Location: Erie
Top Things to do in Erie
Top Restaurants in Erie
Things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Nature & Parks
Located in the very Northwest corner of Pennsylvania, Erie is the State's only Great Lakes port city. The Lake is the main attraction in Erie, with the sparkling water giving Erie its nickname, "Gem City." The nearby peninsula of Presque Isle State Park provides residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, hiking, and biking. The city is also part of the Snowbelt, famous for the winter wonderland created by the lake effect.
Restaurants in Erie
1. Asbury Woods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By S5756JIrobinb
We intended to hike at Presque Isle but was recommended Asbury Woods by our waitress at Zodiac Dinor. We’re so happy she did! It was beautiful woods with old trees, wonderfully maintained trails that lead to a large, clear creek— beautiful!! It makes me wish I lived in Erie so I could go here every day!
2. Erie Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 779 reviews
Reviewed By drbaker1994 - Waynesboro, United States
Our family of 4 (parents and young adult kids) had a great time here. Most of the animals were active and we were able to see them really well. The most amazing was the Tiger, because we weren't expecting him and we turned a corner and there he was walking toward us. We also really enjoyed the orangutans and so many more. Since we were there during Covid, there were a few areas that were closed off and animals we could not see (1 being the zebras, as I could see them when I peeked through a gate). Also due to Covid, you have to preorder your tickets on line and choose the time you will be arriving. This did help in keeping the crowds to a minimum and there were only a few areas where we had to wait for others to move out of the way to see. They do require you to wear your mask the entire time you are in the park. The online order was simple and the value for the tickets was reasonable. We did not do the carousel or the train ride.
3. Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 470 reviews
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is an educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula. TREC also serves as a center for research -- contributing to conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness, helping to preserve the unparalleled beauty of Presque Isle, the site of Pennsylvania’s only seashore. While some facilities along the Great Lakes offer environmental education and others do research, none offer research, education, and visitor services in one place, making TREC a unique destination for learning, wonder, and fun. TREC is open year-round and offers free admission to its changing interactive exhibits, glass-enclosed tower, and orientation movie. Learn about the history of Presque Isle and how you can contribute to keeping it pristine and beautiful.
Reviewed By LoriPaul42900 - Blue Grass, United States
We traveled to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center upon the recommendation of family with whom we were visiting. The Center offers a large and fascinating degree of historic information about the region, especially Lake Erie, and the great ongoing efforts to preserve the area's natural landscape and habitats. An observation deck allows a clear view of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the surrounding area. Gorgeous view in the fall!
4. Presque Isle State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,128 reviews
Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. The neck of the peninsula is attached to the mainland four miles west of downtown Erie. The park creates Presque Isle Bay, a wide and deep harbor for the city of Erie. The bay attracts many pleasure boats and worldwide freighters -- making Erie an important Great Lakes shipping port. A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle is a favorite spot for migrating birds. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the state's endangered, threatened, and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania. Open 5AM to sunset year-round, after sunset visitors must be in a vehicle.
Reviewed By daled732 - Erie, United States
P I state park offers an alternative to the long ride to the ocean Plenty of sandy beaches, warm and gentle waves, and world class sunsets. Activities are many- fishing, hiking, boating, having a picnic, ,biking. ,beach concerts, and more. An experience well worth the short drive.yes
5. Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By travelgirl179 - Pennsylvania, United States
This is the perfect place, regardless of the season, for walking around. Even in the snow, there’s clear paths and people out and about walking their dogs or sledding. I had never been here before, but I am excited to come back in the summer to walk around! It was a beautiful place just to get out the house and get some exercise!
