28 Best & Fun Things to Do in Erie PA (Pennsylvania)
Erie, Pennsylvania, has long been known as the Flagship City of the state. This can be attributed to its unique location on Presque Isle Bay, which extends into Lake Erie, and its status as the state’s only city at its settlement.
Erie is one of the top tourist attractions in the US, situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie. The city is named after the local Americans who lived in the area until the mid-seventeenth century. The important area along the lake offers an assortment of free water-related exercises, including sailing, swimming, drifting, and kayaking.
With an incredible landscape, unimaginable regular settings, and free and exceptional attractions for all ages, the city offers a lot of fun things to do in Erie, PA.
Need to know the best things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania? The following is an exhaustive list of things to do and places to visit in Erie, PA.
What are the Best Things to Do in Erie PA (Pennsylvania)?
#1. Presque Isle Lighthouse
The Presque Isle Lighthouse is a memorable milestone in Presque Isle State Park. The lighthouse is one of three lighthouses in Erie. Set out the freedom to see history and excellence simultaneously.
The Presque Isle Lighthouse is a notable milestone tracing back to the nineteenth century, even though everything giving route helps ships explore Lake Erie.
The lighthouse is open for visitors to investigate the region and arrive at the tower’s highest point for sweeping perspectives on the lake and encompassing region.
Address: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, United States
#2. Lake Shore Railroad Museum
Situated in the old New York train traveler station, the Lake Shore Railroad Museum is certainly worth a visit while you’re in Erie.
This railroad Museum is financed by gifts and is home to many important curios, shows, and steam trains that will intrigue any railroad fan.
The foundation of this superb museum occurred in 1956 and has been an extraordinary custom from that point onward.
However, despite the many trains in plain view at this museum, there are a few enlightening relics that teach Visitors about trains and railways.
While in an area, come by the Museum’s gift, search for keepsakes, and look over the many caps, espresso cups, shirts, and gifts in the store.
Benefits from the gift shop likewise help assets and run the exhibition hall.
Also, the Lake Shore Railroad Exhibition Hall consistently has a few energizing occasions, sometimes as a team with the Verifiable Society.
This is an extraordinary expansion of your agenda of things in Erie. Check the occasion schedule to plan your visit for your preferred occasion.
Address: 31 Wall St, North East, PA 16428, United States
#3. Downtown Erie
Erie’s midtown locale is one of the most thrilling regions to visit in Erie, where you can see and investigate a portion of the city’s best shops, restaurants, stores, bars, casinos, and views.
In the downtown area, you’ll have the chance to observe breathtaking perspectives on the sun setting over Lake Erie and meet north of 500 distinct traders offering everything from furniture to apparel, magnificence items, bites, and espresso. That’s just the beginning.
There are many choices for this midtown visit. Many people drive or stroll through the area.
Strolling is an excellent method for investigating this region. Pass by the noteworthy structures of Erie and enjoy the great perspectives.
#4. Waldameer Park and Water World
Do you like outside experiences? Provided this is true, add a visit to Waldameer and Water World to your list of things to do in Erie, PA.
Waldameer and Water World are great attractions situated in Erie, PA. What began as a famous outing spot called Hoffman’s Forest has been changed into a thrilling water park.
The reproduction area has more than 100 hours of slides, attractions, and something else for Visitors, everything being equal, to appreciate throughout the late spring months.
The park area has many tours like Carousel, XScream Drop Tower, and Drop Tower.
Additionally, it has many extraordinary elements, like festival-style games, music, food trucks, slowing down, and other fun exercises.
With lots of free and diverting activities, Waldameer and Water World are the ideal spots to visit with the entire family, including kids, throughout the late spring months.
#5. Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA, is a destination full of many things to do, and Presque Isle State Park is one good location. Presque Isle offers plenty to offer if you are looking for family-friendly activities or recreation on the water.
More than 3,200 sections of land make up the state park. There are various fun activities to enjoy, including drifting, swimming, and bird watching.
The variety of outdoor attractions that can be found in this park is astounding. The all-encompassing list includes seashores and lush landscapes, not to mention a fantastic marina.
Presque Isle State Park is one of the best spots to visit on long days. You’ll find no dull moments as you experiment with various fitness options, including fitness stations, hiking trails, and opportunities for active activities like cycling.
There are many different sports to incorporate into your triathlon training, such as climbing, fishing, hiking, and rollerblading. Others include water skiing, tennis, and volleyball.
Even if this park wasn’t packed in the colder months, it’s a must-see destination. At any time of year, it’s constantly humming with activity.
Throughout the colder time of year, many travelers and locals visit the site for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice skating.
However, one unique aspect of bird watching in this area is that many birds will be seen moving in and out of the area.
Add a visit to Presque Isle State Park to your list of things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Address: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, United States
#6. All an Act Theatre Productions
Erie brings many energizing theatre encounters to the table through its many playhouses. Among them is Every one-off a Demonstration Playhouse Productions, referred to locally as A3.
This people-group playhouse was established in 2004. The emphasis is on presenting intrigued Visitors with a wide variety of art through live theatre exhibitions.
This theatre production is the host of the Footlights Playhouse Program, which has been held each late spring for a considerable length of time.
This program offers offspring of all foundations, states, and encounters a free and open door to encounter playhouse through full-length melodic productions.
The Footlights Playhouse Program is one of Erie, PA’s longest-running and best youth programs. Visitors can see exhibitions made through the program, as well as different live melodic and playhouse occasions.
Address: 652 W 17th St, Erie, PA 16502, United
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#7. SandCille Spa
Relaxing At-Home Spa Treatments: Consider a home spa day if you’re feeling sore or stressed out. It may seem impossible to find time for yourself when you’ve got kids and a job, but with help from DIY beauty products available at home-goods stores like Target and Walgreens, you can make it happen.
Sandcille Spa is proud to provide spa treatments allowing you to indulge in some me time in your backyard. With their candles and facial lotion set (available through Amazon), you can relax and breathe away tension as naturally-scented aromas permeate your space.
Once you’re all settled, prep your skin with an antioxidant serum designed to reduce puffiness and inflammation caused by stress, the result will be a more youthful appearance.
To finish your relaxation session, treat yourself to a foot mask made of collagen powder; an application will increase blood flow to areas that need extra TLC, like hands, faces, and feet, and strengthen skin tissue. You’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated after just one treatment!
Address: 2640 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505, United States
#8. Watson-Curtze Mansion
The Watson Curtze Mansion houses the noteworthy Downtown Hagen. It has delightful engineering underlying the Richardsonian Romanesque style. With vaulted roofs, mosaics, stained glass windows, and different embellishments, it’s one of the top things to find in Erie.
The mansion is decorated with Christmas lights and improvements during Christmas, giving it a stunning look that everybody will cherish.
However, with the dazzling perspectives this fascination offers, the Hagen Noteworthy Center furnishes Visitors with intriguing data about the Lake Erie district and the region’s most notable people.
This is one of the most mind-blowing vacation spots in the city of Erie and ought to be on your list of unique things to do in Erie, PA.
Address: 356 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16507, United States
#9. Warner Theater
The Warner Theater is a famous Erie fascination and home to the Erie Expressive Dance, the Erie Broadway series, and the Erie Philharmonic.
The theater has many exciting shows and around 150 critical occasions throughout the year for visitors to appreciate.
Warner Brothers made Warner Theater. Today we have probably the best occasions and shows in the city of Erie.
Come by the Warner Theater while in Erie to see a show and admire the exquisite construction that houses the playhouse.
Address: 811 State St, Erie, PA 16501, United States
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#10. Tom Ridge Environment Center
The Tom Ridge Natural Center estimates 6,500 square feet and has an educational focus that teaches visitors about plants, trees, and some.
The middle shows various innovative things, including more than 75 hand-cut whorls.
Among the middle’s many highlights is a 45-minute IMAX playhouse experience that shows off the environment in plain view.
Before leaving the Tom Ridge Environment Center, stop by Nature’s Gift Shop for keepsakes and handouts.
Address: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, United States
#11. School House Yoga Studio
Located inside a converted schoolhouse (hence its name), School House Yoga Studio is an inviting space for yogis looking for a peaceful place to practice.
The owner has been practicing yoga for 20 years and teaches several of his unique classes. If you’re trying out yoga for the first time, try it at School House. They offer free classes several times a week.
Try their lunchtime power flow class on Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 pm. It’s accessible enough that beginners can jump right in but challenging enough that more advanced practitioners will also be inspired. And if you’re not a fan of yoga, Mayer offers Pilates and meditation classes as well.
Address: 310 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16503, United States
#12.
Whether you are looking for some relaxation time with a massage or facial or want your eyebrows threaded or hair did for that special occasion, ReJuv is sure to please.
You can also take advantage of their monthly pedicure and manicure specials and get your nails painted every day of the week if you want.
The staff are amiable and love making their clients feel comfortable. If you’re looking for an affordable spa treatment near Erie, stop by Rejuv today!
Address: 1337 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16505, United States
#13. Presque Isle Downs and casino
Isle Downs and Casino comprises a casino and a trail that routinely has pure-bred races. If you’re hoping to luck out and get an incredible deal, Presque Isle Downs and Casino are the best places to visit in Erie, PA.
This casino offers more than 1700 game choices to look over. Among them are Bally Fast Hits and Wheel of Fortune.
This casino consistently has an enormous number of visitors, with some getting back in the wake of winning a lot of cash on its games and openings.
Go ahead, grab this fascination, and take a stab at one of the many games. You can luck out and win outstanding awards.
The casino likewise has other gaming choices, for example, blackjack tables, craps tables, and a huge poker room.
Betting isn’t the main rush that Presque Isle Downs and Casino brings to the table. It likewise has an assortment of live diversion, shopping, grant-winning cooking, and an inn area for Visitors hoping to go through the evening.
A visit to Presque Isle Downs and Casino is worth adding to your list of free things to do in Erie this weekend.
Address: 8199 Perry Hwy, Erie, PA 16509, United States
#14. Erie Zoo and Botanical gardens
If you love animals and nature, you should add this to the hidden gems in Erie, PA. The zoo comprises more than 400 animals from various areas, including cheetahs, warthogs, lions, tigers, orangutans, and rhinos.
For additional fervor and freedom in the wake of seeing various animals very close, visit the neighboring greenhouses.
This botanical garden offers shocking perspectives with a delightful assortment of more than 400 blossoms and plants from everywhere in the world.
Since its opening in 1982, the Erie Zoo and Greenhouse have given visitors many great animal encounters. This fascination is reasonable for the two kids and grown-ups and is possibly the best free activity in Erie.
Address: 423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508, United States
#15. Erie Bluffs State Park
Among the many breathtaking attractions along Lake Erie, Erie Bluffs State Park is a beautiful spot to add to your list of things to do in Erie, PA.
One of my favorite places to photograph is Erie Bluffs, State Park. Presque Isle Bay’s view and amazing sunsets can’t be beaten. I try and go at least once a week during any season.
If you find yourself traveling through Erie, it’s well worth visiting Eris Bluffs. This park is also right down by Millcreek Canyon, so that you could visit a few great attractions in one trip!
Located in the west wing of the city, this wonderful park is the ideal spot to have a good time with your friends and family.
Erie Bluffs State Park is loaded with many normal bounties and is one of the best spots to invest some peaceful energy.
Address: 11100 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423, United States
#16. Harbor Ridge Golf Course and Grill
If you have been golfing for some time, adding a visit to Harbor Ridge Golf Course would be fascinating. This public golf course has one of the most challenging greens in Pennsylvania and is appropriate for proficient golfers who need to scrutinize their golf abilities.
The trail comprises nine holes of golf finely dispersed all through the area with tees, greens, and bent grass fairways for golf players to appreciate playing.
Harbor Ridge Golf Course and Grill offers golfers a fair test and compensation for an essential and charming experience.
The region’s steakhouse offers an assortment of delicious food and cold refreshments to supplement your golf experience.
If you don’t have golf gear, simply sit back, and relax. Around here, there is a golf shop that sells a wide range of golf things like balls and tees.
Address: 3730 Harbor Ridge Trail, Erie, PA 16510, United States
#17. Erie Playhouse
Whether you are a local or a visitor from out of town, Eris Playhouse has something for everyone. From an incredible team of talented artists and performers to high-quality entertainment for children and adults alike, no matter what your preferences might be, there is sure to be something that you will enjoy when you come through their doors.
Close to downtown Erie, the Erie Playhouse is a memorable performance center that consistently presents various plays and musicals, each with various ticket costs.
Consistently visited by quite a few people, this venue has been around for ages, making it perhaps the most seasoned performance center in the city of Erie and all of PA.
Ellie Playhouse is likewise positioned in the best ten venues in the US. This is another justification for why you should look at it if you’re ready for the end of the week.
A visit to this delightful performance center merits adding to your list of heartfelt things in Erie with your friends and family.
Address: 13 W tenth St, Erie, Dad 16501, USA
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#18. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park and Resort
The Sprinkle Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort is the ideal spot to enjoy the mid-year with your family and friends and family.
The indoor park has a 200,000-gallon wave pool with waves up to 6 feet.
Among the many elements of this sporting indoor water park are staggering and fun slides facilitated by a cordial and mindful staff to guarantee your security.
The water park likewise has non-water-related exercises, including high-end food encounters at regional restaurants.
You can unwind with a beverage in a friendly parlor of the reproduction area.
The Sprinkle Lagoon indoor water park has other kid cordial highlights, like a sweets store that sells various kinds of treats that children love.
Address: 8091 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509, United States
#19. Millcreek Mall
For an extraordinary shopping experience, they were come by Millcreek Mall, a great mall with stores offering different incredible things.
Laid out in 1975, the Millcreek Mall is a milestone in the city of Erie.
Among the many highlights of the mall are many booths offering various items and services, restaurants, shops, and playhouses where adolescents frequently head out to watch motion pictures.
Instances of item classes accessible at this mall incorporate hardware, toys, excellent items, and whatever a customer could be considering purchasing.
The Mall has more than 175 store brands, including DSW Shoe Stockroom, Michael’s, JC Penney, and Old Navy Force.
Visitors can pick Outback Steakhouse, Bones bar-b-que and Grill, or Arby’s for heavenly, masterfully pre-arranged food, all in the mall.
Address: 5800 Peach St, Erie, PA 16565, United States
#20. Port Erie Bicentennial Tower
For wonderful and loosening up perspectives on Lake Erie and the encompassing region, climb the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower.
The Port Erie Bicentennial Tower is roughly 187 feet tall and was completed in 1996 to recognize Erie’s 200th anniversary.
The tower is situated in the midtown area of Erie and is perceived as the most significant construction in the whole state.
Visitors can understand the city at the tower according to a better point of view through two perception decks, one at 138 feet and one at 17 feet.
The tower is open daily for Visitor visits and offers 27-mile perspectives in Ontario, Canada, on sunny mornings.
A visit to this tower is possibly the best thing to do in Erie, PA, for an extraordinary touring experience.
Address: 1 State St, Erie, PA 16507, United States
#21. Play Port Arcade
Play Port Arcade and Family Fun Center is a great arcade for kids and grown-ups alike. With more than 100 free games, there’s much to get excited about while you’re here.
The many free highlights at the Play port Arcade and Family Fun Center are Virtual Arcade, Laser Tag, Shine Golf, and Pool.
The middle likewise has various unique occasions that are enjoyable to join in. Check the occasion timetable to design your visit.
The middle generally has an extensive variety of good times for people, everything being equal, to investigate.
Address: 2730 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505, United States
#22. Dine at Mi Scuzi
Mi Suzi is a 5-star restaurant serving a wide assortment of flavorful Italian cooking skillfully ready with new, painstakingly chosen fixings.
The restaurant menu contains sumptuous dishes, including pasta, mixed greens, sweets, and bread.
Mi Suzi likewise has an extraordinary assortment of specialty brews and wines from around the country to go with your delicious food.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. If it’s not too much trouble, note that the eatery is shut exclusively on Mondays.
You can also checkout the best restaurants in Erie Pennsylvania.
Address: 2641 Myrtle St, Erie, PA 16508, United States
#23. Lakes Seaway Trail
The Incomparable Lakes Seaway Trail is a thin footpath that goes through the wine nation of Erie, PA.
This trail is the ideal road for wine sweethearts to investigate these districts, taking passers-by through bright trees, moving slopes, and delightful landscapes.
Go for your camera and stroll the paths; you will see many beautiful sights worth catching.
The path starts east of Highway 5 and winds through around 25 dazzling grape plantations and wineries, permitting visitors to enjoy the peacefulness of nature and lovely landscapes and taste grant-winning neighborhood wines and specialty brews.
There are a few visits accessible today area. Assuming there are explicit grape plantations or wineries you might want to visit, you can likewise book ahead of time.
It merits looking at a few different grape plantations you can see along the Incomparable Lakes Seaway Trail, Pershore Grape plantations, and Yard Grape plantations.
The Grape Disclosure Center is likewise close by, where people can find out about winemaking, and Accord grapes are utilized to make a large portion of the grape wines in the state.
Add this preliminary investigation to your list, and you’ll choose what to do today for your tour in Erie, PA.
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#24. Erie Insurance Arena
Erie Insurance Arena is a sporting venue that has facilitated many state games, concerts, and special events throughout the long term.
The arena was first used to have Seaway side Young men shows, and from that point forward, many famous Hollywood demonstrations and big names have acted area.
The Erie Insurance Arena, the most established arena, was recently revamped and extended for around $47 million. A casino level and some extravagant suites have been added for visitors who need a unique treat during the occasion.
The Erie Insurance Arena has roughly 9,000 seats and games for the Erie Bayhawks, SIFL Erie Blast, and OHL Erie Otters of the NBA-D Association.
Come by the arena while in Erie and witness the many occasions that occur in this arena.
Address: 809 French St, Erie, PA 16501, United States
#25. Erie Art Museum
The Erie Art Museum is one of Erie’s top attractions for history and workmanship sweethearts. It was first settled in 1898 as the Erie Art Casino.
Since its establishment, the exhibition hall has changed areas throughout the long term. However, it is currently situated downtown the Revelation Square Company, home to many shops, displays, and museums.
The museum has the best and most lovely workmanship assortments in the city of Erie and all of PA.
The Erie Art Museum houses a sublime assortment of more than 8,000 showstoppers and relics, including Tibetan compositions, Indian bronzes, American ceramics, and contemporary crates.
The museum hosts around 20 traveling show every year, including delightful showstoppers that will interest the entire family. A visit to this museum is perhaps the best thing to do in Erie if you are visiting the area.
Address: 20 E 5th St, Erie, PA 16507, United States
#26. Lady Kate Boat Tour
An excellent method for investigating the waters of Lake Erie without leaving the city is on a Lady Kate boat visit. The visit starts at Presque Isle State Park, teaching members about the historical backdrop of the area while partaking in a boat tour.
After the boat departs the harbor, members navigate the reproduction area’s seashores to the lake. At the same time, the local escort informs you about Presque Isle’s set of experiences and geography, and that’s just the beginning.
To become familiar with the area while unwinding and partaking in the solaces of the water, you want to add this to your list of things in Erie, PA.
Address: Erie, PA 16507, United States
#27. Erie County Public Library
The Erie Library is centered around upgrading interest, learning, and imagination in the city of Erie and PA by giving people admittance to exact and essential data.
It comprises five branches and a versatile library, all with broad assortments of books and digital books. The library is likewise home to various educational projects, classes, and services that make a wide variety of learning opportunities available to visitors.
Programs held at the library incorporate PC classes, a book casino, kids’ narration, the Blasco Library Show Series, Lego building, and yoga for preschoolers.
Address: 2088 Interchange Rd Suite 280, Erie, PA 16565, United States
#28. Lake Erie Arboretum in Frontier Park
In the Salem Arboretum, there are over 250 trees of different species, and your chance to glimpse into a wondrous world while gathering important information is a huge bonus!
At Frontier Park in Erie, PA, specimen trees from around the world have been carefully selected to highlight each tree’s unique characteristics and historical significance. This beautifully designed garden is a beautiful place to explore and appreciate nature.
Don’t sit around wasting time with good intentions. Come to an instruction-oriented open-door arboretum and spend quality time with your friends, only to be surprised at the end with a spectacular view.
Throughout the winter, the Arboretum has different highlights for visitors to appreciate and investigate. For example, there are sledding slopes, bicycle trails, and a labyrinth for Visitors to marvel at.
In April, the arboretum offers a unique Virtual Tree Top Gazebo experience that is perfect for all ages, including children.
Being close to Lake Erie offers a unique perspective. You’ll get in touch with the area’s natural beauty and witness its importance on all levels of life.
Address: 1501 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16505, United States
Enjoy Your Meal In Erie Pennsylvania
Erie has a lot to offer to residents and tourists. With fun activities for children and adults alike, any visitor can enjoy themselves in one of Erie’s many parks or on its beautiful beaches.
Whether you are visiting with a friend or your entire family, there is something for everyone. From high-energy amusement parks like Waldameer Park & Water World or Presque Isle State Park for a relaxing trip around the bay by boat, there’s something here for everyone!
Plan your next vacation at some of these exciting destinations around Lake Erie. You won’t regret it!
