Summer is the perfect excuse to trade the city skyline for sparkling waterfront views, and America’s best lake delivers exactly that.
Stretching across four states, Lake Erie was recently crowned the Best Lake in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—and one charming waterfront city along its shores is home to 13 sandy beaches, scenic wineries, breathtaking sunsets, and one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved state parks.
Why USA TODAY Named Lake Erie the #1 Lake in America
Though it holds the title of the shallowest of North America’s Great Lakes, Lake Erie packs an unmatched punch when it comes to outdoor adventure, marine history, and vacation versatility. USA TODAY’s panel of travel experts and voters consistently rank Lake Erie at the top of national travel lists.
Key Highlights Driving the #1 Ranking:
- World-Class Freshwater Fishing: Lake Erie is widely celebrated as the “Walleye Capital of the World” and consistently ranks among North America’s top fisheries for smallmouth bass and perch.
- Shipwreck Diving & Water Sports: With thousands of preserved historical shipwrecks resting in its freshwater depths, Erie attracts scuba divers, kayakers, jet-skiers, and kite-surfers from across the nation.
- Unbeatable Lake Beaches: Unlike typical rocky lake shores, Lake Erie’s sandy stretches offer genuine surf conditions and ocean-like horizons without the salt water.
What to Expect in Erie, PA: Pennsylvania’s Coastal Oasis
Nestled along Pennsylvania’s northwestern shoreline sits the city of Erie. It offers a rare mix of small-town affordability, rich maritime history, and pristine natural beauty.
Presque Isle State Park
The crown jewel of the region is Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula arching into Lake Erie.
- 13 Distinct Sandy Beaches: Ranging from family-friendly swimming coves (Beach 6 & 11) to high-energy kite-surfing hubs (Beach 10).
- 21+ Miles of Trails: The Karl Boyes Multi-purpose Trail provides continuous paved loops for biking, rollerblading, and scenic walks along the water.
- Birdwatching Capital: Designated a National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle sits directly on a major bird migration corridor, making it one of the top birding spots in North America.
Lake Erie Wine Country
Extending just outside the city center lies Lake Erie Wine Country, the largest grape-growing region in the Great Lakes basin. Spanning over 30,000 acres of vineyards, travelers can tour more than 20 commercial and estate wineries offering everything from crisp Rieslings and Ice Wines to local Concord varietals.
Can’t-Miss Eats, Drinks, and Local Hotspots
- Waterfront Dining — Erie’s Bayfront District: Bustling with open-air cocktail lounges, live music venues, and dockside patios.
- Scenic Cruises — Victorian Princess & Scallywags: Board a vintage paddlewheel boat for sunset dinner cruises or take a pirate-themed adventure around the bay.
- Iconic Landmarks — Bicentennial Tower & Lighthouses: Ascend the 187-foot tower for panoramic views of Presque Isle Bay and tour the historic 1872 Presque Isle Light.
- Family Thrills — Waldameer Park & Water World: One of the country’s oldest classic amusement parks, home to the award-winning Ravine Flyer II wooden coaster.
How to Get There from NYC
Escaping the hustle of New York City for Lake Erie’s coast makes for a straightforward weekend road trip or long-weekend getaway.
🚗 By Car (Best Option)
- Route: Take I-80 West through northern Pennsylvania, then transition onto I-79 North directly into downtown Erie. Alternatively, route via I-86 West through Southern Tier New York for a scenic drive.
- Travel Time: Approximately 6.5 to 7 hours (420 miles).
- Pro Tip: Stop in the PA Wilds or Finger Lakes region along the drive to break up the journey.
✈️ By Air
- Flights: Direct and connecting flights operate daily into Erie International Airport (ERI).
- Alternative Airports: Fly into Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) or Buffalo Niagara (BUF)—both are an easy 1.5-hour drive along Lake Erie to Erie, PA.
🚆 By Train
- Amtrak: The Lake Shore Limited route provides direct service from NYC’s Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station straight to Erie Amtrak Station.