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

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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 Allegheny County Courthouse 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
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North Shore

Visitors often come to North Shore for its stunning river views, but many stay to explore sights like PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. 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 Acrisure Stadium, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at North Side Station or Allegheny Station.

North Side
Senator John Heinz Regional History Centre featuring signage and interior views

Strip District

4/5(1 area review)

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 Pittsburgh Opera.

Strip District
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Oakland

Oakland is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Petersen Events Center and Carnegie Museum of Natural History while in the area.

Oakland
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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
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
3.5 out of 5
600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA
The price is NZ$254 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$254
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,931 reviews)
"Husband thought the bed was very uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 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$269 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$269
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy 3 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,531 reviews)
"The staff at the Omni was super friendly. The rooms were clean and quiet. The valiet parking was quick and very well done. I was very happy with my stay here."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Omni William Penn Hotel
Wyndham Garden Pittsburgh Airport
Wyndham Garden Pittsburgh Airport
3 out of 5
1 Industry Lane, Pittsburgh, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$166 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$166
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,000 reviews)
"Fair price with fair look, horrible breakfast option."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Wyndham Garden 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.
Stay Pittsburgh
Stay Pittsburgh
2 out of 5
100 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park are ...
7.6/10 Good! (143 reviews)
Baseball trip
"Room was great. Clean. No issues."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Stay Pittsburgh
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
4 out of 5
1100 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Pittsburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions PPG Paints Arena and PNC Park ...
7.4/10 Good! (9 reviews)
"Everything about the property was great except the check in procedure. This was a little complicated for us being from Canada. Thank goodness there was a person in the lobby that was able to assist us. Room was great."

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

Placemakr Downtown Pittsburgh
The Hobbit House | 1BR,1BA, Hot Tub, Dog Friendly
The Hobbit House | 1BR,1BA, Hot Tub, Dog Friendly
Farmington
Stay at this cabin in Farmington. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fort Necessity National Battlefield and The ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
Hobbit House Stay
"This was the most perfect and cutest little place we have ever stayed. I loved the architecture, the skylight and whole vide of the area. We will definitely be visiting/staying here again when we need to get away from life."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

The Hobbit House | 1BR,1BA, Hot Tub, Dog Friendly
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 Southwest Pennsylvania