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.

57% rain · 52°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of water spouts and a chance of rain showers before 4pm, then rain showers likely and a chance of water spouts between 4pm and 5pm, then a chance of water spouts and a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Northwest wind 15 to 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of rain showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind 16 to 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 52°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
  • 57% rain — rain likely at some point
  • 23 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything
skip
0 Sunbathe
20 Walk
32 Fish
46 Photo

Best for photography today

Air Temp
52°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
15 to 23 mph
NW
Rain
57%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
19 Good
Ozone · Erie
UV Peak
1 Low
Peaks near solar noon · burn in ~200m
Tomorrow
55°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
—
Sunrise
7:00 AM
Sunset
5:07 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Nov 7
52°

Chance Water Spouts

57%
12
Sun Nov 8
55°

Mostly Sunny

0%
40
Mon Nov 9
53°

Light Rain Likely

58%
11
Tue Nov 10
57°

Mostly Sunny

4%
49
Wed Nov 11
54°

Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain

15%
51
Thu Nov 12
49°

Chance Light Rain

43%
20
Fri Nov 13
46°

Chance Light Rain

43%
17
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 57% rain chance

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
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Minor
5:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Major
9:40 AM - 11:40 AM
Minor
3:30 PM - 4:30 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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