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 & Drinks 22 Stay 8 Shops 5

Skip the beach today.

72% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Southwest wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind 10 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 81°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 72% rain — wet day — beach day is off

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
  • NWS alert active — severe thunderstorm watch issued september 9 at 2:52pm edt until september 9 at 11:00pm edt by nws cleveland oh
skip
29 Sunbathe
0 Walk
0 Fish
23 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Weather alert in effect

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued September 9 at 2:52PM EDT until September 9 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Air Temp
81°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Wind
14 mph
SW
Rain
72%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
6 High
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
75°F
Partly Sunny
Water Temp
Sunrise
6:54 AM
Sunset
7:41 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Sep 9
81°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

72%
19
Thu Sep 10
75°

Partly Sunny

7%
82
Fri Sep 11
73°

Sunny

0%
83
Sat Sep 12
78°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

21%
77
Sun Sep 13
77°

Partly Sunny

12%
82
Mon Sep 14
77°

Mostly Sunny

9%
84
Tue Sep 15
80°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

53%
30

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.

Major
10:50 PM - 12:50 AM
Minor
4:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Major
11:10 AM - 1:10 PM
Minor
6:40 PM - 7:40 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 it safe to swim at Presque Isle State Park today?

Presque Isle State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

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

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