About Erie
Erie is a city on the south shore of Lake Erie and the county seat of Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the fifth-most populous city in Pennsylvania and the most populous in Northwestern Pennsylvania with a population of 94,831 as of the 2020 census. The Erie metropolitan area had a population of 270,876 in 2020. Erie is about 80 miles (130 km) from Buffalo, 90 miles (140 km) from Cleveland, and 120 miles (190 km) from Pittsburgh.
Places to visit in Erie
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Presque Isle State Park
Beach · 4 mi from centreA sandy peninsula curving into Lake Erie with swimming beaches, trails, a lighthouse and lagoons for paddling. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the entrance explains its ecology.
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U.S. Brig Niagara and Erie Maritime Museum
MuseumA reconstruction of Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship from the Battle of Lake Erie, berthed at the maritime museum, which covers the War of 1812 and the region's maritime history.
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Bicentennial Tower
ViewpointAn observation tower at the end of Dobbins Landing on the bayfront, offering views over Presque Isle Bay, the peninsula and downtown Erie, with restaurants and boat tours nearby.
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Erie Zoo
Zoo · 2 mi from centreA compact, easily walkable zoo with lions, primates, a children's zoo and a botanical garden area, making it a relaxed outing for families with young kids.
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Waldameer Park
EntertainmentA classic family amusement park near the entrance to Presque Isle with wooden roller coasters, an attached water park and old-fashioned rides, a long-standing summer tradition for local families.
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Erie Art Museum
MuseumA downtown museum with rotating exhibits, local and contemporary art, and a large collection of ceramics, housed partly in a historic Greek Revival building. It is an easy stop on a downtown walk.
Where to stay in Erie
Popular hotels in Erie, out of 45 properties you can book.
Hilton Garden Inn Erie
From $250 per night
Econo Lodge Erie Near Casino
From $53 per night
Comfort Inn, Erie - Near Presque Isle
From $76 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Erie/Bayfront
From $156 per night
Courtyard Erie Ambassador Conference Center
From $133 per night
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Erie
From $94 per night
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Harborcreek
From $77 per night
Red Roof Inn Erie – I-90
From $60 per night
Baymont By Wyndham Erie
From $72 per night
Holiday Inn Erie
From $119 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Erie
From $151 per night
Comfort Inn & Suites Erie - Splash Harbor Indoor W
From $95 per night
Best time to visit Erie
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Erie is July and September, when average daytime highs are around 73–80°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Erie weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 58° 41° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 61° 46° 2%
- Fri 23 Oct 62° 46° 2%
- Sat 24 Oct 65° 44° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 69° 47° 1%
- Mon 26 Oct 69° 52° 7%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Erie
These are the airports closest to central Erie. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ERI Erie International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Getting around Erie
Erie is laid out in an easy to understand grid pattern paralleling the Lake Erie coastline. Numbered streets starting with the northern most 2nd Street run roughly east-west. (The bayfront highway loops around this grid, taking the place of what would be a "1st Street". Major E/W thoroughfares are 6th, 12th, 26th and 38th Street. The center of town is split north-south by State Street.
By bus
Bus (EMTA) service primarily stretches from Fairview in the west to Harborcreek in the east, and south to the I-90/Peach Street shopping district. Regional shuttles connect the outlying communities of Edinboro, Waterford, Corry, Union City, Girard and Albion. EMTA is available by phone at ☏ +1 814 452-3515.
By taxi
Taxis are rare in Erie. Taxi services are provided by Hansen's Errand Service where pre-booking is needed. Other options are Uber and Lyft.
Erie travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Erie?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Erie is July and September, when average daytime highs are around 73–80°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Erie?
July is usually the warmest month in Erie, with average highs of 80°F (27°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 23°F (-5°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 152 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Erie?
Erie International Airport (ERI) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Erie.
What time zone is Erie in?
Erie uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Erie?
Erie is laid out in an easy to understand grid pattern paralleling the Lake Erie coastline. Numbered streets starting with the northern most 2nd Street run roughly east-west. (The bayfront highway loops around this grid, taking the place of what would be a "1st Street".
What are the best places to visit in Erie?
Top sights in Erie include Presque Isle State Park, U.S. Brig Niagara and Erie Maritime Museum, Bicentennial Tower and Erie Zoo. A sandy peninsula curving into Lake Erie with swimming beaches, trails, a lighthouse and lagoons for paddling. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the entrance explains its ecology.
Where should I stay in Erie?
Popular areas for hotels in Erie include Erie Area. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Garden Inn Erie and Econo Lodge Erie Near Casino.
How many hotels can I book in Erie?
Destina Holidays currently lists 45 properties in and around Erie, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
