This semi-small town lies on the only coast Pennsylvania knows, Lake Erie. Erie’s appeal is in both its proximity to natural attractions and its complacent, cozy semblance.

Located just back from the lake’s shoreline are streets that run parallel to the coast in Erie’s small but substantial “downtown” district. These streets are lined with pubs and clubs, and get extremely full during the weekends. In the outlying regions, Erie opens up and thins out. Several parks are scattered throughout, providing the neighborhoods with natural interludes.

Presque Isle is a scythe-shaped strip of land that extends from Erie’s beaches. It loops toward the east to form a calm, protected slit of land known as Presque Isle State Park. This park is extremely popular in the summer months, attracting nature lovers and beach bums alike.

Although not as sprawling and imposing as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, Erie has a charm all its own. For those who crave a beach vacation in a relatively landlocked state, Erie is a good choice.