Hi, I want to explore the city on the Great Lake in PA. Besides the state park what is there to see and do in town on a weekend?

I would like a few suggestions.

For fun times, I recommend Waldameer!

 

http://www.waldameer.com/

Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at the website. A friend from Detroit said there's been quite a bit of redevelopment in the downtown area of Erie. Has anyone been there and seen that? 

There is a kinda good restaurant called under the clock downtown (state street).  Their zoo is surprisingly good for a city of its size.  Minor league baseball too with some sports bars around.  I have never been to the bicentennial tower, but it is probably worth checking out.

The problem with erie is all the retail is on peach street and is like a bigger version of mentor ave in mentor, meaning not walk-able at all.

If you enjoy beer, I'd highly recommend the u pick 6 store. They have 2 locations now. 1 downtown and 1 by the highway on the peach st exit.  Surprisingly good food for a very good price.  I love their 3 potato salad. Its basically a pub. Very nice website too now. http://www.upick6beerstore.com/

  There is a maritime museum that is supposed to be nice. My sister loves popping into the coop grocery store since they have a vegan bakery. I'm pretty cool with going to Wegmans grocery, a full service grocer. Either are good places to stop to pick up a sandwich or meal to go.

  Erie is a shopping hub for Canadians and NYers to not only get good prices on clothes and goods but also to avoid the sales tax that they would have to pay in NY.  That is why the retail is inordinately large and its hard to get a feel for Erie.

  Otherwise, Ellicottville, NY is a pretty quaint place to visit an hour plus away. Great walking village with very nice shops and restaurants.  Its a ski and mountain bike mecca. They now have zip line and other activities at the ski resorts in town.

I always wanted to go there! Smaller PA Cities have so much charm.

we love taking day trips to the Erie Zoo and Presque Isle beaches!