Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA
Presque Isle State Park is a sandy peninsula curving seven miles into Lake Erie from the city of Erie, with 13 swimming beaches along its lake side. It's Pennsylvania's only real Lake Erie beach destination and one of the most visited state parks in the country. Lifeguards watch the guarded beaches from noon to 7:30 p.m. in summer.
Thirteen beaches on a wild peninsula next to a city, though summer weekends can back up traffic on the park road.
How we score beachesDrive or bike the park's loop road and pick a numbered beach; the farther you go from the entrance, the fewer people you'll see.
Free parking at lots along the park road; Pennsylvania state parks don't charge entry.
Beach 8 (Pettinato) has accessible restrooms, changing areas, and a beach ramp to the water's edge.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water outside guarded zones; inside guarded zones they must stay in the tree line.
Guarded swimming runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. Spring migration makes Gull Point one of the best birding spots on Lake Erie.
This isn't one entrance, it's a stretch with a few. Here's where locals actually meet up.
Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach)
The park's most accessible beach, with an ADA ramp to the water, accessible restrooms, and changing areas.
Get directions →Beach 10 (Budny Beach)
Between Sunset Point and Gull Point, with changing rooms and restrooms; popular with kite flyers and windsurfers.
Get directions →More Great Lakes beaches
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