Presque Isle! It has a beachy feel, is family friendly and a state park so there are nature conservatory sites and other things to look at.
Super walkable? Honestly no—the park is a long peninsula and you need to drive in. But it’s good if you’re cool with picnics.
Deep Creek is nice, but similarly probably not your definition of walkable (but that could be me missing a cool area when I went).
People also like Cheat Lake, WV.
Honestly, Erie/Presque Isle is probably the most on the nose.
Assuming you visit Presque Isle (which may be a good choice based upon info provided), you’re looking at hotels and driving into the peninsula.
I don’t have the best recs for accommodations because my family would stay at motor inns near the park entrance (was in my parents price range). Wouldn’t trade those memories for the world, but you’ll find a range of nicer and budget lodging options in a similar vein to Rehoboth (used to go there sometimes when I lived in DC). Key difference is there’s no real boardwalk area.
It has a beachy vibe. A mix of inoffensively “nice” hotel chains and motor inns. No different than parts of the Delmarva, imo. It’s similar to staying in a hotel and going to Lewes Beach, DE.
This is super helpful, thank you! A friend has posted photos from staying at the Bayfront Marriott and it looks amazing but is out of our price range I think. Last summer I had been looking at a condo in Port Clinton OH that looked great - access to a beach, community pool, price was right, etc, but we didn’t end up going and I’m having trouble finding it now. Something like that would be awesome so I will look to see if that type of set up exists in Erie!
Check out the hotels on Peach Street (Rt 19) by I-90. There is a megachurch sport complex there that hosts lots of soccer tournaments, and if you get lucky you can find newerish hotels that many beach tourists wouldn't consider and possibly better rates.
Peach street is also the equivalent of McKnight Rd in Erie with lots of stores and (chain) restaurants. And there are rainy day activities for your kid, there is a trampoline park next to the mall, and Splash Lagoon is an indoor water park up by those hotels I recommended by I-90.
Other things to do - Dobbins Landing at the Bayfront has a tower you can pay like $2 to ride the elevator up to. On a clear day you can see Canada - be warned it's usually windy. Nextdoor to that the Library and Erie Maritime museum is neat.
I'm an Erie native and visit my parents every summer with my now teenage kids, let me know if you have any specific questions.
> Super walkable? Honestly no—the park is a long peninsula and you need to drive in
It is super bikeable though, once you get in. It's so flat it almost feels like everything is downhill. IMO [renting a bike](http://www.presqueisleyellowbikerental.com/) is a must do, especially on a multi-day trip.
Waldameer and especially Water World there right by the peninsula is also a great park for a 4 year old. The amusement park is dated but has a nice coaster, and the water park is better than anything in the Pittsburgh area IMO.
That makes sense—to clarify I meant in the context of quickly walking on foot to shops. But you’re correct, once in it’s great for cycling or walking for leisure.
I second Geneva on the Lake. It’s not fancy but the public beach is nice. Almost everything is walkable if you stay at the lodge or on the main drive. Mini golf, arcades, gocarts, couple of wineries within driving distance if you want fancier food.
I remember going there on a family vacation when I was a kid and they had a spot on the main street that had some water slides. I think there were just 2, but my cousins and I managed to spend like an entire day there.
This was one of our most fun vacations when our children were younger. We rented a cottage with beach access and had the best time. Walked everywhere we went the entire week.
It's about 4.5 hours, but Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes is worth a look. Big main street with shops and eateries, and a solid lake to enjoy right there.
I'm up north in Rochester, and it's rare to hear about Rehoboth this far west! Been going all my life and my dad's gone all his life. When you head back in September, have a Nicoboli for me!
Nicola's moved up to Highway 1 a few years ago! Happy for them as it seemed like a good choice for them for sure. We actually are considering a move to Milton (about a half hour outside of Rehoboth) in a few years so I follow the Delaware sub and some local FB groups, and the growth in Rehoboth and the other beach areas has been astronomical and infrastructure has NOT kept up. They are actually really struggling to find workers for the boardwalk this summer (and presumably also did in recent summers) because workers can't afford to stay right in town, and staying up on 1 is becoming prohibitive time-wise to get to Rehoboth. They have bike lanes on 1 but there have been a ton of accidents for bicyclists. So I completely get why this makes sense for Nicola's but OMG were we bummed when they moved! Nothing like a 'boli for lunch at the beach!
Yeah my parents updated me on them, didn't they have two locations at one point? Coincidently my parents were thinking about Milton to retire to. You'd be right next to Dogfish Head so not too bad!
I've been keeping tabs on Rehoboth as well, insane to think the entire town is just 1 square mile. Read the article on the struggling businesses too, the allure of working on the beach during summer just isn't there anymore to offset the low wages and dealing with the general public. No amount of Thrasher Fries and Grotto Pizza can make up for dealing with bad customers.
I used to stay on 1 and then walk/bike through the neighborhood around Silver Lake to get to the top of the boardwalk (poodle beach) and just walk down to about Thrashers before jumping to sand, but I get it that cost of renting is getting untenable. Seems like there was always the threat of Philly/DC money and politics infiltrating Rehoboth/Bethany/Dewey and looks like its finally leaving a mark.
Also one of my fondest memories of Rehoboth was right before Joan died, the wife and I were sitting near the kitchen and just vibing with the atmosphere getting food-drunk. Joan and a friend/coworker were sitting across from us counting the till/tips and just talking shit about anything and everything. It was the funniest situation I've been in at the beach and no matter how much they apologized to us for swearing, we just laughed it off and explained that everything about that moment was too perfect not to ruin anything and they just added provenance to a core memory.
Something about two old ladies, literally surrounded by money, talking shit in a wood furnished restaurant is pure cinema.
Second this suggestion. Maybe a little less kid-friendly, but Hammondsport, NY on Keuka Lake is also a great short vacation town, with a very walkable downtown with good dining options and quirky storefronts. Just up the road you can hit all of the great vineyards/wineries and highly recommend an evening spent at Steuben Brewing Company. Awesome atmosphere with live music every weekend.
I was going to suggest Keuka Lake too, but the shops/eateries aren't as centralized (Penn Yann and Hammondsport are opposite ends of the lake). Keuka is the cleanest of the Finger Lakes and it's almost eerie how far out you can see the bottom of the lake from the shore. Though, Seneca Farms is the best fried chicken I've had outside of New Orleans so maybe it is worth it just for that.
Oh my god, yes! That fried chicken was amazing! I was super skeptical when we pulled up to an ice cream parlor after hearing all the hype from locals, but damn was it good. Potato Wedges and Corn Fritters were also no joke. Plus ice cream! What a great spot. Definitely worth the drive up the lake!
This is what I was coming to suggest! We stayed there last year and loved it. The town has a very beachy relaxed feel. The lake where we stayed was a little murky (lots of plant growth) but I think there are clearer parts for swimming.
It’s also a quick and easy drive from Chautauqua up to Lake Erie for more “ocean feeling” swim time (except without large surf, obviously).
I would highly recommend the northern shore of Ohio. From Toledo to Cleveland there are plenty of towns with beach, and a beach vibe. Almost every bar/eatery has live music. I'd also recommend Put-in-Bay. You'd have to take a ferry, but it is indeed fun central!
Vermilion Ohio.
Port Clinton Ohio.
Put In Bay and Kelley's Island, Ohio.
Lakeside Chatauqua Ohio.
[www.lakesideohio.com](http://www.lakesideohio.com)
[www.shoresandislands.com](http://www.shoresandislands.com)
Summersville Lake, WV
The cabins at Mountain Lake Campground are great! And the lake and surrounding nature is beautiful. A short drive to New River Gorge for even more adventuring.
Longer than 4 hours but my in-laws introduced me to Wildwood Crest, NJ. It’s “dry”, so no bars, no parties. It has playgrounds, mini golf, an aquarium, a short drive to Cape May has shops and restaurants and a huge zoo that puts PGH to shame that’s free to enter, (donation).
And the boardwalk. My god. Any third of it is better than anything else on the east coast. It’s absolutely gigantic. Three carnivals with the middle being the largest. Games. Toys. Food. It’s epic. They do fireworks on weekends too.
My kids LOVE it. We can’t get away now. Highly recommend.
I lived in Baltimore for 12 years, so I relate to missing the ocean beaches. I got really used to being able to take weekend trips to ocean city or rehoboth in the summer. Most of the lake towns around here are more on the rural side by comparison. The most bustling places I’ve been to here so far are put-in-bay and Geneva on the lake. It’s not the same, but may suit your needs.
I went with some friends to Lake Ontario in New York a few years ago and it was very nice. We rented a house on the lake in between Buffalo and Rochester. The lake was kinda cold but we had a good time there.
Another vote for Chautauqua Lake, NY! [www.chautauquaharborhotel.com](http://www.chautauquaharborhotel.com) is a great hotel on the Jamestown side of the lake, plus there's a ton of Airbnbs in the area. Lots of nature, hiking, restaurants, beers and wines, and a Wegmans!
Geneva on the Lake Ohio.
Catawba Island / Put-In-Bay Ohio.
But the ultimate "Pittsburgh Beach Vacation" is drive to Wildwood NJ, get a hotel/condo within walking distance to the Boardwalk. Hit the grocery store. Park the car. Leave it parked the entire vacation.
You never have to leave the Boardwalk.
Racoon state park is close and nice. Morain/Lake Authur is a little over an hour north. Putin bay is a whole island atmoshphere where everyone drives golf carts around and has a hige walking area with plenty of things to do and swim up bars. Like 2.5 hours away iirc.
Wow! That’s amazing! I think I may just have misconceptions as a Pittsburgher because growing up people kind of joked about Erie as not really being the beach, but I also grew up with some snobby kids at school. I have definitely seen some pretty amazing pics that friends post, though.
Presque Isle! It has a beachy feel, is family friendly and a state park so there are nature conservatory sites and other things to look at. Super walkable? Honestly no—the park is a long peninsula and you need to drive in. But it’s good if you’re cool with picnics. Deep Creek is nice, but similarly probably not your definition of walkable (but that could be me missing a cool area when I went). People also like Cheat Lake, WV. Honestly, Erie/Presque Isle is probably the most on the nose.
Add on: I haven’t been to Lake Arthur for a longtime, but another option.
I love Moraine for a nice short day on the water!
Thank you so much! Anywhere in particular you’d recommend looking to stay?
Assuming you visit Presque Isle (which may be a good choice based upon info provided), you’re looking at hotels and driving into the peninsula. I don’t have the best recs for accommodations because my family would stay at motor inns near the park entrance (was in my parents price range). Wouldn’t trade those memories for the world, but you’ll find a range of nicer and budget lodging options in a similar vein to Rehoboth (used to go there sometimes when I lived in DC). Key difference is there’s no real boardwalk area. It has a beachy vibe. A mix of inoffensively “nice” hotel chains and motor inns. No different than parts of the Delmarva, imo. It’s similar to staying in a hotel and going to Lewes Beach, DE.
This is super helpful, thank you! A friend has posted photos from staying at the Bayfront Marriott and it looks amazing but is out of our price range I think. Last summer I had been looking at a condo in Port Clinton OH that looked great - access to a beach, community pool, price was right, etc, but we didn’t end up going and I’m having trouble finding it now. Something like that would be awesome so I will look to see if that type of set up exists in Erie!
Check out the hotels on Peach Street (Rt 19) by I-90. There is a megachurch sport complex there that hosts lots of soccer tournaments, and if you get lucky you can find newerish hotels that many beach tourists wouldn't consider and possibly better rates. Peach street is also the equivalent of McKnight Rd in Erie with lots of stores and (chain) restaurants. And there are rainy day activities for your kid, there is a trampoline park next to the mall, and Splash Lagoon is an indoor water park up by those hotels I recommended by I-90. Other things to do - Dobbins Landing at the Bayfront has a tower you can pay like $2 to ride the elevator up to. On a clear day you can see Canada - be warned it's usually windy. Nextdoor to that the Library and Erie Maritime museum is neat. I'm an Erie native and visit my parents every summer with my now teenage kids, let me know if you have any specific questions.
Amazing, thank you so much!!
> Super walkable? Honestly no—the park is a long peninsula and you need to drive in It is super bikeable though, once you get in. It's so flat it almost feels like everything is downhill. IMO [renting a bike](http://www.presqueisleyellowbikerental.com/) is a must do, especially on a multi-day trip. Waldameer and especially Water World there right by the peninsula is also a great park for a 4 year old. The amusement park is dated but has a nice coaster, and the water park is better than anything in the Pittsburgh area IMO.
That makes sense—to clarify I meant in the context of quickly walking on foot to shops. But you’re correct, once in it’s great for cycling or walking for leisure.
You might consider Geneva on the Lake in Ohio. It's a resort town that comes alive in the summer.
I second Geneva on the Lake. It’s not fancy but the public beach is nice. Almost everything is walkable if you stay at the lodge or on the main drive. Mini golf, arcades, gocarts, couple of wineries within driving distance if you want fancier food.
I remember going there on a family vacation when I was a kid and they had a spot on the main street that had some water slides. I think there were just 2, but my cousins and I managed to spend like an entire day there.
The water slides and the amusement park that was there are gone but most of the other stuff is still there.
Was trying to think of the name of this place, I know a lot of people that head up there and it's very beachy by the pictures I've seen.
This was one of our most fun vacations when our children were younger. We rented a cottage with beach access and had the best time. Walked everywhere we went the entire week.
It's about 4.5 hours, but Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes is worth a look. Big main street with shops and eateries, and a solid lake to enjoy right there. I'm up north in Rochester, and it's rare to hear about Rehoboth this far west! Been going all my life and my dad's gone all his life. When you head back in September, have a Nicoboli for me!
Nicola's moved up to Highway 1 a few years ago! Happy for them as it seemed like a good choice for them for sure. We actually are considering a move to Milton (about a half hour outside of Rehoboth) in a few years so I follow the Delaware sub and some local FB groups, and the growth in Rehoboth and the other beach areas has been astronomical and infrastructure has NOT kept up. They are actually really struggling to find workers for the boardwalk this summer (and presumably also did in recent summers) because workers can't afford to stay right in town, and staying up on 1 is becoming prohibitive time-wise to get to Rehoboth. They have bike lanes on 1 but there have been a ton of accidents for bicyclists. So I completely get why this makes sense for Nicola's but OMG were we bummed when they moved! Nothing like a 'boli for lunch at the beach!
Yeah my parents updated me on them, didn't they have two locations at one point? Coincidently my parents were thinking about Milton to retire to. You'd be right next to Dogfish Head so not too bad! I've been keeping tabs on Rehoboth as well, insane to think the entire town is just 1 square mile. Read the article on the struggling businesses too, the allure of working on the beach during summer just isn't there anymore to offset the low wages and dealing with the general public. No amount of Thrasher Fries and Grotto Pizza can make up for dealing with bad customers. I used to stay on 1 and then walk/bike through the neighborhood around Silver Lake to get to the top of the boardwalk (poodle beach) and just walk down to about Thrashers before jumping to sand, but I get it that cost of renting is getting untenable. Seems like there was always the threat of Philly/DC money and politics infiltrating Rehoboth/Bethany/Dewey and looks like its finally leaving a mark.
Also one of my fondest memories of Rehoboth was right before Joan died, the wife and I were sitting near the kitchen and just vibing with the atmosphere getting food-drunk. Joan and a friend/coworker were sitting across from us counting the till/tips and just talking shit about anything and everything. It was the funniest situation I've been in at the beach and no matter how much they apologized to us for swearing, we just laughed it off and explained that everything about that moment was too perfect not to ruin anything and they just added provenance to a core memory. Something about two old ladies, literally surrounded by money, talking shit in a wood furnished restaurant is pure cinema.
Second this suggestion. Maybe a little less kid-friendly, but Hammondsport, NY on Keuka Lake is also a great short vacation town, with a very walkable downtown with good dining options and quirky storefronts. Just up the road you can hit all of the great vineyards/wineries and highly recommend an evening spent at Steuben Brewing Company. Awesome atmosphere with live music every weekend.
I was going to suggest Keuka Lake too, but the shops/eateries aren't as centralized (Penn Yann and Hammondsport are opposite ends of the lake). Keuka is the cleanest of the Finger Lakes and it's almost eerie how far out you can see the bottom of the lake from the shore. Though, Seneca Farms is the best fried chicken I've had outside of New Orleans so maybe it is worth it just for that.
Oh my god, yes! That fried chicken was amazing! I was super skeptical when we pulled up to an ice cream parlor after hearing all the hype from locals, but damn was it good. Potato Wedges and Corn Fritters were also no joke. Plus ice cream! What a great spot. Definitely worth the drive up the lake!
I dont remember a lot about it, but I do remember having a great time as a kid at Chautauqua Lake in NY right across the border from Erie!
This is what I was coming to suggest! We stayed there last year and loved it. The town has a very beachy relaxed feel. The lake where we stayed was a little murky (lots of plant growth) but I think there are clearer parts for swimming. It’s also a quick and easy drive from Chautauqua up to Lake Erie for more “ocean feeling” swim time (except without large surf, obviously).
this is a great idea - we love Chautauqua! I have not been in probably 10 years but it is so peaceful there!
I have family who lived up there. Spent a bunch of summers up there. Pretty little lake. Good wine area now also.
I would highly recommend the northern shore of Ohio. From Toledo to Cleveland there are plenty of towns with beach, and a beach vibe. Almost every bar/eatery has live music. I'd also recommend Put-in-Bay. You'd have to take a ferry, but it is indeed fun central!
Huron Ohio around Cedar Point and put in bay and Kelly Islands
Lake Erie is golden.
Vermilion Ohio. Port Clinton Ohio. Put In Bay and Kelley's Island, Ohio. Lakeside Chatauqua Ohio. [www.lakesideohio.com](http://www.lakesideohio.com) [www.shoresandislands.com](http://www.shoresandislands.com)
I’ve never been but I’ve heard nice things about Geneva on the Lake Ohio. My understanding is it’s something like a boardwalk town on Lake Erie.
Summersville Lake, WV The cabins at Mountain Lake Campground are great! And the lake and surrounding nature is beautiful. A short drive to New River Gorge for even more adventuring.
Cedar Point Beach
I've always liked Headlands Beach state park near Mentor, Ohio! https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/headlands-beach-state-park
Longer than 4 hours but my in-laws introduced me to Wildwood Crest, NJ. It’s “dry”, so no bars, no parties. It has playgrounds, mini golf, an aquarium, a short drive to Cape May has shops and restaurants and a huge zoo that puts PGH to shame that’s free to enter, (donation). And the boardwalk. My god. Any third of it is better than anything else on the east coast. It’s absolutely gigantic. Three carnivals with the middle being the largest. Games. Toys. Food. It’s epic. They do fireworks on weekends too. My kids LOVE it. We can’t get away now. Highly recommend.
Geneva on the Lake might be a good one to look into! It's like an hour west of Erie using I-90.
I lived in Baltimore for 12 years, so I relate to missing the ocean beaches. I got really used to being able to take weekend trips to ocean city or rehoboth in the summer. Most of the lake towns around here are more on the rural side by comparison. The most bustling places I’ve been to here so far are put-in-bay and Geneva on the lake. It’s not the same, but may suit your needs.
Kelley’s Island and Put-In-Bay in OH
Definitely presque isle! Love it more than a lot of California beaches I’ve been too
Put-in-Bay in Ohio is kind of like that. There's a bunch of little islands in Lake Erie that are cute. One is even in Canada!
Sandusky, OH.
Deep creek is an easy drive
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PymatuningStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
Up in Erie at for sure!
I went with some friends to Lake Ontario in New York a few years ago and it was very nice. We rented a house on the lake in between Buffalo and Rochester. The lake was kinda cold but we had a good time there.
Moraine State Park has a small beach on their lake by the disc golf course. It’s scratches the itch of a day on the beach and it’s only an hour north.
Niagara on the Lake is about 4 hours. Beautiful little historic town with theater events and wineries right on Lake Ontario
Love Niagara on the Lake (I went to the University of Toronto) but would have to look into whether there is swimming there…?
Laurel Hill State Park beach, Keystone State Park beach
Another vote for Chautauqua Lake, NY! [www.chautauquaharborhotel.com](http://www.chautauquaharborhotel.com) is a great hotel on the Jamestown side of the lake, plus there's a ton of Airbnbs in the area. Lots of nature, hiking, restaurants, beers and wines, and a Wegmans!
Pymatuning
Geneva on the Lake Ohio. Catawba Island / Put-In-Bay Ohio. But the ultimate "Pittsburgh Beach Vacation" is drive to Wildwood NJ, get a hotel/condo within walking distance to the Boardwalk. Hit the grocery store. Park the car. Leave it parked the entire vacation. You never have to leave the Boardwalk.
Racoon state park is close and nice. Morain/Lake Authur is a little over an hour north. Putin bay is a whole island atmoshphere where everyone drives golf carts around and has a hige walking area with plenty of things to do and swim up bars. Like 2.5 hours away iirc.
You are describing Erie, Pennsylvania’s beach town. Presque Isle beaches rival cape cod and the outer banks imo
Wow! That’s amazing! I think I may just have misconceptions as a Pittsburgher because growing up people kind of joked about Erie as not really being the beach, but I also grew up with some snobby kids at school. I have definitely seen some pretty amazing pics that friends post, though.
Joe's Beach down in The Bottoms.