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 Warner Theatre and UPMC Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bayfront

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

Downtown Erie

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

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.

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

2 out of 5
6101 Wattsburg Rd Erie PA
The price is ₹5,643 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹5,643
₹6,377 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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 ...
5.8/10 (928 reviews)
"This was the first time staying at this hotel. It was being cleaned daily & you could smell the cleanliness. The A/C worked well & it was cold. The pool was clear & clean as well. The lobby was gorgeous & well maintained & the hallways to the rooms were being painted, but you could never tell bc ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie
Courtyard by Marriott Erie

Courtyard by Marriott Erie

3 out of 5
7792 Peach St Erie PA
The price is ₹9,990 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹9,990
₹11,289 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Super friendly staff. The third party booking site I used did not book me an adjoining rooms as requested, but the hotel staff was extremely helpful and switching this for me. Once I arrived, even though this took a little effort. The rooms were very clean, had great amenities, and worked well for ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Erie
Baymont by Wyndham Erie

Baymont by Wyndham Erie

2.5 out of 5
8170 Perry Hwy Erie PA
The price is ₹8,493 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
₹8,493
₹9,598 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,548 reviews)
"Room was noisy but the hotel was clean and convenient"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2026

Baymont by Wyndham Erie
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.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (394 reviews)
"This property was wonderful and clean. We had two teenage boys who love fishing and we were able to leave them go on their own fishing on the free kayaks offered. The cabins are very quaint and clean. We were able to spend time on the deck and enjoy the quiet time of the outdoors. Restaurant on premises ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2026

Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins
Meadville Campground LLC

Meadville Campground LLC

1 out of 5
25164 State Rte 27 Meadville PA
Stay at this campsite in Meadville. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hemlock Lakes and Davenport Cidery & Winery ...
Meadville Campground LLC
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