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
Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG

3 out of 5
2260 DOWNS DRIVE, Erie, PA
The price is NZ$237 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
NZ$237
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,022 reviews)
"We stayed at the same property as we went to our destination and returned home. The rooms are spacious, clean, nicely appointed. The stafff is very helpful. What I didn't like was a $75 hold on my credit card each time (I thought that was higher than most places), a charge for breakfast (most places ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Erie by IHG
Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

2 out of 5
6101 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, PA
The price is NZ$126 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
NZ$126
27 Aug - 28 Aug
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 (664 reviews)
we had a good time. this was family bonding time.
"great. grand children loved swimming in the pool."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie
Quality Inn & Suites Fairview

Quality Inn & Suites Fairview

2.5 out of 5
6467 Sterrettania Rd, Fairview, PA
The price is NZ$123 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
NZ$123
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairview. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great place to stay clean, great food. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Fairview
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! (350 reviews)
Will Stay Again
"Comfortable bed. Beautiful views. Great stay with the family."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 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! (70 reviews)
"Ethan, the owner, was so nice and accommodating. We came up for our elopement and "mini honeymoon" and wanted a quiet place on the lake. The home is beautiful and fully stocked with everything you need. The master bedroom has a breathtaking view of the lake, and at night, the stars. We very much ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Enjoy fall on the lake - colorful leaves, the grape harvest. Or, Winter snuggle.
This Place Rocks! Waterfall and lake access

This Place Rocks! Waterfall and lake access

Erie
Stay at this vacation home in Erie. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Presque Isle Beach and Presque Isle Downs and Casino ...
10/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
This place rocks
"Great views, lovely house.Great sunsets"

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

This Place Rocks! Waterfall and lake access
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