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 exciting nights out with friends. Discover the Erie Maritime Museum, where you can tour and sail aboard two historic vessels, the U.S. Brig Niagara and the Schooner Lettie G. Howard, and explore three floors of nautical exhibits that tell the story of Erie’s pivotal role in the War of 1812 and The Battle of Lake Erie. Get a bird’s –eye view from atop the 138-foot Bicentennial Tower on Dobbins Landing, or take a stroll along the Bayfront Promenade. During the spring and summer months, live music and spirited conversations fill the air at Rum Runners, JR’s on the Bay/Sloppy Duck Saloon, and Oliver’s Beer Garden. As the weather cools and autumn and winter set in, the festivities move indoors to local restaurants such as Oliver’s Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, Two45 Waterfront Grille, and Bay House Oyster Bar and Restaurant.
Located at the foot of State Street, the iconic Bicentennial Tower stands proudly as a symbol of Erie’s rich heritage. Built in 1996 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Erie’s founding, this magnificent landmark is a must-visit during your time in Erie. Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking views of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park, the City of Erie, and the surrounding landscapes from atop its 138-foot observation platform. On exceptionally clear days, it’s possible to see Long Point in Ontario, Canada, 27 miles away! Admission is free to explore the lower-level observation platform, concession stand, and gift shop, however, there is a small fee to access the top. On the first Tuesday of each month from April to October, admission is free (weather permitting and excluding holidays). Tickets are available for purchase at the gift shop located at the base of the tower.
Hours:
May: open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Memorial Day to Labor Day: open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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 curving gently into Lake Erie with seven miles of beaches, picnic areas, two lighthouses, and a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities. Presque Isle boasts distinctive qualities that set it apart from other beach destinations, and its eleven beaches each possess unique attributes that make them truly special. Beach 11 is popular for families with younger children due to its shallow, calm waters, playground area, and concession stand. It’s also one of the largest beaches at the park, giving visitors lots of room to spread out and enjoy the sun and sand. Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach) features a ramp that provides ADA access to the water’s edge and Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach) is home to a catch-and-release fishing pond. Experience the peace and tranquility of the park’s lagoon systems via kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to get up close to a variety of plant life, turtles, beavers, and waterfowl. Presque Isle Boat Rental located at the lagoon boat launch provides all the equipment you need plus eco-friendly guided tour options. Presque Isle State Park’s swimming season runs daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day, from Noon until 7:15 p.m.
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
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!
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.
Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”
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.
ASCEND is a community hub in downtown Erie that features climbing, fitness, yoga, youth programming, and so much more. We opened up last year and would love to meet you! Visit on your own, with friends and family, or book a team-building event with your coworkers.
A Creative Building in Erie's Little Italy. If you are looking for an authentic place eat and hang out in, you've found the right place! Presley and Pear Arts and Crafts recently opened and is a unique and inspiring place to take the kids during the day & for adults to attend Creative Workshops in the evenings!
Poverty Knob offers hand-crafted beer, cocktails, mocktails and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages.
Erie Events plays a pivotal role in hosting a diverse array of events, including concerts, Broadway productions, family shows, and sporting events. Visit the five venues: Erie Insurance Arena, Waner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park.
Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.
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.
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 adn 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 and bargain 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's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.
Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.
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.
Get ready for another season of world-class performances as the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture returns with an electrifying 2025–2026 lineup spanning genres, generations, and global influences.
In honor of its Centennial year, the Erie Zoo invites guests to be part of a century-long legacy of discovery, conservation, and connection. Throughout this year’s celebration, visitors can enjoy special events, interactive keeper talks, and up-close animal encounters that inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s a family outing or a day of adventure with friends, the Erie Zoo continues to be a cherished destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories.
Join us on Erie’s beautiful bayfront for a new experience from the creators of Oliver’s Rooftop restaurant. Oliver’s Beer Garden is an outdoor facility with great views of the Erie Bayfront and the nearby Bicentennial Tower. Enjoy craft brews, signature cocktails, and refreshing drinks served alongside delicious food from our very own food truck.
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
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
Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
© 2025 Copyright VisitErie
Chances are, you are planning your trip to Erie. Why not download your free guide that's been put together right here, by those who know the region the best!
