Northwest Pennsylvania

Travel Guide

Erie which includes a lake or waterhole, sailing and a sunset
Northwest Pennsylvania
Northwest Pennsylvania showing general coastal views and forests
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 S$147 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$147
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Keys were turned off a day early and room was not cleaned on the last day. I don't mind limited maid service as long as I am notified ahead of time. Breakfast was avaliable to order, but with an hour wait time...otherwise decent property."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 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 S$94 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$94
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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 ...
5.8/10 (560 reviews)
"The water was contaminated The service was horrible No AC in working condition"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Erie
Baymont by Wyndham Erie
Baymont by Wyndham Erie
2.5 out of 5
8170 Perry Hwy, Erie, PA
The price is S$122 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$122
10 Aug - 11 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,076 reviews)
"It was in a convenient location and David, the front desk guy, was absolutely wonderful!!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 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! (343 reviews)
"Cabins are nice , fishing was good and the sunset grill had good food."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Edinboro Lake Resort Cabins
Green Goose Lodge - Studio Apt Sleeps 4 Condo
Green Goose Lodge - Studio Apt Sleeps 4 Condo
2.5 out of 5
11103 US-19, Waterford, PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Waterford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Splash Lagoon and The Ridge Golf Club are located ...
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
Great place!
"Great place if you don’t want to spend too much on a hotel. Clean and quiet. The food offered for breakfast is everything you need (coffee, bread and cereal)."

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

Green Goose Lodge - Studio Apt Sleeps 4 Condo
Hominy Ridge Cabins and Gift Shop
Hominy Ridge Cabins and Gift Shop
3 out of 5
13964 Pennsylvania 36, Clarington, PA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Clarington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Cook Forest State Park and Clear Creek State Park ...
Hominy Ridge Cabins and Gift Shop
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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