Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park
4.5
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie and offers travelers a beautiful coastline and lots of fun in the water. Stop by the 19th-century lighthouse to enjoy the views, then go for a swim in one of the park’s sandy beaches or take a boat tour on the open waters of Lake Erie. You can also hike the marshy shores of the Gull Point Trail while spotting several threatened species and migrating birds. Presque Isle State Park is open from the early morning to sunset year-round. If visiting during winter, you may get to do some ice fishing too. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- F4981JCmichaelsVancouver, Washington2,649 contributionsA relaxing experience.This state park, located on a peninsula in Lake Erie, by Erie, Pennsylvania, was a nice place to visit. The speed limit keeps things at a slow pace, and in some places there is a one way loop. Great views of the lake and Erie too, and some nice beaches. There is also a place to view turtles, a monument to Admiral Perry, trails, and lighthouses to visit. Entrance is free. Restrooms are well located by many beaches and places of interest.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 13 November 2023
- JeanieBeanieDDouglassville, Pennsylvania52 contributionsThe whole natural packageI'd planned to be here two years before the solar eclipse happened, even though I'd never been to Erie before, and, know what, it WAS the best place to be for the eclipse. The peninsula is miles long and has several parking areas and great views on the bay side and the Lake Erie side. The lanes and bicycle/hiking trails are in great shape and very clean. When we experienced the eclipse we enjoyed the whole range of experiences: the wind rose, the water got choppy, the birds began to gather to roost in the trees and the light was unreal - then totality. Wow! This was the best place for the eclipse. We spent 3 days in Erie and Presque Isle is just the coolest thing. If I were here in the summer I'd be here AND in neighboring Waldimeer Amusement Park AND the Tom Ridge Environmental Center AND at Sara's hot dog stand - all right by the entrance. Cool park, cool city, excellent time!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 April 2024
- Carolina M2 contributionsGreat ParkThis place was amazing! My family rented a pavilion for a reunion. We could hear the birds as we ate yummy sandwiches in the shade. Not really sure what the “ Hot Coals” were for… Maybe grilling? Anyway the walking paths were thrilling with many twist and turns I felt like I was dancing! that was until I saw a gaggle (group) of geese with there little goslings. Goslings are baby geese. Picture of baby below. Anywho, I pulled out my digital camera to snap a pic but was jumped scared almost to death! The goose opened it big old mouth and hist at me! I took 3 big bob step back and snap a quick pic before continuing my walking journey. The whole trail was around 7 miles but we didn’t start at the tip so we walked 6 miles instead. I had made happy memories as I watched the sail boat glide across the bay. I even saw a cheeky chipmunk cross the path. When we got to the end of the path, I saw an amazing restaurant named Sara’s restaurant. I ate onion rings, a burger, a rooten tooten root beer float! My beloved sister order the chick tenders. Would not recommend. It didn’t have much zing and was ten bucks. My sister’s penut butter yogurt cone just hit different! The restaurant had a vintage vibe but the prices didn’t. After we ate, We took a trip to the beach (across the street). It looked beautiful and I tried to skip a few rocks but was interrupted by the urge to use the restrooms after drinking 3 cups of soda. I went to sara’s and could not find a bathroom! I jumped onto the path thinking I would see a bathroom shortly. Unfortunately I was wrong and I wet my pants after walking 2 miles to find the bathroom . I had an extra pair of pants and was able to get dry. So In conclusion, I loved the park but wished the bathroom situation was better.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 June 2024
- PauladeToronto, Canada373 contributionsSúper place !Easy to spend time here - several activities to do. Beach’s were beautiful ! Such a nice place to hang out. Not sure I saw anywhere to purchase any food & drink, so best be prepared. Washroom facilities at the ‘open for swimming’ beaches need a more regular attendance. The boat tour was only $20 for 90 minutes tour - which I felt was pretty good value. It’s a really nice drive if you just want to pass through. Well worth a visit - very well managed park.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 July 2024
- pamsp1430Uniontown, Pennsylvania227 contributionsPennsylvania's TreasureAmazing !!!!!!!!!!! ! Nature at its finest. Bike, beach, fish, walk, rollerblade, picnic, birdwatch, boat, kayak or just relax and take it all in. Something for everyone. It's incredible that the state of Pennsylvania doesn't charge admission to the beautiful peninsula. Days of free entertainment suitable for any family.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,230 reviews
Excellent
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570
Average
94
Poor
12
Terrible
9
weavertj
Punxsutawney75 contributions
Aug 2020
Have been coming here for 50+ years for family fun..and will continue to return again & again! The sparkling water, sandy beaches, & waves are always a treat! We have always enjoyed the Short Jetty beach but this time enjoyed Beach 6 very much. Come early if you need a picnic table and/or a shaded spot. Life guards do a great job. On this trip there was a very big dead fish afloat in the water. Without being told, the Lifeguard saw the smelly problem, & with a shovel, waded out retrieved the fish & removed it. Very much appreciated this & that the beaches are very well clean of debris. Considering that hundreds of folks visit the beaches, this means that they are committed to keeping them clean for all to enjoy!
Written 14 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
307leven
Stroudsburg, PA296 contributions
Aug 2022
Visited the last weekend of August. This park has it all: beaches/swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, bicycling, picknicking, lighthouses, monument/history, etc. There is literally something for everyone at Presque Isle. Entrance to the park is free, but they accept donations. After making a donation, I received a map which was helpful at illustrating all the trails, beaches, boating/fishing areas, etc. I toured the Presque Isle Lighthouse which cost $10, but had historical exhibits that I viewed before walking to the top. The other lighthouse - the North Pier Light - is not available for tours, but can be viewed from the pier on which it sits. The Perry Monument is within an easy walk to the parking lot and commemorates Oliver Hazard Perry's successful defense of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. There are multiple trails throughout the park and they are easy to walk or bicycle as they are all on level ground. The park offers many parking areas and pull over areas to either walk to beaches, picnic areas or other points of interest. But, the park gets very crowded on the weekends, so plan accordingly and consider going during the week if you have that option. Also, if you can, plan to spend more than 1 day at this place because there are so many outdoor activities to do that you will want to spend more time here.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Newcomerstown, OH39 contributions
May 2020 • Family
We were out on a business trip in the middle of the week and my meeting got canceled because of COVID. We decided to enjoy the sunshine today instead of just going back home and we drove out on the peninsula for Presque and ended up spending an hour walking the beach. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much out of the shores of Lake Erie but the sunshine and the calmness of the lake was just what we needed to escape the stress of the economic downturn, if only for a short time.
Written 20 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs C
6 contributions
Sept 2021
We have three grown children and our family of five had a wonderful time!! We've already told others they should go here for a visit.
We spent two full days on the beaches and the Bay side.
We wre able to swim and play in the water with plenty of room away from other people so it made it a nice time with just our family and not feeling like we were with a whole group of strangers. We don't like crowded beaches! With 13 beaches to go to it was easy to find one not crowded. There are life guards on duty and you are not allowed to swim until they get there at noon. There is even a beach that has waves big enough to surf. We enjoyed just body surfing in the waves.
We toured the main lighthouse. The $7 fee is worth the view from the top and the history is interesting. The other two lighthouses do not allow you to go inside of them.
We rented jet skis from the Bay side one day and had a blast. The park does not have jet ski rentals but they do offer other boat and bike rentals. There is even a free pontoon boat ride we didn't have time to take advantage of.
We went during Labor Day weekend and it wasn't crowded so I was really impressed!
We spent two full days on the beaches and the Bay side.
We wre able to swim and play in the water with plenty of room away from other people so it made it a nice time with just our family and not feeling like we were with a whole group of strangers. We don't like crowded beaches! With 13 beaches to go to it was easy to find one not crowded. There are life guards on duty and you are not allowed to swim until they get there at noon. There is even a beach that has waves big enough to surf. We enjoyed just body surfing in the waves.
We toured the main lighthouse. The $7 fee is worth the view from the top and the history is interesting. The other two lighthouses do not allow you to go inside of them.
We rented jet skis from the Bay side one day and had a blast. The park does not have jet ski rentals but they do offer other boat and bike rentals. There is even a free pontoon boat ride we didn't have time to take advantage of.
We went during Labor Day weekend and it wasn't crowded so I was really impressed!
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison P
Wyomissing, PA630 contributions
Mar 2021
We could see the park from out hotel window and were thrilled to be able to drive over. The park is quite diverse in activities. We saw many people fishing, from the docks, shore and boats as well as paths for runners and walkers and cyclists. Beaches are available during warm weather. There is a monument and lighthouse to explore as well as seeing all the wildlife.
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
6 contributions
Oct 2020
I grew up going to "the peninsula" and always had a good time while there. I liked going in the water at the various beaches as a kid although I did get an infection once which wasn't pleasant at all. Overall considering the wear and tear Presque Isle gets each year it is not a bad experience. I think that cars should pay a fee to get onto the peninsula--fewer cars and more nature. Presque Isle once had cranberry bogs, but as usual human interference messed that up in time. Presque Isle is best appreciated in the off season.
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve P
North Ridgeville, OH18 contributions
Aug 2019
Presque Isle is one the hidden gems of Lake Erie I feel people are missing. This State Park is a Peninsula that has 12 unique beaches offering something for everyone. Inside the park there is paddle boarding, bike rental, jet skiing, and more. I know when you think of Lake Erie, you think of dirty murky water. However that is not the case here! You can literally stand in water to your chest and see your feet clearly! Do your family a favor and visit this location, you won't regret it.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tammys4224
Baldwinsville, NY221 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Took a Lady Kate sunset cruise. Went out to Lake Erie to catch the sunset. On the way out our captain shared the history of Presque Isle and the role Lake Erie plays in the life of residents and wildlife there. Very informative and fun. Great for both adults and kids. Well spent 90 min and we captured the most beautiful sunset.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna Z
Mountain Top, PA9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The 8 sandy beaches are awesome…,7 miles of it….the water is blue. Just beautiful…waves coming off Lake Erie it is so large and deep…. Beautiful sunsets Lots of camping in the Erie area…paddle boats and bikes to rent. Lighthouses to see. Boat tours are available for reasonable rates….parry’s luck will be with you!!
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TYPSUKR
Arlington, VA729 contributions
Aug 2022
We went to Beach 6 on a Friday in August. Unsurprisingly, people came out to enjoy the sun (bring some sunscreen). This freshwater beach is free to visit, and the only possible issue you may run into is getting a good parking spot. There are lifeguards stationed along the beach, and they only let you swim where there is coverage. The sand is decently clean and easy to walk on, and there is plenty of space to set up your beach, whatever it may be. While the lake is as clean as it has been in recent memory, we still opt to only go in waist-deep, but plenty of people were still swimming.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is overnight parking allowed anywhere within the park?
Written 17 August 2023
This is what I found: No overnight parking between the hours of 12:00 Midnight - 6 A.M.
Written 17 January 2024
This is what I found: Inside designated guarded zones, leashed dogs are permitted in the tree line area only. Outside of designated guarded zones, leashed dogs are permitted on the sand and in the water. In addition, dogs must never be left unattended, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
Written 17 January 2024
This is what I found: Inside designated guarded zones, leashed dogs are permitted in the tree line area only. Outside of designated guarded zones, leashed dogs are permitted on the sand and in the water. In addition, dogs must never be left unattended, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
Written 17 January 2024
What is the best beach for glass/marble hunting? We are planning on visiting Tuesday and Wedesday
Written 3 October 2021
Can I grill in the beach where the sand is or it have to be in any specific place?
Written 13 August 2021
I echo what the others said in their responses. There are no grills on the beach, but I don't recall seeing any signs that restrict it.
Written 14 August 2021
Debbie Z
Hannastown, Pennsylvania
Can anyone recommend a sailing cruise? I’m looking for 1 1/2 - 2hr. sailboat cruise.
Written 8 July 2021
The Lettie G. Howard does 1.5' day sail and a 2' sunset sail on their schooner. Beautiful ship!
Written 9 July 2021
Many years ago my parents took us to a Lake Erie beach that was covered with beautiful colored pebbles. I'd love to find a beach like that on Lake Erie, are any Presque beaches pebbly? Thanks for any help!
Written 24 September 2020
Try North East Pa and into New york or Ohio border and south for pebbly benches and sea glass
Written 21 November 2020
Anyone know what time you can actually get in the beach areas, to Atleast set up and hangout. I saw something that said 12 but I was not sure if that’s to get in the water, like the lifeguards start at 12? Does anyone have any insights
Written 26 June 2020
Usually thats when lifeguards show up, but you can get onto the beach to play in sand and sit at the picnic tables earlier.
Written 1 July 2020
We just stayed at the Motel 6 in Erie and it was a great price for a just remodeled motel. Spotless and new everything. We have a dog and they are pet friendly.
Written 24 June 2020
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