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

Ideal for a beach walk.

78°F water · 80°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 7 to 14 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 70. East wind 3 to 12 mph.

Weather

  • 80°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
81 /100
great
81 Swim
79 Sunbathe
86 Walk
84 Fish
81 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
80°F
Clear
Wind
7 to 14 mph
NE
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
81°F
Sunny
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
5:14 PM
1.2 ft · in 2.0h
Water Quality
Clean
118 MPN/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 9mo ago
Sunrise
5:55 AM
Sunset
8:56 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Jul 12
80°

Sunny

0%
84
Mon Jul 13
81°

Sunny

0%
87
Tue Jul 14
85°

Sunny

0%
83
Wed Jul 15
84°

Sunny

1%
85
Thu Jul 16
82°

Mostly Sunny

2%
86
Fri Jul 17
80°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

24%
46
Sat Jul 18
81°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

35%
39
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 78°F

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
10:10 PM - 12:10 AM
Minor
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM
Major
10:40 AM - 12:40 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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