Erie, Pennsylvania

Location: Lake Erie

Ease of Getting There: 9/10

Ease of Staying There: 10/10

Ease of Eating There: 10/10

Located on the sparkling southern shore of Lake Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania, has been dubbed “Gem City.” 

Pennsylvania’s only shoreline, Presque Isle State Park allows visitors to experience the beautiful seven-mile coastline year-round. Engage in recreational activities, like swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also find endangered, threatened, and rare species of birds at this National Natural Landmark spot.

Appreciate the glistening waters of Lake Erie while on a scenic boat tour, such as a paddle-wheel boat, or on a 14-mile narrated cruise. Scallywags Pirate Adventures provides a family fun adventure with an interactive storyline, activities, and games, while the Wobbly Pirate Booze Cruise allows 21+ pirates to join in on the fun! Kids of all ages will experience thrilling roller coasters and water slides at the nearby Waldameer Park & Water World.

Walk the streets of Erie's Little Italy district to experience some of the art of the city through a self-guided Erie mural tour. Taste a variety of delicious food from locally owned restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops through a walking food tour, while learning about the history and culture of the area. 

Lake Erie’s warm waters have made Erie, Pennsylvania, the ideal place to grow grapes on the East Coast. With 53 miles of unique wineries and vineyards, you’ll have several varieties of wine to sip on while visiting. Erie has plenty of lodging options, including chain hotels, charming bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and waterfront lodging. Eat and drink at Erie’s growing selection of restaurants during your stay.

For people who prefer to fly, Erie International Airport is conveniently located directly in town. Travelling by car, Erie is an hour-and-forty-minute drive from Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York, and two hours from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.