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 Erie Maritime Museum and Lake Erie.

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 Erie Insurance Arena 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 ₹8,027 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
₹8,027
₹9,070 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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 ...
8.4/10 Very good! (2,592 reviews)
"Overall the room was okay. The room had a musty smell, which we overcame with a scented plugin. My only other complaint would be that there were only 3 pillows per bed."

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2026

Baymont by Wyndham Erie
Red Roof Inn Erie – I-90

Red Roof Inn Erie – I-90

2 out of 5
7865 Perry Hwy Erie PA
The price is ₹5,494 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
₹5,494
₹6,209 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
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 ...
Red Roof Inn Erie – I-90
Courtyard by Marriott Erie Ambassador Conference Center

Courtyard by Marriott Erie Ambassador Conference Center

3 out of 5
7792 Peach St Erie PA
The price is ₹9,579 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
₹9,579
₹10,825 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Wonderful, easy, straight forward hotel experience. Would recommend."

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Erie Ambassador Conference Center
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.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (420 reviews)
"Our first time staying at Edinboro Lake Resort and we couldn't have asked for a better little getaway. The staff was super friendly and helpful, the cabin was clean and had everything we needed, and being right on the lake with that view was fantastic. We really enjoyed having the kayaks and canoes ..."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

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