Presque Isle State Park is a National Natural Landmark that curves into Lake Erie, featuring seven miles of sandy beaches, and the only surf swimming in Pennsylvania.
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is a National Natural Landmark that curves into Lake Erie, featuring seven miles of sandy beaches, and the only surf swimming in Pennsylvania. With its miles of beaches and acres of waterfront outdoor recreation, Presque Isle provides the perfect summer getaway. In a 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice poll, Lake Erie was named Best Lake and Best Lake for Water Sports in the country, and was ranked third in the Best Lake for Swimming category. Swimming is permitted on guarded beaches, which are numbered and marked throughout the park. Guarded beaches are updated daily on a sign at the entrance to the park. Presque Isle’s beaches are open year-round and are also popular spots for kite flying, watching world-class sunsets, and picnics.
Swimming Information
Presque Isle’s beaches are guarded and open for swimming from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, from 12 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Beaches marked “open” are guarded and open for all activities, including swimming. When a beach is marked “closed,” that simply means it is unguarded. Beachgoers can still access closed beaches for many activities (perfect for sunbathing, reading or picnicking!), but be advised that no lifeguard is on duty, and visitors can only go in the water up to their knees. Swimming access is subject to change. Check the sign at the entrance to Presque Isle for daily updated information.
Presque Isle Express
Your free ride around Presque Isle State Park begins in downtown Erie! The EMTA will offer free rides to Presque Isle State Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June 12 to August 26, 2024, departing from French Street at 7th, and making a loop around Presque Isle State Park. Bus stops include the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Presque Isle beaches.
Seasonal Information
Presque Isle State Park is open every day of the year, from 5 a.m. to sunset, unless otherwise noted. Day-use areas close at dusk. After sunset, only tenants and people engaged in evening driving are allowed in the park. There is no parking permitted after sundown.
Beach Day Playlist
The cooler is packed and the sunblock is on.. all that’s left is the perfect playlist! Park your chair at Beach 8 and let this playlist accompany your Presque Isle Beach Day. Check out all of VisitErie’s playlists here.
Presque Isle State Park Beaches and Amenities :
- Beach 1: Large beach located near the park entrance with restrooms and a reservable pavilion
- Beach 3 (Barracks Beach): Public restrooms, three picnic pavilions, smoke-free beach.
- Beach 6 (Lyons Beach): Large beach with eight sand volleyball courts, beach house with changing areas and public restrooms.
- Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach): This beach is adjacent to picnic areas, modern restrooms with changing areas, playground equipment, Rotary Pavilion, and other reservable shelters
- Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach): Modern restrooms with changing stations and a ramp providing ADA access to the water’s edge. Beach wheelchairs are available at the Public Safety Building and Beach 8 free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis during swimming season (Memorial Day – Labor Day). For availability and further information, contact the Public Safety Building at 814-833-1495 or call the Presque Isle State Park office at 814-833-7424.
- Mill Road Beaches: Unspoiled, quiet shoreline. No swimming and smoke-free.
- Beach 9: Picnic facilities and public restrooms available.
- Sunset Point: Also known as Kite Beach for its popularity with kite flyers. No swimming.
- Beach 10 (Budny Beach): Equipped with modern restrooms and changing areas, this beach lies between Sunset Point and Gull Point.
- Beach 11 (Kohler Beach): The most sheltered beach on Presque Isle with shallow water, Beach 11 is regarded as the best beach for young kids. The large beach features a beach house with changing areas, and restrooms, and is adjacent to a playground/picnic pavilion.