Southwest Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southwest Pennsylvania
Southwest Pennsylvania
Southwest Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium featuring zoo animals, bird life and a pond
Phipps Conservatory featuring flowers, interior views and modern architecture

Get swept up in trendy Pittsburgh, pay respects at the Flight 93 National Memorial and discover military and architectural history in Laurel Highlands.

Southwest Pennsylvania is a delightful mishmash of attractions. Its appeal stems from the main city of Pittsburgh, with military history, natural beauty and avant-garde art. Discover all aspects of this unique corner of the large state of Pennsylvania.

Stop first in Pittsburgh. Pleasant parks, quirky museums, trendy galleries and a varied food scene make the city a surprising rival to Philadelphia. Visit The Andy Warhol Museum, which pays homage to the Pittsburgh native.

The Mattress Factory museum is an art space spread across several buildings, displaying avant-garde works and temporary exhibits. The Carnegie Museum of Art is one of the nation’s premier contemporary art galleries. Choose a child-friendly visit to the neighboring Carnegie Museum of Natural History, inhabited by a huge Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

Near the river, ride the Duquesne Incline or Monongahela Incline, speedy funiculars which have become city icons. Appreciate city views from the top of Mount Washington.

Visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in the Laurel Highlands, once just another Pennsylvanian field before the crash of Flight 93 in the 9/11 terror attacks. The 40 passengers and crew thwarted the planned attack on the U.S. Capitol. The serene and beautiful memorial is in their honor.

Also in Laurel Highlands is Fallingwater, a masterpiece home designed in 1935 by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar Kaufmann. Tour the house and beautiful gardens or enjoy a meal.

Step back in time at Fort Ligonier in the town of Ligonier. This British garrison, dating to the 18th-century French and Indian War, is today a fully reconstructed fortification. Explore the grounds and learn more about daily life during the war.

International flights land in Pittsburgh, which has quick and easy connections into the city center. Rent a car to get out into the Southwest Pennsylvania countryside. If you’re staying in the city, enjoy the freedom of walking or hop on local buses or subway and light rail trains.

Where to stay in Southwest Pennsylvania

Default Image

Downtown Pittsburgh

Abundant dining options, interesting museums and live music are just a few top things to explore in Downtown Pittsburgh. A visit to PPG Paints Arena or Benedum Center might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Wood Street Station or Steel Plaza Station to get around town.

Downtown Pittsburgh
Default Image

North Shore

Visitors often come to North Shore for its stunning river views, but many stay to explore sights like PNC Park and Andy Warhol Museum. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at North Side Station.

North Shore
Southwest Pennsylvania

North Side

While you're in North Side, take in top sights like PNC Park or Ross Park Mall, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at North Side Station or Allegheny Station.

North Side
Default Image

Shadyside

Unique features of Shadyside include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Walnut Street or Gallerie CHIZ while you're exploring the area.

Shadyside
Senator John Heinz Regional History Centre featuring interior views and signage

Strip District

Strip District is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Senator John Heinz Regional History Centre or Ohio River Valley.

Strip District
Default Image

Mount Washington

Spend some time visiting places like Ohio River Valley while getting to know Mount Washington, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at South Hills Junction Station or Palm Garden Station to see more of the area.

Mount Washington
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

3.5 out of 5
600 Commonwealth Pl Pittsburgh PA
The price is NZ$237 per night from 29 Dec to 30 Dec
NZ$237
29 Dec - 30 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,244 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Omni William Penn Hotel

Omni William Penn Hotel

4 out of 5
530 William Penn Place Pittsburgh PA
The price is NZ$306 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
NZ$306
21 Dec - 22 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this historic hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,823 reviews)
The downtown atmosphere shines at the William Penn. Loved the holiday party in the Grand Ballroom. Classic .

Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025

Omni William Penn Hotel
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport

3 out of 5
8507 University Blvd Coraopolis PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$139 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
NZ$139
18 Dec - 19 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Coraopolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,169 reviews)
It really great to have breakfast at 4:00 before the start of the travel day! Rooms are clean.

Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport
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.
Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort

Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort

4.5 out of 5
777 Water Wheel Dr Champion PA
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Champion. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (372 reviews)
Had a good time

Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025

Slopeside Hotel by Seven Springs Resort
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian

4 out of 5
1100 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh PA
Stay at this apartment in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC ...
7.8/10 Good! (46 reviews)
Everyone I encountered was amazing through our experience related to our stay. There was an event occurring in the main entry way during our stay and the valet assisted us in locating parking, called the front desk and checked in from the door, they were very informative and helpful, even the building ...

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh at The Pennsylvanian
The Hobbit House - Romance Straight From The Shire

The Hobbit House - Romance Straight From The Shire

Farmington PA
Stay at this cabin in Farmington. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fort Necessity National Battlefield and The ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
Very cozy & adorable. Tucked away between 2 little lakes, serene & beautiful

Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025

The Hobbit House - Romance Straight From The Shire
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Southwest Pennsylvania