1. Explore Beaches and Trails at Presque Isle State Park
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Outdoor lovers, couples, families, water sports enthusiasts, and birdwatchers.
What I Love: ♥ "Golden beaches, bike trails by the water, and migrating birds. Presque Isle isn’t just a park, it’s a year-round playground with a little something for everyone."
- Explore the 3,200-acre sandy peninsula stretching into Lake Erie. Recreational trails, a marina, and swimming beaches.
- Enjoy a wide range of activities—swimming, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, and even in-line skating.
- Experience water sports like water skiing, canoeing, scuba diving, and scenic boat tours from the on-site marina.
- Visit in winter for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and iceboating across the frozen bay.
- Watch for rare and migratory birds—Presque Isle is a birding hotspot loved by ornithologists and casual watchers alike.
Cost: Free admission; parking and most activities are also free. Rentals and tours may have fees.
Best time to visit: Summer for beach days and boating; spring and fall for birdwatching; winter for snow and ice sports.
Local tips: Pack a picnic, bring binoculars for the birds, and try to catch a sunset over the lake—it’s spectacular. Stop by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the park entrance for exhibits and trail maps.
How to Get to Presque Isle State Park: From downtown Erie, follow West 6th Street onto Peninsula Drive. The park is easily accessible by car and has several parking areas along the loop road.
2. Meet Animals and Admire Blooms at Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Families, animal lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun day outdoors in Erie.
What I Love: ♥ "Cheetahs lounging in the sun, flowers blooming everywhere, and a train ride through it all? It’s the perfect combo of wild and whimsical—right in the heart of Erie."
- Visit the Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens to get up close with over 400 animals from around the world—this isn’t your average zoo!
- Explore the Kikoba Outpost, where rhinos, warthogs, and cheetahs bring Africa and Madagascar to life in Erie.
- Ride the zoo’s train or take a spin on the carousel while watching animals play and eat nearby.
- Wander through vibrant botanical gardens bursting with colorful flowers and unique plant species—it’s a serene contrast to the wild side of the zoo.
- Experience one of Erie’s top attractions—perfect for kids and adults alike.
Cost: General admission fee required; discounts available for seniors, children, and Erie residents. Tickets for train and carousel sold separately.
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for full access to outdoor exhibits and the gardens in full bloom.
Local tips: Visit early in the day when animals are most active. Don’t skip the indoor exhibits on hot or rainy days—they’re a cool retreat with lots to see.
How to Get to the Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Located just south of downtown Erie. Parking is free and plentiful. Use W. 38th Street as your main route.
Address: 423 W. 38th St., Erie, PA 16508
Phone: 814-864-4091
3. Dive Into Naval History at the Erie Maritime Museum
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: History buffs, families, Great Lakes enthusiasts, and anyone interested in naval battles and Erie’s maritime past.
What I Love: ♥ "This isn’t just a museum—it’s a time portal. From battle reenactments to a full ship section you can walk through, it connects you to Erie’s past in the coolest, most hands-on way."
- Discover Erie’s naval past at the Erie Maritime Museum, which chronicles life on Lake Erie from the War of 1812 to today.
- Experience the dramatic Battle of Lake Erie through interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and immersive videos.
- Explore permanent exhibits including a partial reconstruction of the U.S. Brig Lawrence and a vintage GE steam-powered generator.
- Browse galleries filled with models, art, and maritime artifacts that highlight Erie’s connection to naval and industrial innovation.
Cost: Admission required; discounts available for students, seniors, and children.
Best time to visit: Year-round, especially great on a rainy or cold day. Late spring through fall may include harbor events or ship tours.
Local tips: Pair your visit with a walk along the waterfront or a stop at the nearby U.S. Brig Niagara, when docked. The museum is very kid-friendly and ideal for a relaxed afternoon indoors.
How to Get to the Erie Maritime Museum: Located in downtown Erie, steps from the bayfront. Accessible by car, bike, or foot from many nearby hotels and attractions. Free parking is available on-site.
Address: 150 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-452-2744
4. Learn and Play at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Families, school groups, science lovers, and anyone visiting Presque Isle who’s curious about the peninsula’s natural wonders.
What I Love: ♥ "Free, fun, and full of surprises—from a four-story screen to flying saucers and origami birds, this place makes learning about nature feel like play."
- Visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC), a free educational hub celebrating the 3,200-acre ecosystem of Presque Isle.
- Explore more than 7,000 square feet of interactive exhibits that captivate visitors with steel trees, flying saucers, and colorful origami birds.
- Experience a four-story, 45-foot wide big screen that immerses you in powerful, eco-focused films and adventures.
- Learn about the history, geology, and biodiversity of the Presque Isle peninsula through hands-on displays and exhibits designed for all ages.
Cost: Free admission; movie screenings may have a separate fee.
Best time to visit: Open year-round, but especially great before or after exploring Presque Isle. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Local tips: Start your Presque Isle adventure here—grab trail maps, see what’s in bloom, and catch a film. Great for rainy days or mid-day breaks from the beach.
How to Get to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center: Located at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park. Easy access by car with plenty of free parking.
Address: 301 Peninsula Dr. #1, Erie, PA 16505
Phone: 814-833-7424
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Connect with Nature at Asbury Woods Nature Center
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Families, nature lovers, hikers, kids, outdoor adventurers, and anyone craving a peaceful escape into the wild.
What I Love: ♥ "With trails weaving through forests, wetlands, and fields—and a sugar shack and animal exhibits to boot—Asbury Woods is a gem where you can learn, explore, and play, all in one place."
- Explore 205 acres of wetlands, woods, streams, and fields at this award-winning nature preserve and environmental education center.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, trail running, mountain biking, and even cross-country skiing in winter.
- Discover on-site attractions like animal exhibits, a craft workshop, native plants garden, amphitheater, Little Woods Nature Play Area, and the charming sugar shack.
- Participate in year-round programs, festivals, events, and nature camps designed to connect people of all ages to the outdoors.
- Bring the kids to unique events like Fantasy Forest for playful plant and animal learning or Tracks in the Snow for fun winter wildlife exploration.
Cost: Free to visit, though some programs and events may require registration or a small fee.
Best time to visit: Year-round—spring and fall for hikes, summer for kids’ activities, and winter for snowy trail fun.
Local tips: Stop by the Nature Center building first to get trail maps and check out seasonal displays. Wear sturdy shoes—trails can get muddy after rain or snow.
How to Get to Asbury Woods Nature Center: Located in west Erie on Asbury Road. Ample parking is available, and the trails start right at the visitor center entrance.
Address: 4105 Asbury Road, Erie, PA 16506
Phone: 814-835-5356
6. Take in Panoramic Views from the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Photographers, couples, and families.
What I Love: ♥ "Whether you’re catching the sunrise over the bay or watching the lights twinkle across the lake at dusk, the views from the top are absolutely worth the climb—or elevator ride."
- See stunning panoramic views from the top of the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower, overlooking Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and downtown Erie.
- Learn about Erie’s history—the tower was built in 1996 to commemorate the city’s bicentennial and has since become a regional icon.
- Climb (or take the elevator!) to one of two observation decks: the first at 17 feet, the second at 138 feet.
- Shop for keepsakes in the gift shop and enjoy unobstructed views—on a clear day, you can see up to 27 miles, even all the way to Long Point in Ontario.
Cost: Admission fee required for observation deck access; children’s and group rates available.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon into sunset for golden light over the bay. Clear days offer the most expansive views.
Local tips: Bring binoculars for spotting boats, birds, and even Canadian shoreline. Great photo spot—especially during Erie’s summer festivals.
How to Get to the Bicentennial Tower: Located at the foot of State Street on Dobbins Landing. Easily accessible by car or foot from downtown Erie with nearby parking and waterfront access.
Address: 1 Holland St, Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-455-7557
7. Discover Creativity at the Erie Art Museum
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Art lovers, culture seekers, families, and anyone curious about global and local creative expression.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s not just paintings on a wall—this museum blends history, community, and vibrant exhibits from Erie and around the world. Plus, the architecture alone is worth the visit."
- Visit the Erie Art Museum, founded in 1898 as The Art Club of Erie and now a cultural cornerstone of Discovery Square in downtown Erie.
- View over 8,000 objects in the permanent collection, including American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, Indian bronzes, and contemporary baskets.
- Experience 18–20 annual visiting exhibitions showcasing a wide range of global and regional art across many mediums and cultures.
- Explore traveling exhibits from national and international partners, bringing new perspectives into the Erie art scene.
- Support local culture through folk art installations, workshops, and community events celebrating traditional arts and makers.
Cost: Admission fee required; discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Free admission days may be available—check the museum calendar.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with new exhibits rotating regularly. Weekdays offer a quieter viewing experience.
Local tips: Don’t miss the museum gift shop—it’s filled with handcrafted items and local art. The museum is part of Discovery Square, so you can easily pair your visit with nearby cultural spots.
How to Get to the Erie Art Museum: Located in the heart of downtown Erie on State Street. Easily accessible by foot, car, or public transportation. Metered street parking is available nearby.
Address: 411 State St, Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 814-459-5477
8. Wander Among Trees at the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Nature lovers, families and walkers.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s like Erie’s own secret forest. Whether you're hiking, biking, or just relaxing beneath the trees, LEAF is a calming, colorful place that changes beautifully with the seasons."
- Explore the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF), home to more than 250 tree varieties and founded in 1998 as a celebration of nature’s diversity.
- See a wide range of trees, including Ginkgo, Scarlet Oak, Tulip Tree, Corkscrew Willow, Dogwood, and Russian Olive, among others.
- Enjoy hiking and biking trails, sled riding hills in winter, and the labyrinth—a fun and meditative attraction for all ages.
- Relax at the virtual tree gazebo, a scenic and serene spot to sit under a canopy of blooms, especially magical in springtime.
Cost: Free admission; donations are welcome to support arboretum programs and upkeep.
Best time to visit: Spring for blossoms, fall for colorful foliage, and winter for sledding fun. Summer offers shade and plenty of walking paths.
Local tips: Bring a camera—many trees are labeled and perfect for nature journaling or photography. LEAF also hosts seasonal events and educational programs, so check their calendar.
How to Get to the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier: Located within Frontier Park in west Erie. Easily accessible by car or bike, with parking available near the park entrance.
Address: 1501 W 6th Street, Erie, PA 16505
Phone: 814-453-5323
If you are traveling with kids:
9. Spark Imagination at ExpERIEnce Children's Museum
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Families with toddlers and kids up to age 10.
What I Love: ♥ "Three stories of creativity and curiosity! Whether kids are racing boats, staging plays, or exploring science, this museum is where fun and learning go hand in hand."
- Visit the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum, a non-profit museum in downtown Erie's historic cultural district, designed for kids from toddlers to 10 years old.
- Explore interactive exhibits on math, science, health, art, literacy, and culture—all geared to educate through hands-on fun.
- Engage with three floors of discovery featuring over 50 exhibits where kids can race boats, imagine future careers, and even produce a play.
- Enjoy special events including visiting authors and seasonal outdoor play areas that keep the experience fresh and exciting.
- Create memories through meaningful play that kids (and parents!) will talk about long after they leave.
Cost: Admission fee required; memberships available. Discounts may apply for groups, military families, and ACCESS/EBT cardholders.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Special programming often happens on weekends and during holidays.
Local tips: Bring socks for soft play areas and pack snacks—there’s a small café and re-entry is allowed. Check the museum calendar for upcoming themed events and author visits.
How to Get to the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum: Located in downtown Erie just steps from Perry Square and other cultural sites. Street parking and nearby garages are available.
Address: 420 French Street, Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-453-3743
10. Explore Local Flavor and Culture in Downtown Erie
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Urban explorers, couples, foodies, shoppers, and anyone seeking walkable charm with waterfront views.
What I Love: ♥ "From lakefront sunsets to boutique shopping and lively nightlife—all within a walkable grid—Downtown Erie blends city energy with small-town warmth."
- Stroll through Downtown Erie, where you’ll find scenic lake views, landscaped parks, and a vibrant collection of restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and bars.
- Discover the heart of Erie’s renewal in the Downtown Improvement District, launched in 2004 by over 500 local merchants and property owners to energize the city center.
- Walk freely—Downtown Erie is pedestrian-friendly with easy public transit options, so you can leave the car behind and explore on foot.
- Live in the middle of it all with housing options ranging from historic lofts to modern condos and charming apartments.
Cost: Exploring downtown is free! Shopping, dining, and entertainment vary by venue.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for warm weather events, outdoor dining, and lakefront walks. Evenings are perfect for catching sunsets and exploring the nightlife.
Local tips: Don’t miss Perry Square for people-watching or live performances. Many downtown businesses participate in seasonal events and festivals, so check local listings before you go.
How to Get to Downtown Erie: Located just off the Bayfront Parkway and State Street. Walkable from most hotels, and easily accessible by car, bus, or foot.
Address: 140 East Fifth Street, Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-455-3743
Plan Your Trip