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 Lake Erie and Erie Maritime Museum.

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 Art Museum.

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 ₹5,949 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
₹5,949
₹6,722 total
13 Aug - 14 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 (975 reviews)
"This is a very dated and run down property. The toilet seat had a very large chip out of it. The three lamps in our room had a total of 2 lightbulbs with 5 sockets with no bulbs. Dirty windows and dirty mirrors rounded out the package. It felt cleaner because they had the manufactured wood floors ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 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 ₹12,480 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
₹12,480
₹14,102 total
9 Aug - 10 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! (1,011 reviews)
"We are fans of Marriott properties but this one feels like it’s not a high priority to the brand. Nothing wrong at all with the hotel but things feel tired and could use an upgrade all around. Rooms are dim, sinks are tiny and the “cafe” was a toss of the coin over our three days as to whether anyone ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 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 ₹9,353 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹9,353
₹10,569 total
5 Aug - 6 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 ...
8.4/10 Very good! (2,576 reviews)
"Refrigerator door was open so warm. Have stayed in 4 hotels on our trip & breakfast was the worst here. Mold in the shower & cracked shower floor. Good thing. Room size was generous."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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! (405 reviews)
"We got locked out of our room. Jason was amazing in helping us. What a lifesaver."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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