Erie

Travel Guide

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

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

3 out of 5
2260 DOWNS DRIVE, Erie, PA
The price is RM494 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM494
RM558 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Erie. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,025 reviews)
"Our stay was only for one night but everything was great!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG
Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

2 out of 5
6101 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, PA
The price is RM275 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
RM275
RM311 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
5.8/10 (588 reviews)
"Besides not having any towels and the toilet seat feeling like it was about to fall off they keep it very clean and smelling fresh. The lady at the time of my check in was amazing she definitely went above and beyond she actually set the tone for my stay,"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie
Baymont by Wyndham Erie

Baymont by Wyndham Erie

2.5 out of 5
8170 Perry Hwy, Erie, PA
The price is RM361 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM361
RM408 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,100 reviews)
"Definitely would stay again"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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.
4 Mi to Lake: Golf-view Erie Condo w/ Porch

4 Mi to Lake: Golf-view Erie Condo w/ Porch

3.5 out of 5
Erie
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Erie. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and air conditioning. Popular attractions 6 Mile Cellars and Burch Farms ...
4 Mi to Lake: Golf-view Erie Condo w/ Porch
Quaint Erie Home w/ Smart TVs & Yard: 3 Mi to Lake

Quaint Erie Home w/ Smart TVs & Yard: 3 Mi to Lake

3 out of 5
Erie
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Erie. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Presque Isle Downs and Casino and Millcreek Mall are located ...
Quaint Erie Home w/ Smart TVs & Yard: 3 Mi to Lake
Family-friendly Hideaway Near Presque Isle!

Family-friendly Hideaway Near Presque Isle!

3 out of 5
Erie
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Erie. Enjoy free parking, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Waldameer & Water ...
Family-friendly Hideaway Near Presque Isle!
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

Things to do