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
Days Inn by Wyndham Erie
Days Inn by Wyndham Erie
2 out of 5
6101 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$100 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$100
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 (550 reviews)
"Front desk person was very nice and helpful."

Reviewed on 1 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$119 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$119
3 Aug - 4 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! (2,069 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Erie
Comfort Inn, Erie - Near Presque Isle
Comfort Inn, Erie - Near Presque Isle
2.5 out of 5
3041 West 12th Street, Erie, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$121 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$121
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Front desk staff Jen and Leonard were very personable and efficient! Made us feel welcome, provided amenities when needed. It was a pleasure to be greeted with such cheerful enthusiasm"

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Comfort Inn, Erie - Near Presque Isle
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! (340 reviews)
Awesome place to stay!
"We stayed there for a soccer tournament. It was right on the lake. The cabin was beautiful. Very clean. Perfect for my family and I. It was my mom, my 2 boys and me that went. We had a 2 bedroom cabin. It was absolutely perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. It was so peaceful. ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun, 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
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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