with no reservation needed, though climbers must be at least 44 inches tall.

Roma’s Italian Kitchen
All that activity calls for a hearty meal. Families will feel right at home at Roma’s Italian Kitchen, where generous portions of classic Italian comfort food are served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Kids will love the spaghetti and meatballs, while adults can try “Erie’s Best Lasagna” or their famous stuffed banana peppers.

Travel Tip:

Don’t skip the lighthouse gift shop. There are lots of fun souvenirs for kids, such as foghorn whistles, turtle purses, and fun apparel.

Day 3: Knowledge in Nature

Lagoon by Pontoon Tours
This one-hour guided tour glides passengers through the park’s quiet interior waterways for up-close views of turtles, birds, and other wildlife. Park guides share fun facts about the area's natural features and history, turning the ride into an engaging learning opportunity. Tours run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., first-come, first-served, from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, and best of all, they’re free! Tours depart from the lagoon boat launch, just past the Perry Monument.

Fishing Ponds
Younger kids especially will enjoy casting a line from the Rotary Pavilion, located on two stocked ponds near Yellow Bike Rental. Fish can be seen from where you stand along the deck, and with built in benches, the ponds are a great spot for families to try their hand at hooking a big catch. Buy bait at Presque Isle Fuel and Bait, located near the Marina. 

U Pick 6 Public House
After a long weekend, parents deserve a cold beer. Located just a short drive from Presque Isle, U Pick 6 Harbor House offers pub-style food with seating indoors and out. Their pizza muffins are a favorite starter, and they’re known for their flatbreads and ‘bolis.

Travel Tip:

Bring your pet to the park! Dogs are welcome on all trails and in picnic areas, provided they are leashed at all times and not left unattended.

Family-Favorite Lodging Near Presque Isle

Choose from Bayfront hotels like the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel with its outdoor infinity pool,  the Hampton Inn & Suites Bayfront Hotel with free breakfast and on-site mini golf, or the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Bayfront offering an indoor pool and free breakfast. For more space and flexibility, consider Kelso Beach Rentals, or opt for camping at Presque Isle Passage RV Park & Cabins, which accommodates RVs of all sizes and includes tent sites and cabin rentals.