Things to Do
Things To Do
What is there to do in Erie? Let us say that one of the nicest surprises about Erie is just how much there is to do. In the summer, there are free concerts including 8 Great Tuesdays featuring music from Big Band to Country to Jazz to Blues, etc. at the outdoor amphitheater on the Bayfront (just down the street). n. Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are festivals. For example, Celebrate Erie, Arts Festival, Jazz and Blues Festival, Presque Isle Days, Tall Ships Festival, Beer on the Bay, Wine Festival, Rib Festival, Cherry Festival, Greek Festival. The list goes on and on. There is a comprehensive listing of activities at http://www.visiterie.com/events/.
You may have to come back sooner than you think! Check below for even more details.
Presque Isle State Park
It's time to head out to the beaches. Presque is a pristine 7 mile peninsula with over 14 beaches, 2 lighthouses, fishing ponds, biking, running and hiking trails, Coast Guard station, Boat Tours, Perry Monument, cross country skiing, hunting, ice skating, picnic areas, grills and lots of activities all year long. The beauty of this state park is unsurpassed and truly the best place to watch the Erie sunsets which have been rated the 2nd best in the world. Read More
Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Otherwise known as TREC for short. See how Presque Isle became our beach as well as learn more about Lake Erie. Visit the gift shop and climb the 75' tower for a birdseye view of Presque Isle, Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. There is no admission charge for TREC Read More
Boat Tour
Always a top activity for our guests. Learn about the history of Presque Isle and see things such as Gull Point and the lighthouses from the water aboard the Lady Kate. During your 90 minute tour you will travel through the Presque Isle Bay and into Lake Erie to get a waterside view of the Presque Isle lighthouse before returning to the dock all while learning about the history of the area. Read More
Museums
All the art, history and culture of Erie are represented throughout several museums. Enjoy the Erie Art Museum, Hagen History Center, Firefighters Museum, and the Maritime Museum, home to the Flagship Niagara which was flagship for the battle with the British on Lake Erie won by Commodore Perry during the war of 1812. Tours of the ship are available when the vessel is in port.
Theater
Erie takes its place as one of the top ten theater communities for mid-sized cities in the United States. And no wonder with headliners at the completely restored Warner Theater featuring the Erie Philharmonic, or the Erie Insurance Arena. Local productions at the Erie Playhouse, All An Act Theatre, Mercyhurst, Gannon and the Station Dinner Theater.
The Vineyards and Wine Country
The vineyards of Lake Erie Wine Country make up the largest grape growing region east of the Rocky Mountains. While most of these grapes are destined for Welches a number of great wineries dot the countryside for you to stop and sample their products. Courtyard, Penn Shore, South Shore, Arundel and Mazza are just a few of the 20+ wineries that make up Wine Country. .Learn More
Lake Erie Ale Trail
A new destination in Erie has now grown to NINE local breweries! Erie Ale Works, Lavery Brewing Company, Erie Brewing Company, The Brewerie at Union Station, Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing, Sprague Farm & Brew Works, Millcreek Brewing Company, Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company, Timbercreek Tap & Table, Voodoo Brewing Company. Read More
Comedy
Sea Wolves Baseball
Take me out to the ballgame and don't make an error by missing Erie's minor league baseball team in their beautiful park. Concessions, discounts and specials are always available. Read More
Relaxing Massage
If relaxation is your goal then you owe it to yourself to visit the Licensed Massage Therapists at Monacella Massage and Kinesiology in the historic Renaissance Building. Read More
Millcreek Mall
Shop to you drop at 160-store mall, and when you're hungry, there is Japanese, Italian, and a British pub just to name a few of the 15 restaurants. A Cinemark TInseltown theater is nearby.
Asbury Woods
Looking for a simpler and quieter way to spend your day? Head out to Asbury Woods with their unique Nature Center, Gift Shop and Nature Trails to help you unwind. Don't miss the Maple Syrup Festival each fall. Read More
Splash Lagoon
The East coast's largest indoor water park offers summer fun all year long. A warm temperature in the 80 keeps the chill out and the fun in. Water slides, lazy rivers, pools, family and adult only hot tubs and a big bucket of water that soaks the park every 10-15 minutes. Concessions are available. Read More
Higher Education
We are within walking distance of Gannon University, and a short drive to Mercyhurst, Penn State Behrend, LECOM, and Edinboro.
Festivals
Northwest Pennsylvania is well known for their extreme number of festivals throughout the seasons. From the National Rib Fest to the Cherry Festival, Strawberry Festival, Haborcreek, Waterford Days, Greek Festival, Italian Festival, Irish Festival, Arts Festival, Jazz Festival, Maple Syrup Festival, Erie Country Fair, Zoo Boo, Cascade of Lights, Wine Country Harvest Festival, Great Lakes Film Festival.....there's just too many to list. Keep you eyes out weekly for events that appeal to everyone.
Scuba Diving
With over 100 identified shipwrecks there is plenty to see in Lake Erie for all levels of experience. You can also drift dive in the nearby Niagara River. Read More
Erie Zoo
Lions and Tigers and Bears...oh my! There's so much more at the Erie Zoo from endangered species to Monkeys and Rhino's. Enjoy the children's area with petting zoo and large carousal Fun for the entire family. Read More
8 Great Tuesdays
Through July and August, Tuesday's are the night to head on over to Liberty Park on the Bayfront. Free concerts at the Highmark Amphitheater keep the summer hot with plenty of great music, food and a great view of the bay. .
Fishing
This is no small tail. Anglers from all over the world come to Erie's creeks during Steelhead trout season. The Steelhead are plentiful and the stories about the one that got away even better. Nearly undiscovered, Presque Isle Bay has some of the best Bass fishing in all of Pennsylvania. The Smallmouth Bass fishing in Lake Erie is considered "world class" due to the unusually large size of the fish that can be caught here.
Bird Watching
Soar high watching the many species that migrate through Presque Isle and those that make their nest for the season.
Golf
Choose from a number of great golf courses in the area.
Jet Skiing and Boat Rentals
Thrill seekers can enjoy coasting over the bayfront and beaches. Reservations are needed. Read More
Biking / Seaway Trail
A great bike trail to take you around the bayfront and historic Erie. Read More
Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World
Get ready to have fun. One of the countries oldest amusement parks dates back to the 1800s. Enjoy wooden coasters and flume rides, great food, the midway and now their newest spinning roller coaster. There's also Water World filled with water slides, lazy rivers and more. Presque Isle is a great place to watch the sunset but if your really looking for a treat, ride the large ferris wheel at Waldameer just during sunset. They'll run it extra long and the view is spectacular. You can buy all day wrist bands for the parks or individual ride tickets. Read More
Lake Erie Speedway
Don't be too quick to pass up a good time at the races. Races are held every weekend from May-September. Read More
Escape Room
If you're looking for something new and different, why not check out one of Erie's newest attractionsRead More
Erie Otters Hockey
Don't miss a chance to see the Erie Otters take on the OHL. Tickets are available in advance or at the door on game night. Read More
Presque Isle Downs Casino and Racetrack
So much to do in one place, casino, racing, dining, and entertainment. Read More
Dining
We would be happy to make you reservations for lunch or dinner. We highly recommend the following local establishments.
Pineapple Eddie
This family owned restaurant with its fusion of Southern regional and Caribbean cuisine, prepared by one of the top chefs in Erie, is one of the hottest dining spots in the city and is a must try. Open Wednesday thru Saturday.Visit Website
Bobs Steak House
Located close to Presque Isle State Park, Bob's has quickly grown a reputation as a great option for steak. From their house made salad dressings to their scratch made dishes and high quality steaks this is a place to try if your looking for steak. Visit Website
Smuggler's Wharf
Located on the bayfront, a great place to casually enjoy steaks and seafood or fish fresh from the lake with a fantastic view of Presque Isle Bay. Visit Website
Pier 6 Rooftop
One of Erie's Newest Restaurants, Pier 6 is quickly becoming the GoTo place to get good food and a great view of Presque Isle Bay and State ParkVisit Website
Local Eat and Pour
As in the name you will find the only the freshest locally sourced ingredients that make up the southern inspired cuisine here. With a menu that changes seasonally there will always be something different and delicious on the menu. Visit Website
Tap House
Fun atmosphere, great menu, and simply the best stone cooked bar pizza and flatbreads - Excellent! Unusual beer menu that changes weekly. Visit Website
Mi Scuzi
Wonderful Italian, home-made, and delicious. Visit Website
Colao's Ristorante
Like their menu says, Italian cuisine the way it should be, authentic and fresh. Visit Website
The Brewerie at Union Station
Microbrewery located in the old Union Station of downtown Erie. A great historic building with s full menus of good food Visit Website
Virgil's Plate
If Pizza is your desire then Virgil's is a top option. Virgil’s gives you the power to satisfy everyone without pizza compromises. Order any number of 4-inch squares, and top each one however you want! Visit Website
Like My Thai
One of Erie's best featuring authentic Thai food that is soon to be everyone's favorite place for creative and delicious choices. This started as a Kickstarter campaign to fund their pop-up restaurant. Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. Visit Website
Cloud9 Wine Bar
Casual chic restaurant with house-made everything including locally-sourced cheeses, farm-to-table meats cured on site, New American tapas, and a refined menu of both small and large plates to tempt every palate and pocketbook. Visit Website
Sara's
Casual dining located at the entrance to Presque Isle. Hot dogs, hamburgers and homemade ice cream. You know it's summer when Sara's is open! Visit Website
Victorian Princess
Take a brunch or dinner cruise along scenic Lake Erie. This Victorian paddle boat graces the water all summer long. Visit Website
If you don't find what you’re looking for, just ask... we have plenty of suggestions.