Road trip! Two of the sweetest words in the English language, right? What if we’re really aching for a day at the beach, but we simply don’t have the time to drive to one of the closest beaches that hugs the Atlantic Ocean? We turn our GPS to this beautiful sandy beach near Pittsburgh that, when we close our eyes, will make us swear we’re in a faraway tropical location.

Pack the car with all of your swimming gear, snacks, and everything you need for a day (or two) at Budny Beach (also known as Beach 10) at Presque Isle State Park in Erie.

Trip Advisor/Wendy Z.

Your two hour drive north, from downtown Pittsburgh, will be well-rewarded with stunning views and the refreshing water of Lake Erie.

FourSquare/Lauren M.

Presque Isle State Park boasts several beaches. Budny Beach offers such amenities as ample parking, a concession stand, and a beach house.

FourSquare/Jayson W.

Stake out your spot on the sand - dropping your beach towel or beach chair and belongings - before heading out into the clear water of Lake Erie. The beach also has a lifeguard on duty.

Trip Advisor/Andrea B.

Don’t forget to bring a kite along, tons of fun on a windy day, Build sandcastles, and go digging for seashells.

Trip Advisor/LEAHNELL Like windsurfing? Beach 10 is the perfect spot for it.

Make sure to snap plenty of photos, especially as the sun sets. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and birds, too.

Trip Advisor/Amy Y.

Soak up the sun and relax in Lake Erie at Budny Beach, open daily from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

FourSquare/Justin W.

Address: Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA, 16507

FourSquare/Ami H. Click here for the official website of Presque Isle State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.

What’s your favorite beach near Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! Love spending leisurely summer days at the beach? Hit the road on this hidden beaches road trip near Pittsburgh. Click here to read more.

Trip Advisor/Wendy Z.

FourSquare/Lauren M.

FourSquare/Jayson W.

Trip Advisor/Andrea B.

Trip Advisor/LEAHNELL

Like windsurfing? Beach 10 is the perfect spot for it.

Trip Advisor/Amy Y.

FourSquare/Justin W.

FourSquare/Ami H.

Click here for the official website of Presque Isle State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.

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