The Erie center point is around the area of Glass Growers Gallery and the area of Erie County Historical Society.
One of the best times to visit Erie is April and May. By the time April rolls around, most of the snow from winter has melted, and the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. In April, highs hover in the upper 50s, and by May the highs reach the upper 60s. However, the weather can change quickly from one day to another during these months, so make sure you check the forecast before you leave home, and pack accordingly. Also, keep in mind that peak tourist season starts after Memorial Day, so at that point hotel prices start to go up and crowds of tourists become larger.
June through August is the most popular time to visit Erie, so it's also when hotels raise their rates. If you're trying to get a good hotel deal during these months, you need to book your reservation well in advance of your trip. Temperatures are comfortably warm, with highs typically around the upper 70s and low 80s. However, summer can bring rainstorms to the area, so make sure you pack an umbrella.
Fall is another spectacular time to visit Erie. September and November bring gorgeous orange and red leaves to the trees, and high temperatures are a crisp mid-60s and 70s. If you're interested in enjoying the many outdoor activities around Erie, this is an excellent time to go. However, weather in late September can quickly turn cool, turning rain to snow. If you're planning on visiting during this time, make sure you dress in layers.
If you don't mind snow and frigid winds coming off Lake Erie, you can get some really great hotel deals by visiting from December to March. While you can't enjoy many of the outdoor attractions around Erie during this time, you also won't have to deal with crowds. High temperatures in the daytime usually don't get out of the 30s, and lows at night can dip into the 20s. However, there are many festivals and indoor activities that will keep you busy and entertained during these months.
If you know where to look, you can find some great discounts and package deals in Erie. Hampton Inn Erie-South offers AAA members a 10 percent discount on their room rate. If you're not a AAA member, consider one of the hotel's exciting packages. For example, the Erie Shop-a-Thon Package comes with a bottle of local wine and a $50 Millcreek Mall gift card.
Wingate By Wyndham Erie also offers excellent discounts and savings. AAA or CAA members can receive up to 10 percent off the best available hotel rate, AARP members can get up to 20 percent off the best available rate, and seniors 60 and over can receive special savings.
Erie also has plenty of mid-range hotels that are close to many top attractions and offer convenient amenities. If you're interested in tax-free shopping at Millcreek Mall, book a stay at Fairfield Inn Erie Millcreek Mall. This property is less than a mile from the mall. It features an indoor pool, computer station, and dry cleaning and laundry services. Start your morning with a free hot and cold buffet breakfast. Then enjoy room amenities like a pillow top bed, free Wi-Fi, free bottled water, and flat screen television with satellite channels.
Candlewood Suites Erie offers a relaxing home away from home. All 68 rooms come with kitchens that have a dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, and cooktop. Rooms also have a flat screen television with satellite channels and DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. If you want to get in a quick workout while you're at the hotel, swim a few laps in the indoor pool or take advantage of the fitness center. Then, stop by the deli for snacks and drinks.
If you fly into Erie, take advantage of the free roundtrip airport shuttle to Comfort Inn Presque Isle. Or, if you drive to the area, you'll enjoy free self-parking at the hotel. In the morning, stop by the free breakfast buffet before you head out to enjoy popular nearby attractions like Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier, Presque Isle State Park, and Waldameer Water World.
Presque Isle State Park is the most visited state park in Pennsylvania, welcoming over 4 million visitors every year. Popular activities at the park include hiking, biking, boating, swimming, picnicking, and bird-watching. The park is also home to Tom Ridge Environmental Center, which offers exhibits that help you learn about the ecology of the park. If you're interested in enjoying everything the park has to offer, consider staying in a nearby hotel such as Clarion Hotel Lake Erie.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino features horse racing, poker, table games, over 1,700 slot machines, award-winning dining, and live entertainment. If you want to enjoy everything at Presque Isle Downs and Casino, look into a stay at Baymont Inn & Suites, which is located directly next door.
Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel right on the water, or you'd like a budget-friendly hotel in the heart of downtown Erie, the city has plenty of options available. By picking the best hotel for your stay, you can enjoy everything Erie has to offer.
Below are reviews of the city of Erie, PA from an actual visitor's perspective.
It's my hometown and the hotel was close to my home (convenient)
Very scenic country sides, lots of shopping and restaurants.
Many attractions and activities to see and do.
Lots of fun things to do in Erie and good restaurants
I do business in Erie & occasionally stay the night... also visit Erie often for recreational reasons.
Easy to get to Winefest from this location
The front desk staff was very professional and nice 😊
I love the lake and enjoyed the fact that the hotel was in a good location.
Loved the area, plenty of restaurants and shopping. Great area.
Beautiful Presque Isle Bay and the restaurants!
Presque Isle and the Erie area has lots of things to do.
I like the area and the casino right across the street.
There is a lot to do on/near the water.
We enjoyed the concert at the Warner Theatre. Also, visited Presque State park…the beach and lighthouse. The state park is awesome…many things to do. Also, visited Erie Zoo.
The theater is spectacular!
Very friendly and accommodating
Restaurants
The view!
Nice YMCA for a workout!
Lake Erie is beautiful. Erie is a city with such great potential and promise.
Beautiful Bay and Peninsula view.
Great location with plenty of things to see and explore
Beach is nice
Waterfront
I lived there, we both have family in Erie...love the city.
Nice place with a lot of things to do.
Great fishing!
Splash lagoon is great!
Presque Isle, Maritime Museum.
I LOVE Erie, we had a fantastic experience there!!
Came to see Teddy Swims concert which was incredible. Presque Isle State Park is well kept & beautiful with many beaches & entertainment rental options. Many restaurants to choose from but a standout choice was Federal Hill Smokehouse BBQ. Will definitely be back for future visit!
The attractions the beach the parks restaurants stores everything
Ive made numerous trips to Erie in my 69 yrs of life. Presque Isle is a definate positive. Many beaches on Lake Erie. I keep thinking I want to do Tom Ridge enviromental center- been recommended by others. Erie has a huge Salvation Army Thrift Store not far from hotel.erie also has a nice zoo been to on other trips.
The beautiful beaches, the bayfront Oliver's beer garden, pretty much everything!
Location to Mill Creek Mall, restaurants, and round one OK arcade
Love Waldamere!
Covered bridges and lighthouses in Ashtbula County!
The lake area
Casino and family.
Prescyle Beach
The Beach!
I love the zoo, perfect for small children. I like the many mini golf spots. The mall is one of the nicest still in existence. The lighthouse is delightful. I love Erie!
The friendliness of the people. Driving along the water towards NY/Niagara. Very Scenic route and great food (Pier 6). Just gorgeous.
Great Restaurants, Beaches, and friendly people.
Erie is a great place to go to. Always went to Erie w/my family.
Beautiful waterfront.
Erie is a historic Lake Erie Port city with a special connection to the War of 1812.
Erie is a historic Lake Erie Port city with a special connection to the War of 1812.
Restaurants are easy to get to, plenty of stores, and convenient.
The water!
Lots of food choices!
Erie is awesome!
Erie is awesome!
There's so much to do and explore. Lots of locally owned businesses to frequent which makes me happy.
Great central location near entertainment and hospital.
The Hagen Mansion & Museum was breathtaking!!! Highly recommend touring it. We will be going back. My husband and I spent hours there but we both want to go back!
Very friendly and respectful staff.
Mercyhurst basketball!
Hotel set at a mall??!! Great! I love to shop when I travel!
The lake effect. Lol
The view of the lake! I had never been to Erie during winter but it was as beautiful and mesmerizing as it is in the summer!
The hockey game!
Was there for my son in the hospital.
All the stores and everything is right there to access!
Good staff.
Great shopping & great food!
Lots of places to shop and dine, love it!
Didn't expect what we saw…very nice city, beautiful areas and walking paths at lake.
The view!
Beautiful harbor and marina. Loved Olivers 💜
Downtown near the bay was very nice!
Had a chance to drive down to the waterfront where I found a vintage car rally. Walked around a bit, very nice town!
We loved the accessibility to Presque Isle, the newly paved bike trail, and all the amenities of Lake Erie.
We loved the accessibility to Presque Isle, the newly paved bike trail, and all the amenities of Lake Erie.
Graduated from Mercyhurst, saw the lighthouses, went to the beach and enjoyed the restaurants on the water!
Presque Isle and Sara's.
The lake is the place to go!
I love the area near the bay!
Erie was enjoyable!
We come to Presque Isle to visit the beaches. Relaxation for my husband. That plus beach glass hunting for me. We also like to dine at Olive Garden where they have our favorite wine and Firebirds where there beef is delicious. Barnes and Noble is my favorite shopping stop after supper.
Busy place. Everything is close.
The location offered family restaurants, shopping centers, and a great Chinese Buffet. Multiple attractions for families.
Stayed there for world lacrosse tournament.
Lots of things to do in Erie for families!
Lots of things to do in Erie for families.
Never actually went into the city, just went fishing!
We love Erie, PA! We love the beaches that are part of the state park and we loved the zoo when our daughter was little and we love the restaurant Smuggler's Wharf!
close proximity to casino, racetrack, food and shopping.