Northwest Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Erie featuring a lake or waterhole, a sunset and sailing
Northwest Pennsylvania
Northwest Pennsylvania featuring forests and general coastal views
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
Erie which includes a lake or waterhole, general coastal views and landscape views

Downtown Erie

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

Downtown Erie
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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
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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
Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie

2 out of 5
6101 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, PA
The price is ₹4,986 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
₹4,986
₹5,634 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
5.6/10 (761 reviews)
Needed a place to sleep for 1 night. Ideal for the price and location that I needed.

Reviewed on 18 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 ₹9,936 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹9,936
₹11,228 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Erie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,104 reviews)
The staff in the lobby was very friendly and helpful. The room is very clean and beautiful.

Reviewed on 18 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 ₹6,128 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹6,128
₹6,925 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Erie. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,289 reviews)
Good price for quality

Reviewed on 19 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Sunset Plaza and Mike Onda Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (377 reviews)
Charming cottage in a cute town
The two-bedroom cabin was great for us two parents and two kids. Being able to grill our own meal was a great bonus. We also enjoyed a couple of the local restaurants including the one in site! Will look to stay again when we visit our daughter who is attending a nearby college.

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins
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

Cities near Northwest Pennsylvania