Erie, Pennsylvania is one of the top five largest cities in Pennsylvania, and it’s an underrated destination to spend a weekend. It’s a hidden gem nestled on the shores of Lake Erie!
Steeped in rich history, dotted with charming shops, and boasting a vibrant cultural scene, Erie has so much to offer if you look close enough. Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches and water activities, exploring historic sites, or indulging in delectable culinary delights, one weekend in Erie promises both an exciting and diverse experience.
Side note: This post was written by Samantha a local of Erie, PA. She’s lived in the city for over 15 years and has prepared the very best 3-day Erie weekend itinerary. Local’s know best! See author’s bio at the end for more about Samantha!
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Erie?
Erie does have an airport located on the west side of town, but it is small and service is limited. You likely won’t be able to fly direct. However, the Cleveland, OH and Pittsburgh, PA airports are less than two hours away!
Travel to Erie by train is also possible. Erie is serviced by the Amtrak Lakeshore Limited route, which travels between Chicago, New York City, and Boston.
The best way to get around Erie is by car. If you’re not driving to the city, then you’ll need to book a rental car at the airport.
Driving around Erie is easy compared to other larger cities. You won’t have to deal with 16 lanes of traffic or 7 interstates coming together at one interchange. Navigation apps should get you where you need to go relatively easily.
Public transportation is available through the EMTA bus system. The bus system does provide access to some of the best things to do in the city. There are some great spots outside the bus routes, though, that you’d miss without a car to get around.
What is the best time to visit Erie?
The best time of year to visit Erie is undoubtedly during the summer months, from late June to early September. The city is bustling with activity, featuring plenty of events, outdoor concerts, and street festivals during that time.
CelebrateErie is a popular event held in August every year, where much of the main street through downtown is closed to traffic for the weekend to make way for the festival. Live music, vendors, chalk art competitions, and great food fill the streets. Musical artists including Dan & Shay, 3 Doors Down, Blue Oyster Cult, and JaRule have all hosted free concerts on the mainstage at the event.
Winter can be quite cold, with plenty of snow and icy cold winds coming off the lake. There are plenty of opportunities for winter sports and activities, but this isn’t ideal for everyone.
Where should I stay in Erie?
Hotels and places to stay in Erie are generally in clusters around town. The hotels on the bay near downtown are more expensive, but they offer great views and the option to walk to attractions.
Hotels around the I-90 and Peach Street intersection are convenient for shopping if you forgot something at home. Stay in close proximity to the Millcreek Mall or the casino and you’ll have to drive to most attractions, but you can often find better prices.
Erie Hotel Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: Baymont by Wyndam, Erie– The rooms have plenty of space and a cozy feel. You’ll have a clean spot to lay your head at night, and prices are often very reasonable.
- Mid-range Option: Wingate by Wyndham Erie- Comfortable rooms and included breakfast are some of the highlights of this hotel conveniently located right off of I-90. Shopping is close by, but you’ll have to drive to see the lake.
- Luxury Option: Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront– This hotel is situated within walking distance of Dobbin’s Landing, great restaurants, and close to downtown. While Erie isn’t a huge “luxury” destination, this hotel has great amenities. Book a room with a bay view so you can watch the sunrise and sunset from the comfort of your room!
- Dog-friendly Stay: Holiday Inn, Erie– Conveniently located just off of I-90 on Peach Street, this hotel is close to stores and chain restaurants. It’s on a dead- end drive, so you don’t have to worry about tons of traffic when taking your dog outside.
- Unique Option: Spencer House Bed & Breakfast- Have you ever wanted to spend the night in a 19th Century Victorian Mansion? Now is your chance! This historic mansion is located near “Millionaire’s Row” within walking distance of everything in downtown Erie.
Sample 3-Day Erie Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Spend the Day Enjoying Presque Isle State Park
Morning:
Start the day off by grabbing a unique brunch at Give A Crepe La CrepErie, or grab a quick coffee from Brew Ha Ha at the Colony. Then, you’ll head to the west side of town to explore Presque Isle State Park.
Start the day exploring the park with a bike ride around the peninsula. The multipurpose bike trail around Presque Isle is 13 miles long and provides a great ride. You’ll have views of the beaches, the bay, and the lagoons as you circle the peninsula.
You can bring your own bike or rent one from the Yellow Bike Rental near the waterworks building and beach 7.
Afternoon:
Before you continue on around the peninsula, grab a bite to eat from one of the local food trucks stationed around the peninsula. They’re typically stationed around beaches 6, 8, and 11.
Then, head out on Presque Isle to the lagoons, where you can explore the inner sections of the peninsula on a kayak or paddleboard. The calm lagoons, guarded by the land of the peninsula, make for a perfect spot to explore calm water. You can also access the bay on your watercraft, but the water can be much rougher.
Keep your eye out for wildlife as you explore. You might see turtles sunbathing on a log, birds swooping overhead, or butterflies fluttering among wildflowers on the shores.
Evening:
After exploring activities on the peninsula, spend some time relaxing on one of Presque Isle State Park’s beautiful beaches. Save this activity for evening and you’ll have the chance to enjoy the most spectacular sunsets on Lake Erie!
After enjoying a day on the peninsula, you’ll certainly be hungry. Enjoy dinner at Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro. You might not expect southern and Caribbean cuisine in Erie, but the food is fantastic.
Day 2: Spend the Day Exploring Downtown
Morning:
Enjoy a coffee at Ember + Forge downtown on the corner of State and 4th Streets. If you’re up for a walk, head north towards the bay. It’s 0.6 miles to Dobbins Landing, where you can explore the Bicentennial Tower.
The Bicentennial Tower is a staple in Erie scenes. You can climb to the top during the summer from 10am-9pm daily, weather permitting. From the top, you’ll have views of the bay, Presque Isle, and even to the south shores of Canada on a clear day.
Afternoon:
Erie has some great museums and educational opportunities, especially where you can learn about local history. You can tailor your visit to your interests.
Those interested in maritime history should stop at the Erie Maritime Museum. A $10 entrance fee, you can enjoy exhibits dedicated to Oliver Hazard Perry and his accomplishments, including his role in the Battle of Lake Erie, and the War of 1812.
Everyone from local artists to well-known names in art history have displayed collections at the Erie Art Museum. Spend a few hours exploring all of the collections with a $10 entrance fee.
Evening:
Grab a bite to eat at Bar Ronin, a Japanese fusion style restaurant with a great atmosphere. Pair a bowl of ramen with a sip of traditional sake.
After dinner, catch a late night show at Kellar’s for a laugh and entertainment. The club has hosted well-known comedians and also magicians including those who have performed on Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, and Last Comic Standing.
Day 3: Take a Hike & Relax at the Ballpark
Morning:
There are some great short hikes in and around Erie. Although Erie Bluffs State Park is about 30 minutes west of town, it’s worth the drive to catch the views from the top of the bluffs out over Lake Erie. At points, they tower nearly 100-feet tall over the lake.
If you’d rather stay closer to town, plan a short hike at Wintergreen Gorge. The trail is 1.2 miles long, passing along Fourmile Creek. The trail ends on the Penn State Behrend campus.
Afternoon:
Enjoy an afternoon at the ballpark! Home to the Erie Seawolves, a minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, you can watch a game filled with up-and-comers for a reasonable price.
UPMC Park is located in downtown Erie on East 10th Street. While you take in the baseball game, enjoy local foods like an Ox Roast sandwich or ballpark staples like hot dogs and nachos.
Evening:
Erie is home to a great craft brewing community. Erie Ale Works often hosts a local food truck. Lavery Brewing has a small menu with unique brews, and the BrewErie at Union Station cooks up a full menu in the old train station building.
Want to get out of downtown? Black Monk Brewery serves great Belgian styles and Erie Brewing has a lot of variety, both located on the west side of town.
Other things to do in Erie:
- Erie Zoo: Visit the over 400 animals who reside at the Erie Zoo. While it’s certainly on the smaller size, the Erie Zoo is a great spot for families to learn more about animals and conservation. You can also take a short but scenic train ride around parts of the perimeter of the park. Adult tickets cost $12 and children 2-12 have an $8 admission fee.
- Waldameer & Water World: Entrance pass fees are based on height. Those over 48 inches tall cost $52, and those under 48 inches tall or over 60 years of age cost $40 for a combo pass. Enjoy water slides and amusement rides, including a roller coaster traveling over Peninsula Drive. When you arrive at the park, you’ll have to get a Wally Card, like a reloadable gift card, as cash and credit cards are not accepted at food kiosks, gift shops, or game stalls.
- Warner Theatre: Catch a show at the Warner Theatre. The theater is home to the philharmonic, the Lake Erie Ballet, and Broadway shows. Music artists and other performers also travel through, hosting shows at this venue.
- Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park: Enjoy a walk around the park through 1,000+ beautiful trees and plants. Wander the labyrinth or check out the park’s Griff slides.
- Take a Wine Tour in Northeast: Heading east of the city along the lake, there are over a dozen wineries that host tastings. Spend an afternoon sampling. During the summer months, wineries often host events including music in the vineyards.
Where (else) to Eat in the City:
- Mighty Fine Donuts: These donuts have been an Erie staple for decades. While you can find them at a few places around town, go to the shop on the east side for the best selection. The peanut butter filled ones are a favorite.
- Sara’s: Enjoy a burger or a milkshake in an old-fashioned diner with outdoor seating near the entrance of Presque Isle State Park. The peanut butter milkshakes and orange vanilla twist cones are personal favorites!
- Federal Hill Smokehouse: Go here for the best smoked plates in Erie. They do sell out, especially on the weekends, so plan to go here for lunch for the best selection.
- Virgil’s Plate: Only square slices are served at Virgil’s Plate! This pizza joint only uses homemade sauces and doughs for the best tasting pies in the city.
- The Cork 1794: Enjoy fine dining with great options prepared by their talented and creative culinary team, including elegant fish dishes paired with delicious cocktails and fine wines.
Other Tips to know before visiting Erie:
- Pack for Weather Variability: Erie’s weather can be unpredictable, especially near the lake. Bring layers and be prepared for both warm and cool temperatures, as well as rain.
- Try Local Cuisine: Erie boasts a variety of delicious local dishes. Don’t forget to try the famous “Smith’s Hot Dogs” and indulge in freshly caught Lake Erie perch. Finish with some sponge candy from a local shop like Stefanelli’s!
- Erie loves to host local events like concerts and food festivals. Check local schedules prior to your visit to help plan your stay.
One Weekend in Erie Map
One Weekend in Erie isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in the Erie that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Erie itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Erie!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Erie” Itinerary?
Other Nearby Weekend Trips
- One Weekend in Cleveland, OH (< 2 hours from Erie)
- One Weekend in Pittsburgh (< 2 hours from Erie)
- One Weekend in Detroit (4 hours from Erie)
- One Weekend in Lancaster (5.5 hours from Erie)
About the Author!
Samantha has lived in and explored around Erie for the last 15 years. She loves to explore a new restaurant or brewery, enjoy a local park with her pups, or sip a new craft beer. She is the creator behind PAonPause. You can follow along on Samantha’s adventures on Instagram!
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