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.

Bayfront

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

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.

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 ₹5,662 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹5,662
₹6,398 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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 (963 reviews)
"I won’t be staying again… parking lot wasn’t lined, we didn’t have enough towels, it was VERY dirty, and the pictures aren’t even close to what it’s really like. The ice machine has no scoop, the fitness room was still out of order. It constantly smelled like marijuana, it was loud. The breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 30 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 ₹12,520 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹12,520
₹14,148 total
5 Aug - 6 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! (1,025 reviews)
"The room had a distinct odor of cigarette smoke but aside from that the hotel was nice and otherwise pretty clean. The location right off I-90 was perfect and plenty of places close by for gas and food before getting back on the road. If we ever come this way again I would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2026

Courtyard by Marriott 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 ₹5,939 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
₹5,939
₹6,712 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"If you just need a clean place to sleep that is safe and near the freeway, this is s solid choice."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026

Red Roof Inn Erie – I-90
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! (402 reviews)
"The cabin is lovely. Clean with a beautiful view. Property was quiet and we had a very nice stay. The check-in process is unusual. I wish it had been better communicated before we got there. We drove five hours and arrived at almost 8PM to discover that we had to text someone to let them know we ..."

Reviewed on 29 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