Erie Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A marina with several yachts docked, a white tent, and a city skyline in the background.
A city skyline with a sailboat on the water, a tall tower, and a building labeled "Methodist Towers".
A sunset over a body of water with two sailboats.
A vineyard with rows of grapevines extending towards the ocean.
A baseball stadium filled with spectators.
This city, which is Pennsylvania’s gateway to the Great Lakes waterways, also offersplenty to do onshore with parks, museums and active entertainment. 

The bustling city of Erie lies on the shorefront of Lake Erie and is Pennsylvania’s port toNorth America’s Great Lakes. 

Enjoy the beautiful outdoor areas of Presque Isle State Park. It will be easy to see whythis is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular parks. Located on a peninsula that begins justoutside downtown Erie, the park continues for several miles. Relax in the sun or enjoythe water at one of the many sandy beaches that dot the shoreline. Use one of thelaunches or docks as a starting point for fishing or boating on the lake. Hike or bike alongthe park’s well-maintained miles of paths. 

Erie is home to several museums. Step aboard a wooden-hulled flagship at the ErieMaritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara, where you can experience the 19th-centurywarship firsthand. Investigate thousands of pieces of art on display downtown at the ErieArt Museum. The expERIEnce Children’s Museum in the heart of downtown Erieoffers a fun education and entertainment experience, with hands‐on exhibits in a“please touch” environment that teaches children and adults the natural sciences,social studies, arts and more.

Regardless of the season, Erie has attractions to entertain visitors of all ages. Put on yourswimsuit and head to Splash Lagoon, an indoor water park filled with slides, wave poolsand a variety of games and rides. Enjoy a day at the races, with or without gambling, atPresque Isle Downs and Casino, which regularly hosts summertime horse races. Stop indowntown Erie to browse the shops or try the popular local food: a Smith’s hot dog.

Fly into Erie International Airport or drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Buffalo, allabout 2 hours away by car. As Pennsylvania's only Great Lakes port, Erie makes a greatjumping off point to charter a fishing boat or cruise around the water. For moreinformation on events and attractions in the area, see details on the official VisitEriewebsite. 

Where to stay in Erie

Find the best Erie areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Erie
Learn more about Erie

West Bayfront

While visiting West Bayfront, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Erie and Erie County Historical Society-Hagen History Center.

Little Italy

Little Italy might not have many top sights, but Erie Playhouse and Warner Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bayfront

While visiting Bayfront, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Erie and Erie Maritime Museum.

Downtown Erie

While visiting Downtown Erie, you might make a stop by sights like Warner Theatre and UPMC Park.

East Bayfront

While East Bayfront isn't home to many top sights, UPMC Park and Warner Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Baymont by Wyndham Erie

Baymont by Wyndham Erie

2.5 out of 5
8170 Perry Hwy Erie PA
The price is ₹6,823 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
₹6,823
₹7,710 total
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
Baymont by Wyndham Erie
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Erie

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Erie

3 out of 5
701 Bayfront Parkway Erie PA
The price is ₹8,599 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
₹8,599
₹9,717 total
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,401 reviews)
"Told upon arrival that the room we reserved and paid for 2 months prior was not available and blamed this on someone else who “left a note stating so” but couldn’t explain why. After much discussion and more than 30 minutes, we DID get the room that was supposedly not available (?) but there was ..."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Erie
Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

3 out of 5
2260 DOWNS DRIVE Erie PA
The price is ₹9,938 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
₹9,938
₹11,230 total
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Erie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Holiday Inn Erie by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins

Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins

3 out of 5
12670 Edinboro Rd Edinboro PA
Stay at this cabin in Edinboro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Sunset Plaza and Mike Onda Beach are located nearby.
Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Erie attractions

Cities near Erie