PA 5 begins at an intersection with U.S. Route 20 in Springfield Township 1.4 miles (2.3 km) east of the Ohio state line.

In the village of North Springfield, PA 5 intersects the northern terminus of Pennsylvania Route 215.

PA 5 Alternate continues as Lake Road until it crosses Pennsylvania Route 832, which is labeled Peninsula Drive, at which point it proceeds as West 8th Street into the Erie city limits.

In Lawrence Park Township, PA 5 meets the western terminus of Pennsylvania Route 955.

It then passes through a heavily suburbanized and residential two-lane sector, before serving as portions of 8th and 6th Streets in Erie city.

Passing relatively close to the lake, it travels through several picturesque tree-lined streets of large homes, skirting the city center and industrial areas.

Almost immediately after entering the suburb of Lawrence Park Township, the route ends at its parent.