presque isle state park

LouiseSP2013

This is a wonderful place to get away to a beach when you don't have the time to go to the ocean. The park is clean and the beaches are amazing. I was able to sit and read a book - just listening to the water hit the shore. This week was my third visit - I'll be coming back!

buffalobob65

I rate the park 5 stars but the scenic 90 minute cruise was a bust. There was very little scenery of interest. For example, I would usually take a couple of dozen pics while on a cruise like this. I took one. The engine noise was very loud, the speaker system marginally effective and the narrator could hardly be understood. In addition, it seemed like she was reading from a script. I would not pay $1,60 for the cruise let alone the $16 per person it cost. Save your time and money and do some of the other fun things at the park.

292patriciab

Many unique areas to this peninsula. Employees at concessions #10 were very polite and efficient. Beaches seem clean and maintained. We enjoyed a wonderful sunset cruise ($16/adult) from the dock near Perry Monument.

pensfan92

My husband and I visited Presque Isle State Park for the first time in over 20 years yesterday. All I can say is "Wow!" The entire area is much cleaner and prettier than we remembered. We visited Beach 10 and enjoyed a fabulous afternoon of lovely sand, waves, breezes and sky. I almost felt like I was visiting the ocean. There were many people flying kites here as the beach we selected which added to the ambiance. We will definitely be back!

FunLuvinGal

We visited yesterday and were so surprised to find that dogs do not appear to be welcome. No sooner than we stepped on the beach was a lifeguard telling us we couldn't walk him there. We could only take him on unguarded areas. I have always loved my past visits to Presque Isle and having been at the ocean with the dog recently (where he was allowed to go to a restaurant with us) our trip to Presque Isle was disappointing. Why should doggies not be allowed to enjoy a swim on a hot day, or just a walk along the beach?

Saramdockins

So if you are on a budget and vacationing in the Erie PA area, this is a must. Free hiking, biking, swimming, sunbathing, rollerblading, and playgrounds for the children! You can bring your kayaks and paddle boards, too.Also, for a very reasonable price you can rent tandem bikes, 4 person bikes, and even Segways!Great way to relax on the down-low with great food options and Waldermere family water and amusement park close by.

FamilyOutings2014

Fantastic place to bike and swim. I saw rentals for boats as well. Sand is a bit rocky compared to a traditional beach, but otherwise you do feel like you're at the shore. Lots of life guard coverage. Concession stands are only at some beaches and only open at peak hours. They only take cash and it's expensive. We went during the middle of the week and it wasn't too crowded. Free parking and decent public bathrooms available.

Tommy_Gunz123

Too many rules to enjoy the beach. I'm not going back. It felt like I was in a beautiful prison yard.

Katlanta

I grew up going to Atlantic beaches, so going to a "real" beach with fresh (cold) water was a new experience for me. Yet there were waves, sand, lifeguards -- the whole nine yards. Presque Isle is a big, wooded sandbar, with lots of bike trails, places to kayak, flat hiking trails, and several different beaches and picnic areas. And while this isn't part of the state park, there are campgrounds, a big amusement park, and restaurants just outside the park, so there is no shortage of stuff to do. Stop at the visitor center on the way in and check out their large, clever display of Pennsylvania Dutch wooden carvings.

TravelingTrioFromCT

This state park was free, which is amazing, considering how much it offered. There are beaches galore, historical monuments and lighthouses, and trails for hiking and biking. My husband and I had a blast renting a bicycle built for two at a shop 3 miles into the park. Families will enjoy the pedal surreys and paddle boats. Near the park entrance is a pizzeria, a diner, and a campground.

thankful68

mid Sunday morning visit. Good timing. As we left the park there was a very long line coming in on the main road. Will have to come back to enjoy the beauty. Wrong day/time for the pontoon tour. Again Tripadvisor comments were an encouragement to visit as we drove through Erie, PA

Dusty-Ohio

Great place for families or couples and has plenty to do. There are multiple places to park and bathrooms throughout the park. The beaches reminded us of Florida. The waves were about the same and great for boogie boarding. They also have several hiking trails, fishing, boating, canoeing and bike rentals. They have family bike rentals which are like carts that everyone shares and petals. Reminded me of the Flinstones car. It is the 1st time I have seen a bike the whole family could ride. It was very fun and different. Beautiful park with plenty to do for everyone.

BetsyR22

a beautiful well kept awesome isle to do a number of things walk swim bike picnic playgrounds feeding the ducks boating well kept outdoor fun

whitsend123

Tell your friends, invite them to go along with you for a great fun day or vacation. We took a friend of our son's and made a day trip of it with bikes and swimming. Even though it was one of the windiest days of the summer, we still found ways to have fun. There is a broad choice of conditions at various beaches, a biking/running path, fishing, bike rental at the entry. Also a nearby campground if you can get a spot (they don't take reservations). Other activities nearby like a water park, nature preserve, boat rides, shopping, etc. Lovely place to get away... Amazing sunsets.

CheriD3

This is a state park therefore you will not find places to eat so bring your own basket. Fantastic place for family get togethers, nice beaches and bike paths. Fishing? A great hang out is at the North Point Light House. You can fish off a pier and have restrooms close by. My BIGGEST TIP: Stop by the Tom Ridge Eviromental Center, get a map and check out this beautiful center... FREE! Beware= The wetlands are stinky my son put a tshirt over his head for most of the trip, however the beaches didnt have the stink.