Top 20 Ways to Spend a Day on Presque Isle Bay

Where to Stay
1. Sheraton Erie Bayfront – An estimated $7.5-million renovation was completed just in time for last year’s eclipse. marriott.com

2. Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront  Opened in 2020, this 94-room hotel includes 32 suites that are larger than the typical room and optimal for traveling families. hilton.com

3. Courtyard Erie Bayfront – Features 92 rooms and is connected to the Erie Convention Center. marriott.com

Things to Do
4. Bicentennial Tower – Built and named to commemorate the city’s bicentennial in 1996, this $1.9 million, 187-foot-tall tower (to the tip of its flagpole) offers two observation decks, one 138 feet in the air, and on a clear day, you can see to Canada. dobbinslandingerie.com

5. Oliver’s Mini Golf – Opened in 2023, this 18-hole par-57 course is fun yet challenging, while offering views of the waterfront and the Bicentennial Tower. oliversrooftop.com

6. Victorian Princess – Billed as the only paddlewheeler on Lake Erie, the Victorian Princess offers sightseeing, dining and entertainment cruises on the lake during the day and at sunset. victorianprincess.com

7. Scallywag’s – This pirate adventure helps you get in touch with your inner swashbuckler, with charters, happy hour cruises, a pirate adventure cruise and even a haunted cruise in the fall. scallywagspirateadventures.com

8. The Lady Kate – This 65-foot diesel-powered boat offers 90-minute tours throughout the bay as well into the open waters of Lake Erie. There’s even a special sunset cruise. piboattours.com

9. Perry Monument on Presque Isle  – Dedicated in 1926, this 103-foot limestone monument commemorates Oliver Hazard Perry, commander of American naval forces during the War of 1812. Presque Isle provided safe harbor for Perry and his men to build their ships.

10. Erie Maritime Museum – Located in a former power plant, this museum tells the story of the War of 1812 on Lake Erie, as well as the area’s seafaring history. The Brig Niagara is in dry dock, but tall ship aficionados can see the Lettie G. Howard, a Fredonia schooner. eriemaritimemuseum.org

11. Bayfront Convention Center – With a great hall as well as a ballroom, the city’s events center hosts a variety of events, from bridal shows to gymnastics meets to an annual auto show. And it’s easily accessible from the Sheraton and Courtyard. bayfrontconventioncenter.com

Places to Eat
12. Sloppy Duck Saloon/JR's on the Bay – This waterfront grille, a mainstay for more than 20 years, offers a casual vibe with beer, sandwiches, bands and karaoke. sloppyducksaloon.com

13. Oliver’s Rooftop – The crown jewel of the Hampton Inn, Oliver’s Rooftop (named for Oliver Hazard Perry, the commander of the American fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie) features steaks and seafood, as well as sweeping views of the lake. oliversrooftop.com

14. Two 45 Waterfront Grill – Located in the Sheraton Erie Bayfront, this restaurant takes its name from the time of day when the American fleet secured victory in the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. It features formal dining and lakefront views. two45waterfrontgrille.com

15. Oliver’s Beer Garden – Adjacent to the mini-golf club, the beer garden is the place to be in the summer, with an outdoor bar and food from a food truck. There’s also live music, and it’s pet friendly as well. oliversrooftop.com

16. Bay House Oyster Bar/Pier 6 – You might not think of shellfish when you're on the Great Lakes, but this waterfront restaurant, in addition to steaks and seafood, offers a rotating variety of East and West Coast oysters, on the half shell or grilled. On the rooftop is Pier 6, with a more casual environment and a menu that includes sandwiches, burgers and pasta. bayhousepier6.com

17. RumRunners – For nearly 40 years, this has been the patio to hang out on in Erie, and its eponymous cocktail — the ingredients a secret — is a local favorite. rumrunnerserie.com

18. Shoreline Bar and Grill – Located in the Marriott, this restaurant is the spot for a casual cocktail or a full meal, and the patio can get you even closer to Presque Isle Bay. shorelinebarandgrille.com

19. The Cove – This tropic-influenced seasonal hideaway is known for its extensive menu of summer cocktails and features a tiki hut as well. thecoveerie.com

20. Woody’s Backwater Bar – This seasonal bar/restaurant is notable for being Erie’s first — and to date, only — floating restaurant, influenced by Key West and built on a barge (don’t worry, it’s securely anchored). woodysbackwaterbargeandgrill.com

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