Northwest Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Erie which includes sailing, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Northwest Pennsylvania
Northwest Pennsylvania featuring general coastal views and forest scenes
Photo provided by Photo courtesy VisitErie  www.VisitErie.com
Photo provided by Photo courtesy VisitErie  www.VisitErie.com

Appreciate the abounding natural beauty and delve deep into the history of this region famous as the birthplace of the U.S. oil industry.

Northwest Pennsylvania comes as a surprise to many visitors to the state. Interesting attractions are scattered across the landscape, where you’ll find state parks, small towns, thick forests and winding rivers. Discover a rich cultural and industrial heritage, plenty of opportunities to be active outdoors and numerous impressive landmarks.

The city of Erie is Pennsylvania’s jumping-off point to vast Lake Erie. Set off to explore the stunning natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park, a peninsula of sandy spits, lagoons and a lighthouse. There are miles of hiking and biking trails, boating opportunities and even scuba diving. Hike to the top of Erie Bluffs State Park for incredible panoramas. In the city, be sure to visit the Erie Maritime Museum and the U.S. Brig Niagara, an early 19th-century ship. The Erie Art Museum has an impressive collection of 20th-century works and also offers classes.

Head outdoors and explore the region’s abounding natural beauty. The Allegheny National Forest¸ nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offers a wide array of recreational activities, while less prominent towns such as Titusville also have extensive parks and green spaces.

For something a bit different, learn about Northwest Pennsylvania’s oil heritage. The region is the birthplace of the oil industry. Oil Creek State Park is the site of the first commercial oil well in the world. See historic equipment and buildings remaining from this era. Visit the Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville or wander the streets of the atmospheric ghost town of Pithole City, which was once a flourishing settlement supporting the local petroleum industry.

The main gateways into Northwest Pennsylvania are through the international airports of Pittsburgh to the south and Cleveland in neighboring Ohio. Route 80 crosses the state east to west and route 79 zips up from Pittsburgh. Travel along this route in June and stop in Meadville for the annual Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event.

Where to stay in Northwest Pennsylvania

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Espyville

While visiting Espyville, you might make a stop by sights like Pymatuning Marina and Pymatuning Reservoir.

Espyville
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East Bayfront

While East Bayfront isn't home to many top sights, Erie Insurance Arena and UPMC Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

East Bayfront
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West Bayfront

While visiting West Bayfront, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Erie and Erie County Historical Society-Hagen History Center.

West Bayfront
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Little Italy

Little Italy might not have many top sights, but Erie Playhouse and Warner Theatre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Little Italy
Erie showing a lake or waterhole, landscape views and general coastal views

Downtown Erie

While visiting Downtown Erie, you might make a stop by sights like Warner Theatre and Erie Insurance Arena.

Downtown Erie
Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

2 out of 5
6101 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$99 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
AU$99
13 Nov - 14 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
5.6/10 (747 reviews)
"Easy checkin. Clean room. Great breakfast and breakfast staff."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie
Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

3 out of 5
2260 DOWNS DRIVE, Erie, PA
The price is AU$173 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$173
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Erie. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,089 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG
Baymont by Wyndham Erie

Baymont by Wyndham Erie

2.5 out of 5
8170 Perry Hwy, Erie, PA
The price is AU$116 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$116
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,256 reviews)
"A hidden gem and well maintained hotel."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Erie
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins

Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins

3 out of 5
12670 Edinboro Rd, Edinboro, PA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Edinboro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Sunset Plaza and Mike Onda Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (374 reviews)
"Awesome again. Cabin was great. Sunset Grill was great. Fire pit was going. Place is my favorite. We will be back. Thank you"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins
Enjoy fall on the lake - colorful leaves, the grape harvest. Or, Winter snuggle.

Enjoy fall on the lake - colorful leaves, the grape harvest. Or, Winter snuggle.

North East
Stay at this vacation home in North East. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Freeport Beach and Mazza Vineyards are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
"This is one of those homes and settings that you DON’T leave to go to wineries and restaurants. If you do you’ll be less relaxed and wondering why the hell you left a perfect porch overlooking the lake. Also make sure you make time to watch the sunsets. We saw a perfect 10/10 sunset 3/3 nights. We ..."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Enjoy fall on the lake - colorful leaves, the grape harvest. Or, Winter snuggle.
NEW! Green Goose Lodge - Studio Apt Sleeps 4

NEW! Green Goose Lodge - Studio Apt Sleeps 4

Waterford
Stay at this vacation home in Waterford. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Splash Lagoon and The ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
"A little confusing locating the building but resolved quickly - checking in was effortless - room was clean and bed was comfortable - easy WiFi access - room was perfect for my needs - good shower with good flow and plenty of hot water - quiet - would stay here again!"

Reviewed on 29 July 2025

NEW! Green Goose Lodge - Studio Apt Sleeps 4
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Northwest Pennsylvania

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