Presque Isle State Park

301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505

A 3,112-acre arching sand peninsula into Lake Erie, 4 miles west of the city — home to **13 beaches** and the only surf swimming in Pennsylvania. Beaches open 5 AM to sunset Memorial Day–Labor Day; swim only in designated guarded zones (wading to knee depth is allowed elsewhere). Wildly popular: over 4 million visitors a year.

Eats & Drinks22Stay8Shops5

Great day for a beach walk.

Cool but workable

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 69. West wind around 7 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Southwest wind around 6 mph.

Weather

  • 69°F air — cool but workable
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 66°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
64 /100
good
53 Swim
71 Sunbathe
81 Walk
66 Fish
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
69°F
Clear
Wind
7 mph
W
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
73°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
66°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
9:51 PM
1.1 ft · in 28m
Water Quality
Clean
118 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 8mo ago
Sunrise
5:46 AM
Sunset
8:51 PM
Moon · 88%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
2:39 AM Low 0.5 ft
9:24 AM High 1.8 ft
4:51 PM Low 0.5 ft
9:51 PM High 1.1 ft
Today Jun 3
69°

Sunny

0%
68
Thu Jun 4
73°

Mostly Sunny

0%
77
Fri Jun 5
76°

Mostly Sunny

1%
75
Sat Jun 6
79°

Showers And Thunderstorms

83%
11
Sun Jun 7
74°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

20%
71
Mon Jun 8
75°

Sunny

4%
75
Tue Jun 9
77°

Sunny

6%
75
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Minor
10:50 PM - 11:50 PM
Major
2:40 AM - 4:40 AM
Minor
7:40 AM - 8:40 AM
Major
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Parking

Multiple lots along Peninsula Dr. Arrive early on summer weekends.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash except on swim beaches; Beach 10 has a designated dog beach.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505

lifeguards13 beachesbathhousesmarinatrailsbike pathlagoonsnature centerrestaurants
Is Presque Isle State Park dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash except on swim beaches; Beach 10 has a designated dog beach.

Is there an entry fee at Presque Isle State Park?

Entry to Presque Isle State Park is free.

Are there lifeguards at Presque Isle State Park?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Presque Isle State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Presque Isle State Park?

Amenities at Presque Isle State Park include lifeguards, 13 beaches, bathhouses, marina, trails, bike path, lagoons, nature center.

When is the water warmest at Presque Isle State Park?

Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.

Where is Presque Isle State Park located?

Presque Isle State Park is in Erie County, PA, at 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

esc