Relaxing on the Beaches

Presque Isle features seven miles of sandy beaches, providing visitors with the only surf swimming within Pennsylvania. Many of its beaches have distinct qualities, making them truly special among beach destinations.

• Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach): A family favorite beach that includes a large beach/swimming area and an expansive playground just steps away.
• Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach): This beach has an ADA-accessible ramp to the water’s edge and free beach wheelchair rentals (first come, first served).
• Beach 11 (Kohler Beach): This is the most sheltered beach and features shallow water, a large sandy beach, a beach house with changing areas and restrooms, and a large natural playground nearby.

A complete list of Presque Isle beaches and their amenities is here. Swimming is permitted on guarded beaches from Noon until 7:30 p.m. daily, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. 

Insider Park Tip: Arrive early. Beaches, especially Beach 11, fill up quickly on summer weekends. Try to arrive before 10 a.m. for easier parking and a prime beach spot. To check beach status for closures or advisories, look for signs at the park entrance or click here.

Paddling in the Lagoons

Within the center of Presque Isle lies a man-made lagoon system that meanders for miles, opening up into Misery Bay near the Perry Monument. The lagoons are teeming with an array of plant and animal life, with prime viewing spots via kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or pontoon. Bring your own equipment or rent from Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery. Rentals and pontoon rides are located at the pontoon boat launch just past Perry Monument.

Insider Park Tip: Paddlers: The best place to launch is from the Lagoon Boat Launch, offering easy access to Presque Isle’s hidden waterways. Plus, there’s ample parking and picnic space.

Touring Lighthouses

Shining a light on Erie’s maritime history, Presque Isle is home to the Presque Isle Lighthouse and North Pier Light. The Presque Isle Lighthouse is a still-functioning lighthouse that was built in 1873 and was once a private residence for park employees. The lighthouse’s observation platform offers panoramic views of Lake Erie. Guided tours of the house and tower are offered seasonally. The North Pier Light is referred to as a lighthouse but is technically a light structure. Located at the far eastern end of Presque Isle on the north pier, (near Beach 11), the black and white structure has a unique square-pyramidal design and is the only surviving example of this type left in the United States. Public access is available year-round.

Biking

Pedaling your way through Presque Isle along the 13-mile Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail guarantees a smooth, flat, enjoyable journey. With scenic views of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, and wooded areas, this paved trail winds through the entire length of the park, and is ideal for numerous photo-worthy stops along the way, such as Perry Monument, sweeping Bayfront vistas, and Lighthouse Beach, home to the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Bring your own bike or rent one at Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental. Choose from a variety of bicycles, including standard, tandem, fat tire, youth-sized, and surreys (four-wheeled, covered quadricycles). 

Insider Park Tip: Reserve gear early. Rentals for bikes and boats (especially on weekends) go fast. Call ahead or arrive early for the best availability.

Hiking Gull Point Trail

For those craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, head for one of the park’s unpaved, natural trails, including Gull Point Trail. Much of this 1.5-mile path is sandy, with some wet or water-covered ares, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Starting near Beach 10, the trail winds through the ecologically rich Gull Point natural area, a haven for migrating and nesting birds such as ospreys, herons, bald eagles, owls, and piping plovers. Although the point is closed from April to November to protect nesting shorebirds, you can still view the area from an observation platform along the trail.

Insider Park Tip: Natural trails like Gull Point Trail are best enjoyed in the morning when wildlife is active and temps are cooler. To find up-to-date trail conditions, stop at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to find out about trail conditions.

Fishing

In its 2024 rankings, Bassmaster Magazine named Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay among the Best Bass Lakes in the Northeast, a well-earned nod to Erie’s thriving fishing scene. Anglers can enjoy fishing in various shoreline spots throughout the park, including the North Pier. Located at the channel connecting Lake Erie to Presque Isle Bay, it’s a hotspot for reeling in perch, walleye, and bass. The deep waters and concrete walls make it ideal for casting, and the ADA-accessible pier means everyone can join in. Bonus: you’ll have a front-row seat to watch boats sail in and out of the channel that connects Presque Isle Bay to Lake Erie. Fishing rods, reels, and net rentals are available at Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery. Pennsylvania’s “Fish for Free” days are May 25 and July 4, where you can fish on Pennsylvania waterways, including Lake Erie, without a fishing license.

Insider Park Tip: Head to the North Pier during sunrise or sunset, optimum times for catching fish.

Savoring Sunsets

With vibrant pinks and yellows and soft red and purple hues, Presque Isle sunsets are truly spectacular. For the best sunset vistas, head to the park’s western shore along the beach, overlooking Lake Erie. Beaches such as the aptly named Sunset Point, Lighthouse Beach, Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach), and Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach) all offer some of the best seats in the house.

Insider Park Tip: For optimum sunset views, claim a spot about 30 minutes before sundown. Bring a blanket and bug spray.

Things To Do Nearby

• Eat like a local: Sara’s Restaurant, just outside the park entrance, is a beloved stop for traditional summer favorites; Smith’s hot dogs (Erie-made), curly fries, and their iconic orange-vanilla twist.
• Waldameer Park & Water World: This family-owned amusement park has more than 100 rides, slides, and attractions, challenging midway games, tasty summertime foods, and a whole water park full of wet and wild fun. Free admission and free parking.
• The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC): TREC tells the story of how the park formed and its inhabitants, through two floors of interactive exhibits. A popular feature is a 75-foot observation tower with panoramic views of Lake Erie. Free admission.
• Located inside TREC, Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts is a great place to pick up local artwork, nature-inspired gifts, t-shirts, children’s toys, and Presque Isle keepsakes.

Stay Close

• The Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel or the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel offer waterfront accommodations just minutes from the park, featuring modern amenities and panoramic views of Presque Isle from across the bay.
• For something more laid-back and homey, Kelso Beach Rentals provides private cottage rentals along Lake Erie, all within 15 miles of the park. With furnished kitchens and living spaces, it’s perfect for families and extended stays.