Erie Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Erie
Erie
Erie
Erie
Erie
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

West Bayfront

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
Default Image

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
Bayfront

Bayfront

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

Bayfront
Downtown Erie

Downtown Erie

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

Downtown Erie
Default Image

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.

East Bayfront
Baymont by Wyndham Erie

Baymont by Wyndham Erie

2.5 out of 5
8170 Perry Hwy Erie PA
The price is ₹6,508 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
₹6,508
₹7,355 total
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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! (2,430 reviews)
Good breakfast with hot items. Clean room, comfortable stay. Everything about this property was comfortable

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026

Baymont by Wyndham Erie
Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront

Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront

3 out of 5
2 Sassafras Pier Erie PA
The price is ₹13,817 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
₹13,817
₹15,613 total
20 Apr - 21 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Erie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Didn’t use them but looked clean and nice

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Erie

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Erie

3 out of 5
701 Bayfront Parkway Erie PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,345 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
₹8,345
₹9,430 total
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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! (1,363 reviews)
The entire reason we chose this hotel over another was because of the pool. Extremely disappointed to check in and learn it was was closed with no prior warning … I would have chosen to stay elsewhere.

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - 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.
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Erie