Things to Do in Erie, PA

Things To Do

In Erie, Pennsylvania, you’ll find so much to do, and time to do it all! Relax along the calm waters of Lake Erie, and enjoy the local shopping, restaurants, attractions and festivals that make Erie County an exceptional place to get away. Plan your lake escape your way.

Read on and discover the many reasons why Erie is so amazing! We also invite you to learn more about LGBTQIA travel as well as Erie's eco-friendly and dog-friendly attractions.

Explore Wine Country

Festivals and Events in Erie County

Explore Downtown Erie

Beaches

Each summer, Erie’s warm temperatures and soothing waters provide numerous reasons to escape the worries of everyday life. One of the best ways to do that is to spend a day at one of Erie’s sandy beaches!

Waterfront

Erie is Pennsylvania’s only port on the Great Lakes: it’s only natural that one of Erie’s best features is its waterfront. Whether you spend time on the water or alongside it, you’ll find an abundance of things to do set against the beautiful backdrop of Presque Isle Bay.

Family Fun

Plot your summer vacations, schedule fall outings, cure those winter blues or make it a spring fling. Whatever the reason or season, make your escape to Erie for entertaining, affordable and family-friendly fun!

Breweries & Distilleries

Erie is a popular destination for microbreweries and distilleries, each offering their own distinct take on craft beer and spirits with creative techniques, flavors and names.

Arts & Entertainment

Erie’s arts and entertainment scene is a unique blend of metropolitan spirit and small town charm. With engaging settings, riveting concerts and theatrical performances, thought-provoking art galleries, national touring acts and artists, Erie provides high caliber entertainment in an affordable, convenient setting.

Festivals & Events

Mark your calendars and don’t miss any of Erie County’s most popular harvest festivals, touring shows or sporting events!

Outdoor Recreation

Whether your adventurous spirit enjoys skiing, biking, running, fishing, camping, horseback riding or just spending the day in nature, Erie offers wide open spaces and fresh waters for outdoor enthusiasts!

Golf

The Erie region is home to many picturesque golf courses that welcome every type of golfer from beginner to aspiring professional. Sharpen your game and test your skills across our sprawling fairways and beautifully landscaped greens. Whether you shoot a 72 or 144, there's nothing like spending a couple hours, or even an afternoon, out on the golf course.

Fishing

Erie County is one of the country’s greatest destinations for fishing! The wide variety of waterways offer diverse game fish species including steelhead, trout, muskie, walleye, pike, bluegill, small and largemouth bass, and perch.

Dining

Find the best restaurants in the Erie area and a variety of dining experiences. From fine dining to casual, family friendly, ethnic, fusion and grab and go, there is a cuisine to please every palate. You can dine on a rooftop, on the water or the waterfront, bayside, curbside, inside or outside. The possibilities are endless.

Wineries

Erie County is home to one of the largest grape-growing regions in the country, featuring lush lakefront vineyards and charming small towns like North East, where a walkable downtown features local shopping, restaurants and parks, and is the Erie County start to Lake Erie Wine Country.

Spas & Wellness

Pamper yourself by relaxing your mind, body and spirit at one of Erie’s wellness centers and spas. Rejuvenate and soothe your inner being. Erie's wellness centers, massage therapy and spas offer traditional services and new-age healing techniques.

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History & Heritage

Erie’s rich, historical past is filled with innovative thinkers, inventions and discoveries. Explore our region’s museums, monuments and memorials to learn the role that so many people, places and events played to shape our community into what it is today.

Sports

When it comes to sports, Erie has so much to cheer for! Erie County is home to three minor-pro sports teams, four universities with teams represented in the NCAA Divisions I, II and III and a thriving sports tourism scene.

Seasonal Activities

Erie is a great destination for a waterfront escape in any season. Whether it’s sunbathing on the beach or snow shoeing the trails, visitors never run out of things to do. Explore our seasons and discover how Erie can be your complete year-round destination getaway.

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Brochures for Download

Want advice for planning your trip? Call the VisitErie office at (814) 454-1000, and our staff will be happy to answer your questions, and send you any of the below brochures at no cost.