Erie, Pennsylvania, is known as Gem City on the state’s tiny panhandle. An equal distance between the borders of Ohio and New York, this small city has the sole Pennsylvania Great Lakes port. Splashing on the shores of Lake Erie, whether from downtown or on the adjacent peninsula of Presque Isle State Park, is one of the most popular things to do in Erie during the summer months. But don’t let frigid temperatures and triple-digit snowfall scare you from exploring Erie in the winter. Indoor activities make Erie exceptional year-round.
Erie has two big seasons: summer and winter. Lake Erie is actually the warmest of the Great Lakes, making it a popular destination in the summer for beach days. On the other end of the year, Erie receives more than 100 inches (254 centimeters) of snowfall each year, making it an excellent winter destination for skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers. Attractions like the Erie Zoo, Erie Maritime Museum, and Erie Insurance Arena are fitting things to do for mild-weather days year-round.
Erie isn’t enormous and that’s a great perk for visitors without a car. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) operates 28 fixed paid bus routes throughout the week that stop in tourist areas like Downtown Erie and Peach Street. EMTA also has the Bayliner trolley and Downtown Cultural Loop trolley (Saturdays only) that are free of charge. Your two feet will take you far, too. Bars, restaurants, and attractions like the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum are in the downtown core.
Erie is a fantastic destination for outdoor lovers, especially if you’re able to venture beyond city limits. Along with the beaches and state park in Erie proper, just outside of Erie you’ll find multiple golf courses, state game lands, and dozens of smaller beaches. Shades Beach Park, for instance, has a beach, playground, trails, and a boat launch only 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) from downtown Erie.
