Johnstown

Day Trips

Arrive in Johnstown and settle into your hotel near downtown. Stroll along Broad Street to get a first glimpse of local architecture. Grab a cup of coffee at a cozy cafe and chat with friendly locals.

Enjoy a hearty lunch at a classic diner. Wander over to the Johnstown Trail to take in riverside views. Snap photos of historic buildings and public art installations.

Dine at a local brewpub known for craft beers and pub fare. Take an evening walk in Portal Park to watch the sun dip behind the mountains. Unwind at your hotel or sample live music at a nearby venue.

Start at the Johnstown Flood Museum to learn about the catastrophic 1889 flood. Explore interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts that tell the community’s story. Take time to reflect on the resilience of the survivors.

Drive to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial along the Little Conemaugh River. Hike the gentle trails and visit the Sand Station ruins. Enjoy a riverside picnic while admiring the natural landscape.

Return downtown for dinner at an Italian restaurant overlooking the river. Stroll along the riverwalk under the soft glow of street lamps. Consider joining a ghost tour to hear eerie flood legends.

Ride the famous Johnstown Inclined Plane, the steepest vehicular incline in the U.S. Admire panoramic views from the top overlook. Learn about the incline’s role in local history.

Hike the trails at Mount Washington Park adjacent to the incline. Have a picnic with a view of Johnstown below. Spot passing trains on the tracks far below.

Head back downtown for a farm-to-table dinner featuring regional produce. Take in a live performance at the Johnstown Symphony or a local theater. Cap off the night with a nightcap at a historic tavern.

Rent a bike and explore the Allegheny Portage Railroad Trail. Pedal along restored towpath segments and historic canal locks. Stop at interpretive markers to learn about early transportation feats.

Continue your ride toward the Eastern Divide, pausing for scenic overlooks and photography. Picnic alongside the canal remains. Return rental bikes and grab a snack at a roadside stand.

Enjoy dinner at a cozy steakhouse downtown. Sample a regional specialty like porketta sandwiches. Stroll the city streets and admire evening window displays.

Visit the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on the university campus. Take a backstage tour and admire the modern architecture. Catch a morning rehearsal if available.

Explore the Johnstown Art Museum to view works by regional artists. Participate in an interactive workshop or sketch session. Browse the museum gift shop for unique souvenirs.

Attend a live concert or play at a local theater. Dine at a nearby bistro offering international fusion cuisine. Take an after-dinner stroll in a tree-lined residential neighborhood to admire historic homes.

Drive south to the Laurel Highlands for a day in nature. Hike one of the scenic Laurel Ridge Trails through dense forests. Keep an eye out for wildlife and forest wildflowers.

Stop for lunch at a mountain lodge with panoramic vistas. Later, visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater for an architectural tour. Continue exploring the grounds and artist-designed furnishings.

Return to Johnstown and soak in a seasonal outdoor festival or farmers market. Taste fresh local produce and artisanal products. End the night sharing stories around a park fire pit or outdoor concert.

Take a guided walking tour of historic Old Conemaugh Borough. Admire 19th-century brick buildings and interpretive signage. Hear stories of early settlers and industrial pioneers.

Visit the Veteran’s Museum to honor local military history. Explore uniforms, medals, and personal narratives of Johnstown soldiers. Reflect in the memorial courtyard.

Dine at a family-owned German restaurant to sample schnitzel and beer. Enjoy traditional music on weekends. Cap off the evening with a stroll along the riverfront promenade.

Spend time by the Little Conemaugh River, fishing or birdwatching. Learn about local ecosystems and conservation efforts. Relax on a riverside bench with a good book.

Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle the confluence of three rivers. Navigate gentle rapids and take in lush riverbanks. Pull ashore for a packed lunch or snack.

Head to a waterfront tavern for seafood and cold beverages. Watch the sunset over the water from an outdoor patio. Join locals in a casual trivia night or open mic session.

Set out on a scenic drive along Pennsylvania Route 56 to Windber. Stop at roadside overlooks to photograph rolling hills. Visit small towns to meet friendly residents.

Sample regional favorites at a local bakery or cafe along the route. Continue to Hidden Valley Ski Resort for alpine views even in summer. Zipline or mountain bike if you’re feeling adventurous.

Return to Johnstown for a laid-back supper at a pizza parlor. Grab gelato or ice cream for dessert. Enjoy a final evening stroll through a quiet neighborhood park.

Browse local shops and galleries for last-minute gifts. Pick up handmade crafts, jams, and keepsakes. Meet artisans and learn about their creative process.

Enjoy a farewell brunch at a garden-view restaurant. Savor specialty pancakes or omelets with local ingredients. Take one last walk through downtown, soaking in the city’s charm.

Pack up and check out of your hotel, but savor every last view. Head to a casual diner for a final homestyle dinner. Drive away with fond memories of Johnstown’s history and hospitality.