About Altoona
Altoona is a city in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 43,963 at the time of the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Altoona metropolitan area, which includes all of Blair County and was recorded as having a population of 122,823.
Places to visit in Altoona
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Horseshoe Curve
Landmark · 5 mi from centreA famous railroad curve wrapping around a mountain valley west of town; a funicular or long stairway leads to a trackside viewing area where heavy freight trains pass at close range.
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Railroaders Memorial Museum
MuseumIn a former railroad shop building downtown, this museum tells the story of the workers and families who made Altoona a key Pennsylvania Railroad hub, with locomotives, recreated scenes and personal histories.
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Lakemont Park
Entertainment · 3 mi from centreA small, traditional amusement park that is home to Leap-the-Dips, a wooden side-friction roller coaster recognized as one of the oldest still operating in the world and a must for coaster fans.
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Fort Roberdeau
Historic · 8 mi from centreA reconstructed log stockade originally built during the American Revolution to protect local lead mining, set in a rural natural area with walking trails, a restored farmhouse and periodic living history events.
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Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
ReligiousA grand domed Catholic cathedral standing on a rise above downtown, with a richly decorated interior of marble altars, colorful mosaics and stained glass that is worth a quiet look inside.
Where to stay in Altoona
Popular hotels in Altoona, out of 23 properties you can book.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Altoona By IHG
From $134 per night
Comfort Suites Altoona Area
From $113 per night
Sleep Inn & Suites Altoona North
From $86 per night
TownePlace Suites Altoona
From $178 per night
Country Inn & Suites By Radisson Convention Center
From $128 per night
Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Altoona
From $97 per night
Hampton Inn Altoona
From $145 per night
Wingate By Wyndham Altoona
From $124 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Altoona
From $65 per night
Quality Inn & Suites Altoona
From $89 per night
Fairfield Inn & Suites Altoona
From $154 per night
Relax Inn Altoona
From $61 per night
Best time to visit Altoona
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Altoona is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 74–80°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Altoona weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 62° 40° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 63° 39° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 58° 40° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 59° 35° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 68° 38° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 68° 47° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Altoona
These are the airports closest to central Altoona. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- AOO Altoona–Blair County Airport15 mi (25 km) from the city centre
Altoona travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Altoona?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Altoona is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 74–80°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.
What is the weather like in Altoona?
July is usually the warmest month in Altoona, with average highs of 84°F (29°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 21°F (-6°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 151 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Altoona?
Altoona–Blair County Airport (AOO) is the closest airport, about 15 miles (25 km) from the centre of Altoona.
What time zone is Altoona in?
Altoona uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
What are the best places to visit in Altoona?
Top sights in Altoona include Horseshoe Curve, Railroaders Memorial Museum, Lakemont Park and Fort Roberdeau. A famous railroad curve wrapping around a mountain valley west of town; a funicular or long stairway leads to a trackside viewing area where heavy freight trains pass at close range.
Where should I stay in Altoona?
Popular areas for hotels in Altoona include Altoona Area. Well-reviewed options include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Altoona By IHG and Comfort Suites Altoona Area.
How many hotels can I book in Altoona?
Destina Holidays currently lists 23 properties in and around Altoona, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
