Skip to main content

Visit Altoona, Pennsylvania

Discover the best activities and accommodations in Altoona, Pennsylvania

What to Do in Altoona

Learn More

Altoona was first settled in the mid-1700s. A series of stockades, including Fort Roberdeau, was built to protect the region against Native American raids. The region gained settlers and businesses with the completion of the Pennsylvania Canal in 1834, and within several years, the demand for lumber and coal gave rise to the railroad industry. The Allegheny Portage Railroad was founded in Altoona in 1849 during construction of the first railroad over the Alleghenies. For years the town's economy depended on railroad building and repair shops, but the area's economy has diversified and now includes manufacturing jobs.

Most Popular Hotels

Discover the best hotel experience. Review properties cleanliness, amenities and more. AAA brings you the best hotels in the city.

Learn More
Hotel

SpringHill Suites by Marriott State College

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Hyatt Place State College

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn State College

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Hampton Inn of Bedford

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites At Williamsburg Square

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Hampton Inn Altoona

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott State College

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott DuBois

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Fairfield Inn & Suites Bedford

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, State College (Penn State Area), PA

diamond-threeinspected-clean
See All

Cruise Deals

Your Next Great Voyage Awaits

AAA has partnered with the top cruise lines in the industry to give you exclusive AAA member benefits on cruise and river cruise bookings. Get ready to set sail!

See All

Travel Tips & Inspiration

AAA Travel Inspiration, Destination Information and More

Be inspired by articles and videos from AAA Travel experts, offering insights on top destinations, recommendations and travel tips for your upcoming getaway.

See All
ARTICLEAltoona Altoona was first settled in the mid-1700s. A series of stockades, including Fort Roberdeau, was built to protect the region against Native American raids. The region gained settlers and businesses with the completion of the Pennsylvania Canal in 1834, and within several years, the demand for lumber and coal gave rise to the railroad industry. The Allegheny Portage Railroad was founded in Altoona in 1849 during construction of the first railroad over the Alleghenies. For years the town's economy depended on railroad building and repair shops, but the area's economy has diversified and now includes manufacturing jobs.Altoona
NATIONAL PARKAllegheny National Forest Allegheny National Forest extends 40 miles south from the New York-Pennsylvania border through the counties of Warren, Forest, Elk and McKean. The only national forest in Pennsylvania, its approximately 517,000 acres include 500 miles of fishing streams, 272 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails, 300 miles of snowmobile trails and 108 miles of trail-bike and ATV routes. Several scenic drives traverse the area; contact the forest for recommended routes.Allegheny National Forest
NATIONAL PARKAntietam National Battlefield On SR 34/65 at Sharpsburg, Antietam National Battlefield is a more-than-3,000-acre site where the Battle of Antietam, as it was called by the Union, or the Battle of Sharpsburg, as it was referred to by the Confederacy, took place Sept. 17, 1862.Antietam National Battlefield
NATIONAL PARKAppomattox Court House National Historical Park Three miles northeast of Appomattox on SR 24, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is a 1,744-acre site. On April 9, 1865, Gen. Robert E. Lee's weakened and outnumbered Confederate Army of Northern Virginia was cut off at Appomattox Court House by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. The two commanders met in the parlor of a house owned by Wilmer McLean—and the Army of Northern Virginia was surrendered to Grant.Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
NATIONAL PARKArlington National Cemetery Directly across the Potomac River west of Washington, Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864 on the confiscated estate of Robert E. Lee. It is an impressive sight, with seemingly endless rows of simple white headstones. Imposing stones and monuments mark the graves of many individuals and groups.Arlington National Cemetery
NATIONAL PARKAssateague Island National Seashore Eight miles south of Ocean City, Md., via SR 611, Assateague Island is a narrow 37-mile-long barrier island paralleling the coast of Maryland and Virginia. Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park manage the Maryland portion of the island, and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge manages the Virginia end. The national seashore encompasses 49,500 acres (19,000 of which are land), including Assateague Island and nearby small islands.Assateague Island National Seashore
NATIONAL PARKBooker T. Washington National Monument Booker T. Washington National Monument is 30 miles southeast of Roanoke via US 220 south to Rocky Mount, then north on SR 122. The 239-acre site commemorates Booker T. Washington's first 9 years in slavery by re-creating the environment of his childhood at Burroughs Plantation.Booker T. Washington National Monument
NATIONAL PARKChesapeake And Ohio Canal National Historical Park The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park follows the Maryland shore of the Potomac River from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland. Construction on the 184.5-mile canal began in 1828, and the canal operated 1850-1924.Chesapeake And Ohio Canal National Historical Park
NATIONAL PARKColonial National Historical Park On the peninsula between the York and James rivers, Colonial National Historical Park covers 8,600 acres. It embraces the Colonial Parkway, Historic JamestowneColonial National Historical Park
THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP
Trip Canvas powered by AAA travel logo
AAA logo
© 2025 AAA, All Rights Reserved.

The information contained on this page is provided by independent third-party providers and may not include all applicable taxes, fees, and charges. Please note prices and product details are estimates only and are subject to availability at the time of booking. All information, including pricing, product details, and availability, is subject to change without notice. Please see independent third-party providers' websites for more details. AAA is not responsible for content on external websites.
2.44.1