Play at Presque Isle

Pennsylvania

Accommodations

Beaches

Food & Drink

Family Fun

Attractions

Nature & Outdoor Excursions

Connect with the great outdoors by venturing around this tranquil Pennsylvania beach town.

This 3,200-acre, 13-mile sandy peninsula off of the shores of Erie offers a bounty of summer activities, including bicycling, boating, fishing, hiking, in-line skating and swimming.

“The best thing about Presque Isle is that it’s so beautiful and tranquil,” says Christine Temple, director of communications for VisitErie. “I love to take my dog there for walks or just go for a drive. It’s the ideal place to get away from the craziness of city life.”

Eat at the Isle
From triple-thick shakes in a rainbow of flavors to locally made Smith’s hot dogs (an Erie institution), Sara’s (sarasandsallys.com), located at the entrance to Presque Isle, serves up food and fun in the ambiance of a ’50s diner. Indoor or outdoor dining offers beautiful views of the bay at Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant (bayhousepier6.com), featuring fresh seafood, oysters, steaks and a full bar. For Sunday brunch, head next door to Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant.

Fun for All
Tom Ridge Environmental Center (dcnr.pa.gov) is filled with exhibits chronicling the area’s natural history. Climb the 75-foot glass-enclosed observation tower for stunning Lake Erie views. Located at the Isle’s entrance, Beach Zero (beachzero.com) has everything you need to spend the day in the sun. Fun for the entire family awaits at Waldameer Water World (waldameer.com), featuring more than 100 attractions, from thrill rides and water slides to bumper cars, a relaxation pool, arcade, food stands and gift shops.

Sound Sleep
Wake up to magnificent views at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel (marriott.com), which hugs the water’s edge. The hotel’s Bayfront Grille serves creative, casual entrees all day. Victoria Inn Bed and Breakfast (victoriainnerie.com), within walking distance of Erie Playhouse, the Erie Art Museum and more, brings classic elegance to your stay. Kelso Beach Rentals (kelsobeachrentals.com) provides cozy accommodations with lakeside cottages and beach houses complete with furnished kitchens.