Erie is Pennsylvania’s only port on the Great Lakes: it’s only natural that one of Erie’s best features is its waterfront. Whether you choose to indulge in activities on the water or embrace the charm of its shores, an array of opportunities awaits against the stunning backdrop of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie.
Set between Downtown Erie and Presque Isle Bay, Erie’s Bayfront District presents an ideal setting for memorable family outings or lively nights out with friends. Located in the heart of Erie's Bayfront at the foot of State Street, the iconic Bicentennial Tower stands proudly as a symbol for the region, and is a must-visit spot for photos and sightseeing. Access to the lower-level platform is free and open to the public, and there is a small fee to take in the views atop its 138-foot observation platform, where you can see all the way to Long Point, Ontario on a clear day!
Erie's central Bayfront District is also frequented for its nightlife, with hotels, bars and restaurants with plentiful patio seating, and music venues that make for memorable summer nights.
You just can’t top dinner with a view in Erie! Erie's waterfront restaurants offer dining by rooftop or right along the water’s edge. Set the scene for a romantic date night with dinner at Oliver’s Restaurant and Rooftop Bar or Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant or enjoy a meal under the lush flowering canopy at Smugglers Wharf. Hidden Harbor offers some of the area’s best waterfront dining at its locations: The Cove, Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill, Oliver's Beer Garden, and Rum Runners. Relax with a craft beverage and spend a leisurely meal watching the boats sail by. The Bay House Oyster Bar and Restaurant features a unique wood-fired Argentine grill and floor-to-ceiling windows for expansive views of Presque Isle Bay. Dine on one of two inviting decks at Jr's on the Bay, The Sloppy Duck Saloon, and dance the night away on their spacious outdoor patio. Enjoy spectacular views year-round at world-class waterfront restaurants such as Two45 Waterfront Grille (inside the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel), or The Shoreline Bar and Grill (inside the Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront Hotel).
Presque Isle State Park is Pennsylvania’s only “seashore” and a designated National Natural Landmark. French for “almost an island," Presque Isle is a 3,200-acre peninsula that arches into Lake Erie, and is well-known for its expanse of sandy beaches and myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities. Its eleven beaches cater to different visitor needs: Beach 11 is popular for families with small children due to its protected, shallow water and large restrooms, and three beaches feature 'Mobi Mats' which allow for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and wagons to more easily access water's edge.
Beyond its beaches, an extensive lagoon system are great for water-based exploration via kayak, canoe, and paddleboard. The state park features a 13-mile flat, paved trail for walking along the shore of Presque Isle Bay on one side, and many access points for fishing and boating.
Sail along the calming waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie from the deck of a historic vessel, a three-level paddlewheel boat, and even a pirate ship! Sightseeing boat tours are available from May through October aboard the Lady Kate for 90-minute, narrated tours or delight in dinner, brunch, themed party, or sunset cruises aboard the Victorian Princess. Embark on a swashbuckling pirate voyage aboard Scallywags Pirate Adventures where everyone is an official member of the crew. Private and public day and evening sails are available May through September aboard the impressive Sotto Voce sailboat at Your Sailing Adventure.
Rent your own watercraft to enjoy the waters of Lake Erie at your own pace. Small and large watercraft including jet skis, pontoon boats with tubing options, motor boats, canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, and more are available throughout the summer at Port Erie Sports, Presque Isle Boat Rental, and Hidden Harbor Boat Rentals. Put your fishing skills to the test for fresh perch and walleye on a Lake Erie fishing charter. GypsyLyn Fishing Charters and Tight Lines Sport Fishing both offer individual and group excursions throughout summer and early fall.
814-455-6055
1 State Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-434-3307
12670 Edinboro Road
Edinboro, PA 16412
814-452-2744
150 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507
724-316-2529
35 State Street
Erie , PA 16507
814-602-5846
12 East Dobbins Landing
next to Woody's Backwater BARge & Grill
Erie, PA 16507
1200 Lighthouse Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-449-9012
150 East Front Street - Erie Maritime Museum
Erie, PA 16507
814-920-9666
130 E Front Street
Erie , PA 16507
814-452-2628
402 West Bayfront Parkway
Erie, PA 16507
814-838-3938
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery
Erie, PA 16505
814-836-0201
Perry Monument at Presque Isle
Erie, PA 16501
814-833-3604
Presque Isle State Park, east of Beach 6
Erie, PA 16505
814-833-7424
Foot of Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505
5 State Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-835-8900
Waterworks Beach area
Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA 16505
814-453-2627
2 State Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-833-7424
E Fisher Drive
Erie, PA 16507
724-880-1283
Captain John E. Lampe Marina, Foot of Port Access Road
Erie, PA 16507
814-459-9696
Foot of State Street/Dobbins Landing
Erie, PA 16507
Wolverine Park Marina
34 State Street
Erie, PA 16507
Experience the magic of Christmas at the farm from November 22 – December 21! Start a new family tradition as you cut your own Christmas tree and enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through our winter wonderland. Plus, decorate cookies and crafts, enjoy live music, and visit Santa every weekend in Santa’s Workshop! Free admission — activities are priced a la carte. Located just 13 miles south of I-90.
UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.
Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood and coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia believes that “there is always…local, an alternative, and a story.” They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift.
Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.
Presented by the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture, Tony-nominated Broadway star and writer Melissa Errico reunites with America’s great piano man, Billy Stritch, for their fourth holiday season together—this time with a brand-new winter show, “The Secret Diary of Mrs. Santa,” on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Mercyhurst University’s Walker Recital Hall.
Families can escape the cold at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, where it’s always 84 degrees and tropical. This Polynesian-themed destination features nine water slides, pools, hot tubs, a multi-level Tree House, and a massive arcade for all-day family fun. Recently ranked the No. 2 Best Indoor Water Park in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best, Splash Lagoon is the ultimate cold-weather getaway.
From tailgating and birthday parties to travel sports and family reunions, Donatos is here to feed your whole crew! Right now, get four large 1-topping pizzas and three 2-liter bottles of Pepsi products for just $74.99! Use code 262 when ordering online or mention at either of our two convenient locations: Greengarden, on 8th and Greengarden or Harborcreek on Buffalo Road!
The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.
If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!
The Bicentennial Tower offers Erie’s best view in every direction, every season of the year! Take a quick ride up to the observation deck to enjoy the scenic and tranquil view of Presque Isle Bay. Now open for winter hours: Friday/Saturday/Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm. In December, don’t miss the tower lit in holiday colors!
Discover the perfect way to experience dining and genuine hospitality across our family of restaurants. With the John Russell Hospitality Gift Card, you have the freedom to enjoy six local establishments — each offering its own unique atmosphere, menu, and commitment to quality service. Dine, drink, and savor the best of local flavors — all with the convenience of a single gift card.
Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a full vacation, Erie Events brings the best of entertainment, sports, and culture right to the heart of downtown Erie. Managing five of Erie’s premier venues — Erie Insurance Arena, Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and Rebich Investments Amphitheater. Erie Events hosts everything from national touring concerts and Broadway shows, to thrilling hockey games, baseball, conventions, and community celebrations.
Five Iron Golf is Erie’s premier indoor golf and entertainment destination, blending top-tier technology with a vibrant, social atmosphere. Featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan simulators, a full bar and kitchen, and Duckpin Bowling, it’s the perfect spot to play, practice, or just hang out. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or swinging for fun, Five Iron Golf brings people together through golf, food, and great times.
Explore the Erie Zoo, where every path leads to something new and exciting. From curious red pandas and playful otters to vibrant gardens and seasonal events, adventure awaits at every turn. Our habitats will bring you closer than you imagined to animals from around the world, creating wondrous and truly unforgettable moments. Your visit isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about connecting with nature, discovering the unexpected, and making memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
NWPAMade is a regional mission dedicated to locally made products and the artisans behind them. We connect shoppers with the stories and craftsmanship that defines our community, such as Borgia Artistry Studio's inventive crystal ball photography, or Sealed by Nature's artisan soaps made right in Edinboro. Grab your eco-friendly outdoor adventure gear at Hikes & Hose, stop for a delicious mead cocktail at Meadville's Blissful Meads, and visit Tia Maria Wigs for high-quality helper hair of all types and beauty accessories. At NWPAMade, we celebrate real people and real craft.
Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.
Operating five unique venues right in the heart of downtown Erie’s entertainment and cultural district, there’s something for everyone.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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