Erie PA Tourism and Sightseeing

Best Time to Visit Erie Pennsylvania

Erie has a little something for everyone for every season. The most popular visiting times are during the spring and summer months when Presque Isle State Park comes alive with activities including swimming in Lake Erie, sunbathing on one of the 11 beaches, walking, biking or roller blading the multi-purpose trail, bird watching or picnicking with friends. Autumn bathes the Erie area in full rich colors of reds, browns, yellows and purples. The fall foliage, especially throughout the surrounding countryside is worth the trip and will lead you through the unique and charming Erie County towns of North East, Girard, Edinboro and Corry. Although Erie’s winters are known for its snowfall amounts, it is a welcome invitation to thousands of avid skiers, tubers and snowmobile enthusiasts. Anytime is the right time to visit Erie, Pennsylvania.
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Average Erie Weather

People are quite fortunate in Erie Pennsylvania because they have the privilege of having four easily identified seasons. Winter temperature highs typically hover around 36 but do tend to dip lower in January and February. The average amount of snowfall for an Erie winter is 100 inches but with the superb job of our streets department, Erie’s roads and highways are always cleared and salted. Prepare for a gradual warm up when spring arrives. 56 is the average high during the months of April and May while things really start to sizzle in the summer months with highs climbing into the 70’s and 80’s. Usually Erie encounters low humidity as a result of refreshing breezes from Lake Erie but don’t be surprised if a few 90? temperatures sneak in throughout July and August. Erie experiences slightly cooler temperatures in the fall, around 61 to be exact. But that makes it the perfect time to enjoy the numerous fall festivals and autumn harvests.

Transportation

Erie Pennsylvania is accessible by plane, train, automobile, boat or bus. Erie International Airport Tom Ridge Field is served by three major airline carriers with nonstop flights to three major cities and connections to over 1,100 different destinations. Greyhound buses and Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited train service make regular stops in Erie as well. Since Erie is Pennsylvania’s only Great Lakes seaport, they welcome visitors traveling via watercraft, whether it’s on a large cruise boat or a 2-man Jet Ski. For the more traditional automobile drivers, Erie Pennsylvania is easily accessible from Interstates 79, 90 and 86. For a more scenic drive, travel along the Seaway Trail, a nationally recognized America's Byways or Historic PA Route 6.

In-Season Costs

One of Erie Pennsylvania’s biggest draws is our affordability. You will find that most everything to see and do in Erie is cost-friendly. Erie prides themselves on offering the most in entertainment for the least amount of money. For example, you can take in a game of professional hockey or baseball for under $15 a person. Visit our hometown Erie Seawolves AA baseball team on “Buck Nights” and you’ll pay only $1 for seats, hot dogs, suds and more! Erie’s local theatrical productions and other cultural offerings are within the $20/person range plus throughout the warmer months, many area festivals, events and outdoor concerts are FREE.

Pennsylvania Tourism - Erie Attractions, Activities and Day Trips

Erie is located on Lake Erie and beautiful Presque Isle Bay, one of the world’s best protected harbors, surrounded by a 7-mile peninsula. The peninsula, Presque Isle State Park, is Erie’s largest attraction, welcoming over 4 million people every year. Visitors can enjoy Presque Isle’s 11 sandy surf beaches, multi-purpose trails suitable for hiking, biking, roller blading, jogging or walking your dog, boating activities, wind surfing, picnicking, historical monuments and lighthouses, narrated cruises and boat rentals, spectacular sunsets, fishing and birding adventures plus the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC). TREC is located at the entrance to Presque Isle and features an observation tower, interpretive educational panels, large screen theater, nature gift shop, Sunset Cafe and more! Presque Isle Downs & Casino features over 200 slot machines, simulcast horse races, restaurants, entertainment and first-class thoroughbred horse racing on a state-of-the-art Tapeta synthetic track. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort boasts thrilling slides and water soaked fun for the entire family. Travel to the Downtown District for Erie Playhouse performances, historical museums, philharmonic concerts, comedy club laughs, Erie Seawolves AA baseball, Erie Bayhawks NBA D-League Basketball or Erie Otters OHL Hockey. Don’t forget Pennsylvania’s tax-free shopping on clothing at our Mall, plazas and unique shops. For the wine connoisseurs, a visit to the area’s five wineries is a must. The Bayfront District is constantly growing and features the impressive Bicentennial Tower with breathtaking views of downtown and Presque Isle, Liberty Park, Erie Maritime Museum and the U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Tall Ship Ambassador.


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Things to do in Erie PA, Sightseeing and Erie PA Tourism