ÂWe know that going to the same spot over and over again to watch the sunset may not be fun to some of you, which is why we’ve decided to bring you 5 different locations in the Erie area that have “instaworthy” sunsets, at least almost all of the time. Keep in mind while reading and checking out the photos that these sunsets were viewed by us in early January. And if you’re looking for even more places to watch the sunset in Erie, PA, here are 5 more locations to check out!
After spending time enjoying the holidays like looking at Christmas lights and staying in around the end of the year, this is unfortunately the slow time in Erie, Pa. After any vacation time has been used up, you are home from traveling or the house is empty, and you don’t know what to do with your time, most people start waiting for spring or summer. Let’s be honest, the snow is great and provides an excellent addition to winter, but many people quickly get tired of the cold and ice that come along with it. For that reason, we have been capturing some of the best sunsets in Erie and want to show you a few of the favorites. If nothing else, remember any location in Erie, PA we show today and hopefully these will help keep you warm and inspire you to check these out yourself (now or in the future).
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is not just a well-known place, but even within the park itself you will find multiple popular points. This one can be slightly tricky because if you are trying to have a romantic moment or just enjoy the peaceful nature, there can be a decent crowd to deal with. This obviously depends on the time of the year. Mid-summer sunsets are going to be much different than cooler weather in the spring or fall. However, there are also multiple pockets along the miles of beaches. Many people will take one of the first few turns just to get in (and the parking lots show that). However, back towards kite beach or near the lighthouse, for example, you can find great sunsets with very few spectators. Because of the way Presque Isle jets out, virtually anywhere along the beach you will be able to capture an amazing view.
Shades Beach
Heading out to the east side of town, you can quickly find Shades Beach Park, just north of Route 5. We actually have a new post coming out on this one shortly, so be on the lookout! The important thing to note about Shades Beach is that it is a small beach (certainly smaller than Presque Isle), but it is also a major viewing area. It has a lot of space with a simple beach and not a lot of spectators, so you can certainly get the peace you are looking for. It also has ample parking, and a space to launch boats, so you can get right up on the water. The views are similar to Presque isle as the natural geography of the beach faces west. Make sure to bring your camera for this one.
Walnut Creek Marina
Heading back out to the west side of town, you can check out Walnut Creek Marina for a sunset. As we have shown previously, Walnut Creek Marina is another large space to enjoy the beach. There is actually sand and a number of spaces to sit down and enjoy the sunset. Because there is usually tremendous space for parking and for boat launching, you might be able to see a number of boats on the water, people flying kites, and dogs being walked. It’s a fairly popular place, but in no way should you feel crowded. This would be an ideal location for watching the sunset either out and on the beach, or even comfortably seated in your car if you can find the right parking spot.
Avonia Beach
Just a short drive from Walnut Creek Marina (in fact, we checked out this one once because Walnut Creek Marina was too busy) is Avonia Beach. We have been to Avonia Beach on multiple occasions and love it. It is usually a quiet beach without a great deal of people. It seems in all of the times we have been there most of the people who are there are just enjoying the water or are hunting for beach glass, but there isn’t a tremendous amount of hustle and bustle. For that reason, you can enjoy the short stretch of beach, sit on the benches or blocks, and be able to just relax on the water. The beach isn’t deep, which means you can literally be a few feet from the water and listen to the waves the entire time.
Lakeside Boat Launch
The lakeside boat launch is a decent view and easy to access. Though there isn’t a perfectly clear skyline view, you actually get a unique view compared to the other locations. Instead of looking at the sun over the water, you actually see the sun disappearing behind the sliver of Presque Isle behind the water. This is a very uncrowded site, as we were the only people there. There are also multiple benches, and this spot is adjacent to both the lakeside recreation area and not far from the Lake Cliff playground. This is another easy one to get to if you are in the city, on the east side of Erie, or even just in the GE vicinity. It’s a great spot to watch as well as stretch your legs as there is a walking path – and you don’t get many of those within the city.
Final Thoughts:
As you can see, regardless of where you are there are a great deal of places to see the best sunsets in Erie, PA. There are more than enough places right on the water where you have a great view, and ones that most people won’t be able to see at all – but you have access to them right in your own backyard and almost any day of the week. As long as there are clear skies scheduled, any of these locations will work. And if you are checking these out while it’s still cold and gray outside, you should be able to watch these and hopefully buy yourself some time until you can get out and check out these sunsets in person.
Again, if you’re looking for even more places to enjoy a Lake Erie sunset, we’ve got you covered! Click the picture below.
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[Disclaimer: We went to see the sunset on random nights, and all of these sunsets were recorded in January. No sunset in Erie is ever the same. We may have caught the most awesome sunsets or the less dramatic kind. Either way, it’s always a beautiful sunset in Erie, PA.]
Wander Erie 