Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Perry Monument Beach sits in the shadow of its 352-foot namesake, a slender tower commemorating the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. The shore itself is modest—part sand, part smooth stones worn flat by centuries of freshwater tides—and stretches just a few hundred feet along Presque Isle Bay. Gulls wheel overhead, their calls mixing with the low hum of pleasure boats motoring toward the marina. The water here is cooler than ocean beaches even in August, numbing your ankles within seconds and smelling faintly of iron and green algae. Most visitors climb the monument and leave, but you'll have the beach nearly to yourself if you descend the grassy slope to the waterline. Driftwood logs, bleached silver-gray, lie scattered above the tide mark. On summer evenings, the setting sun transforms the lake into hammered copper, and the monument's white limestone glows amber. Families spread blankets on the coarse sand; teenagers skip stones that skip four, five, six times before sinking. The beach faces northwest, so mornings arrive quietly, the water flat and pewter-toned. By afternoon, whitecaps roll in when the wind picks up from Canada, thirty miles across the water. There are no lifeguards, no concession stands—just a small parking area, a historical marker, and the kind of solitude rare along Erie's more trafficked Presque Isle State Park beaches.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Perry Monument Beach.
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Perry Monument Beach is primarily a scenic beach adjacent to the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. Swimming conditions vary seasonally, with Lake Erie's waters warming considerably in summer but remaining quite cold in spring and fall. The beach area is generally calm, though Lake Erie can experience sudden weather changes and waves. Always check current weather conditions and water quality advisories before swimming. Lifeguards are not typically stationed here, so swim at your own risk and supervise children closely. The beach is better suited for wading and relaxing than extended swimming.
Perry Monument Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering distinct experiences. Summer (June-August) provides the warmest weather for beach activities and swimming, with temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F. Late spring and early fall offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds. The beach is particularly popular for sunset viewing throughout the year. Winter visits are possible for scenic walks, though Lake Erie winds can be harsh. For the best beach experience, visit on weekday mornings in summer to avoid crowds, or come during golden hour for stunning sunset photography opportunities.
Perry Monument Beach is located near the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial in downtown Erie's bayfront area. Parking is available at nearby public lots along the waterfront, including options near Dobbins Landing and the Bicentennial Tower. Street parking may also be available depending on the season. The beach is easily accessible on foot from downtown Erie hotels and attractions. If driving, use GPS coordinates for Perry Monument or Dobbins Landing as your destination. During summer events and festivals, parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Perry Monument Beach is situated in Erie's revitalized bayfront district, offering numerous dining and lodging options within walking distance. The nearby Bayfront area features casual restaurants, ice cream shops, and waterfront cafes, particularly concentrated around Dobbins Landing. Downtown Erie hotels are within a mile, providing convenient accommodation. Basic beach amenities like restrooms may be available at nearby public facilities. The area also connects to walking paths and is close to other attractions like the Bicentennial Tower and maritime museums, making it easy to spend a full day exploring the waterfront.
Perry Monument Beach is named for its proximity to Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, the iconic 352-foot column commemorating the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The monument is visible from the beach area and serves as a dramatic backdrop for photos, particularly at sunset. Visitors can walk to the monument and, for a fee, take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle. The beach provides one of the best vantage points for photographing the monument against the lake, creating memorable images of this National Park Service site.
