Lake Erie has officially earned one of the highest travel honors in the country. The Great Lake, which touches Pennsylvania’s northwestern corner, was recently voted the No. 1 lake in America in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’s Choice Awards.
Judges praised its blend of outdoor recreation, waterfront cities, beaches, birdwatching, fishing, and scenic shoreline experiences.
While many Philadelphians head to the Jersey Shore or the Poconos for a summer getaway, Lake Erie offers something entirely different: freshwater beaches, spectacular sunsets, charming coastal towns, and miles of beautiful shoreline.
Why Lake Erie earned the title of America’s best lake 🌊
USA Today described Lake Erie as a destination with enormous tourism and outdoor recreation potential, highlighting everything from fishing and birdwatching to waterfront exploration and diving adventures.
Although it’s the shallowest of the Great Lakes, it’s also one of the most accessible and visitor-friendly. Along Pennsylvania’s shoreline, travelers will find sandy beaches, nature preserves, wineries, bike trails, and one of the state’s most beloved summer destinations: Presque Isle.
Things to do at Lake Erie ⛵️
Lake Erie is ideal for a weekend getaway or a longer escape. There’s no shortage of ways to spend time on the water. Some things to do include:
- 🌅 Watch a famous Lake Erie Sunset
- 🏖️ Relax on the beaches of Presque Isle State Park
- 🚴🏻♀️ Bike the scenic shoreline trails
- 🐦 Go birdwatching during migration season
- 🐠 Try world-class fishing for walleye and perch
- 🍷 Explore nearby Wine Country
- 🛶 Kayak, paddle board, sail, or boat along the shoreline
- 💡 Visit picturesque lighthouses and waterfront towns
Presque Isle alone features seven miles of beaches. There’s also calm swimming areas, hiking trails, and stunning lake views that have earned national recognition.
Getting to Lake Erie from Philadelphia 🚗
Lake Erie sits roughly six hours from Philadelphia, making it a longer but highly rewarding road trip for travelers looking to experience a side of Pennsylvania many have never explored.
The drive takes visitors across the state to Erie, Pennsylvania, where freshwater coastline is expansive and scenic.
Once you arrive, you’ll find stunning beaches, waterfront diving, state parks, and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. For those willing to turn the trip into a weekend getaway, the area offers enough attractions to easily fill several days.
A Great Lake adventure without leaving Pennsylvania 🛶
From sand beaches and lakefront sunsets to outdoor adventures and charming waterfront communities, Lake Erie delivers a summer experience unlike anywhere else in Pennsylvania. Now that it’s officially been crowned the best lake in America by USA TODAY readers, it may be time to add this underrated destination to your warm-weather bucket list.
