Erie Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Photo courtesy VisitErie  www.VisitErie.com
Erie showing sailing, a bay or harbour and a sunset
Erie which includes a city and a lake or waterhole
Erie which includes a lake or waterhole, a sunset and sailing
Photo provided by Photo courtesy VisitErie  www.VisitErie.com
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

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West Bayfront

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

West Bayfront
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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.

Little Italy
Erie which includes a lake or waterhole, general coastal views and landscape views

Downtown Erie

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

Downtown Erie
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East Bayfront

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

East Bayfront
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Bayfront

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

Bayfront
Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

3 out of 5
2260 DOWNS DRIVE Erie PA
The price is ₹5,711 per night from 9 Dec to 10 Dec
₹5,711
₹6,453 total
9 Dec - 10 Dec
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,137 reviews)
Great location just off the thruway with plenty of amenities nearby. Excellent place to stay for travel or a weekend getaway

Reviewed on 27 Nov 2025

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG
Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

3.5 out of 5
55 W Bay Dr Erie PA
The price is ₹11,330 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
₹11,330
₹12,803 total
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Erie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
This hotel was beautiful and very clean! Also very cost effective. My only complaint was the parking is 16$ per day and no continental breakfast (didn’t realize until arrival, but it was fine). The food was amazing, location was wonderful, great views, friendly and helpful staff! Would stay here ...

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
Baymont by Wyndham Erie

Baymont by Wyndham Erie

2.5 out of 5
8170 Perry Hwy Erie PA
The price is ₹6,007 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
₹6,007
₹6,788 total
22 Dec - 23 Dec
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! (2,339 reviews)
The one thing that was difficult was my disabled father had a hard time getting into the bed which was very high.

Reviewed on 28 Nov 2025

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.
Golf Course View: Centrally Located Condo in Erie

Golf Course View: Centrally Located Condo in Erie

3.5 out of 5
Erie PA
Stay at this apartment in Erie. Enjoy free parking, a marina and patios. Popular attractions 6 Mile Cellars and Burch Farms Country Market are located ...
Golf Course View: Centrally Located Condo in Erie
4 Mi to Lake Erie: Condo w/ Golf Course Views!

4 Mi to Lake Erie: Condo w/ Golf Course Views!

3 out of 5
Erie PA
Stay at this apartment in Erie. Enjoy free parking, a marina and balconies. Popular attractions 6 Mile Cellars and Burch Farms Country Market are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
I dont want to brag to much about this property as its a hidden gem and i want it avaliablenext time. Very Clean, beautiful view, safe, on a golf course and plenty of room. We had no issues while staying here and my little dogs loved it also. I really look forward to staying again SOON.

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

4 Mi to Lake Erie: Condo w/ Golf Course Views!
'zen Haven' Lakefront Erie Home w/ Shore Access

'zen Haven' Lakefront Erie Home w/ Shore Access

3 out of 5
Erie PA
Enjoy free parking, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Splash Lagoon and Waldameer & Water World are located nearby.
'zen Haven' Lakefront Erie Home w/ Shore Access
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.

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