Location: Erie
Top Things to do in Erie
Top Restaurants in Erie
Things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. 9/11 Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By PeterG756 - Buffalo, United States
Situated right in front of the library is Erie's 911 Memorial. As you would expect it's very moving. They even have a section of steel beam from the Twin Towers implanted there. Do NOT be confused by some of other posters pictures. Some of them are of the NYC 911 memorial NOT Erie's . Plenty of free parking here for the memorial , the library and the Maritime Museum. The Memorial is free and self guided.
2. Erie Land Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By scottofhawaii - Honolulu, United States
I wish I lived close-by. I'd take the dog out here for a walk every morning just to see this impressive lighthouse. This was my final stop on a quick visit to Erie. It was evening and nobody was around so I spent a quiet moment admiring this beautiful structure which seemed like a work of art in a diffused twilight right before sunset. It never ceases to amaze me how the symmetry of a lighthouse can blend and improve the natural optic of any area. Near working class homes and a playground for everyday children, it stands like a guard taking care and watching over everyone sort of like a grandparent for the community.
3. Schaefer's Auto Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Schaefer's Auto Art is home to a variety of sculptures made from recycled metal & automotive parts including a Bumble Bee, Spider, Rocketship, Automan, Two Headed Dinosaur, and more! We have been around for over 25 years and are a local landmark for Erie. Stop by and look around! It's free to visit us, only for smiles :)
Reviewed By llimner - Columbus, United States
Schaefer's Auto Art open Sunrise to Sundown. You can see sculptures from road. Fun for kids. Be sure to look up in the trees and up the pole. Free to visit and park. "Parking is available in the pull-off area on the side of the road. Do not park in or up driveway". Less than 15 minutes from Homewood Suites by Hilton at Millcreek Mall. Be sure to see my review of Homewood-excuse typo. Allow up to 30 minutes. The owner and his dog just happened to be on the grounds when we pulled up. He was very nice and let us roam around. All the sculptures are in the front yard. Be sure to fill out a card in the suggestion mail box where it has written on the mail box "Look Inside".
4. Port Erie Bicentennial Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By HappyCamper1728
Definitely worth a visit! Beautiful views! Easy access to this clean, well serviced attraction. Three floors up, overlooking the harbor , we enjoyed watching the boats, kayaks and jet skis, riding by. There are reading materials posted along the observation deck, describing exactly what you are looking at in all directions. That was great! Social distancing and mask wearing was practiced. The restaurant was closed when we visited on Saturday but there are restaurants nearby.
5. Downtown Erie
6. Erie County Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By barryd927 - Erie, United States
A little hard to get to, but worth the visit to this simple yet moving monument to veterans of Vietnam from the Northwestern county. The simple nature of the design cause you to pause and consider the lives given and the lost gifts that each of these veterans could have given to the world. Somber but it makes you remember.
