By Samantha January 19, 2022 In the northwestern corner of the state of Pennsylvania, sits a beautiful peninsula covered in marshes, ponds, woodlands, and beaches. We have a few great recommendations, but there are so many delicious restaurants around town that its hard to choose. Share your experience in the comments! Presque Isle Partnership officials announced . It was my familys go to place for our vacations. This lighthouse dates back to the 1870s and still serves as a navigational beacon for passing ships. There are so many hiking trails to explore, and there are numerous stunning waterfalls to chase. If you want to get out on the lake and dont have your own boat, these tours are a great option. Its more of a snack bar-type concession, but you may be able to find a few necessities if you forgot or run out of something like sunscreen. How many beaches does Presque Isle have? Please enable scripts and reload this page. All Rights Reserved.Next Vacay is a registered trademark of iMLogical, Inc. There are a good number on the bay side, though. Beach #10 Budny Beach 13. Thats because Presque Isle is a summer playground that offers a ton of fantastic activities for any outdoor lover. The park map from the PA DCNR may be helpful for a general overview and orienting yourself when deciding where you want to go and what you want to see. The drive is filled with natural beauty. Youll typically find high school and college-age people here, especially on the weekends. Stone Jetty, Short Jetty, Saw Mill, Ainsworth, Goddard. Thank you! Lifeguards are on a duty from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day from noon to 7:30pm. 888-784-7328, Presque Isle Park | Photo Courtesy of Midwest Living/Aaron Peterson, McCarty's Cove Beach | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan, Little Presque Isle Beach is Pet-Friendly | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan, Inside Secrets for Viewing the Northern Lights in Michigan. The waters straight out of Presque Isle harbor north to the new lighthouse were giving up trout from 60 to 90 feet of water. Beach #1 is the first beach youll come across when entering the peninsula. Fordetails, including a fullDiscover Presque Isle schedule, visit discoverpi.comor call 814-838-5138. And for guests with children, that prospect may be too good to pass up, thanks to the water at Kohler Beach. Check out the FAQs below to plan your perfect visit to the best beaches at Presque Isle State Park. Many areas also have picnic benches and grills. If you dont like to sit still and lay on the beach all day, this may be a great spot for you. Kayak around Presque Isle State Park. You can also water ski, wind surf and scuba dive. There are a few exceptions to where they are permitted when it comes to swimming areas, though. We have been visiting Presque Isle several times each summer for the past five years. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. And the final destination that we must visit each time is Sara's - a 1950's style restaurant at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park. Sandy beaches dot Presque Isles shores, and while you can find some spots along the bay to enjoy, the best beaches at Presque Isle await along Lake Erie. If you have some time to clean yourself up and head back out to dinner, check out The Cork 1974, located in the West Erie Plaza just 5 minutes from Presque Isles beaches. Near Beach #1, this beach has restrooms and three first-come, first-served picnic pavilions.This is a smoke-free beach. These features make it a great location for those with small children who want to play in the water. Birdwatchers are in for a treat as birding at Presque Isle is another very popular activity. But there are many picnic tables throughout the park and on the beaches. Hours: Winter hours: Presque Isle Park winter hours go into effect on Nov. 1 - open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. During the summer, the park is open until 10:00 p.m. nightly. Also known as Budny Beach, this is easily one of the best beaches at Presque Isle State Park. It is a peninsula with a very thin strip of land connecting it to the mainland. Which Beach Is the Dog Beach at Presque Isle? What beaches are open on Presque Isle? iStock/Getty Images. As you might have guessed from the name, Beach #1 is the first beach you come across after entering Presque Isle State Park, and its one of the most popular. The closest spot to stay is at Saras Campground, basically the gateway to Presque Isle. Presque Isle is a 3,200-acre peninsula stretching into the picturesque Lake Erie. There is so much to do here. You can also take a water taxi from the pier area over to the park. Beach 11, which is the furthest beach from the entrance, is protected by the geography of the peninsula and is especially popular with families. The closest point would be somewhere near Buffalo. Over twenty one family members get together for the last blast of Summer. The Presque Isle State Park beaches are certainly the main attraction, situated on Lake Erie. Beach #1 This long stretch of sand is located near the park entrance and has restrooms and a reservable pavilion. Beach #11 Kohler Beach Best Beaches at Presque Isle FAQs Which Beach in Presque Isle Has Waves? Beach #6 (Lyons Beach) One of the nicest features is the selection of beaches. Another popular spot for rock hounds, Pebble Beach sits a little north of McCartys Cove, just past Picnic Rocks. There is a pavilion between the parking area and the beach with restroom facilities close by. The 2022 Sunset Music Series begins on June 22 with the show beginning at 5:30 p.m. Three separate beaches offer plenty of space for sunbathing, fishing, swimming, boating, biking, walking, and picnicking. Fishing at Presque Isle State Park is incredibly popular. While most visitors to the park head straight to the water, there are 11 miles of hiking trails in Presque Isle State Park that can be explored. The museum and observation tower are free and offer a chance to learn more about the history and geology of Presque Isle. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the state's endangered, threatened, and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania. The regular hours are12:00P.M.- 7:30 P.M. For more information, call the park office at 814-833-7424. There are spots on both sides of Peninsula Drive, with some full hookup sites and even some first-come, first-served beach tent camping spots. Knowing the best beach for your children is all good, but what about where to take your furbabies or enjoy more watersports fun during your beach day? Just remember to keep them leashed! Located adjacent to the entrance to Presque Isle State Park is the Tom Ridge Environmental Education Center. A cleaner, safer and friendlier campground can not be found. A few of the beaches dont have lifeguards, so youll have to stick to the land in those spots throughout the year. It also has really close access to the multipurpose trail and would be a great spot to take a break while on a bike ride around the peninsula. Read our, Ways to Experience Presque Isle State Park, Observation Decks & Towers, Points of Interest & Landmarks. Along the way, guides offer narration of the various sights around Presque Isle and the history of the area. This is another spot where families like to come for picnics and play at the beach. 1. Mill Road Beaches 11. The second band will perform at 7:15 p.m. Each eventin the serieswill take place from 5:30 to 8:30p.m. The Commodore Perry Monument is located along Misery Bay and commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. While you can only see it from the outside, this is an incredibly scenic spot in the park and is also a great spot to watch boats sailing in and out of the harbor. This was our first visit and we will definitely go back. 6 Stunning Marquette County Beaches Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is home to dozens of beautiful beaches. The large sandy beach offers enchanting views of Lake Erie set amid gentle waves lapping at the shore. The sandy beaches, washed by the clear waters of Lake Erie, provide visitors with the only surf swimming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is also the beach for athletes and those looking for a more active beach experience. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. These beaches are smaller and less crowded, potentially giving you a more private setting to enjoy the show. During busy times, there may also be a couple available at this and other accessible beaches. The lighthouse is open to visitors and offers tours that highlight its history. The food is delicious and a little on the creative side and definitely a little more upscale, too. If you arent able to get a reservation at Saras Campground or prefer more privacy, check out this cottage. Note that a Lake Erie fishing stamp is required in addition to a standard PA fishing license. While all the beaches are sandy, they each offer different amenities such as changing rooms, food stands, volleyball courts, and more. As for Sunset Point, you may want to stick around for sunset to catch one of the most photogenic and spectacular sunsets from the Lake Erie shore. The Mill Road Beaches often get lumped together because the same rules and facilities apply to all five beaches. The drive around the entire park loop is over 13 miles long. The beach makes an idyllic setting for a day out, no matter the time of the year. The best place to watch the sunset is from the Stone Jetty or Short Jetty. Equipped with a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and food and beverage concession, this beach lies between the Sunset Point area (popular with kite flyers and wind surfers) and Gull Point. The 1.5-mile Gull Point trial can be accessed from the east side of this beach, and it leads to a secluded observation deck. Beaches will open for swimming on Memorial Day weekend, a new play area is already in use, the Presque Isle Lighthouse is welcoming visitors and organizers of the UPMC Sunset Music Series. The restriction includes: This long stretch of sand is located near the park entrance and hasrestrooms and a reservable pavilion. We ended up finding a sparsely populated beach (the pines) along the lake and had a nice time laying out in the sun and watching the boats. Historically, there has also been a summer concert series on this beach where you bring your blankets or beach chairs, a snack, and enjoy local musical acts and the sunset over Lake Erie at the same time. Offered four times daily from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day (plus a fifth evening tour on Wednesdays and Fridays), these 50-minute tours take up to 16 guests onto Misery Bay and the ponds in the interior of Presque Isle. Im sure there are some with views of the water, but I cant think of where specifically. Erie is surprisingly full of absolutely fantastic restaurants! Great place to sit n think while watching the waves. In the past, the concerts drew thousands of people to the park's Beach 1. Because it can be lethal to pups who ingest it, its even more reason to keep your pup leashed and watch what they get up to on the beaches. At one end of the peninsula sits the Presque Isle Lighthouse, which was established in 1827. Want to travel to the beaches of Presque Isle? A large playground sits near the shelters just behind the beach for them to enjoy. In my experience its pretty much first come first served (Beach #1, 3, 6, 7). The beach makes an idyllic setting for a day out, no matter the time of the year. The beaches of Presque Isle provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll to witness one of Erie's world-class sunsets. Around the Sunset Point area, windy days have earned it another nickname, Kite Beach. In addition to restrooms and changing rooms, there is a snack bar here too, in case you run out of snacks or drinks. Could not get in water. There were some open rest rooms. Presque Isle is one of our favorite places to visit in Erie and would recommend it to anyone of any age. This large beach has sand volleyball courts, a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and a food and beverage concession. Get notified and be booked in minutes. Copyright 2016-. This beach features a ramp that provides ADA access to the water's edge. Its probably a couple of hours to the Canal. A long stretch of sand guarantees plenty of room to play or just lay out and soak up the sun. Do the Presque Isle Pavilion trail and bog walk (2 trails). Save some room for a sweet treat after your meal, too. There are many spots to put in your own boat, or you can rent a kayak near Graveyard Pond. This activity or structure is ADA accessible. Thanks to the shallow ponds that are located in the interior of Presque Isle State Park, this is a perfect activity for any experience level and allows you to see parts of the park that are unreachable by land. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Beach #1 This long stretch of sand is located near the park entrance and has restrooms and a reservable pavilion. After a fun day exploring the best things to do in Presque Isle State Park, take a few minutes to enjoy a fantastic sunset. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There is no admission fee to the park. Located off of Peninsula Drive, the Mill Road Beaches encompass five separate beaches: Stone Jetty Beach, Saw Mill Beach, Short Jetty Beach, Ainsworth Beach, and Goddard Beach. If you want to be as close to the park as possible, Red Carpet Inn and Comfort Inn are both just a few blocks from the entrance and have good reviews. Arrive early if you want to secure a specific picnic table or grill spot. Park Map Sunset Point Kite Flyers Fri. & Sat. Known as the Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail, the biking trail at Presque Isle completely encircles that park. Love Pennsylvania? Weve highlighted all of the best beaches to explore and enjoy on Presque Isle, so you can find your perfect spot! Common species include bass, walleye, perch, and steelhead. Most picnic tables are in the area with trees between the parking lots and sand. If youre feeling a bit braver, you can also take your kayaking out onto Misery Bay, Horseshoe Pond, or Presque Isle Bay. Presque Isle State Park is a popular destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. The five mile stretch of pristine Upper Peninsula beach is dog-friendly and, because its a little out of town, often not very busy. This peninsula juts into the lake, creating dramatic views. If you love PA waterfalls, you won't want to miss this waterfall book from Jim Cheney, author of Uncovering PA, featuring more than 180 great waterfalls. Perfect sandy beaches. However, just because its located furthest from the park entrance, Kohler Beach is far from an afterthought for many who make their way to Presque Isle. In many ways, Presque Isle State Park seems like God's apology to Erie for the area's terrible winters. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Which beach at Presque Isle is Sunset beach? Waterworks Beach is one of only two ADA-accessible beaches in Presque Isle State Park, making it one of the best beaches for disabled visitors hoping to enjoy a beach day at Presque Isle. Evening tours feature Lake Erie's fabulous sunsets. Once outside of the swimming areas, dogs can play on the beach and in the water. You may need to bring a pair of water shoes, though. The trail winds through the park, promising a scenic break from the beaches and a closer look at the best of Presque Isle State Park, including lovely wildflowers and exciting bird-spotting. Its time to travel the world, one beach at a time. Swimming in the lake offers the chance to enjoy its surprisingly warm waters and cool off on a hot day. Add on fun summer events like a Sunset Music Series and sandcastle competitions, and it becomes the best beach for a whole host of other reasons too! Black Rocks Beach A lot has been happening recently to build this area up and make it much more of an exciting place to visit. Each of the 13 beaches on Presque Isle State Park offers a unique experience, and watching the sunset is no exception. If you are there on a weekend go early to get a picnic table in a location you like. During this time of year, the park and lake are typically covered by ice and snow, creating many unique ways to explore the area. Some people drive way to fast. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. What is the closest ocean beach to Pittsburgh PA? Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. The UPMC Sunset Music Series is back and willkickoff a returning Discover Presque Isle after both events were canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. You did a great job of covering all the highlights of my favorite place! Greeted by a clean shore and gentle waves, it may be surprising that there arent more visitors to this unassuming beach. It look like an ocean beach since you can't see the other side. Avonia Beach Park: Located on the western shores of Lake Erie in Fairview, PA. Avonia Beach Park is a peaceful 3.6-acre park with benches and a charming gazebo that provide the right setting for reflection and sunset gazing. This is truly my favorite family destination. As long as its outside the designated swim zones, dogs can play along the sand or splash in the water at Presque Isle. Check out the cliff diving area at Black Rocks. Beach wheelchairs are available at the Public Safety Building. You can also water ski, wind surf and scuba dive. The staff knew us by name the second summer and now they seem like part of our large family gathering. Dogs are welcome in the park and on the beaches. Are you looking for more fun and excitement? Flahers/Dodgers in front of spin glows were the most productive on . 1. Coming to Erie to visit friends and family and want to have a picnic is there any picnic tables on the beach side to go early and reserve for fun. Can you drink alcohol at Presque Isle? Beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. The peninsula was used by Native Americans prior to the arrival of European settlers and was the site of British, French, and American forts in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Looking for some delicious food after a day on the beach? A trip to Erie would not be complete without a visit to Presque Isle. For those without a bicycle, Yellow Bike Rentals near the Waterworks Pumphouse rents bikes, tricycles, and even four-wheeled surreys. Outside of designated guarded zones, leashed dogs are permitted on the sand and in the water. "We're still battling. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We stopped at Presque Isle beach. The result is some impressive surf and the perfect scene for some windsurfing fun. For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The burgers, onion rings and coke from an antique bottle machine can't be beat. The sunsets behind the mainland, casting a beautiful orange glow across the water. Our favorite beach spot is Sunset Beach. Presque Isle is a beautiful state park on a peninsula near Erie, PA. Just off of Big BayRoad is Little Presque Isle Beach. Water shoes may be helpful if you have sensitive feet! Grab a quick snack for hungry kiddos (or you, yourself!) Restrooms and a reservable picnic pavilion ensure you have your basic needs met. This nature area has a trail winding through giant rock formations. There is an entrance fee to explore the trail, but the area is great for all ages. Each day, the kites appear to amaze and add color to this already beautiful beach. 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