One of the area's museum delves deeper into a formative experience that affected early residents of Johnstown. The city was settled in 1770, and in 1889, a devastating flood enveloped the area, causing massive destruction. Visitors who want to learn more about this chapter of local history and the city's efforts to rebuild can plan an afternoon at the Johnstown Flood Museum.
The Johnstown Area Heritage Association is another organization dedicated to preserving the area's roots and ensuring that locals and visitors have a resource for exploring the city's attractions and special events. Must-visit destinations in Johnstown include the Heritage Discovery Center, The Stone Bridge (a landmark that was built before the flood but still stands illuminated today), Peoples Natural Gas Park, and Wagner-Ritter House.
Though Johnstown is close enough to Pittsburgh that you might set up here as the base camp for your travels into the metropolis, the city has enough charm and sites to explore to warrant a vacation all its own. Plus, with numerous options for budget, luxury, and value hotels, you don't need an excuse to spend a weekend or longer in this lovely corner of Pennsylvania.
When should you visit Johnstown, PA?
The weather is fantastic in the spring and fall months, but you'll need to come prepared for some cold days if you visit in late fall or winter. Daily lows drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit starting in November, with a chance for negative temperatures from January through March.
Averages for these months aren't too bad, though, with temperatures hovering between 30 and 40 degrees. This might seem a bit chilly, but with Blue Knob All Seasons Resort about 45 minutes away by car, you might visit in the winter just for a day or two of skiing or snowboarding — in fact, many visitors do. You can expect a small influx of winter sports enthusiast to head to this part of the country for their holiday breaks, but you shouldn't have any problem avoiding major crowds as you tour around Johnstown.
The summer months are another peak travel time. The highs can get into the low 90s from May through September, but the daily averages are pleasant with temperatures in the 60- to 70-degree range. This makes for perfect conditions to hit one of the many trails just outside the city center. East Trailhead of Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail is one popular spot for hiking, but you can also plan a day at Stackhouse Park. Another option is to pack your things for some fun at the Quemahoning Family Recreation Area.
If you're visiting in the fall, you'll hit some colder weather and might not get to enjoy activities such as canoeing and sailing. However, this area bursts to life as the leaves begin to change color. The foliage in this part of the state hits its peak color change around the start of the second week of October.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Johnstown, PA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Johnstown, PA. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the best time period to make a reservation in Johnstown for your upcoming travels.
How do you upgrade your accommodations in Johnstown, PA?
4 Star Average Prices: $70.00
Though you won't find any four- or five-star lodgings in the city or surrounding town, there are plenty of three-star hotels nearby that offer more amenities than you'll find in a budget location. Check into one of these accommodations to enjoy comfier rooms in Johnstown.
Hampton Inn Johnstown is a top-rated hotel just a bit south down Route 219 from the city center. All guests enjoy free breakfasts and Wi-Fi access, and there's also a gym and a seasonal pool. Custom-designed beds help visitors get sound sleep, and the hotel also provides flat-screen TVs for entertainment. If you crave even more luxury or are traveling with a group, upgrade to a larger room for access to sofa beds, kitchenettes, and whirlpool tubs.
Holiday Inn Johnstown-Downtown is another three-star option that customers love. Though it's not a resort hotel, it does offer a heated indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center. Along with an on-site restaurant and wine bar, this hotel provides some above-average amenities for travelers seeking a little indulgence. This location is only a block from Main Street, so guests can quickly reach the downtown area's best spots on foot.
How do you find affordable hotels in the heart of Johnstown, PA?
3 Star Average Prices: $117.35
Travelers look for affordable hotels to save money, but in Johnstown, one of the best budget options gives you immediate access to some of the best attractions in the city. You'll find many other low-cost accommodations outside of the city along Route 219.
Econo Lodge in Johnstown has simple rooms with basic amenities that don't go far beyond free breakfast and Wi-Fi. However, considering its location, you won't need much else to enjoy your time in Johnstown. This affordable hotel is in the downtown area, so guests can easily walk to neighborhood shops and attractions such as the Johnstown Flood Museum and the Cambria County War Memorial.
Super 8 Johnstown is the nearest budget option off Route 219. Customers of this two-star hotel get low rates in addition to free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini fridges in every room. There's also on-site laundry facilities, a hot tub, and a business center. This establishment is a short drive from downtown Johnstown, and it's minutes from the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport as well.
