weekend trips from pittsburgh

33 Driveable Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh to Get Out of the City (+ A Map!)

Pittsburgh is a great city with so many things to do all year. But, sometimes, you want to get out and explore some other places. It’s okay. We understand!

Where should you venture when you want a getaway from Pittsburgh?

There are SO MANY options, all within just a few hours’ drive from the city.

What makes us experts? Well, we both grew up in western Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. We’ve explored most of these locations more times than we can count over the years, so we feel great about sharing each of these recommendations with you.

What type of destination or weekend trip are you looking for? There is something in this list that could be tailored to just about any desire. Here are some great ideas for weekend getaways from Pittsburgh .

➡️Just Want The Highlights? Our Top Recommendations:

• Best for Exploring the Outdoors: Pine Creek Gorge ; Cuyahoga Valley National Park ; Dolly Sods ; Hocking Hills
• Small Town Getaways: Lancaster, PA ; Jamestown, NY
• Explore Another City: Buffalo, NY ; Baltimore, MD
• A Girls’ Weekend in Wine Country: Geneva, OH ; Finger Lakes, NY
• History Buff’s Getaway: Gettysburg ; Washington DC
• Best Relaxing Weekend Getaway: Bedford Springs

What Makes a Good Weekend Trip from Pittsburgh?

We think that a good weekend trip requires no more than 4-5 hours of driving . Typically, with those on the longer end of this range, we’d even recommend a long weekend of at least 3 days.

Anything shorter than 1.5 hours could be explored in a day trip , but this list includes a wide variety of locations and distances. Hopefully, it will at least inspire a starting point for your next weekend getaway.

One thing we really like about many of these places to visit near Pittsburgh is that they can be enjoyed any time of the year.

These destinations are all driveable, and for most of them, having a car to get around once you’re there is a good idea.

Compiling this list was seriously tough! It became overwhelming when we sat down to think of all the great places within only a few hours’ drive from the city. Basically, we could have had 50+ spots here with great reasons to visit each one.

Best Weekend Trips from Pittsburgh

Stay in the State of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is full of places to see and things to do. Check out some of these spots, some very well-known and some more off the beaten path.

1. The Laurel Highlands

Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Distance: 70 miles

The Laurel Highlands is a scenic, mountainous region in Western Pennsylvania that’s perfect for a weekend getaway from Pittsburgh.  The drive time is only about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and the area offers plenty of things to do.

The star of the show in the Laurel Highlands is definitely Ohiopyle State Park . Discover beautiful waterfalls , and hike great trails like Jonathan Run and the Ferncliff Loop.

In addition to Ohiopyle, other great state parks nearby include Laurel Hill and Laurel Ridge.

Ohiopyle is also a popular whitewater rafting destination close to Pittsburgh.

Book an adventurous Whitewater Rafting Trip in Ohiopyle!

The tallest point in the state of Pennsylvania is located nearby in the Laurel Highlands: Mount Davis. If you’re trying to visit the tallest point in this or every state, this is a must-visit.

During the winter months, we think Seven Springs is a great place to satisfy your winter sports adventures on the mountain. You can ski, snowboard, or tube your way down the mountain.

Drive Time: 2 hours Distance: 128 miles

Erie is a great place to visit for a getaway weekend.  It’s located in the very northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, and it’s only about 2 hours from Pittsburgh! Erie has plenty of things to do and see during every season.

The city has a rich history with ties to Lake Erie that dates back centuries. Enjoy the historic tall ships or millionaires’ row of mansions right downtown.

Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and boating are great ways to enjoy Presque Isle State Park and nearby Erie Bluffs State Park .

Stay for the sunset at Presque Isle and watch from one of the park’s beaches. We think it’s easily one of the best places to watch a sunset in the Great Lakes region .

If you’re looking for some indoor fun, enjoy the Erie Art Museum, shop at the Millcreek Mall, or catch a show at Kellar’s comedy club and magic bar. Some pretty big names have performed on the small stage at Kellar’s.

Have you Pittsburghers heard of Billy Gardell? We’ve seen him at Kellar’s.

After spending the day exploring, visit one of the many great local restaurants. There are so many options that it’s hard to go wrong. Some of our favorite spots include The Cork, BrewErie, and Pineapple Eddie’s, among others. These are just a few!

3. Pine Creek Gorge

Drive Time: 4 hours Distance: 228 miles

The Pine Creek Gorge is the jewel of the northern part of the state. It’s an amazingly scenic and diverse destination. It’s an under-the-radar weekend trip from Pittsburgh!

The star attraction in this region is sandwiched between Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks. It’s the gorge with the river below, known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon .

Hiking, biking, boating, and backpacking are all popular things to do in the area. You’ll want to spend all day exploring and enjoying the many trails and views. The West Rim Trail in the PA Grand Canyon is one of our favorite weekend backpacking trails in Pennsylvania at about 30 miles long.

The area is also filled with small towns, great places to eat, spots for shopping, and outdoor activities like kayaking.

Visit nearby Hills Creek State Park for more hiking and water adventures in the park’s lake. In the winter, you’ll see plenty of ice fishing happening out on the lake.

4. Gettysburg

Drive Time: 3 hours 30 minutes Distance: 185 miles

Located only about 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Pittsburgh, Gettysburg has a lot to offer, and it’s worth the drive. You’ll find all sorts of things to do in Gettysburg, and it’s a perfect destination for history buffs.

Check out sites like the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and the History Center. Then go out and explore the battlefields for a window into the events that occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War.

We learned so much by playing the virtual tour videos from the NPS at each stop through the battlefields drive.

There are also plenty of places to go hiking nearby, including Pine Grove Furnace and Caledonia State Parks. Take a nighttime ghost tour if you’re into the paranormal.

Other things to do in Gettysburg include shopping and visiting wineries! So many quaint little shops with unique items are scattered throughout the streets of the town.

Gettysburg is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, although you can certainly spend more than just a weekend exploring!

5. State College

Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Distance: 136 miles

State College is a great driveable spot near Pittsburgh with a more small-town feel. This university town still offers all sorts of fun for both visitors and locals.

Whether it’s exploring the historic sites or grabbing some grub at one of the many restaurants, there is something to do in State College every day of the week. We always make sure to stop at the Berkey Creamery for some delicious ice cream when we’re in town.

Outdoor activities are popular, too. Wander through the arboretum at Penn State or hike up Mount Nittany . Play a round of golf at one of the beautiful courses. Take a tour through Penn’s Cave . There are even a few spots nearby for afternoon wine tasting.

Visit during particular fall weekends, and you’ll see the town transform. Football games are a big deal in these parts, and people come from far and wide to cheer on their Nittany Lions. So much so, that on these weekends, State College turns into one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania. It’s definitely a sports experience you should have at some point in your life.

On top of that, this small town has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping and entertainment. For those who love culture and art, don’t miss out on visiting any museums or galleries.

6. Benezette & Elk County

Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Distance: 129 miles

Benezette is a small town about 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh, and there are plenty of things to do for visitors. This is certainly a more laid-back escape than some of the others on this list.

One of the best attractions in Benezette is seeing elk! Elk roam free on the hillsides surrounding the town, and it’s a great opportunity to see these large animals in a natural setting on the east coast.

Plan this as a fall getaway when the leaves are changing and the elk are in the rut. You’ll be in for a real treat.

Hike the nearby state forest trails, and you might get even closer to them, but not too close! Always maintain 100 yards between you and the elk for yours and the animals’ safety.

You can also enjoy some fishing or take a scenic drive through the area if that’s what you prefer!

7. Lancaster

Drive Time: 3 hours 50 minutes Distance: 238 miles

Lancaster, PA is a historic and charming area located about three hours and fifty minutes from Pittsburgh. Lancaster offers plenty of things to do for visitors and locals alike, but life’s pace is much slower than that in the city.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities like hiking or fishing, or indoor fun at the museums, there is something for everyone in Lancaster!

In addition to all these wonderful attractions, the area also has a lot of restaurants where you can taste the local flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. You’ll never go hungry here with this delicious home cooking.

Take an Amish Immersion Tour to Learn More About the Pennsylvania Dutch Culture in Lancaster!

Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is a mixture of German and Dutch elements. These foods emphasize meat, potatoes, cornbreads/biscuits, cabbage dishes with pork or beef sausages; fresh loaves of bread; apple pies; pretzels; and scrapple.

8. The Poconos

Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes Distance: 279 miles

If you’re looking for a more adventurous weekend getaway, the Poconos are a great option! This area is located about four hours and thirty minutes from Pittsburgh.

It’s quite a large area, so you could easily spend a long weekend exploring the Poconos and still not do everything you want.

Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, watersports, and golfing during the summer. Check out the nearby Ricketts Glen State Park Waterfall Trail for a real treat! There are over 20 waterfalls along the trail.

You can also enjoy some time at the casino or take a trip to one of the area’s many water parks. Indoor fun includes visiting the various museums and theaters or simply relaxing at the spa. In the winter, it is a ski and snowboard destination.

A trip to the Poconos is truly an adventure, whether you prefer relaxing or being active. While it is a little further drive, it is well worth the time and effort.

Drive Time: 50 minutes Distance: 33 miles

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Butler County may be just what you need to explore. Although it’s one of the closest destinations on this list, and you might be wondering why it made the cut, there are plenty of hidden gems here.

About fifty minutes or so from Pittsburgh to the north, there are plenty of outdoor activities as well as indoor fun. Hiking is plentiful in nearby McConnells Mill and Moraine State Parks . Sections of the North Country Trail travel right through both parks.

Shopping and dining options give you some variety that is different from the city. A few craft breweries, wineries, and local restaurants serve up delicious treats.

Numerous festivals are held in Butler every year, too. The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival attracts Jeep enthusiasts from all over the country to the area for a weekend of on and off-road fun. I love my ’97 TJ and make it a point to attend every year.

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that doesn’t require a lot of time, driving, or effort to reach, heading just north to Butler County is an easy trip.

10. Philadelphia

Drive Time: 4 hours 50 minutes Distance: 304 miles

Philadelphia is such a historic city with plenty to do, whether you plan to spend a week or one day in Philadelphia . It’s also the place where American independence was first declared, so history has a big influence on the city’s culture.

Museums, dedicated to different varieties of art, history, or oddities are scattered throughout the city! The Mütter Museum is one of the strangest museums we’ve ever been to, but those fascinated by the human body may also find it interesting.

Stop by Independence Hall where the founding fathers debated and signed some of the most important documents in US history, the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. After, take a short walk to the famous Liberty Bell.

Take a Walking Tour of the historic Old City with a guide to be sure that you don’t miss any of the most notable sites during your visit!

Those interested in crime will enjoy a visit to the Eastern State Penitentiary. Wander the eerie passageways on a self-guided tour where notorious criminals like Al Capone were once locked away. We found the audio tour that comes with your entrance ticket really interesting!

In addition to all these wonderful attractions, the area also has a lot of restaurants where you can taste local flavors. The Philly Cheesesteak war is alive and well. While Geno’s and Pat’s are the most famous, they’re not the only places to grab these sandwich staples.

Before leaving the City of Brotherly Love, visit the Museum of Art and run up the stairs made famous in “Rocky.”

➡️ Pro Tip: If you’re able to plan a visit on Independence Day weekend like we have, you may be lucky enough to sit on the museum stairs and catch the movie being played under the stars.

11. Delaware Water Gap

Drive Time: 4 hours 50 minutes Distance: 299 miles

The Delaware Water Gap is an ideal destination if you are looking to explore the outdoors. The area features caves, waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and many other outdoor attractions.

The Delaware River forms a natural border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey at this location, which also makes it a great spot for fishing or canoeing on the river.

The area is so beautiful that many are hoping that the national recreation area will soon be upgraded to national park status, becoming Pennsylvania’s first.

We had a fantastic time sipping on a drink at the Glass Wine Bar in the Ledges Hotel. Make sure you request a table with a view of the waterfall!

We had an early reservation for a drink and appetizers and then drove the 30 minutes back to Raymondskill Falls. The restaurant wasn’t as busy, and we had Raymondskill to ourselves.

12. Cherry Spring State Park

Drive Time: 3 hours 30 minutes Distance: 182 miles

Cherry Spring State Park is a perfect destination for visitors who want to enjoy some relaxing time outdoors. It’s a great space to get “off the grid.”

This park is a true destination for stargazers. It’s known as the darkest spot on the eastern seaboard. The park is situated far away from any big cities, light pollution, and traffic; all of which make it the perfect place for seeing the Milky Way, among other things.

Cherry Springs also offers educational programs throughout the summer to help visitors learn more about astronomy and the night sky.

You’ll need to book a campsite far in advance for any big events such as eclipses or meteor showers. There aren’t a ton of campsites, and they can book up quickly, and they’re definitely rustic.

Trails in the surrounding state forest are great for mountain biking and hiking. Although the only overnight options within the park are rustic tenting options, check out Airbnb or VRBO for private cabin and home rentals near the park.

13. Hershey

Drive Time: 3 hours 50 minutes Distance: 215 miles

Hershey, Pennsylvania is a small town near the heart of Amish country. For those who are thrill-seekers, there is plenty to do. The amusement park is a main attraction for tourists.

Next door, the Hershey Story Museum & Chocolate World offers visitors a glimpse into the history of Milton S. Hershey’s chocolate empire and how it has grown to include popular brands like Reese’s, Twizzlers, Almond Joy, Mr. Goodbar, and many more.

Five-pound Hershey chocolate bars exist and are sold here. I know. I got one!

You can also take a guided tour, which is more of an experience through the Chocolate World with animations and songs.

Enjoy some shopping or play a round of golf if the weather permits. There are several hotels and motels close to the Hershey area, including one right next to Hersheypark.

14. Bedford Springs

Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Distance: 108 miles

The Bedford Springs Resort is a historic property that was established in 1806. The resort is centered around healing mineral springs that were discovered in 1796. In those times, it was a destination for city dwellers who would vacation to get away from the pollution and hustle and bustle of city life.

It was completely renovated and restored, then opened back to the public in 2007. Let me tell you, this property is a hidden gem in south-central Pennsylvania. We were pleasantly surprised with what we discovered staying at the resort.

The 300-acre property features a spa, fed by a mineral spring, which pays homage to the original purpose of the property. Indulge in a “Bedford Bath” which is the signature treatment here, alternating hot and cold baths with steam from the springs, too.

This is a great weekend getaway where you can indulge in relaxation, but there are also onsite hiking trails, bike rentals, and golf. An outfitter on site can help book fishing trips in the area.

Getaways from Pittsburgh in the Neighboring States

Pittsburgh is within just a couple hours’ drive to multiple other states. There are plenty of options when considering weekend getaways from Pittsburgh, so don’t be afraid to get outside the city and the state.

Access to many spots in Ohio is just a short drive away. Although some rivalry exists between residents of the two states, that shouldn’t deter you from considering a visit!

15. Cleveland

Drive Time: 2 hours 15 minutes Distance: 133 miles

While some Pittsburghers may roll their eyes or shake their head any time Cleveland is mentioned, it’s an enjoyable spot to visit for a weekend. At just over 2 hours from Pittsburgh, it’s an easily accessible drive for just a short visit.

Cleveland’s downtown features an impressive skyline of high-rises, fun restaurants, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For music lovers, this place is a must-visit!

Cleveland also has the closest NBA professional basketball team in the Cavaliers, if you’re looking for a different sport to watch that isn’t offered in Pittsburgh.

There are so many great restaurants, bars, and breweries to visit, too, scattered all over town. Don’t just head down East 4th Street. Check out Tremont or Ohio City, The Flats, and other hotspots around town.

And, if you’re a beer lover, Cleveland has an impressive list of breweries to visit, many of which offer samples or tours. We love Noble Beast, Masthead, Terrestrial… We could go on!

16. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Drive Time: 1 hour 50 minutes Distance: 112 miles

Who knew a national park was so close and accessible? Even if the Delaware Water Gap becomes a national park, this one is closer! Cuyahoga Valley is a newer and lesser-known national park, but there are some beautiful spots to check out.

Brandywine Falls should be one of your first stops, and then hike along some of the fantastic trails, including a section of the Buckeye Trail. Take a ride on the train, especially if you’re visiting during the fall when the leaves are at their peak.

The Towpath Trail is a popular spot for bicyclists. The trail, which follows the Ohio & Erie Canal currently for 87 miles, is mostly flat and makes for an easy ride. It will be 101 miles long when it’s all finished!

The trail offers great views of the Cuyahoga River and the surrounding landscape, as well as some information about the historical significance of the canal way.

All of these sites certainly make Cuyahoga Valley National Park worth visiting on a weekend from Pittsburgh.

17. Nelson Ledges

Drive Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Distance: 92 miles

Nelson Ledges is a great place to explore the natural rock formations that make up the park. Hike, swim, bike, snorkel, camp, or find another activity that gets you excited to be outdoors. The possibilities here are nearly endless!

Check event schedules. The park is sometimes home to arts festivals and musical events on its 250 acres of land.

If you’re looking for a more leisurely activity, take a walk along one of the nature trails or enjoy a picnic lunch.

There are also two fishing lakes in the park if you’d like to relax by the water. Just be sure to check with the park staff about fishing regulations before you start casting your line.

18. Put-in-Bay

Drive Time: 3 hours 50 minutes Distance: 202 miles

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with both a party atmosphere and spots to find some solitude, Put-in-Bay is the perfect spot. Just a few hours from Pittsburgh, this island offers plenty to do and see.

The town is situated on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. You’ll have to take a ferry to get to the island.

There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore in town. Rent a golf cart for a fun way to get around town. You can also visit some of the historical sites or take a boat tour of the area.

If you’re looking for something more active, there are plenty of bike trails or golf courses to check out. And don’t forget about the beaches! Put-in-Bay has some of the best beaches around for swimming and enjoying Lake Erie.

19. Hocking Hills

Drive Time: 3 hours 30 minutes Distance: 193 miles

Hocking Hills is a favorite destination in the region for a number of reasons. It’s one of the most popular state parks in Ohio. Things to do in Hocking Hills include canyoneering, rafting, and hiking through the scenic landscape of rock formations, cliffs, and waterfalls.

The area can get quite busy during the summer, so consider visiting the Hocking Hills hiking trails during the winter for a different experience. Just make sure that you have the appropriate gear.

The trails can get really icy and dangerous! We definitely needed our Kahtoola microspikes , especially on the Old Man’s Cave and Rock House trails.

In addition to the great outdoors, the town has a number of places worth checking out. Take a ride around the area, visit some of the antique stores, or stop at the winery for an afternoon of tasting.

For overnight stays, there are soooo many cabins throughout the area with great amenities like game rooms, hot tubs, and beautiful fireplaces. Many pet-friendly cabins and hiking trails allow dogs in Hocking Hills , making this a great place to get away with your pups.

Pro Tip: Cell phone service can be extremely limited in many spots, even at some of the cabins that we’ve stayed at. Make sure you have paper maps and plan your trip ahead of time. You don’t want to risk missing things you’d like to do because you don’t have wifi or cell service.

Drive Time: 2 hours 20 minutes Distance: 138 miles

Geneva, Ohio is a small town with a big heart. The wine country of northeast Ohio has been growing and thriving. It’s home to beautiful scenery, delicious food & drink, outdoor adventure opportunities…the list goes on!

Geneva is home to more than just vineyards. It’s also the perfect place to visit if you want the best of both worlds: a weekend spent exploring or relaxing- all without having to travel too far from Pittsburgh.

Check out some of the beautiful covered bridges of Ashtabula County. There are 19 of them around the county.

Spend your time wandering “the Strip” for a carnival-like atmosphere during the summer months or get out and get active at the state park. Then, enjoy the wine! One of my personal favorites is Laurello’s.

Stay at the Lakehouse Inn in Geneva-on-the-Lake to be within walking distance of the Strip and enjoy epic lakefront views.

21. Sandusky

Drive Time: 3 hours Distance: 182 miles

Cedar Point Amusement Park is a world-famous amusement park located in Sandusky, Ohio. It’s home to some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world, as well as a variety of other rides and attractions.

You could absolutely spend an entire weekend in Sandusky visiting the beach on Lake Erie, checking out Cedar Point, and exploring the shopping and restaurants in town. There’s so much to see and do in the region.

This would be a great weekend getaway for families, especially with older children. Park entrance fees can be on the pricey side, but buying multi-day passes does give some discount.

Sharing a lot of the southern border of Pennsylvania, Maryland is home to a couple of weekend getaway destinations from Pittsburgh.

22. Deep Creek Lake

Drive Time: 2 hours 10 minutes Distance: 103 miles

Just over two hours away, this lake offers plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay. You can go fishing, boating, swimming, or hiking on the trails around the lake during the summer.

Wisp Resort in the area is a great winter destination for skiers and snowboarders. The resort is on the smaller side but offers slopes for all levels of skiers and a terrain park for the more adventurous.

There are also restaurants and shops in and around the town of McHenry if you need to take a break from all the outdoor activities, or stay in and just spend a weekend relaxing in one of the lakeside cottages.

23. Baltimore

Drive Time: 4 hours 5 minutes Distance: 248 miles

Baltimore is a city with a rich history, both as an industrial port and as the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner. But today, Baltimore’s many charms extend to its diverse restaurants and neighborhoods, world-class museums and art galleries, beautiful parks, and waterfront promenade. It’s also home to world-class universities like Johns Hopkins.

Some must-sees include The National Aquarium, which showcases millions of gallons of water-filled tanks with thousands of different species of aquatic life from around the world. You can explore the Atlantic coral reef or get up close with sharks in Shark Alley.

Baltimore is also home to the famous Inner Harbor, with its beautiful skyline views.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, stop by the Johns Hopkins University campus or check out the museums and art galleries around town. Stop by the Westminster Presbyterian Church, where you can see Edgar Allen Poe’s gravesite.

New York is such a large state that much of it is not accessible within a reasonable amount of time to be considered a weekend trip, even a long weekend trip from Pittsburgh. There are a few options, though, all of which have something fun to offer.

24. The Finger Lakes

Drive Time: 5 hours Distance: 284 miles

The Finger Lakes wine country in upstate New York is a beautiful destination for a weekend getaway. The region is home to stunning landscapes, delicious food and drink, and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities.

The Finger Lakes region is one of the furthest destinations included in this list, and you’ll want to take a long weekend vacation (or maybe more) to explore everything the region has to offer.

Spend the mornings exploring the many waterfalls scattered throughout the area or one of the stunning state parks near the lakes. The afternoons can be saved for wine tasting. Relax by one of the beautiful lakes in the evenings. What could make a better weekend getaway?

Make sure you check out Watkins Glen , Taughannock Falls , and Letchworth State Parks. These are just a few hiking options that have beautiful things to see around the Finger Lakes, but each one has great waterfalls and hiking trails.

25. Jamestown

Drive Time: 2 hours 40 minutes Distance: 171 miles

Did you know that Jamestown, NY is the birthplace of Lucille Ball? She was born there in 1911 and spent her childhood there. It is also her final resting place, along with some members of her other family members.

After a successful career in Hollywood, she retired to her hometown and opened the Lucy-Desi Museum. The museum celebrates her life and career and is home to many artifacts from her time on I Love Lucy.

Jamestown is also home to the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival each year. The festival features stand-up comedians, sketch comedy groups, and performances from both up-and-comers and well-known comedians.

For outdoor lovers, nearby Chautauqua Lake has plenty to do from boating and watersports to hiking trails and parks. Visit Southern Tier Brewing’s original location, and during the summer, you might be able to catch a musical act on the small outdoor stage while you grab a drink and bite to eat.

26. Niagara Falls

Drive Time: 3 hours 40 minutes Distance: 238 miles

Niagara Falls is quite a famous destination, being one of the most visited tourist attractions in North America. It’s no wonder why; Niagara Falls is truly spectacular. It’s the largest waterfall in North America by volume.

There are so many things to do at Niagara Falls, including taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour , visiting the Cave of the Winds, and even hiking along the Gorge Trail.

You can take out the planning and book a day-long tour of the highlights of Niagara Falls .

Discover Niagara Falls through a Guided Tour, Including Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.

There are also many hotels located near the falls, making it easy to stay overnight while enjoying the beauty of the falls. Some even overlook the falls, but you’ll have to head over to the Canadian side for most of them.

While the area is very built-up and touristy, the magnitude of these falls should not be missed. In our experience, visits during the colder months were less crowded.

27. Ellicottville

Drive Time: 3 hours 15 minutes Distance: 203 miles

Ellicottville is a small town in Western New York, south of Buffalo. This quaint little town provides a lot of bang for your buck, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities.

The town is home to 2 ski slopes, which offer even more than just winter fun.  During the summer, trails are open for exploration and mountain biking at Holiday Valley. Just south of town, there are more trails and outdoor areas to visit in the state forests.

After a day of exploring, you can spend the evening wandering through the shops in town or grab dinner and a drink at Ellicottville Brewing.

If you’re looking for a quiet weekend escape in a small town, this is the perfect spot.

28. Buffalo

Drive Time: 3 hours 20 minutes Distance: 219 miles

The city of Buffalo gives off very similar vibes to that of Pittsburgh with the locals and things to do.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as museums and art galleries, and a waterfront with activities in all seasons. 

Ever wanted to try your luck at curling after watching it on TV during the Olympics? There are lanes at the waterfront area, known as Canalside, where you can try it out and learn the sport. There are also skating rinks and plenty of winter fun. 

During the summer, the waterfront becomes a popular location for concerts and festivals, such as the annual Taste of Buffalo food festival. You could also combine a trip to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, as they’re only about 20 miles apart.

West Virginia

Wild and wonderful, West Virginia has plenty of outdoor adventure waiting in its mountains.

29. New River Gorge

Drive Time: 3 hours 30 minutes Distance: 217 miles

Just over 200 miles to the south, you can visit the US’s newest national park the New River Gorge .

The area in and around the gorge is popular with thrill-seekers, as there is fantastic whitewater rafting in both the New and Gauley Rivers. While we haven’t tackled the Gauley, the New River trip is fun in the spring.

Rock climbing and hiking are also other popular activities in the park, and you’ll find lots of camping options to stay the night in the area. Whether you’d like to spend the night in a primitive cabin or one with lots of amenities, there is a suitable choice. Plenty of tent camping sites are available, too.

Cell phone reception can be a problem in parts of the park, so plan ahead by downloading maps, just in case you find yourself off the grid. It is one of many great areas in West Virginia to get off the grid.

30. Charleston

Drive Time: 3 hours 35 minutes Distance: 228 miles

This historic city is the capital of West Virginia. With its beautiful architecture and charming downtown, Charleston is an absolute must-see when visiting West Virginia.

Although it is the capital of the state, Charleston has kept much of its small-town charm throughout, making this a relaxing weekend getaway from Pittsburgh.

Shop in the Capitol Market or attend an event at the Haddad Riverfront Park amphitheater. Grab a bite at one of the many downtown restaurants serving dishes like Italian or Mexican favorites. 

For a long weekend option, combine a visit to Charleston and the New River Gorge. The one-hour drive between the two destinations on Route 60 is scenic and beautiful. It’ll give you a good taste of those West Virginia country roads.

31. Dolly Sods Wilderness

Drive Time: 3 hours 25 minutes Distance: 152 miles

Another beautiful off-the-grid destination in West Virginia, Dolly Sods is a hiking paradise. As part of the larger Monongahela National Forest, there are over 17,000 acres of outdoor areas to explore.

This is a destination for those who are more adventurous outdoor lovers. 

There are trails for hikers of all levels, and if you want to see some wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for deer, foxes, and even black bears.

The best way to enjoy the outdoors is to camp out here. There are several campsites that offer electricity and water hookups, but no showers.

To really get to some of the best seclusion, plan to head to the backcountry, but only if you come prepared.

Much of Virginia requires more of a drive, so not all of the state is accessible for weekend getaways from Pittsburgh. A few spots could be great, though, especially for long weekend options.

32. Shenandoah

Drive Time: 3 hours 45 minutes Distance: 193 miles

If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Pittsburgh, Shenandoah is a perfect place to go south.

One of the East Coast’s beautiful national parks, there are miles of hiking trails, biking, and scenic roadways through this portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

You can also take advantage of the natural beauty of the area by fishing and camping.

Shenandoah is definitely a four-season destination. Depending on the time of year, you will be treated to rushing waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, bright fall foliage, or snow-covered mountains.

All are beautiful in their own way, so plan your visit according to the type of scenery that you’d like to visit.

33. Washington D.C.

Drive Time: 4 hours 5 minutes Distance: 242 miles

Because it’s within a 5-hour drive of Pittsburgh, we can’t leave the nation’s capital off of our list of best weekend destinations from Pittsburgh.

You’ll certainly need more than a weekend to see everything that the capital city has to offer, though!

From the monuments and the National Mall to the shopping in Georgetown, there are endless things to do and places to explore. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience, check out the Smithsonian Museums or the National Zoo.

They’re all free to visit!

If you’d like someone else to do the route planning, check out these ELECTRIC CART GUIDED TOURS . You’ll be able to see more in less time in this small-group experience.

Plenty of sports teams call D.C. home, too, so there is a great chance that you could catch a game of some kind during your visit.

If you’ve never been to Washington D.C., you won’t know what you’re missing.

While there are so many options for weekend getaways from Pittsburgh, hopefully, this list gives you some great ideas to start with. Better yet, take a spur-of-the-moment trip to one of the closer destinations we suggested. Sometimes those kinds of trips lead to some of the best memories!

Which one of these weekend getaways from Pittsburgh are you most excited about planning?

Samantha is the owner and author of PAonPause, a blog that helps travelers find the best outdoor travel experiences and highlights unique locations around the Great Lakes. When she isn't writing and creating content for the website, she's hiking and exploring with her husband and 2 rescue pups. She also enjoys a good craft beer, a summer ride in her Jeep with the top down, and discovering a new waterfall.

• Last Updated On
• September 5, 2023

40 Best Weekend Getaways From Pittsburgh — Quick Trips!

Pittsburgh is the perfect place to go if you want a weekend getaway.

The city in western Pennsylvania is not just home to museums, gardens, and historical sites waiting to be explored.

Located at the confluence of the Allegheny and the Monongahela Rivers, it’s also the perfect jump-off point to other beautiful places outside the city.

Have you explored every corner of the City of Champions?

Spice up your adventures with the best weekend getaways from Pittsburgh on this list below.

1. The Laurel Highlands

Laurel Highlands, PA 15655 (717) 787-2500

This region encompasses 3,000 square miles of green spaces and rugged terrain in Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties.

It’s also home to historical sites and world-class resorts.

You can reach The Laurel Highlands from Pittsburgh in 59 minutes.

Looking for last minute weekend getaways from Pittsburgh?

The Laurel Highlands should be your destination.

You can do many things in this nature oasis.

Marvel at the beautiful Cucumber and Ohiopyle waterfalls.

Bike the popular Great Allegheny Passage and take in gorgeous views of around 130 species of trees along the way.

If you’re lucky, you might even come across a red-backed salamander or white-tailed deer.

2. The Allegheny National Forest

Marienville, PA 16239 (814) 927-5700

Established in 1923, this forest covers 513,315 acres of land.

It’s home to the Kinzua Dam, one of the largest reservoirs east of Mississippi.

It will take 1 hour and 46 minutes from Pittsburgh to the Allegheny National Forest if you travel by car.

Don’t look any further for cheap vacations from Pittsburgh.

The Allegheny National Forest is nature at its finest.

This means it has everything to keep you busy.

You won’t have to shell out that much to enjoy, either.

Go fishing in the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River.

If you’re up for the challenge, take a stroll along Kinzua Sky Walk.

Here, you can look 300 feet straight down into the valley through the glass floors.

Hike a portion of the 100 miles of the historic North Country Trail to view a beautiful ancient forest.

It’s one of the inexpensive weekend getaways near Pittsburgh you can’t miss.

3. Baltimore

Located on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, this city in Maryland is at the mouth of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

It’s home to family-friendly attractions, including the National Aquarium.

You can get to Baltimore from Pittsburgh in 4 hours and 20 minutes by car.

This is one of the long weekend trips from Pittsburgh worth taking.

After all, in Baltimore, there’s no shortage of things to do when you’re with the family.

Get up close and personal with gorgeous animals like the Atlantic puffin and bottlenose dolphin in the National Aquarium.

The Maryland Science Center is perfect for the science buff, with its three levels of exhibits, a planetarium, and an observatory.

If you’re an artist, head to the Walters Art Museum.

The museum features beautiful artworks from the third millennium BC to the 20th century.

Recommended Hotel: Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

Related: Best Places to Visit Near Baltimore

4. Beaver Creek State Park

12021 Echo Dell Road East Liverpool, OH 43920 (330) 385-3091

This park near East Liverpool stretches for 2,722 acres in Columbiana County.

It features historical landmarks like Gaston’s Mill and the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center.

If you’re coming from Pittsburgh, you can get to Beaver Creek State Park in 1 hour and 2 minutes.

One of the best places near Pittsburgh for vacation, the park is a nature oasis.

Keep your eyes open for raccoons, chipmunks, and even white-tailed deer here.

Go boating on Little Beaver Creek or hike the Vondergreen trail that runs along the river.

If you’re more of a history buff, check out Pioneer Village, which showcases 19th-century buildings, such as a blacksmith shop and a schoolhouse.

Gaston’s Mill is a must-see, too, one of the last functioning of its kind in Ohio, dating back to 1837.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express – Newell-Chester WV, an IHG Hotel

5. Chautauqua County

Mayville, NY 14757 (716) 753-4000

Situated in the westernmost part of New York, this county, created in 1808, stretches for 960,000 acres.

It’s home to historic attractions like Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Museum.

If you’re driving from Pittsburgh, you can reach Chautauqua County in 2 hours and 23 minutes.

There are many places to go for a weekend trip near you.

Chautauqua County is one of them, with its abundance of historical spots.

Built in the 1800s, the Atwater-Stone House is a must-visit.

Check out the Brocton Arch, too, constructed way back in 1913.

Embark on a lake adventure on board Chautauqua Belle, built between 1974 and 1976.

It can be one of the best romantic getaways from Pittsburgh you’ll ever have.

Recommended Hotel: Spencer Hotel & Spa Chautauqua

Related: Weekend Trips From Buffalo

Related: Hotels in Pittsburgh

6. Cleveland

This city in Ohio is the seat of Cuyahoga County.

It stretches for 52,787 acres and is home to the popular Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

If you’re driving a car from Pittsburgh, you can get to Cleveland in 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Don’t miss out on one of the popular Pittsburgh area weekend getaways.

Situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a haven for travelers.

Check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which features exhibits on the musical genre’s history.

If you’re more of an architecture enthusiast, drop by downtown Cleveland.

You won’t get enough of the gorgeous architecture associated with the City Beautiful movement of the 1890s and 1900s.

Prefer to see art?

The Cleveland Museum of Art is just the place to go.

Enjoy the museum’s beautiful photography, modern artworks, and exhibits of talented local artists.

Recommended Hotel: Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection

Related: Places Near Cleveland

7. Columbus

Columbus, OH 43125 (614) 645-3111

Columbus encompasses over 144,000 acres of parks and modern and historical structures.

Incorporated in 1816, it’s Ohio’s state capital.

It’s an almost 3-hour drive from Pittsburgh to Columbus.

Here’s one cool overnight trip you’ll never forget.

Columbus offers the adventure of a lifetime for travelers looking to experience a bit of everything.

Want to check out a science museum?

The Center of Science and Industry features interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.

Looking for history?

The German Village area is a must-visit, with its restored brick houses built in the 1800s.

If you want to experience nature, drop by the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

You’ll love the over 400 plant species around you.

Recommended Hotel: Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Related: Day Trips Around Columbus

8. Conneaut Lake Park

12382 Center Street Conneaut Lake, PA 16316

This amusement park, founded in 1892, is one of the country’s most historical facilities of its kind.

It’s in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania’s largest natural glacier lagoon.

If you drive a vehicle from Pittsburgh, you can reach Conneaut Lake Park in 1 hour and 28 minutes.

This is one of the short trips from Pittsburgh you should make with the family.

You and the kids will have loads of fun when you get to the park.

Ride the old-fashioned Ferris wheel for beautiful views of the city from 40 feet above.

If you prefer an adrenaline-pumping attraction, slide down a 415-foot-long slide in Cliffhanger Falls.

You can go fishing in Conneaut Lake for a more relaxing experience.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Meadville

9. Fallingwater

1491 Mill Run Road Mill Run, PA 15464 (724) 329-8501

Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, a portion of this house stands over a waterfall.

It’s in the mountains of Pennsylvania.

If you’re coming from Pittsburgh, Fallingwater is just 1 hour and 11 minutes away.

If you’re looking for the perfect getaway, Pittsburgh won’t disappoint.

The city allows you to access this majestic piece of architecture via I-76 easily.

When you reach your destination, you’ll find 5,100 acres of land surrounding the beautiful structure.

Check out Fallingwater’s huge outdoor terraces.

Then you can dine in Fallingwater Cafe in the Visitor Center for the complete adventure.

Recommended Hotel: Nemacolin

Related: Fun Weekend Trips in Pennsylvania

10. Hartwood Acres Park

200 Hartwood Acres Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (412) 767-9200

This park encompasses 629 acres of land in Allegheny County.

It’s home to a sculpture garden, an off-leash dog area, and a 1.5-mile paved trail system.

It’s just a 22-minute drive from Pittsburgh to Hartwood Acres Park.

Experience nature at its peak in this gorgeous park.

Hike a portion of the trails for stunning views of wildflowers in the meadows and tall trees.

You can bond with your furry friend in open green spaces, too.

The Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden is a must-see, too.

You’ll see how the beautiful nature scenery complements just-as-gorgeous large-scale art installations.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites – Pittsburgh/Harmarville, PA

11. McConnells Mill State Park

1761 McConnells Mill Road Portersville, PA 16051 (724) 368-8091

Established in 1957, this state park stretches for 2,546 acres in Perry and Slippery Rock Townships.

It features a restored watermill and a breathtaking gorge.

From Pittsburgh, you can reach McConnells Mill State Park in 41 minutes by car.

The park is a beauty.

Hike the two-mile Kildoo trail loop for breathtaking views of Hell’s Hollow Falls.

Want some adrenaline rush?

Try some rock climbing or rappelling at Breakneck Bridge.

For a more relaxing activity, swing by the restored water mill, which traces its origins to the 1800s.

Recommended Hotel: Quality Inn New Castle

12. Meadville

This city, set 90 miles from Pittsburgh, is the seat of Crawford County.

It stretches over 2,796 acres of land in the beautiful French Creek Valley.

You can reach Meadville in 1 hour and 23 minutes from Pittsburgh if you use a vehicle.

The city exudes a charming vibe, with its downtown filled with structures dating back to the 1800s.

There are many other historical sites you can visit, too.

Swing by the Lovely Diamond Park.

It served as militia drill grounds during the American Civil War.

The Bicentennial Park is a must-see as well.

It’s home to a log cabin replica of city founder Major General David Mead.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Meadville (I-79 Exit 147a), an IHG Hotel

13. Monongahela National Forest

200 Sycamore Street Elkins, WV 26241 (304) 636-1800

This national forest is in the Allegheny Mountains.

It encompasses 921,150 acres of converted rail trails, green spaces, and rugged terrain.

If you’re coming from Pittsburgh, Monongahela National Forest is 2 hours and 15 minutes away by car.

Are you a nature lover?

Make sure you visit the Monongahela National Forest.

Hike the 1.5-mile trail to get to the Seneca Rocks summit for gorgeous views of valleys on both sides.

If you don’t want a workout, just go fishing in the park’s more than 600 miles of cold-water streams.

You might just find a rainbow or brown trout to take home.

Recommended Hotel: Inn at Snowshoe

14. Moundsville

Situated along the Ohio River, this city derives its name from the nearby Grave Creek Mound, built from 250 to 100 BC.

It’s also home to the West Virginia State Penitentiary, built in 1876 but closed in 1995.

You can reach Moundsville from Pittsburgh in 1 hour and 14 minutes.

Moundsville is a must-visit for history buffs.

You can explore the city’s conical burial grounds constructed by Adena natives.

If you want something a little different, visit the West Virginia State Penitentiary.

You can tour the Gothic facility, which has been retired from prison use.

Don’t forget to drop by the Anna B. Smith House.

It features exhibits of products made by the Fostoria Glass Company, which began operations in 1887.

Recommended Hotel: Sleep Inn & Suites Moundsville

15. Mount Davis

Mount Davis, Forbes State Forest Elk Lick Township, PA 15558

Situated in the 5,685-acre Forbes State Forest, Mount Davis is the highest peak in Pennsylvania.

It has an elevation of 3,213 feet.

Mount Davis is 1 hour and 35 minutes away from the city by car.

Want your daily dose of exercise?

Hike a portion of the trails that lead up to Pennsylvania’s highest point.

Make sure you check the Davis Observation Tower, too.

It’s an uphill climb, but the views of Deer Valley Lake and the surrounding Laurel Highlands are worth it.

Recommended Hotel: Comfort Inn Grantsville-Deep Creek Lake

16. Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

12001 Nelson Ledge Road Garrettsville, OH 44231 (440) 548-2716

This park stretches for 250 acres in northeastern Ohio.

It’s home to forests, streams, and over 400 campsites.

Travel by car from Pittsburgh, and you can get to Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Immerse in nature in this beautiful park.

Go fishing in the lake full of catfish for the perfect bonding moment with friends.

If you’re a fitness buff, you can always just walk the trails in the forest together.

Make sure you visit the beautiful Minnehaha falls that drop 15 feet into a gorge.

Camp deep in the woods under the beautiful Ohio skies for the perfect cap-off to your weekend adventure.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Lordstown-Newton Falls/Warren, an IHG Hotel

17. New Wilmington

New Wilmington, PA 16142 (724) 946-8167

This borough in Lawrence County stretches for over 697 acres.

It features the Caldwell One-Room Schoolhouse built in 1880 and other historical sites.

It’s only a 1-hour drive from Pittsburgh to New Wilmington.

Experience rural life at its best in New Wilmington.

Rent car buggies to explore the 4-mile Hells Hollow Wildlife Adventure Trail.

Check out Apple Castle, too.

The farm has been growing fruits since 1861.

They are the perfect souvenirs to take home.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Sharon

18. Oglebay Park

465 Lodge Drive Wheeling, WV 26003 (877) 436-1797

This municipal park encompasses 1,650 acres of land on the outskirts of Wheeling.

It sits on the grounds that used to form part of Earl W. Oglebay’s Waddington Farms estate.

By car, Oglebay Park is 1 hour and 4 minutes away from Pittsburgh.

You won’t run out of things to see here.

The Carriage House, for instance, is a beautiful reminder of the past, with its classical-inspired architecture built around 1793.

The main house on the former estate remains standing, too.

It became the Mansion Museum in 1930 and continues to operate as a cultural site.

You should check out a greenhouse in the park, too.

Greenhouses appeared in the Waddington Farms estate as early as the 1900s.

Recommended Hotel: The Lodge at Oglebay

19. Ohiopyle State Park

124 Main Street Ohiopyle, PA 15470 (724) 329-8591

This state park stretches for 20,500 acres of land in Dunbar, Henry Clay, and Stewart Townships.

It’s home to the Youghiogheny River and the Cucumber Falls.

If you’re traveling by car from Pittsburgh, you can get to Ohiopyle State Park in 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Have a full nature experience in this beautiful park.

Enjoy whitewater boating on the 14-mile Youghiogheny River under Pennsylvania skies.

Are you a fitness enthusiast?

Hike to the beautiful 30-foot Cucumber Falls or the park’s own Ohiopyle waterfall instead.

Make sure you bring your camera because you’ll want to take many pictures along the way.

Recommended Hotel: The Lodge at Chalk Hill

20. Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park

222 Penns Cave Road Centre Hall, PA 16828 (814) 364-1664

This wildlife park is home to Penn’s Cave House, which served as a hotel from 1885 to 1919.

It stretches for 57 acres.

Drive a car from Pittsburgh, and you’ll reach Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park in 2 hours and 37 minutes.

Go on a beautiful tour of the underground cavern that stretches for 1,300 feet.

Tour the wildlife park separately, too.

You’ll see beautiful native North American animals, such as mountain lions, in their habitats.

Complete your adventure by trying out the 5,000-square-foot maze.

Recommended Hotel: Wyndham Garden State College

21. Pine Creek Gorge

4797 Route 660 Wellsboro, PA 16901

Also called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, this natural landmark is 12,163 acres in size.

Around it is the Tioga State Forest, which encompasses an estimated 165,000 acres of land.

If you’re coming from Pittsburgh, it will take you 3 hours and 5 minutes to get to Pine Creek Gorge by car.

Enjoy this breathtaking gorge with depths of over 1,000 feet from the Pine Creek rim.

Along the rim, you get stunning vistas of Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks.

If you want to challenge yourself, hike the Turkey Path trails that will take you to the depths of the gorge.

The beautiful waterfalls at the bottom make for picture-perfect views.

Recommended Hotel: Rough Cut Lodge

22. Presque Isle State Park

301 Peninsula Drive Suite 1 Erie, PA 16505 (814) 833-7424

This state park sits on a sandy peninsula on Lake Erie.

The park stretches for 3,112 acres on Presque Isle, believed to have Pennsylvania’s only “seashore.”

You can reach Presque Isle State Park from Pittsburgh in 1 hour and 57 minutes if you use a vehicle.

This park has everything you need for the ultimate nature getaway.

Go swimming in the gorgeous waters with the kids.

If you’re not in the mood for swimming, you can always lie on the sandy beach and take in the views.

Get ready with your camera because you’re more likely to see beautiful common terns or horned larks in action.

Recommended Hotel: Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

23. Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Waterwheel Drive Champion, PA 15622 (814) 352-7777

Located in Somerset County, this resort sits 3,001 feet above sea level.

It features biking, hiking, and golfing opportunities and 285 acres of a skiable area in the winter.

You can get to Seven Springs Mountain Resort in 1 hour and 3 minutes if you’re coming from Pittsburgh.

Bond with friends in this one-of-a-kind resort.

Challenge them to a game of par-71 golf or a lumberjack match in the Foggy Goggle Axe House.

Want even more physical activity?

Go hiking or biking on the park’s 33 trails and slopes.

Don’t worry because you can stay in any of the resort’s lovely guest rooms for one of the best weekend getaways in Pittsburgh or nearby.

24. Smicksburg

Smicksburg, PA 16256 (724) 465-3800

Smicksburg is one of the smallest incorporated boroughs in Pennsylvania.

It’s home to a large Amish population, historic sites, and a wide array of specialty shops.

The travel time from Pittsburgh to Smicksburg is 1 hour and 9 minutes if you use a car.

Smicksburg’s small-town vibe stands out with its green farms and quaint shops downtown.

Walk around the beautiful countryside.

You’ll see a sizable Amish population just going about their simple lifestyle, some driving around in buggies.

Check out the Victorian-style Marshall House that dates back to the 19th century.

Then sample delicious wines at the Windgate Vineyards and Winery for the perfect weekend adventure.

Recommended Hotel: Cobblestone Hotel & Suites – Punxsutawney

Situated on the south shore of a lake, Erie is the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania.

It is home to the Erie Art Museum, parks, and botanical gardens.

To get to Erie, you can drive a car from Pittsburgh.

You’ll get there in 2 hours.

Like many Pittsburgh weekend getaways, this one is worth it.

Erie has a lot to offer, whether you’re an art buff or a nature enthusiast.

The Erie Art Museum is home to a collection of over 8,000 objects that include beautiful Tibetan paintings and ceramics.

You can hike the 0.69-mile Duck Run Trail into wooded areas at the Erie Bluffs State Park.

Enjoy a picnic afterward for an unforgettable nature experience.

Recommended Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront

26. Gettysburg

Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 334-1160

This borough and town in Pennsylvania is home to the Gettysburg National Battlefield and other historical sites.

It’s 185 miles away from Pittsburgh.

You can get to Gettysburg from the city in 3 hours and 30 minutes by car.

If you’re a history lover, Gettysburg is the place to be.

The area has a lot of history to offer.

Head to the Gettysburg National Military Park, which houses the site of a battle that was a turning point in the Civil War.

If you want to see more Civil War artifacts, check out the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center.

The Gettysburg National Cemetery is a must-see, too.

It’s home to a memorial that marks the site of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address in 1863.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Gettysburg

27. State College

State College, PA 16801 (814) 234-7100

Located in Centre County, this municipality is home to the main campus of the Pennsylvania State University.

It also features the Palmer Museum of Art and the Beaver Stadium.

The travel time from Pittsburgh to State College is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Enjoy a weekend filled with fun things to do at State College.

Marvel at the Palmer Museum of Art’s collections ranging from ancient ceramics to 20th-century artworks.

Discovery Space is a great place to visit if you bring the kids along, with its interactive galaxy exhibits.

If you’re more of a sports buff, watch a Penn State football game in the Beaver Stadium together.

Then hike up Mount Nittany as part of your daily workout.

Recommended Hotel: The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center

28. Benezette

Benezette, PA 15821 (814) 787-8811

Located on Route 55, this community has been touted as the Elk Capital of Pennsylvania.

It’s home to over 1,400 animals and parks.

If you’re coming from Pittsburgh, you can get to Benezette in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Here’s a getaway that probably differs from your other Pittsburgh vacations.

Imagine seeing gorgeous four-legged elk in their natural habitat from the visitor center on Winslow Hill.

You can even go on a wagon ride at the back of the property to experience the lovely creatures uniquely.

Check out the nearby Elk Mountain Homestead farmhouse, too.

It’s a bedding and feeding area for the four-legged animals you don’t want to miss.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites St Marys, an IHG Hotel

29. Lancaster

Lancaster, PA 17608 (717) 291-4711

Known as the hub of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country, Lancaster has also been touted as one of the oldest inland cities in the country.

It’s home to the Dutch Wonderland and the Turkey Hill ice cream headquarters.

The travel time from Pittsburgh to Lancaster is 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Enjoy the time of your life with the family in this gorgeous city.

Try the Dutch Wonderland’s over 30 rides with the kids.

Soak in gorgeous views from above in Sky Ride.

If you and the young ones want an adrenaline rush, Merlin’s Mayhem is just the perfect attraction for you.

Head straight to the Turkey Hill headquarters after your day’s adventure.

You can sample delicious ice cream and create your own flavors from scratch.

Recommended Hotel: Eden Resort and Suites, BW Premier Collection

30. The Poconos

1004 West Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 (570) 844-2001

The mountains on the eastern edge of the Delaware Water Gap are home to waterfalls, trails, and water parks.

You can reach the Pocono Mountains in 4 hours and 30 minutes from Pittsburgh.

The children won’t get enough of this place.

You’ll find water parks everywhere, with their slides and lazy rivers.

You can commune with nature in The Poconos, too.

Check out the Pennell Falls, which drop over a 100-foot cliff.

The spectacular Main Falls will blow you away, too, as they tumble down to create a beautiful pool surrounded by gorgeous flowers.

Recommended Hotel: Camelback Resort

Butler, PA 16001 (724) 285-4731

Located in the western portion of Pennsylvania, Butler is home to beautiful parks, museums, and a wide array of dining options.

Butler is 33 miles away from Pittsburgh.

You can get to Butler in 50 minutes if you use a car.

Experience life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Take a canoe ride and explore the majestic Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park.

Go swimming on any of the park’s two beaches under beautiful Pennsylvania skies.

If the kids tagged along with you, Pleasant Valley Beach is an excellent option.

It has playground equipment they can use all day.

You can play volleyball on one of the courts here, too.

Recommended Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Butler/Centre City

32. Philadelphia

Also called Philly, Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth largest in the country.

It’s home to historical sites like Independence Hall and the President’s House.

It will take 4 hours and 50 minutes to get to Philadelphia from Pittsburgh by car.

Philly is just the place to go on a history-filled weekend adventure.

Swing by Independence Hall.

It’s where the founding fathers signed the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, two of the most important documents in US history.

Drop by the President’s Hall as well.

From 1790 to 1800, it served as the country’s first White House.

Don’t forget to check out the Academy of Music.

It dates back to 1962 and is the oldest opera house still being used for that purpose in the country.

Recommended Hotel: The Rittenhouse Hotel

Related: Fun Day Trips From Philadelphia

33. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

1978 River Road Bushkill, PA 18324 (570) 426-2452

This nature oasis sits on a stretch of the Delaware River on the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

It features mountains, beaches, and the Delaware Water Gap.

By car, the Delaware Gap National Recreation Area is 4 hours and 50 minutes away from Pittsburgh.

Want to spend time with your significant other?

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is just the place to go.

You can hike a portion of the 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail that cuts through the area.

If you’re not in the mood to exert too much physical activity, drive the car along the 100 miles of scenic roads.

You’ll get just-as-incredible views of valleys, floodplains, and dense forests.

Recommended Hotel: Club Wyndham Shawnee Village

34. Cherry Springs State Park

4639 Cherry Springs Road Coudersport, PA 16915 (814) 435-1037

Established in 1922, this park stretches for 82 acres in Potter County.

It derives its name from the park’s large stand of black cherry trees.

The travel time from Pittsburgh to Cherry Springs State Park is 3 hours and 30 minutes by car.

This park allows for the perfect nature adventure.

Hike the one-mile loop around the park for incredible views of black cherry trees and green spaces.

A part of the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail System passes near the park.

This is the perfect trail for expert hikers who want stunning views of rolling hills and valleys.

After your hike, don’t forget to do some stargazing at night.

At an elevation of 2,300 feet, the park is famous for having one of the darkest night skies on the east coast.

So you can catch a glimpse of beautiful stars and even a part of the Milky Way in optimal conditions.

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Crittenden

35. Hershey

Hershey, PA 17033 (717) 533-2057

Situated in Derry Township, this unincorporated community is home to The Hershey Company headquarters.

It also features a rose garden and a park.

If you’re coming from Pittsburgh, you can reach Hershey in 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Take the young ones to Hershey for a family trip they won’t forget.

They’ll love Hersheypark, with its over 70 rides and attractions.

Hershey’s Chocolate World will make them–and you–happy, too.

Enjoy the chocolate-tasting experience the town is famous for.

Go on the Unwrapped tour, too.

You’ll learn how Hershey makes exquisite chocolates that delight the palate.

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Plus Hershey

36. Omni Bedford Springs Resort

2138 Business 220 Bedford, PA 15522 (814) 623-8100

This mineral springs resort stretches for 2,200 acres in Bedford.

Established in 1806, it has been touted as the last and best-preserved mineral springs resort hotel of the 19th century.

You can reach Omni Bedford Springs Resort in 1 hour and 45 minutes if you drive from Pittsburgh.

Enjoy some incredible me-time in this beautiful place.

Indulge in the resort’s Bedford Bath with cold and hot water from natural springs.

Then have your tee time in the Old Course, which features plush greens and well-manicured fairways.

Enjoy some reading time on the front lawn, right in front of a welcoming fire pit, for a weekend well spent.

37. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

6947 Riverview Road Peninsula, OH 44264 (440) 717-3890

Nestled along the Cuyahoga River, this national park straddles the cities of Cleveland and Akron in Ohio.

It features a Canal Exploration Center, a scenic railroad, and waterfalls.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is 112 miles away from Pittsburgh.

If you travel by car, you can get to the park in 1 hour and 50 minutes.

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll love this park.

Everywhere you go, you’ll see nature at its peak.

Bike the Towpath Trail that follows the 87-mile Ohio & Erie Canal.

Don’t worry because it’s an easy ride.

You’ll also get stunning views of the river and valleys along the way.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland/Twinsburg

38. Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 (419) 285-5112

This village located on South Bass Island stretches for 397 acres.

It features Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial and a wide array of dining options.

The travel time from Pittsburgh is 3 hours and 50 minutes if you use a car.

Put-in-Bay has all the history and nature you want as a traveler.

The Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is an iconic historic landmark.

It honors the brave men and women who fought in the War of 1812.

For your nature experience, check out Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center.

You’ll find a beautiful limestone cave and a butterfly house to explore.

If you prefer a water adventure, just go kayaking on the bay and soak in the beautiful Ohio sky.

Recommended Hotel: Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel

39. Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 (570) 325-3025

This town encompasses over 9,500 acres of land in eastern Pennsylvania.

With a rich coal mining history, this town derives its name from the acclaimed Native American athlete.

You can reach Jim Thorpe from Pittsburgh in 4 hours and 32 minutes.

Relive the 19th century when Jim Thorpe was a thriving coal mining town.

Check out the 19th-century anthracite coal mine housed in Lansford No. 9 Mine and Museum.

Then ride an old coach to Lehigh Gorge State Park.

You’ll love the elegant Victorian mansions of industrialists, such as Asa Packer, along the way.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Lehighton – Jim Thorpe

40. Morgantown

This city in West Virginia stretches for over 6,809 acres.

It’s home to West Virginia University, the 1924 Metropolitan Theatre, and beaches.

By car, you can reach Morgantown in 1 hour and 16 minutes if you come from Pittsburgh.

Spend an entire weekend in this place, and you won’t run out of fun activities.

Listen to some country music at the Metropolitan Theatre.

Then explore West Virginia University, with its towering buildings.

If you want to experience nature, visit the WVU Core Arboretum.

You won’t get enough of its gorgeous old-growth forest and wildflowers.

Make sure you swim on Morgantown’s beaches or kayak on the Monongahela River.

After your trip, you’ll understand why this is one of the best weekend getaways from Pittsburgh that travelers shouldn’t miss.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Morgantown-University Area, an IHG Hotel

Related: Restaurants in Morgantown, WV

Map of The Best Weekend Getaways From Pittsburgh, PA

40 Best Weekend Trips From Pittsburgh 2024

• The Laurel Highlands
• The Allegheny National Forest
• Beaver Creek State Park
• Chautauqua County
• Conneaut Lake Park
• Fallingwater
• Hartwood Acres Park
• McConnells Mill State Park
• Monongahela National Forest
• Moundsville
• Mount Davis
• Nelson Ledges Quarry Park
• New Wilmington
• Oglebay Park
• Ohiopyle State Park
• Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
• Pine Creek Gorge
• Presque Isle State Park
• Seven Springs Mountain Resort
• State College
• The Poconos
• Philadelphia
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
• Cherry Springs State Park
• Omni Bedford Springs Resort
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park

25 Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh

Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).

Sometimes, a weekend getaway from Pittsburgh is needed! While Pittsburgh is a lively city with plenty of fun and exciting things to do , you may want to spend the weekend away as a city escape or explore somewhere new and cool! Surprisingly, there are TONS of interesting cities and destinations to explore that are close to Pittsburgh, making them great, drivable weekend getaways from Pittsburgh!

Since we’re from southwestern Pennsylvania and have lived in West Virginia for over five years, we’ve explored most of Pittsburgh and its surrounding regions! For this list of weekend getaways from Pittsburgh, we decided to select places that were within easy driving distance from Pittsburgh, and destinations that offer activities for solo travelers, families, couples, and friends! Our list also includes destinations for those who are looking to explore anything from new cities to getting lost with no phone service in forests to off-the-beaten-path destinations near Pittsburgh.

Here are our favorite weekend getaways from Pittsburgh that are within 5 hours of the city!

Best Weekend Trips from Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania weekend getaways from pittsburgh, laurel highlands, pennsylvania: 1.5 hours.

Ah, the Laurel Highlands! We were born and raised in Latrobe, so we know the Laurel Highlands inside and out! The Laurel Highlands makes for a great weekend trip from Pittsburgh for someone looking to sit back and relax away from the city..

The Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania encompasses Fayette County, Somerset County, and Westmoreland County in the southwestern region of the state. This area has become a premier tourism region for Pennsylvania because of its outdoor recreation, historic sites, charm, and growing communities. There is truly something fun and exciting in the Laurel Highlands for everyone! From breweries to wineries to resorts to hikes to whitewater rafting to museums to small towns to camping, the Laurel Highlands has it all! And it’s not far from Pittsburgh, making it an easy weekend getaway!

Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania: 1 hour

Even though Ohiopyle is located within the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle deserved its own spot on this list! If you love hiking or camping, Ohiopyle State Park makes for a great outdoor day trip or weekend away from the city ! Ohiopyle State Park is nestled in the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands and offers miles of hiking trails, white-water rafting tours, waterfalls, and two Frank Lloyd Wright Houses that you can tour!

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-rushing adventure, consider white water rafting with Laurel Highlands River Tours. Depending on your adventure level, you can ride up to class 5 rapids! For those who enjoy hiking, Ohiopyle is full of hiking trails with various difficulties. And don’t forget to visit Cucumber Falls and the natural water slides to cool off after hiking!

If you happen to visit Ohiopyle on a rainy weekend, tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Houses: Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater! Fallingwater is famed for being built over a waterfall, while Kentuck Knob has no right angles in the house! Fallingwater was just designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Plan Your Trip to Ohiopyle!

• Getting to Ohiopyle from Pittsburgh: 1-hour drive southeast of Pittsburgh
• Everything you need to know about Ohiopyle

Erie, Pennsylvania: 2 Hours

Need a beach fix? Just drive two hours north of Pittsburgh, and you’ll arrive at Pennsylvania’s only beach at Lake Erie!

Erie is a much smaller city than Pittsburgh, but there are lots of things to do in Erie , including minor league sporting events , Presque Isle State Park, and the Lake Erie Wine Trail. The Lake Erie wine country is known for its unique and sweet wine flavors and picturesque wineries, so it makes for a great couples’ weekend getaway near Pittsburgh .

Plan your trip to Erie

• Getting to Erie: 2-hour drive north of Pittsburgh on I-79N
• Where to stay in Erie
• Top Things to do in Erie : Erie Wineries, outdoor activities, and sightseeing

The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon: 4 hours

Did you know that Pennsylvania has its own “Grand Canyon?” Pine Creek Gorge, or the PA Grand Canyon , is carved into the Allegheny Plateau in north-central Pennsylvania.

The PA Grand Canyon is centrally located near some of the most remote and beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania for outdoor activities. It’s no wonder this region of Pennsylvania is known as the “Pennsylvania Wilds.” Some of these parks include Cherry Springs for stargazers, Lyman Run for fishing and hiking, and Ole Bowl for swimming and picnicking! You can also tour the PA Lumber Museum, tour an ice mine, and explore Wellsboro, one of the few larger towns in the region.

If you’re looking for an outdoorsy weekend trip from Pittsburgh, consider the PA Grand Canyon!

Hershey, Pennsylvania: 3 Hours

If you’re looking for something fun to do with family and kids, consider visiting Hershey Park and Chocolate World for a weekend trip from Pittsburgh! At Hershey Chocolate World , you can experience the world of making chocolate. Here, you can shop for giant candy bars, take a tour of the factory, see a 4D movie, and much more!

During the summers, Hershey Park, Hershey’s theme Park, is a sweet destination for families. The park is also open during Halloween and Christmas for themed fun! Also, in Hershey, you can go to a Hershey Bears hockey game, the minor league hockey team affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: 3 Hours

For the history buff, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is an exciting destination to visit! Gettysburg National Historic Park is a great place to learn about American Civil War history. Here, you can tour the museum, visit the preserved battlefields, and visit countless monuments and memorials. Throughout the year, you can take guided battlefield tours, experience living history, and go on spooky ghost tours.

Downtown Gettysburg also attracts visitors for its charming dining, shopping, and craft beer scene. Located in the “middle of nowhere” Pennsylvania, a weekend trip to Gettysburg offers a slice of the countryside.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 5 hours

Philadelphia is a great weekend trip from Pittsburgh if you want to explore historic sites and museums! Since Philly was the birthplace of the United States, there is no shortage of historical activities. Spend a day exploring the historic sites and museums and enjoy a few Philly cheesesteaks! Another fun option is to consider seeing your favorite Pittsburgh sports team play in an away game!

Ohio Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh

Sugar creek, ohio: 2 hours.

If you want to get away from the city and experience country life, consider taking a weekend trip to Sugar Creek, Ohio! This small town in the Amish Country of Ohio has quaint markets, shops, and local cuisine. Sugar Creek, Ohio, is also known as the “Little Switzerland of Ohio” because of its historical Swiss heritage! Here, you can see the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock!

Canton, Ohio: 2 Hours

We know Pittsburgh locals love their Steelers, so if you’re looking for more football, visit Canton. Canton is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and there are several other interesting history-related activities in Canton. View a sample two-day Canton itinerary here !

Plan your trip to Canton Ohio

• Getting to Canton: 2-hour drive west of Pittsburgh
• Where to stay in Canton Ohio
• Top Things to do in Canton itinerary

Cleveland, Ohio: 2 Hours

Cleveland is a great city to visit, museum-goers, and sports lovers! And it’s only a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh! Cleveland has the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an awesome science center, art museums, the Christmas Story House (yes, the movie was filmed here), and some good (and not-so-good) sports teams. Cleveland also has a great good and drinking scene!

Like Pittsburgh, Cleveland has its interesting neighborhoods, so it’s one of those cities that you can go back to multiple times and still have new things to do each time. There are so many things to do in Cleveland that you can easily spend an entire weekend here.

Plan your weekend getaway trip to Cleveland!

• Getting to Cleveland: 2-hour drive northwest of Pittsburgh
• Where to stay in Cleveland
• 10 Best Things to do in Cleveland

Plan your perfect weekend getaway with our step-by-step guide!

Columbus, Ohio: 3 Hours

I know people from Pennsylvania don’t really like Ohio, especially Columbus … but college football teams aside, Columbus is a city very reminiscent of Pittsburgh. Columbus has many museums, a great beer and bar scene, and quirky local neighborhoods that Pittsburghers would appreciate. Columbus is a great weekend getaway from Pittsburgh if you want to explore a new city!

Plan Your Trip to Columbus Ohio

• Getting to Columbus: 3-hour drive west of Pittsburgh
• Top Things to do in Columbus
• Where to Stay in Columbus

Cedar Point, Ohio

Cedar Point is a great destination if you want to take your family on a thrilling weekend getaway! Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the US and is home to some of the wildest roller coasters!

Cincinnati, Ohio: 5 hours

If you want to try and hit every major city in Ohio, consider adding Cincinnati to your weekend getaway from Pittsburgh! Visiting Cincinnati also means that on Monday, when you go back to work, you can tell people you visited Kentucky, too! Cincinnati is located right on the border of Ohio and Kentucky (with a pedestrian bridge that connects the two!), so why not visit both?

Cincinnati is home to one of the top zoos in the country (Hello Fionia), unique cuisines like Cincinnati chili, sports teams, and tons of fun museums! Like Cleveland, Cincinnati reminds us of Pittsburgh. It’s an older city with revitalized communities, so there are tons of interesting things to explore.

Plan Your Weekend Getaway from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati

• Getting to Cincinnati: 5-hour drive from Pittsburgh
• Best things to do in Cincinnati
• Where to Stay in Cincinnati

Book a Getaway Cabin in Lisbon, Ohio: 1.5 hours

You might have seen photos like the one below on social media and wondered where they are. Well, these cute cabins with a big picturesque window are Getaway Cabins ! Located just a short hop over the Ohio border, these aesthetic Getaway Cabins will take you into nature for a weekend getaway of relaxation! You can rent either a one-bed or two-bed unit. The cabins are spaced out enough that you have full privacy at your site!

Each cabin has chairs, a picnic table, a firepit, AC + heat, electricity, running water, and a private bathroom.

Things to Do Nears Lisbon, Ohio

• Scenic Vista Park
• Lisbon Historical Society

Maryland Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh

Deep creek, maryland: 2 hours.

If you haven’t had enough of the outdoors by visiting West Virginia for a weekend getaway from Pittsburgh, spend a weekend in Deep Creek, Maryland . Deep Creek has a large, lively lake with surrounding hiking trails, boating, camping, and fishing. So if you have a boat that you want to take somewhere else besides the three rivers, take it down to Deep Creek! Even if you’re not a boating person, Deep Creek Lake makes for a beautiful and refreshing weekend away from the city!

Plan your weekend getaway to Deep Creek

• Where to Stay in Deep Creek: Blue Moon Rising Cabins
• Where to Stay in Deep Creek: Inn at Deep Creek
• Things to do in Deep Creek

Baltimore, Maryland: 4 hours

Baltimore is a vibrant city with a rich history and a range of attractions. Visitors to Baltimore can explore the historic Inner Harbor, home to the National Aquarium and numerous shops and restaurants. Take a stroll along the waterfront, visit the iconic Fort McHenry, or immerse yourself in the city’s thriving arts and culture scene at the Baltimore Museum of Art or the Walters Art Museum. With its charming neighborhoods, delicious seafood, and lively nightlife, Baltimore offers something for everyone and is definitely worth a visit as a weekend getaway from Pittsburgh!

Washington D.C.: 4 Hours

Want to have a jam-packed itinerary for your weekend trip from Pittsburgh? Take a trip to the nation’s capital! Washington, D.C., is full of so many things to do, from visiting monuments to touring museums to visiting the National Zoo. Hit up the must-see sights along the National Mall and venture into D.C.’s neighborhoods to find smaller museums, fun walking tours, and ethnic food. Whether you’re doing a weekend getaway with your friends or partner or a trip with the entire family, Washington, D.C., has plenty to do for everyone!

Plan your trip to Washington DC

• Top things to do in Washington DC
• Where to stay in Washington DC

Virginia Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh

Luray, virginia and shenandoah national park.

Luray is most famous for Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States! This magnificent geological wonder is totally worth it for a weekend getaway from Pittsburgh. Travel underground and view the massive stalactites and stalagmites, mirrored pools, and The Great Stalacpipe Organ. In addition to Luray Caverns, you can explore Shenandoah National Park, museums, wineries, and more!

West Virginia Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh

Morgantown, west virginia: 1.5 hours.

Whether you’re a fan of Pitt’s former rival, visiting Mountaineer Country is a lot of fun as a city escape! Football aside, Morgantown has a lot of great outdoor activities in case you need a city break from Pittsburgh!

We both lived in Morgantown for grad school, so needless to say, we’re experts in the area! Morgantown is a college town, so if you’re looking for cheap happy hours, good food, breweries, and an energetic vibe, take a weekend and visit Morgantown. Morgantown is a great trip from Pittsburgh because it’s a very easy drive and close to the city. If you’re not up for doing an entire weekend in Morgantown, it’s a great day trip from Pittsburgh as well!

Plan your weekend getaway to Morgantown

• Getting to Morgantown: 1.5-hour drive south of Pittsburgh on I-79S
• Outdoor things to do in Morgantown
• Places to stay in Morgantown

Wheeling, West Virginia: 1.5 Hours

Wheeling , West Virginia, is a historic industrial city only an hour and a half west of Pittsburgh in the strange part of the state between Pennsylvania and Ohio, or as West Virginians call it, the western panhandle.

Wheeling was once a hub for rail transportation and the glass industry; however, with industrial decline, Wheeling has become a picture of what used to be. So you’re a fan of history, taking a weekend trip to Wheeling is for you!

Today, you can visit historic sites, museums, a casino, and the Oglebay Resort and Museums . The Oglebay Resort has multiple museums on site, golf courses, a spa, and a zoo to explore! Oglebay is a great destination for a weekend getaway from Pittsburgh because you don’t have to leave the resort if you don’t want to! Oglebay’s claim to fame is their annual Christmas Light Display, which, if you’re from the Pittsburgh area, I’m sure you’ve been the advertisement! Read more about how to spend a weekend in Wheeling here!

Plan Your Weekend Trip to Wheeling

• Getting to Wheeling WV: 1.5-hour drive west of Pittsburgh
• Oglebay Resort: best year-round resort in Wheeling
• Weekend getaway to Wheeling Tips

Davis, West Virginia: 3 hours

For those looking to escape deep into the forest and mountains, Davis, West Virginia , is for you. Davis, West Virginia, is located in the heart of the Potomac Highlands. Here, you won’t find phone service or much Wifi, so you can easily disconnect from the world and connect with nature.

While visiting Davis, you can explore one of West Virginia’s most sought waterfalls: Blackwater Falls. Around Davis, you can hike, bike, backpack, and enjoy summer and winter sports. Also, venture to the surrounding areas to explore unique landscapes like the Dolly Sods plateau and Seneca Rocks . There is so much to do near Davis, so we would recommend making it a 3-day weekend getaway from Pittsburgh!

Plan your Trip to Davis, West Virginia

• Getting to Davis West Virginia: 3-hour drive, the drive will be a lot of back roads!
• Canaan Valley Travel Guide
• Three Days in Davis Itinerary

New River Gorge, West Virginia: 3.5 hours

New River Gorge National Park is West Virginia’s newest National Park! And it makes for an awesome weekend getaway from Pittsburgh because there is so much to do! If you’re interested in some of the best whitewater rafting on the East Coast, you have to experience the rapids on the New River and the Gauley River. New River Gorge National Park is also home to a number of interesting historical sites, including an abandoned mining site and a ghost town! And you can’t miss seeing the New River Gorge Bridge or experiencing the New River Bridge walk (You walk literally under the bridge along a catwalk). There are countless hiking trails, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and more throughout the park, so you can easily spend an entire weekend here and still need to come back for more!

New River Gorge is a must if you’re visiting West Virginia and want to experience true adventure!

Plan Your Trip to New River Gorge

• Getting to New River Gorge: 3.5-hour drive south of Pittsburgh

New York Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh

Buffalo and niagara falls, new york: 4 hours.

For those who want to venture a little further north, consider visiting Buffalo and Niagara Falls. It’s also only 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, so you can easily couple both into a weekend trip. Compared to Niagara Falls on both the Canadian and American sides, Buffalo is much more affordable and isn’t as tourist-trappy.

If you love chicken wings, you need to go to Buffalo. Buffalo is the birthplace of the buffalo chicken wing! The name “Buffalo Wing” makes sense now, right? So if you’re taking a weekend trip from Pittsburgh to Buffalo, you have to try the wings! In addition to the wing scene, Buffalo has lots of things to do, including a zoo, museums, and sports teams.

Plan Your Trip to Niagara Falls and Buffalo

• Getting to Buffalo: 4-hour drive north
• Guide to the American side of Niagara Falls
• Winter Weekend Getaway to Buffalo Guide
• Where to Stay in Buffalo

Jamestown, New York: 2.5 Hours

Jamestown , New York, is an underrated city on the western side of the state. Located just 40 minutes from Erie, it is right between the Lake Erie Wine Counties and Chautauqua Lake.

Jamestown’s claim to fame is that it’s the birthplace of Lucille Ball, so it’s only appropriate that this city be the “capital of comedy!” Jamestown is home to the National Comedy Center and Lucy-Desi Museum, so during a visit to Jamestown, get ready to laugh! During summer, nearby Chautauqua Lake becomes full of lake-goers and summer fun. Surrounding Jamestown, you can also find walking and hiking trails.

Plan Your Weekend Trip to Jamestown

• Weekend getaway itinerary to Jamestown
• Where to Stay in Jamestown: Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

The Finger Lakes, New York: 5 hours

For those looking to experience the East Coast’s version of Sonoma, you have to visit the Finger Lakes! The Finger Lakes are a series of lakes located near the border of New York and Pennsylvania. Because of the lakes’ effect on the local climate, this region is perfect for growing grapes and making wine!

The Finger Lakes make for a perfect weekend getaway from Pittsburgh if you’re looking for a different wine experience from Erie. It’s also a perfect weekend getaway for all times of the year; we visited during Valentine’s Day and loved it. The Finger Lakes are most expensive and busy in the summertime, so consider visiting in the off-season!

Plan Your Weekend Getaway to the Finger Lakes!

• Romantic Weekend Getaway Itinerary to the Finger Lakes

Plan Your Weekend Getaway from Pittsburgh

When picking where to go for your weekend trip from Pittsburgh, consider whether your trip has a purpose. Are you traveling with your family? Is this a couples’ weekend getaway? Are you looking to go off the grid for the weekend? The weekend trips suggested in this post are very diverse, so weigh your options and consider what kind of things you want to do on your weekend away!

If you’re taking a weekend trip from Pittsburgh, it is much easier to drive than fly. All of these destinations are within an easy five-hour drive of Pittsburgh, so you can easily drive on a Friday night or Saturday morning to arrive at your destinations.

When we take weekend trips from Pittsburgh, we try to maximize our time so we can spend the most amount of time exploring a new place! Typically, we plan to leave Pittsburgh on a Friday night or Saturday morning, and then return Sunday evening in Pittsburgh. This way, we are only booking a hotel for one or two nights, and we have two full days to explore! If your schedule allows, consider making your weekend trip a three-day weekend! This will give you more time to explore and allow you to travel to a destination that is a little further away!

Start Planning Your Next Trip!

• Plan the best weekend getaway ever !
• How to perfectly pack everything for your next trip
• How to prepare for any trip
• Book your accommodation : For booking hotels, we like to use Hotels , Booking , and Agoda . For more unique stays, we like to use Airbnb .
• Book your flights : For booking flights, we like to use Kiwi or Student Universe to check for deals.
• Activities and tours : Our go-to resources for booking activities and tours are: Groupon , GetYourGuide , and Viator . Also, check if your city is available on CityPass for extra discounts.
• Luggage : When we travel, we love using our SwissGear Energie series luggage set . This hardshell luggage is lightweight, spacious, and affordable! We love how much of our stuff can fit in this luggage .

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Discover the Burgh

18 Pittsburgh Weekend Trips to Get Out of the City

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on February 7, 2023.

Disclaimer : Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions . Pricing, operating hours, or menus may have changed since our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates. Please confirm these directly with any business or attraction prior to visiting.

Discover the Burgh is, at its heart, a Pittsburgh blog .

As such, we do not feature destinations and attractions outside of the metro area- so more-or-less anything beyond what we would call a  Pittsburgh day trip (about 60-90 minutes each way). You can see more of this on our interactive Pittsburgh map at the end of every post here as well.

While we do explore elsewhere in Pennsylvania, the country, and world quite a bit on frequent trips each year, we have decided to publish all non-southwestern Pennsylvania content on our sister travel blog, Living the Dream .

On this site, we've covered journeys from as a close to home as Cleveland , the  Finger Lakes in New York, or the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky all the way to international destinations like Thailand , Mount Everest in Nepal , and Easter Island to name a few.

But to share Pittsburgh weekend trips ideas that you can take within a few hours of driving, this guide was born!

What Makes a Good Weekend Trip from Pittsburgh?

To us, a weekend trip from Pittsburgh would satisfy two specific points:

• The destination can be reached anywhere between 90 minutes to five hours from Pittsburgh (anything less could be a day trip, anything more may require more than a weekend for most).
• Would require at least one overnight stay to fully enjoy (while some may require a day or two extra to make it a long weekend).

For the purposes of this guide, we're also only going to feature destinations available via driving as well. However, if you are planning a weekend trip requiring a flight we have likely featured many of those over at Living the Dream as well!

First, we're going to start with weekend trips within Pennsylvania, and then we'll branch out to cover states nearby.

Pennsylvania Weekend Trips

When it comes to weekend trips within the state of Pennsylvania, we have to be upfront and state that we cannot do the state justice. With 67 counties spanning over 46,000 square miles, it would take us quite a bit of time to explore all PA has to offer. The following are a few places to consider when planning a weekend trip in the state and are a mix of recommendations from our own travels and via our friends at UncoveringPA !

The Laurel Highlands

The Laurel Highlands is one of those spots that is easily reached from Pittsburgh in a day trip but also covers such a vast distance that it could be a weekend trip in its own right. From the Laurel Highlands ski resorts in the winter, Frank Lloyd Wright houses such as Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob , numerous parks like Ohiopyle , white water rafting in the summer, amusement parks like Idlewild & Soakzone , or historical spots like Fort Ligonier or Bushy Run Battlefield , there is truly enough to see in this stretch of Pennsylvania to fill up multiple weekends without ever running out. So make a trip out of it!

Looking for where to stay in the Laurel Highlands?  If staying north, how about checking out The Campbell House B&B in Ligonier or if staying near Ohiopyle, perhaps a stay at the luxury resort Nemacolin ? Or, check out prices for apartments in the Laurel Highlands too!

Erie is a close, two-hour drive for most in Pittsburgh, and while this one could easily be visited in a long day trip, we think it is best explored over the course of a weekend. Why? Well, apart from being perfectly situated on the lakes, Erie is home to a number of wineries, the Erie Ale Trail (full of some stellar breweries), and the gorgeous Presque Isle State Park – a peninsula on the lake featuring beaches and beautiful nature. Definitely far more to enjoy than just a day trip!

Harrisburg / Hershey

As the state's capital, Harrisburg offers a number of historical sights to check out including the Capitol building and Broad Street Market (one of the oldest continually operating farmer's markets in the country). The city's location in central PA (about 3 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh) also makes it a great spot for restaurants and breweries , with the popular Troeg's Brewery calling the region home. Just on the outskirts of Harrisburg is Hershey, home to the famed amusement park and resort offering many Hershey-themed dining options as well.

Looking for where to stay in Harrisburg? Check out The Manor on Front – a great value option just a short walk from downtown or The Hershey Lodge for a Hershey resort experience. Or, if you want a homestay, check out prices on VRBO !

Cherry Springs

Cherry Springs may not be the most well-known weekend trip from Pittsburgh, but it is one of the most interesting. That is because this spot is known as the darkest location east of the Mississippi in the USA, making it a great spot to go stargazing! But, when visiting this one, we highly recommend spending multiple nights as your ability to view the stars may be impacted by the weather (worth it for the roughly 4-hour drive, too). On our last visit, we booked too far in advance and ended up being rained out! 

Looking for where to stay in Cherry Springs? We recommend checking out the options on VRBO !

Philadelphia

Out of all the weekend trip options featured in this guide, Philadelphia is among the most historical (and the furthest at almost exactly 5 hours). The birthplace of the USA occurred in Independence Hall, and there are many more historical sites to see when visiting. In between, hitting up restaurants to enjoy the iconic Philly cheesesteak is an absolute must as well! (And as far as the Pat's vs Geno's debate is concerned, it is no contest- Geno's for us)!

Looking for where to stay in Philadelphia? Check out Stay Alfred at the Broderick – a great value in downtown Philly and just steps away from Independence Hall (parking is on your own)! Looking for an apartment rental instead? Click here to check out prices in the city!

The Poconos

The Poconos is another popular natural area in Pennsylvania, much like the Laurel Highlands, that is known for hiking, waterfalls , and reconnecting with nature. At 4 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh, this one is a bit of a drive, but those who make the journey will be rewarded with a stunning weekend out in nature!

Looking for where to stay in the Poconos? Check out Maurrocks B&B . The Poconos are a great place to check out apartment rentals as well!

Almost every American should be well aware of the Battle of Gettysburg that occurred over three days in 1863. It is often considered to be the bloodiest battle ever on American soil, and during the course of the fight over 40,000 troops lost their lives. Today the site lives on as a battlefield memorial, and at approximately 3 1/2 hours from Pittsburgh is a great weekend trip idea for those who are looking to learn more about Civil War history in the state.

Looking for where to stay in Gettysburg? Check out the Inn at Cemetery Hill or possibly an VRBO . Or, to make it a bigger trip, stay in Frederick, Maryland (below), to have a base for more historical Civil War spots!

Lancaster County, located about four hours east of Pittsburgh, is known primarily for being Pennsylvania Dutch Country and home to a thriving Amish community, covered bridges, and a whole lot more. But while this is often one of the biggest draws to this part of the state, Lancaster city  is also home to a modest restaurant scene, the National Watch and Clock Museum , and a whole lot more- making it a great weekend trip.

Looking for where to stay in Lancaster? Consider staying at the Lancaster Arts Hotel in downtown Lancaster. The region also has a number of great apartment rental options as well.

For more things to do in Pennsylvania , click the previous link to check out more from our friends at UncoveringPA!

Trips Outside of Pennsylvania

For weekend trip ideas outside of Pennsylvania in the surrounding states, we recommend checking out the following destinations and articles on our sister site,  Living the Dream . These destinations are all reached within driving distance, too!

We may give Cleveland a lot of grief because of the Browns, but all sports situations aside, the city is actually quite the fun place to visit (and at just 2 hours away from Pittsburgh, an easy weekend trip too!). Cleveland is home to a wonderful assortment of breweries , modern restaurants, the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame , and is conveniently located on the shore of Lake Erie- giving a number of options for those who want to have a weekend trip somewhat close to home!

Looking for where to stay in Cleveland? Check out the Hilton Cleveland right in the heart of downtown near the Rock Hall or Clifford House B&B in the trendy Ohio City neighborhood. Or, if apartment rentals are more your style, there are a number options in Cleveland too.

Keeping up the trend of nearby sports cities that we can be somewhat considered rivals with, Cincinnati is an easy 4 1/2 hour drive from Pittsburgh. Between visiting for the sports teams (perhaps watching the Steelers beat the Bengals, or the Reds and Pirates being awful together), enjoying the city's stellar breweries , or simply marveling at the architecture along the Ohio River (including the Roebling Bridge, whose wire support system was created just outside of Pittsburgh), you'll have a great time exploring a city that isn't all too different from Pittsburgh when visiting here!

Looking for where to stay in Cincinnati?  Consider the historical Cincinnatian right in the heart of downtown! And since Cincinnati is a huge city, VRBO has numerous options to choose from , too.

Cedar Point

Are thrill rides more your speed? The 3 hour trip to Sandusky, Ohio, to visit Cedar Point is a must. This one is often considered to be the  Rollercoaster Capital of the World (although is now #2 in terms of coaster count) and is home to some of the tallest, longest, and fastest rollercoasters you'll ever ride. While you can easily visit this park in a single day, a weekend trip is a must in order to experience everything they truly have to offer!

Looking for where to stay near Cedar Point? We always stay just steps from the park at the Hotel Breakers ! While we are a fan of this hotel due to its proximity, there are a number of VRBO options in Sandusky too!

Niagara Falls

Depending on where you live in the city, you could possibly make it all the way to Toronto in just over five hours of driving. However, as we're keeping this list to feature spots you can visit in under five hours of driving, we're going to stop just a bit closer at one of the largest waterfalls in the region- Niagara Falls!

This massive waterfall can be reached on the US side in just about 3 hours and 45 minutes from Pittsburgh and throw on a bit more to cross the border and you can be on the (admittedly more beautiful) Canadian side to see the raw power of nature for yourself- just don't forget your passport.

Upstate New York

To us, when we think of upstate New York what we specifically are thinking about is the area including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. This area was home to a lot of historical figures like Susan B Anthony and Frederick Douglass, is enjoying an explosion in modern breweries thanks to recent state law changes, and is also home to some of the most stunning New York waterfalls we've seen. For those who like city, nature, food, and it all, a trip through upstate New York is a fabulous option all within 3 to 5 hours of driving depending on how far you want to travel!

Looking for where to stay in upstate New York? Check out the modern Strathallan by Hilton where we stayed in Rochester (or check out apartment rental options in the city, too)!

The Finger Lakes

In a way, we could call the Finger Lakes part of Upstate New York and be fine, but this particular stretch of New York (about 5 hours from Pittsburgh) is home to beautiful lakes, many impressive Finger Lakes wineries , Watkins Glen State Park (one of our favorite state parks anywhere we've been), and a whole lot more. As such, you could spend an entire weekend checking out the lakes and wineries all without visiting any other city. Or, if you want just a bit more, head to Corning on your way home to stop at the iconic Corning Museum of Glass .

Looking for where to stay in the Finger Lakes? Check out the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel on the shores of Seneca Lake, steps away from Watkins Glen, and a short drive from some of our favorite wineries like Boundary Breaks and Hermann J Weimer! There are also a wealth of apartment rental options right on the lake as well.

Shenandoah, Virginia

Want to explore another gorgeous wine region but head south? Shenandoah, Virginia, is the place to be. Not only are the wineries in Shenandoah pretty stellar (especially for white wines), but you also have easy access to the famous Skyline Drive , Shenandoah Caverns , and so much more outdoor nature activities. Just be prepared for a fair bit of driving at this one as you're going to cover a pretty good distance when exploring here. You can even detour to Harpers Ferry, WV , on the way back home too!

Washington DC

Washington DC is the kind of city that doesn't need much explanation. The nation's capital is home to some of the most impressive memorials, monuments, and museums in all of the USA, and the short 4-hour drive from Pittsburgh makes for a great weekend trip to take in as much history as possible!

Looking for where to stay in Washington DC? Check out the great value at the Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol- just steps away from the National Mall! Or, check out some VRBO options right in the heart of the city .

We have to admit, our interest in visiting Baltimore is often less on history and more on the food. The city, located just 4 hours from Pittsburgh, is a hub for all things seafood (namely crabs) and serves up a number of options at the many local restaurants, famous Lexington Market, and more. 

Looking for where to stay in Baltimore?  Check out the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront just steps away from Inner Harbor! There are a number of great apartment rental options nearby too!

Frederick, Maryland

At first glance, Frederick, MD, may not seem like your conventional spot to visit, but this one offers a strategic location to use as a base for trips to Washington DC, Baltimore, Gettysburg, and nearby Harper's Ferry as well- all just 30 to 60 minutes away (while Frederick itself is only just over 3 hours from Pittsburgh)! The city boasts a beautiful creek path, vibrant downtown full of shopping and dining options, and its own unique civil war history on its own right (be sure to visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine ), making it a great spot to enjoy for a few days on its own, or at night after returning from many of the other historical cities nearby.

Looking for where to stay in Frederick?  Check out the Hampton Inn & Suites just outside of downtown! Or, if you want to stay right in the heart of the city, check out VRBO for some better options.

8 thoughts on “18 Pittsburgh Weekend Trips to Get Out of the City”

Don’t overlook Youngstown, especially Butler Institute of American Art, McDonough Museum of Art, Charles Smith Rock and Gem Collection and Ward Beecher Planetarium, all on the Youngstown State University campus. Within walking distance is the Arms Museum (a house museum NOT military), the Tyler History Museum and the Museum of Industry and History. Be sure to visit Fellow’s Riverside Gardens with the D. D. and Velma Davis Center and Lanterman Mill in Mill Creek Park. The Lily Pond and various lakes and wetlands ringed by extensive bike and hiking trails are a wonderful option in the park, known as the Green Cathedral. Many dining and entertainment venues are available in downtown Youngstown. Accessibility and ease of driving around town is a big plus. Drive up Fifth Avenue through the historic district to see the magnificent homes of early 20th century industrialists and community leaders. Wick Park is a beautiful city green space surrounded by additional large homes and Stambaugh Auditorium. The Covelli Center and adjacent amphitheater are great places to attend concerts, hockey games and other events. Don’t skip Youngstown,

If you are an outdoors person, try The Hocking Hills, Ohio area. Only a three and one half hour drive from Pittsburgh. Plenty of hiking (waterfalls and caves), rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining.

I recommend Big Rail Brewing in Grove City. They have a beer garden in the woods every weekend plus food trucks. The location is beautiful and the grounds are perfect for social distancing outdoors.

When visiting Erie be sure to visit the Erie Children’s Museum, the Erie Art Museum, and the Maritime museum. There are also a lot of great local wineries in the area.

Berlin, Ohio–Amish Country Approximately 2 hours from Pittsburgh. Great food, many shops, historic Millersburg a few miles away. Buggy rides, Walnut Creek store stocked with grocery items, jams, jellies a nearby small zoo. Lots to do!

You missed Lake Raytown by Altoona. Beautiful place to camp or get a cabin.

For anyone interested in trains and/or history, a weekend in the Altoona/Johnstown area is a great trip. Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona is different from other RR sites because it’s more about the people than the trains. Then go up (literally!) to the Horseshoe Curve – further up the mountain to the Gallitzin Tunnels – head out to the nearby Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS. Then down US 22 west to the Cresson and the Cassandra viewing platforms where railfans will tell you all about the trains on the mainline. For more RR interest, go east to the East Broad Top Railroad and ride a steam train; the Everett RR also runs excursions from Hollidaysburg (my favorite little town). Or, for history buffs, continue south from Cassandra to the Johnstown Flood NHS, and the flood museum in downtown Johnstown.

Hocking hills just south of Columbus Ohio is a beautiful area for hiking. About a 3 1/2 hour drive from pittsburgh

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25+ Weekend Trips from Pittsburgh, PA

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As someone who’s lived all across the state of Pennsylvania, I have quite a bit of experience with weekend trips from Pittsburgh, PA. Whether you’re planning a family trip, couples’ trip, or girls weekend getaway from Pittsburgh, there are so many options near and far.

To help you plan your trip, we’ve included where to stay, eat and sightsee in a variety of weekend destinations we’ve visited over the years. While the focus is on departing from Pittsburgh, we recommend these weekend getaways in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states regardless of your originating city.

Updated 4/27/24

Weekend Trips from Pittsburgh: Table of Contents

Weekend getaways from pittsburgh under a 2 hour drive.

If you’re looking for fun weekend getaways close to Pittsburgh with a short drive, there are SO many great options to choose from. Below are our favorite weekend trips near Pittsburgh that could make fun day trips from Pittsburgh as well.

Note: All distances are based on Pittsburgh’s city center. Therefore, actual driving time may vary depending on which part of Pittsburgh you live in.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Located in Northwest Pennsylvania, Lake Erie is one of the best weekend getaways near Pittsburgh. There are so many fun things to do on a weekend trip to Erie, PA , including a trip to the beach at Presque Isle State Park or a boat ride on Lake Erie with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures. Waldameer amusement park and the Erie Zoo are also two of our favorite kid-friendly things to do in Erie, PA.

• Where to Eat in Erie : Sara’s Restaurant by Presque Isle is an old fashion diner with fun outdoor photo ops. Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill is perfect for a casual meal on the water. Dave’s Diner is awesome for breakfast in downtown Erie.
• Where to Stay in Erie : Towneplace Suites by Marriott Erie
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Erie : 128 miles/ 1 hour 55 minutes

Laurel Highlands & Ligonier, PA

If you’re looking for one of the most adorable small towns in America with fun for the whole family, Ligonier is the perfect Pennsylvania getaway for you. Ligonier, PA is located east of Pittsburgh in the beautiful Laurel Highlands . Idlewild & SoakZone is one of the most popular things to do with kids in Ligonier . The nearby Ligonier Valley Train Museum is also a great place to stop. Shopping in Ligonier, PA is also plentiful. You can browse the variety of shops in Ligonier’s Diamond or visit the amazing Ligonier Country Market. To get your fix of history, visit Fort Ligonier or the Lincoln Highway Experience.

• Where to Eat in Ligonier : Have a gourmet breakfast at Kitchen on Main. Enjoy traditional American fare for lunch or dinner at The Road Toad or Carol and Dave’s Roadhouse. Get ice cream at the Ligonier Creamery and coffee (or ice cream!) at Abigail’s Coffeehouse.
• Where to Stay in Ligonier : The Cottages at Millbank or the 2-bedroom Sunset Cottages are perfect for a group or family getaway to Ligonier.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Ligonier : 51 miles/ 1 hour 10 minutes

More Ideas for a Weekend in Laurel Highlands

If you’re looking for romantic getaways near Pittsburgh, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is also in the Laurel Highlands. We originally planned a baby moon there in the Spring. The resort is beautiful and includes a number of amenities like golfing, a full-service spa and fine dining.

Instead, we did a day trip to Laurel Highlands to explore a few of the great things to do in Ohiopyle, PA. Our day trip from Pittsburgh included a visit to Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob , which are both Frank Lloyd Wright houses in PA. On a prior trip we also went whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle. (One of the most fun things to do in Laurel Highlands!)

Cleveland, OH

Just like Pittsburgh, Cleveland has been experiencing a transformation in the past several years. Weekend getaways in Cleveland, Ohio can include anything from exploring the lakefront trails and lakefront, to brewery hopping and museums. Plus, you can’t miss the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. There is also great nightlife in Cleveland, including live music and unique venues like The Corner Alley and Hofbrauhaus. Fun things to do in Cleveland with kids include the Cleveland Children’s Museum, Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Zoo. Be sure to save time for Cuyahoga Valley National Park as well if you want the best hiking in Cleveland.

• Where to Eat in Cleveland : There are several great breweries in Cleveland, OH with unique food menus. Some of the best Cleveland breweries include Great Lakes Brewing Company , Collison Bend and Noble Beast. The Standard offers a great seasonally changing menu. Winking Lizard has a huge beer list, good bar food and is great for a group. The Chocolate Bar in Cleveland is a cool experience with chocolate in every menu item. And you can’t miss one of the famous grilled cheese sandwiches in Cleveland at Melt Bar and Grilled.
• Where to Stay in Cleveland : The Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade is great hotel in downtown Cleveland. The DoubleTree by Hilton Cleveland Downtown is perfect if you want a Cleveland hotel by the lake. The Kimpton Schofield Hotel is perfect if you want a trendy Cleveland hotel in a great location.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Cleveland : 133 miles/ 2 hours 10 min

Indiana, PA

Whether you’re visiting IUP for the weekend or are looking for a fun day trips from Pittsburgh, Indiana, PA is a great option. One of the most popular things to do in Indiana, PA is visiting the Jimmy Carter Museum to learn more about the Hollywood actor. You can also tour the Jimmy Stewart Airport or visit during the annual Jimmy Stewart Airshow. The Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is a beautiful hike in Pennsylvania that allows you to walk behind a waterfall. For things to do in Indiana, PA with kids, visit the massive Mack Park and the Indiana Community Garden.

• Where to Eat in Indiana, PA : Visit the original Commonplace Coffee location or Cafe Amadeus for great local coffee shops. Enjoy the artwork while having a light lunch or beverage at The Artist’s Hand Gallery. Have dinner at Philly Street Station for a unique dining experience in an old train station. Visit Benjamin’s for lunch or dinner outside on the beautiful patio.
• Where to Stay in Indiana, PA : Hilton Garden Inn Indiana at IUP has spacious rooms with free breakfast and an indoor pool.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Indiana, PA : 58 miles/ 1 hour 15 minutes

Butler is located just North of Pittsburgh. With it’s proximity to the city it’s often overlooked when looking for weekend getaways near Pittsburgh, PA. Whether you want a day trip for a change of scenery or an easy overnight stay, there are so many great things to do in Butler, PA. Moraine State Park and McConnells Mill State Park offer outdoor adventures and some of the best hiking trails near Pittsburgh. Succopp Nature Park is another great place to walk the trails and bird watch. In addition to Downtown Butler, there are a number of cute towns to explore including Saxonburg, Harmony and Mars. If you’re looking for breweries near Pittsburgh, there are several throughout Butler County that make up the Butler beer circuit .

• Where to Eat in Butler, PA : Cummings Coffee and Candy has several locations throughout Butler County. The Chop Shop and Cannella Cafe are both great restaurants in Downtown Butler County. The nearby Harmony Inn is a must visit for yummy German food and a huge selection of beers on tap.
• Where to Stay in Butler, PA : Suite Thyme is the most amazing AirBnB in downtown Butler. It’s a quiet, beautifully decorated space in walking distance to restaurants and shops in Downtown Butler. They also offer wellness experiences including yoga, herbal baths, essential oils and more.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Butler, PA : 33 miles/ 51 minutes

Roanoke, West Virginia

It’s hard to pick just one area of West Virginia for a weekend trip since it’s such a pretty state. On a recent couple’s trip from Pittsburgh, we stopped for a night in Morgantown, West Virgina before heading to Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV. Morgantown is home to WVU, and if you’re looking for things to do in Morgantown, WV, the Mon River Trail is one of the highlights. We also stayed at the Marriott Morgantown at Waterfront Place and highly recommend it if you’re looking for Morgantown, WV hotels.

From there, Stonewall Resort is just an hour away and is the perfect combination of relaxing and outdoors. You can stay in the lodge, cabin or campground, and they have outdoor activities like hiking, biking and kayaking or paddleboarding. There’s also an indoor/ outdoor pool, three restaurants on the resort and a great outdoor firepit.

If you’re looking for more West Virginia weekend getaway ideas, Berkley Springs and Harpers Ferry are on our list for a future trip!

• Where to Stay in West Virginia: Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, VA
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Stonewall Resort: 138 miles/ 2 hours, 10 min (We included this in our list of weekend getaways 2 hours or less from Pittsburgh since it can be under 2 hours if you’re south of Pittsburgh!)

Staycation in Pittsburgh

We love exploring our own city and have done quite a few weekend getaways in Pittsburgh over the years. Whether you’re looking for romantic getaways in Pittsburgh or fun things to do in Pittsburgh with kids, the options are endless. One of our favorite things to do in Pittsburgh includes visiting one of several great museums in Pittsburgh. Our favorites include the Carnegie Museums, the Heinz History Center and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh . Phipps Conservatory and the Pittsburgh Zoo are two more of our favorite family things to do in Pittsburgh. Additionally, for great sightseeing in Pittsburgh, you can tour the city by boat on the Gateway Clipper or ride the Duquesne Incline.

A Pittsburgh weekend getaway is also perfect for a couples weekend or girls trip in Pennsylvania You can visit one of many Pittsburgh distilleries or breweries, see a show in the theater district or go bar hopping in the South Side.

More Ideas For a Fun Weekend Getaway in Pittsburgh

• Where to Eat in Pittsburgh : You can find some of the best brunch in Pittsburgh at Meat and Potatoes or The Grand Concourse. Condado or Tako are perfect for yummy tacos and tequila. Mount Washington offers fine dining in Pittsburgh with a view, with places like Altius and Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. And it’s not a trip to Pittsburgh without a Primanti’s sandwich. You can also find a number of kid-friendly restaurants in Pittsburgh in both downtown and the surrounding areas.
• Where to Stay in Pittsburgh : The Embassy Suites Pittsburgh- Downtown , The Westin Pittsburgh or Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown . All three are downtown Pittsburgh hotels with indoor pools and spacious rooms.

Be sure to also check out our page on things to do in Pittsburgh with kids for more information on our favorite Pittsburgh attractions.

Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh, PA Under 5 Hours

Are you willing to drive a little further for your weekend trips from Pittsburgh? The are so many options if you’re looking for some of the best road trips from Pittsburgh. Below are just a few weekend getaways in PA and the surrounding areas that we’ve enjoyed over the years. These all offer a number of things to do, whether you want a family weekend, a couples getaway or a trip with friends.

Hershey, PA

For lots of fun and chocolate, a weekend in Hershey, Pennsylvania is one of our favorite family getaways in PA. The biggest draw to Hershey is Hersheypark, which also includes ZooAmerica with admission. The Hershey Story and Chocolate World both offer hands-on experiences to learn more about Milton Hershey and chocolate. If you’re looking for a spa or girls’ weekend in Pennsylvania , the Hershey Spa is a great option. Hershey is also great all-year round, with several amazing things to do at Christmas in Hershey as well.

• Where to Eat in Hershey : Hershey Pantry for the best breakfast in Hershey, PA . Troegs Brewery for amazing beer and a unique food menu. Philip Arthur’s Cafe for quick service pizza and made to order meals and ice cream in a casual setting. The Mill in Hershey, which is both family friendly and perfect for a night out. (It’s also a live music venue in Hershey.)
• Where to Stay in Hershey : The Fairfield Inn & Suites on Chocolate Avenue is in a great location with larger rooms for families. There are also several great AirBnBs in Hershey as well.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Hershey : 215 miles, 3 hours 25 minutes

Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA is another great option right next to Hershey, PA. I grew up in Lancaster and love going back there to experience my childhood favorites with my son. For a working farm in Lancaster, PA with activities for kids, visit Oregon Dairy or Cherry Crest Farms. The Strasburg Railroad and the nearby Strasburg train shop are perfect for the train lovers in your life. The Hands-on-House Children’s Museum and Dutch Wonderland are two more great options for fun things to do in Lancaster with kids. If you love ice cream, you can’t miss the Turkey Hill Experience . Lancaster also has the best outlet shopping in Pennsylvania, including Tanger Outlets in Lancaster and Shops at Rockvale.

• Where to Eat in Lancaster : For the best Smorgasbord in Lancaster, PA, Shady Maple can’t be missed for breakfast. The Greenfield Restaurant is a great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Plough is an awesome farm-to-table restaurant with a diverse menu. (It’s also next to The Exchange and other great bars in downtown Lancaster.) Be sure to also check out the Lancaster Brewing Company, one of several breweries in Lancaster, PA.
• Where to Stay in Lancaster : If you’re looking for unique places to stay in Lancaster, PA, Tiny Home Estates in Elizabethtown and Fulton Steamboat Inn are both fun options. For a traditional hotel, the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square is a centrally located hotel in downtown Lancaster.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Lancaster : 238 miles/ 3 hours 45 minutes

Philadelphia, PA

The “city of brotherly love” has so much to offer. Whether you’re planning a girl’s weekend in Philadelphia, a couple’s getaway or a family trip, there are plenty of things to do. For historical sites in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Congress Hall are must do’s. On a family trip to Philadelphia, check out the Franklin Institute and the Please Touch Museum. Sports fans can also catch a game at Lincoln Financial Center or the Phillies stadium. Planning a girls weekend in Philadelphia? Go shopping on Walnut Street, visit South Street or try one of several live music venues in Philadelphia. There are also several great parks in Philly, including Fairmont Park.

• Where to Eat in Philadelphia : The Victor Cafe is famous for Italian food in Philly. Mcgillins Irish pub in Philadelphia is an infamous spot to grab Irish food and a beer. Reading Terminal Market offers a variety of local vendors and foods to try. Plus, no visit to Philly is complete without a stop at Pat’s Steaks or Geno’s Steaks for an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
• Where to Stay in Philadelphia : The Loews Philadelphia and the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia are two centrally located hotels in Philadelphia.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia : 300 miles/ 4.5 hours

State College, PA

State College, PA is home to my alma mater, Penn State University. It’s also where my husband and I met and eventually got married. The biggest draws to State College are football games at Beaver Stadium and concerts at the Bryce Jordan Center. If you like nature and the outdoors, the Arboretum at Penn State and Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center offer family-friendly activities. Whipple Dam State Park and hiking at Mt. Nittany are more great options. I also hear great things about the Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania, but we have yet to visit it.

• Where to Eat in State College : Otto’s Pub and Happy Valley Brewing are local breweries in State College, PA with great menus. Waffle Shop is the best place for breakfast in State College. The Corner Room and Allen Street Grill are family-friendly and serve classic American cuisine. The Penn State Berkey Creamery on campus also has the best ice cream in State College, PA.
• Where to Stay in State College, PA : The Days Inn Penn State is located right in downtown State College. We also love the modern feel of the Penn Stater , where we had our wedding reception. The Hilton Garden Inn State College and Hampton Inn State College are great options as well.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to State College : 136 miles/ 2.5 hours

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, MD is a unique waterfront city packed with history and culture. The National Aquarium of Baltimore and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor are two of the best things to do in Baltimore, MD. Fort McHenry gives you an up-close look at where the Star Spangled Banner was written. Camden Yards, where the Oriole’s play, is also a great baseball stadium. For a couples or girls weekend in Baltimore, you can also spend a night out in Fell’s point or Power Plant Live. (The Howling Moon piano bar there is super fun!)

• Where to Eat in Baltimore : Rusty Scupper is a family favorite for seafood at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. The Waterfront has a great brunch in Fells Point. Mezze is yummy for Mediterranean tapas with a great ambiance. Nacho Mamas is also fun for a night out with margaritas and Mexican food in Baltimore.
• Where to Stay in Baltimore : The Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor hotel is a great option. Hampton Inn Baltimore Downtown is also a centrally located hotel near Camden Yards.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Baltimore : 248 miles/ 4-hour drive

Washington, DC

DC is one of our favorite weekend getaways in the US, regardless of where you’re coming from. Tour the nation’s Capital with sites like the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and National Mall. Visit one of several Smithsonian museums , including the National Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum. Go shopping in Georgetown for both name brands and locally owned shops. Additionally, the nearby Alexandria also offers more great history, great shopping and restaurants.

• Where to Eat in Washington, DC : Founding Farmers is great for a farm-to-table dinner or brunch in DC. Sweet Green is one of my favorites for a healthy, casual lunch option. Clyde’s of Georgetown is a family-friendly seafood restaurant in DC. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants in DC on our list for future visits.
• Where to Stay in Washington, DC : The Hampton Inn Washington, D.C. White House or Capital Hilton are both great options for affordable hotels in Washington D.C. The Gaylord National Harbor is also an awesome hotel if you want to stay just outside of DC.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC : 250 miles/ 4 hours and 10 minutes

Niagara on the Lake (Ontario, Canada)

Not to be confused with it’s more touristy neighbor, Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake is a quaint town in Ontario, Canada. The biggest draw for a weekend in Niagara on the Lake is visiting the beautiful wineries. Some of the best wineries in Niagara on the Lake include Ravine, Stratus, Two Sisters and Chateau de Charmes. Additionally, other fun things to do in Niagara on the Lake include shopping, golfing and riding bikes along the lakefront path.

Niagara Falls shouldn’t be missed either! Search here for fun things to do in Niagara Falls.

Ideas for a Niagara on the Lake Weekend Trip

• Where to Eat in Niagara on the Lake : In addition to the amazing wineries, there are some great restaurants in NOTL. For farm-to-table restaurants in NOTL, have dinner at Treadwell or lunch at Ravine Winery . For a Tuscan inspired menu with live music in Niagara on the Lake, try the Old Winery Restaurant. Niagara on the Lake Golf Course Restaurant is also great for breakfast in NOTL.
• Where to Stay in Niagara on the Lake : Post House Inn is an amazing bed and breakfast for a romantic getaway in Niagara on the Lake. The Hilton Garden Inn is a great family friendly hotel in Niagara.
• Distance from Pittsburgh to Niagara on the Lake : 250 miles/ 4-hour drive

If you’re planning more of a family weekend, Niagara Falls US or Canada are both great options for weekend trips from Pittsburgh. Toronto is also about 30 miles from Niagara on the Lake. It can make a great day trip from Niagara Falls area or a separate weekend getaway from Pittsburgh.

Note: A passport or passport card is required to travel to Canada from the US.

More Great Weekend Trips from Pittsburgh Under a 5 Hour Drive

The list above just scratches the surface! Below are a few more great weekend trips from Pittsburgh, including some with nonstop flights. Feel free to comment below if you’d like more specific recommendations on where to stay and things to do in any of these cities.

• Buffalo, NY is a riverfront city that’s been revitalized with many new attractions integrated into the older buildings and surroundings.
• Annapolis, MD is the perfect waterfront getaway with a historical town and Naval/ sailing influence throughout.
• Jim Thorpe, PA in the Poconos is an adorable town with great restaurants and shopping, plus year-round train rides for the family.
• Columbus, OH and Cincinnati, OH are two more great cities by the river in Ohio. They offer great restaurants, breweries and fun things to do for the whole family.

Weekend Trips From Pittsburgh Via Nonstop Flight

These days, many people are opting for weekend road trips from Pittsburgh vs flying. If you’re interested in flying to your destination, however, several new nonstop flights have been added from PIT in recent years. Below is a list of some of our favorite weekend getaways in the US with nonstop flights from Pittsburgh. Note that some of these are better suited for a long weekend, given the distance and flight time.

• Chicago, IL
• Brooklyn/ New York City, NY
• San Diego, CA
• Orlando, FL
• Charleston, SC
• Boulder, CO (Denver area)
• Scottsdale/ Phoenix, AZ
• New Orleans, LA

Are there any additional destinations you’d add to this list of the best weekend getaways from Pittsburgh? If so, please share in the comments!

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24 thoughts on “25+ Weekend Trips from Pittsburgh, PA”

I love the way that you organized this article! It is so straightforward when it comes to look for some quick getaways from Pittsburgh! You always have such fun ideas!!

Thanks so much Jen! It’s making me want to take more weekend trips from Pittsburgh now!

I grew up in Pittsburgh, and these are great suggestions. I especially love that you included Ligonier. Fort Ligonier was one of my favorite things to do as a kid. Laurel Highlands is also beautiful, and Nemacolin Woodlands is a very special place to visit. You nailed it with these. Idlewild is one of the oldest theme parks in America as well, and perfect for a day visit. Great suggestions and there is so much to do not far from Pittsburgh. A great post for anyone traveling to the area!

Thanks so much! Glad to hear you enjoy a lot of the same spots. Pittsburgh really is accessible to so much!

Thank you, I’m glad to hear that! We love Ligonier, PA and the Laurel Highlands area too : )

This is quite a hub being you could go to Canada, Ohio, WDC, lakes that look like oceans! Lots of options – I am working on a similar post for Naples, Florida but its all about different beaches lol.

Such fun ideas! I’ve only been to Pittsburgh in PA, and I’m so ready to go back and explore other spots in the area! Niagara on the Lake sounds amazing.

That’s great you’ve been here! There are so much fun things to do near Pittsburgh.

Love this – my in-laws are in Pittsburgh so this will be referenced a lot!

That’s great!!

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I had no idea there were so many places that were this close. Great list!

Thanks! I miss being closer to the beach but Pittsburgh is great for accessing the Midwest and east coast!

Great list, thank you!

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Best Road Trips From Pittsburgh

Top road trip destinations from pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh to Niagara Falls

🚗 240 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 50 minutes

Explore the stunning beauty of Niagara Falls on a quick drive from Pittsburgh. One of the most well-known waterfalls in the entire world and the oldest state park in New York, Niagara Falls is a bucket-list destination that lives up to the hype.

Make sure to visit Prospect Point Observation Tower , which offers a great lookout over all three major falls.

Pittsburgh to Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Laurel Hill State Park

🚗 60 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

Enjoy a quick getaway from Pittsburgh to Seven Springs Mountain Resort, perfect for skiing, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. A favorite location for family vacations.

Stop by The Laurel Hill State Park, the result of a huge continuing conservation effort, and fantastic for birdwatching, fishing, boating, and swimming.

Pittsburgh to Finger Lakes and Ithaca

🚗 300 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 50 minutes

Drive from Pittsburgh to the scenic Finger Lakes and Ithaca, an area known for its wineries and stunning natural landscapes. The streams that flow north here create spectacular waterfalls and various Underground Railroad escape routes are compelling.

Make sure to check out Cherry Springs State Park as you make your way to the Finger Lakes.

Pittsburgh to Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park

🚗 490 miles ⏱️ 7 hours, 40 minutes

Embark on a journey from Pittsburgh to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. People are drawn to Knoxville for its liveliness and beauty, along with its football culture and savory Southern food.

Fall and spring seasons are when the colors of surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park really come to life.

Pittsburgh to New York

🚗 410 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 50 minutes

Travel from Pittsburgh to New York City via Philadelphia, and you are in for a treat, with the journey packed with vibrancy, historical sites, and excitement across two of America's most iconic cities.

Along the way also make interesting stops at Donegal , Tuscarora State Forest , and Harrisburg , the state capital of Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh to Happy Valley and Rothrock State Forest

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Journey from Pittsburgh to Happy Valley and explore the natural beauty of Rothrock State Forest, a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.

Driving South you'll pass Monroeville and Allegheny Township , before first arriving at Rothrock State Forest , ahead of Happy Valley.

Pittsburgh to Baltimore

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 50 minutes

Travel from Pittsburgh to Baltimore and discover the rich history and vibrant harbor life of this bustling city. The Inner Harbor of Baltimore houses attractions for all ages, including museums, restaurants, and most notably, moored historic ships.

Highlights on this trip include stops at Michaux State Forest and Gettysburgh .

Pittsburgh to Philadelphia

🚗 310 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 10 minutes

Drive from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and it is a trip bursting with rich American history and culture of the City of Brotherly Love.. With landmarks including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell you won't be short on things to see and do.

Make sure to stop at Harrisburg . The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex is among the nation's most impressive state capitols.

Pittsburgh to Luray and Shenandoah National Park

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Explore the stunning landscapes of Shenandoah National Park. The thundering waterfalls and granite mountains have long of this forest have long been a retreat for Presidents and people of power because of their closeness to Washington DC.

Here you can hike the famously scenic Appalachian Trail using Luray as your base.

Pittsburgh to Washington, DC

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 20 minutes

Take a trip from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, and visit the nation's capital to explore its monuments, museums, and the political heart of the United States.

Stop off in Historic Downtown Frederick , a well-preserved section of the city that has more than 200 museums, art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants.

Pittsburgh to Chautauqua Lake and Jamestown

🚗 160 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Head from Pittsburgh to Chautauqua Lake and Jamestown for a refreshing lakeside retreat, with the lake deservingly famous for its sailing and fishing offerings.

You can choose to detours past Allegheny National Forest to enjoy the splendor of Pennsylvania's only natural forest.

Pittsburgh to Erie and Lake Erie

🚗 130 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Visit Erie from Pittsburgh and enjoy the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, Pennsylvania's only Great Lake port, offering beaches, parks, and maritime attractions.

Presque Isle close by becomes extra lively during the winter because of the great skiing routes, so be prepared for a busier atmosphere.

Pittsburgh to Morgantown and Coopers Rock State Forest

🚗 80 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

Head from Pittsburgh to Morgantown, a must-visit for fans of quaint small towns. You can dabble in water sports, hiking, and get out into the breathtaking nature nearby

Visit nearby Coopers Rock State Forest for a day of hiking, breath taking overlooks, and enjoy West Virginia's natural beauty.

Pittsburgh to Lake Arthur and McConnells Mill State Park

🚗 40 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

A short drive from Pittsburgh, Arthur is one of the nearest notable trips from Pittsburgh and is a favorite for both long-distance tourists as well as locals.

Lake Arthur is only one small part of the much bigger Moraine State Park , which is Pennsylvania's fourth biggest State Park.

Pittsburgh to Columbus

🚗 180 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

A visit to Columbus, Ohio's capital and the biggest city, has plenty to discover and is a great place to re-energise after a drive. The city's innovative, hip, and young vibe is what draws the crowds to its happening arts and tech scene.

Along the way check out Egypt Valley Wildlife Area and Salt Fork State Park , before you reach the bustling city sites of Columbus.

Pittsburgh to Mars

🚗 25 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

A quick trip from Pittsburgh leads you to Mars, a charming small town with unique attractions and a quaint downtown area.

Why not check out Evans City en route. This small borough has nearby attractions such as Evans City Cemetery, featured in the film 'Night of the Living Dead.'

Pittsburgh to Nashville

🚗 590 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 50 minutes

Drive from Pittsburgh to Nashville to immerse yourself in the heart of country music. In addition to being a music capital, Nashville is brimming with historical sites, outdoor activities, professional sports and delicious food.

Before you reach Nashville make sure to enjoy interesting stops at Cincinnati and Louisville .

Pittsburgh to Sewickley

🚗 16 miles ⏱️ 25 minutes

A short drive from Pittsburgh, visit Sewickley for a taste of local culture, boutique shopping, and charming cafes in a picturesque village setting.

This quick trip also passes Robinson Township , a suburban area west of Pittsburgh, home to shopping centers and restaurants.

Pittsburgh to Hocking Hills State Park

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

Escape to Hocking Hills State Park from Pittsburgh. A natural reserve that is filled with splendid caves, waterfalls, and quaint gorges in the shade of hemlocks. It's where Ohio's history is written in the rocks.

There is also the option to detour to Ohiopyle State Park , a little extra travel time but the chance a route that offers stunning scenery.

Pittsburgh to Cleveland and Akron

🚗 130 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Travel from Pittsburgh towards Cleveland and you can expect a buzzing metropolis with lots of action. Akron afterwards then offers a more relaxing pace as a former farming community turned industrial city.

Make sure to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park as you pass between Cleveland and Akron.

Longer road trips from Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh to Atlanta

🚗 720 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 50 minutes

Take a long drive from Pittsburgh to Atlanta and discover the dynamic culture, history, and southern charm of Georgia's capital.

Pittsburgh to Orlando

🚗 970 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 30 minutes

Embark on a road trip from Pittsburgh to Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, for an unforgettable family adventure filled with magical experiences.

Pittsburgh to Bar Harbor, Maine

🚗 870 miles ⏱️ 14 hours

Journey from Pittsburgh to the picturesque Bar Harbor, Maine, via Portland. The unforgettable rugged beauty of Maine's coastline, fresh seafood, and epic Acadia National Park, will greet you.

Pittsburgh to Portland

🚗 690 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Travel from Pittsburgh to Portland, Maine, and discover the charm of this New England city known for its lighthouses and arts scene.

These 6 Pittsburgh day trips offer a glimpse of small-town life

Oct 1, 2021 • 5 min read

Venture out to southwest Pennsylvania on these six Pittsburgh day trips © Emily Fennick/Getty Images/EyeEm

People often say Pittsburgh is like one giant “small town.” If you like that intimacy, you’re going to love the actual small towns scattered throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and within a day trip from Pittsburgh.

The region’s industrial heritage had a huge influence on communities located upstream from Pittsburgh. These towns were centered around factories that shipped goods and materials down the river to Pittsburgh.

For a brief period of time, many flourished into grandiose towns with elaborate architecture and cultural institutions. Today, with the manufacturing industries diminished, they are a slower-paced, cleaner version of their former selves, but still worth exploring. Though you’ll need a car to get around, many can be found within two hours of Pittsburgh. Here are the best day trips from the Steel City.

Browse antiques in Franklin, Pennsylvania 

Miles before the Allegheny River flows into Downtown Pittsburgh, it runs through a tiny town called Franklin, Pennsylvania. Franklin has as much curb appeal as any popular small town. The downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, and its 19th-century streets are lined with shops, restaurants and landmarks. 

You don't need to look far to find something to do. DeBence’s Antique Music World Museum  has a collection of over 100 antique musical instruments. Fountain Park, located on Liberty Street, features an elaborate 1896 cast-iron fountain. Local talent shines on stage at The Barrow Civic Theater. Nearby Oil Creek State Park has trails, four waterfalls, and a passenger railroad that runs a 3-hour scenic ride through the park. 

How to get to Franklin: The drive takes 1.5 hours. Take I-79 North before hopping on I-80 and then PA-8 North for the remaining 15 miles. 

13 free things to do in Pittsburgh

Sample gourmet cuisine in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania  

What do Saxonburg and Brooklyn have in common? Engineer and inventor John A. Roebling, designer of the Brooklyn Bridge – that's who. Born in 1806 in Prussia, Roebling immigrated to America in 1831 and established the German settlement of Saxonburg with his brother in 1832. The town was home to his wire rope factory, which he used in suspension bridges.

Today, Saxonburg is a charming town with plenty to see and eat. Local eatery Batch offers gourmet jarred and baked goods. Just a few blocks away is the popular Conny Creek Brewing cafe. Dine outdoors at the historic Hotel Saxonburg , or stay the night in one of their Victorian-era rooms. Saxonburg continues to honor Roebling with Roebling Park on Water Street, complete with a two-story model of the Brooklyn Bridge. 

How to get to Saxonburg: Saxonburg is a 40-minute drive (33 miles) from Pittsburgh. Take Route 28N to Ekastown Road (Exit 16). 

Marvel at Fallingwater in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands 

Thousands flock to Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands every year to see Fallingwater , the masterpiece of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, but that’s certainly not the only reason to visit. The Laurel Highlands are nature’s masterpiece. Nearby Ohiopyle State Park has something for every type of outdoor enthusiast, including hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting.

The Great Allegheny Passage , a bike trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, passes through Ohiopyle, making it an easy spot to pause – or start – the trail.

Birders and floral enthusiasts love the Powdermill Nature Reserve, an outpost of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History . And if adventure sports aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the serene setting at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort  (site of the 25th season of  The Bachelor ). 

How to get to the Laurel Highlands: A car is the best way to explore the Laurel Highlands. From Pittsburgh, it’s a 60-minute drive east on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). Private tours of Fallingwater are available from Pittsburgh.

Devour fresh fruit in Smicksburg, Pennsylvania 

If you head out of Pittsburgh and start driving northeast, the city will fade into rolling farms. Soon you’ll pass horse-drawn buggies and signs for Amish baked goods. You’ve arrived in Smicksburg , an Amish settlement with pottery shops, furniture stores and country markets.

It's quiet and spread out, but that's the charm. The town also hosts Strawberry Saturday every June, and Peach Saturday every August. When visiting Smicksburg, respect the Amish lifestyle and refrain from taking pictures of people. 

How to get to Smicksburg: The drive will take a little over an hour. From Downtown Pittsburgh, take Route 28 North to PA-85E. As you near the destination, there will be horse-drawn buggies on the road, so drive cautiously. 

Pittsburgh's best neighborhoods  

Enjoy a cool dip in Pennsylvania’s Clarion River 

A short drive north is all that’s required to spend the day horizontal, floating down the Clarion River. Thanks to a major initiative to clean the river in the 1970s, the Clarion River is a lush, tranquil escape.

The water is filled with fish, and the banks are lined with Hemlock trees, Pennsylvania’s state tree, and blue heron. To rent a tube or canoe, head to Pale Whale Canoe Fleet in Cooksburg. They offer all types of river raft rentals and have a transport van to the launch site, where you’ll work your way back to their private dock. 

How to get to the Clarion River: Cooksburg, the launch site, is just under two hours from Pittsburgh. Take Route 28 N to PA-66 N. 

Enjoy a festival (or two) in Butler, Pennsylvania 

Butler loves a good festival. Seemingly every month there’s another event, whether it’s the Butler Rib & Music Festival, the Big Butler Fair, the Butler Farm Show, or the Butler Italian Festival. If you’re looking for something to do, check their event calendar. You might get lucky. 

Downtown Butler was laid out in 1803 and features a main street lined with Gothic and Victorian structures. It was here, in 1940, that the American Bantam Car Company designed the first Jeep – hence the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival held every June.

Nearby Moraine State Park holds Lake Arthur. Originally a glacial lake formed during the Ice Age, the lake offers 42 miles of shoreline.

If you’re looking for an excuse to extend the trip and stay the night, the Butler County Beer Circuit features 16 local breweries. Hotels, B&Bs and campgrounds are available throughout the county. 

How to get to Butler: Butler is one hour (33 miles) north of Downtown Pittsburgh via Route 8. 

You might also like: Best things to do in Pittsburgh with kids   Pittsburgh's North Boroughs are one of the city's best-kept secrets Essential eats in Pittsburgh 

This article was originally published on June 20, 2021. 

This article was first published Jun 20, 2021 and updated Oct 1, 2021.

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• Destinations

25 Best Day Trips from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Last Updated By VI on April 14, 2024 in Pennsylvania Day Trips This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure

The Laurel Highlands

The allegheny national forest, beaver creek state park.

• Complete List & Map

Biking is popular along the Great Allegheny Passage, while amazing hiking opportunities are offered along the Laurel Highlands Trail. Visitors can also explore architectural wonders like Fallingwater or relax in style at the stunning Seven Springs Mountain Resort on their weekend getaway from Pittsburgh . Where to stay: Foggy Mountain Lodge & Restaurant

The Allegheny Reservoir offers seasonal swimming beaches, day-use picnic sites, and a fishing pier, while the Clarion Wild and Scenic River is home to hunting grounds and hiking areas.

Chesapeake blue crabs and locally-produced Old Bay seasoning are staples of the city's culinary scene, which is home to many acclaimed seafood restaurants.

12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, Phone: 330-385-3091

Chautauqua County

Nearby, Chautauqua Lake offers delightful fishing, boating, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Visitors can see performances at the city's famed Playhouse Square, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the United States, explore the beautiful green chain of parks connected by the Cleveland Metroparks system, or view American and world art exhibits at the renowned Cleveland Museum of Art. More things to do in Cleveland

Annual special events include the Ohio State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country. Browse more things to do in Ohio with kids

Conneaut Lake Park

12382 Center Ave, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, Phone: 814-382-5115

Fallingwater

1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464, Phone: 724-329-8501

Hartwood Acres

Public concerts are held throughout the summer months at the estate's outdoor amphitheater. Annual special events include the Allegheny County Music Festival.

McConnells Mill State Park

1761 McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, Phone: 724-368-8091

More ideas: Uniontown, Pennsylvania

Monongahela National Forest

200 Sycamore St, Elkins, WV 26241, Phone: 304-636-1800

Moundsville

More ideas: Best Weekend Getaways from DC

Day Trips from Pittsburgh: Mount Davis

Nearby, an interpretive display presents information about the history and geography of the Somerset County region, detailing the geological survey that determined the mountain to be the state's highest peak.

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

12001 Nelson Ledge Rd, Garrettsville, OH 44231, Phone: 440-548-2716

New Wilmington

Simple Life Amish Tours explore the region's Amish-connected sites, elaborating on their historical and cultural significance. Visitors can also peruse the exhibits of the Lawrence County Historical Society Museum, housed within a beautiful turn-of-the-century mansion, or explore the campus of Westminster College, which is home to a labyrinth for spiritual meditation. Webb Winery offers tastings and tours throughout the year.

Oglebay Park

465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 877-436-1797

Ohiopyle State Park

Visitors can also explore the amazing Great Allegheny Passage bicycle trail, which connects to the nearby Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath Trail to offer biking experiences all the way to Washington, D.C.

Penn’s Cave and House

More ideas: Monroeville, Pennsylvania

Pine Creek Gorge

Camping is permitted throughout Tioga State Forest for visitors looking to make multi-day excursions out of seeing different areas of the canyon or looking to enjoy the region's excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. Pine Creek Gorge is one of the best camping spots in Pennsylvania .

Presque Isle State Park

More ideas: Things to do in Washington, PA

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA 15622, Phone: 814-352-7777

More than 20 specialty shops throughout the town sell delightful country craft items, beautiful pottery, homemade quilts, and delicious Amish fudge.

Washington, D.C.

The city is also known for its amazingly diverse culinary scene, as a result of the many international embassies that call the city home. Find more romantic things to do in DC

• 1. The Laurel Highlands
• 2. The Allegheny National Forest
• 3. Baltimore
• 4. Beaver Creek State Park
• 5. Chautauqua County
• 6. Cleveland
• 7. Columbus
• 8. Conneaut Lake Park
• 9. Fallingwater
• 10. Hartwood Acres
• 11. McConnells Mill State Park
• 12. Meadville
• 13. Monongahela National Forest
• 14. Moundsville
• 15. Day Trips from Pittsburgh: Mount Davis
• 16. Nelson Ledges Quarry Park
• 17. New Wilmington
• 18. Oglebay Park
• 19. Ohiopyle State Park
• 20. Penn’s Cave and House
• 21. Pine Creek Gorge
• 22. Presque Isle State Park
• 23. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
• 24. Smicksburg
• 25. Washington, D.C.

More Features

25 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires, Massachusetts

20 Must-Try Restaurants in Provincetown, Massachusetts

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

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Weekend Getaways near Pittsburgh

The 18 Best Day Trips from Pittsburgh for Every Style of Adventure

There’s a little something for everyone in Steel City, and the surrounding area is just as ripe with adventure. Enjoy these day trips from Pittsburgh!

Situated on the confluence of the Monongahela, Ohio, and Allegheny Rivers in western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh epitomizes the saying “water, water, everywhere.” (Don’t worry though, the city’s many microbreweries and bars will definitely not leave without a drop to drink.) Once heavily industrialized, Downtown Pittsburgh has really cleaned up and the city is overflowing with fantastic things to do.

While there is plenty of stuff to do in Pittsburgh to have an amazing weekend, the surrounding countryside is so gorgeous and inviting that it may be difficult to resist the urge to jump in the car and head out for a road trip. To help you get started on your planning, we have put together a list of some great day trips from Pittsburgh ranging from stunning parks to quaint towns and everything in between. We are sure that you will find something that strikes your fancy so you may want to add an extra day or two to your trip if you can!

Explore Steel City on a scavenger hunt !

While you’re making your way around Pittsburgh, don’t forget to download our app and try ( at least ) one of our scavenger hunts ! We’ve got options in hundreds of cities around the world , including multiple tours in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , and beyond. See the fantastic attractions each town has to offer, search for street art, or grab some drinking buddies and head out on a pub crawl . Whatever you choose, we know you’ll have a great time!

Day Trips From Pittsburgh

Day trips from pittsburgh for nature lovers.

Pittsburgh lies in the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania and is surrounded by untouched nature with tons of great options for outdoor activities.

1. Ohiopyle State Park

Distance: 68 miles

Travel Time: 1 ¼ hours

Home to Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle State Park is located in the mountainous region of the Laurel Highlands. The 3,213-foot summit is easily accessible via a paved road and the park also features the 14-mile-long Youghiogheny River Gorge, one of the best places for whitewater rafting and kayaking in the state with rafting options for people of all levels. If you love waterfalls, then Ohiopyle has got you covered there too! Cucumber Falls with its 30-foot drop is one of Pennsylvania’s most photographed waterfalls and you can reach it by a short hiking trail. If you, or your kids, can’t resist the urge to get a little wet, the nearby Meadow Run has a natural waterslide created by a smaller cascade that is perfect for children. 

When you arrive, make sure to stop by the Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center where you can learn more about all of the great outdoor activities on offer in the park, including rock climbing lessons, zip lines, and nature trails. If you want to spend the night there, there are also campgrounds available.

2. Great Allegheny Passage

Distance: Varies

Travel Time: Varies

This 150-mile trail runs through Ohiopyle State Park as it makes its way along rivers, around lakes, and through untouched mountain forests offering fantastic views along the way. The Great Allegheny Passage is flat nearly the entire way which makes it a great place for a family bike trip or for novice bikers to put in some major miles without having to worry about any large ascents or descents. If you are visiting in the fall, this is also an amazing place to check out the fall foliage as you walk or bike along the well-maintained path. 

The trail starts in Cumberland, Maryland and finishes in Pittsburgh and if you want to cover the whole path without having to worry about transport, Amtrak offers services connecting various cities along the trail on its Capitol Limited Line which runs from Chicago to Washington DC and it is possible to bring your bike along with you and store it in a special train car. 

3. Presque Isle State Park

Distance: 127 miles

Travel Time: 2 hours

Presque Isle State Park is located on a 3,200-acre peninsula jutting out from Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie shoreline. The peninsula’s beautiful coastline attracts visitors year-round with its sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, 11 miles of trails that provide great options for hiking, boat launches that make boating a breeze, and migratory birds that are sure to thrill nature lovers when they visit this National Natural Landmark. If you don’t have your own small craft but still want to get out on the water, don’t worry—there is a shop there for kayak, canoe, and pontoon boat rentals. 

While the park is day-use only, there are plenty of accommodation options in the nearby town of Erie if you want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway. 

4. Conneaut Lake

Distance: 95 miles

Travel Time: 1 ½ hours

Straddling the border between Pennsylvania and Ohio, Conneaut Lake is Pennsylvania’s largest glacial lake and it is a haven for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, and canoeing. If the weather isn’t looking too great, there are plenty of options for land-based relaxation as well. The lake’s boardwalk is the perfect place for a morning stroll while the Tiki Bar offers an excellent spot to cool down with a cocktail. Conneaut Lake is also home to its own small amusement park in case you want a few cheap thrills while you are there. 

If you want to have a mini road trip up to Lake Erie, Conneaut Lake is located about an hour south of Erie, PA and Presque Isle State Park. There are campsites and cabins where you can spend the night!

5. Laurel Caverns

Distance: 69 miles

As one of the largest and deepest caverns in the northeastern United States, the Laurel Caverns is a fantastic day trip if you are up for a day of adventure. With four miles of interconnected passageways and a fascinating array of geological formations, there is plenty to see whether you opt for a family-friendly guided tour or one of their spelunking adventures. 

Don’t forget that the caverns are also home to the northeast’s largest bat hibernation area so they are closed during the winter months to give these little cuties their much-needed beauty sleep. They don’t open again until the last bat has left the bat cave (usually in April) so make sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information. 

6. McConnells Mill State Park

Distance: 41 miles

Travel Time: 43 minutes

Spreading more than 2,500 acres around the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, one of the country’s National Natural Landmarks, McConnells Mill State Park offers a jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape. The gorge was created when glacial lakes were drained leaving behind steep walls and a floor scattered with boulders. There are plenty of scenic overlooks where you can stop to admire nature’s artistry and the 11 miles of hiking trails give people of all ages the chance to get some exercise in. You can also find a historic 19th-century gristmill and covered bridge that is worth checking out while you are there. 

Keep in mind that Slippery Rock is a fast-moving, whitewater creek and it is unsafe for swimming (not to mention the slippery rocks that you would have to maneuver to even get to the creek!). As tempting as it may be to jump in on a hot July day, this is one place where you should stay dry.

7. Moraine State Park

Distance: 39 miles

Travel Time: 40 minutes 

With more than 42 miles of shoreline along the tranquil Lake Arthur and 71 miles of hiking trails, Moraine State Park packs in a pretty big punch when it comes to outdoor activities. While you are there, you can enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, or swimming from one of the lake’s two sandy beaches. In the winter, you can also go cross country skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling making it a great year-round destination. Although it is not possible to camp there, there are modern cabins that are perfect for families or groups of friends and give you the chance to experience the park in the still of the night. 

8. Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Distance: 59 miles 

Seven Springs Mountain Resort is a small ski resort with 33 slopes and trails ranging from beginner slopes all the way to advanced runs and seven terrain parks, totaling more than 285 skiable acres. It is a great spot to enjoy the snow of southeastern Pennsylvania no matter your age or skiing or snowboarding experience. There are packages on their website for lift passes and accommodation so make sure to check before you go if you are tempted to stay overnight as it may be able to save you some money!

During the warmer months, it morphs into a paradise for summer sports and you can spend days hiking along the different trails along the Laurel Ridgeline visiting scenic lookout points or serene lakes. You can purchase chairlift passes during the summer to get a headstart on some elevation gain. There is also a mountaintop golf course where you can practice your swing while enjoying the beautiful vista.

Day Trips From Pittsburgh for History Buffs and Culture Vultures

Pittsburgh lies just a short drive from many other Rust Belt cities and unique attractions that are perfect for a day trip or an overnight getaway.

9. Cleveland, Ohio

Distance: 135 miles

Travel Time: 2 ¼ miles

Located just a two hours drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland is another Rust Belt city that has managed to reinvent itself. Sandwiched between the southern shore of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland has a lovely waterfront and a walkable downtown area where you can see reminders of the city’s former life as one of America’s most important and wealthiest cities. While one of the city’s top attractions is undoubtedly the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, there is a slew of other museums that you can check out including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History. If the weather is nice, you can also take a stroll through the Cleveland Botanical Gardens or the Metropark Zoo which is home to thousands of animals from around the world. 

 If you are there during the summer, make sure to pack your bathing suit so you can take a swim at one of the city’s many beaches or if you prefer to stay a bit drier, you can go kayaking or paddleboarding along the river before stopping for lunch or a drink at the Flats. This is a fabulous way to spend the day if you want to see the “other” side of the city. 

To read about all of the great things to do there, make sure to check out the Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do in Cleveland or try one of our Cleveland scavenger hunts !

10. Fallingwater

Distance: 67 miles

One of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s most well-known creations, Fallingwater blends seamlessly into the forest of the Bear Run Nature Reserve near Mill Run and is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. As the name suggests, it was designed to incorporate a beautiful waterfall allowing visitors to hear the relaxing sound of water throughout the house. While you are there, it is possible to see the house just as Wright designed it on a self-guided or guided tour. Advanced reservations are required and tickets get snapped up quickly so make sure to book well in advance. It is both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this is one place that you definitely don’t want to miss!

If you are a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, there are also four other Wright houses located nearby in Polymath Park that are also open to visitors including Mäntylä, Blum, Duncan, and Balter. It is even possible to spend the night in a few of them so this could be a great option for architecture buffs!

11. Akron, Ohio

Distance: 110 miles

Travel Time: 1 ¾ hours

Located about halfway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, Akron often gets overlooked for its flashier neighbors. However, this small city offers quite a few things to do in a relaxed environment which is perfect for families and while you are there, you can visit the Akron Zoo or the Akron Art Museum. If the weather is nice, you can even head out to Brandywine Falls which sits within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, or take a stroll through the historic town of Seville with its charming 19th century downtown featuring quirky boutiques and antique shops, both of which lie just a 25-minute drive from Akron.

(Expert tip: the Akron Canton Airport is also amazingly easy to get in and out of and is sometimes much cheaper than flying into Pittsburgh).

12. Pro Football Hall of Fame 

Distance: 100 miles

Sports lovers shouldn’t miss this great little day trip. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio, and is the perfect spot to learn more about your favorite masters of the pigskin. The museum features exhibits on most of football’s legendary players with exhibits showcasing how each player’s story and athletic prowess represented “courage, dedication, vision, fair play, integrity, and excellence.”

While Canton, Ohio may seem to be an odd place for a football hall of fame, the NFL was actually founded there in 1920 and Canton’s very own pro football team once dominated the sport (ok, it was a pretty long time along, but still …) and a trip to the museum gives visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of the league’s original founders. While you are there, you can either explore on your own or join one of the guided tours.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located just a 25-minute drive south of Akron making it easy to combine both spots into one easy day trip. 

13. Wheeling, West Virginia

Distance: 59 miles

Travel Time: 1 hour

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wheeling may be a small town but there is a lot to do there! During a visit, you can make some new friends at the Good Zoo, tour a mansion museum, or unleash your inner child at the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum. Wheeling also has a ton of green space where you can have a picnic, take a little snooze after an afternoon of sightseeing, or play a few rounds of golf. 

If you have the time (and like to visit creepy places), you can also visit the 19th century West Virginia Penitentiary . This historic landmark is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and has a lot of interesting stories associated with it. You can learn more about the prison’s history and the spooky stories associated with it during a fascinating daytime guided tour or an evening paranormal investigation. 

14. Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Distance: 239 miles

Travel Time: 3 ¾ hours

Pennsylvania is famous for its large Amish population and you don’t have to go too far outside of Pittsburgh to learn more about this unique culture. From horse-drawn buggies to hand-rolled pretzels, Amish Country makes an interesting stop for all the culture vultures out there. Although the Amish can be found throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio, the largest concentration of them is in Lancaster County in eastern Pennsylvania. During a visit, you can take a guided tour of an Amish farm or take a countryside bus tour that meanders its way across the gently rolling hills and scenic farmlands of the surrounding region. 

To learn more about Pennsylvania Dutch Country, make sure to check out our Lancaster travel guide . 

If you don’t have the time to make it all the way to Lancaster, you can also visit Holmes County, Ohio which is around a two-and-a-half-hour drive away and lies about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus. Although it isn’t as well set up for tourists, you can still get an idea of how the Amish live, check out an Amish farm, and support some of the local Amish-owned businesses. There is even an Amish Country Theater where you can catch a family-friendly show.

Whichever destination you choose, make sure to come hungry as there are many restaurants where you can try traditional Amish food that is absolutely delicious. Don’t forget to save room for dessert—the baked goods and homemade ice cream are out of this world!

15. Ambridge Historic District

Distance: 18 miles

Travel Time: 30 minutes 

Located along the Ohio River just a short drive west of Pittsburgh, the Ambridge Historic District is a 32-acre National Historic Site which was once a safe haven to the Harmony Society, a German communitarian sect that moved there in 1824 after unsurprisingly being persecuted in their native Germany. They were pretty successful and before long they had cotton, wool, saw, and grain mills operating and had a wine press, post office, a hotel, and stores. In essence, it was a fully-functioning town. The society officially dissolved in 1905 and the district stands as a living museum of their time there. 

The heart of the district is the 6-acre Old Economy Village featuring 17 restored historical buildings where you can visit the founder’s 1826 home, the feast hall, post office, granary, carriage house, community kitchen, and blacksmith shop as well as a few homes where you can get an idea of what life was like here throughout the 19th century. Many of the buildings have interesting exhibits that give visitors the chance to learn more about this interesting group of people. 

Although the town is best known for its preservation of the past, they are still very much in the present and there are a number of fun activities and events held throughout the year so make sure to check their website to see if there is anything going on while you are in town. 

16. Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Distance: 67 miles 

Known as being the location of one of George Washington’s not-so-great moments, the battle at Fort Necessity was the first encounter of the French and Indian Wars which ended with Washington surrendering to the French. While the original wooden fort is long gone, it has been recreated in the Fort Necessity National Battlefield ’s Great Meadow and visitors can learn more about the battle through guided tours and demonstrations. 

While you are there, don’t forget to check out Mount Washington Tavern. The tavern was built in 1827 and served as one of the hotels along the National Road. Today, it operates as a mini-museum, and inside, you can see artifacts from that era. Also, you may want to put on some walking shoes as the park has five miles of walking trails which are well worth checking out. 

17. Fort Ligonier

Distance: 51 miles 

Constructed in 1758, Fort Ligonier is a mid-18th century British fort that was part of a defense system that stretched from Philadelphia to Fort Duquesne, now a historic site in Downtown Pittsburgh. The fort was used during the French and Indian War and today, you can visit the reconstructed structure and onsite museum to learn about the battles that it survived, and see the original 18th-century powder magazine. There is also a recreated hospital ward with exhibits explaining the role that women played in the war effort and the medical treatments used to care for wounded and sick soldiers. Unlike some historic sites, the fort is very family-friendly (there are even two escape room experiences!) with easy-to-understand exhibits and it is a great day trip for people traveling with kids.

18. Idlewild Amusement Park

Distance: 49 miles

Known as being one of the best amusement parks in Pennsylvania, Idlewild has been getting people’s hearts racing and faces smiling for the past 145 years making it one of the oldest amusement parks in the entire country. The park is divided into seven different themed sections and boasts roller coasters, thrill rides, and kid-friendly attractions as well as the SoakZone, their own onsite water park complete with water slides, lazy rivers, and swimming pools where you can cool off on a hot summer’s day (and trust us, it can get very, very hot there during the summer!). The park is small enough that it can be tackled in one day making it an easy day trip from Pittsburgh. 

Ready to roam?

We hope that this article has inspired you to get out and about on your next trip to Pittsburgh and experience the gorgeous landscape and interesting cultural spots just a short drive away. As always, we would love to hear your feedback and please let us know if we have missed any hidden gems!

To read more about all of the great things there, don’t forget to check out our list of the 25+ Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh , or check out any of our fun-filled Pittsburgh scavenger hunts !

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re in Steel City but planning on hitting the road, head to Fallingwater, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous creations, or take a day trip from Pittsburgh to the Slippery Rock Gorge!

When you and your crew want to expand your horizons, these day trips from Pittsburgh should do the trick! Visit the Football Hall of Fame, spend a day at Conneaut Lake, or explore Idlewild Amusement Park.

Experience some of Steel City’s finest attractions a fun-filled scavenger hunt ! You could also check out Let’s Roams picks for the 25+ Best Things To Do , or head out on a day trip from Pittsburgh .

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13 Perfect Day Trips From Pittsburgh (within 2 hours of drive)

Day trips near pittsburgh, [short drive from pittsburgh], day trips currently.

There are a number of amazing trips within short distance from Pittsburgh that can be accomplished in one day! Here is a list of best Day Trips.

For all types of getaways near Pittsburgh CLICK HERE    

Day Trips From Pittsburgh

Amazing day trip to hartwood acres park - 30 min from pittsburgh.

• Tours of the estate require advanced reservations.

Hartwood Acres Park makes for a great day trip from Pittsburgh. Located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It is one of the largest and most spectacular country estates! A wide range of outdoor activities, concerts, seasonal events, and the magnificent Lawrence Mansion will make an indelible impression on you!

Winter Fun Day Trip to the Boyce Park Ski Area Near Pittsburgh

• The cost range for tickets is $17 – $40.

Are you looking for a fun winter day trip from Pittsburgh? The Boyce Park Ski Slopes & Snow Tubing Area in Allegheny County will make a perfect winter getaway for the whole family, new skiers, snow tubers, and snowboarders.

Park and Beach Getaways at Raccoon Creek State Park in PA

The park is 7,572 acres in size and features the beautiful 101-acre Raccoon Lake. Take a hike at one of the many park trails (44 miles of trails to choose from). Or explore the 101-acre Raccoon Lake by kayak, canoe, rowboat, or hydro bike. Or swim and catch some sun at the beach. Or enjoy a stroll through the Wildflower Reserve with more than 700 species of plants. The park also offers a wide variety of environmental education programs.

Beach and Park Getaway to Moraine State Park near Pittsburgh PA

• Park information can be obtained at the park office near the entrance to the South Shore.

Looking for a beach and park trip for the whole family? Moraine State Park is 16,725 acres of exceptional scenery. Located in Portersville PA, it contains a beautiful 3,225-acre Lake Arthur, rolling hills, lush forests, and a large number of year-round recreational opportunities, there is something for everyone in the park. Moraine State Park has two swimming sandy beaches 1,200-foot-long Pleasant Valley Beach and 550-foot-long Lakeview Beach. ⁠

Magical Day Trip to Laurel Caverns in Laurel Highlands PA

• The cost ranges between $3 for kids and $15 for adults.

If you are looking for a unique and magical family day getaway near Pittsburgh or Cleveland, consider taking a day trip to Laurel Caverns in Farmington. It is Pennsylvania’s largest cave, with over four miles of passages. You will get unforgettable emotions, enjoy extraordinary views, and take amazingly vivid photos. This epic adventure is great for families with kids and also for adventure lovers looking for exceptional caving (spelunking) experience. ⁠⁠

Beach and Park Getaway at Laurel Hill State Park in Laurel Highland PA

Laurel Hill State Park offers 4,062 acres of mountainous terrain and beautiful 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake. The lake has a small, 1,200-foot white sand beach , with a lovely pier where you can jump into the cool and refreshing lake water⁠. It is open daily from late May until the middle of September. The beach is clean and well maintained, a nice small place to swim or rent a kayak or canoe. The reviews for this beach seem to be all positive.

The park also has some of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Observe the diversity of plants and wildlife, explore the two must-sees – The Jones Mill Run Dam, and Hemlock Trail Natural Area, go fishing and swimming in summer and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter months. The park is open every day of the year, and it is pet friendly.

Scenic Getaway at Cooper Rock State Forest in West Virginia

• The entrance to the forest is free. The cost depend on the accommodation you pick.

Scenic Coopers Rock State Forest with a great view of lakes, rivers, and valleys will make a perfect weekend getaway. This State Forest is great for hiking, biking, camping, and seeing the breathtaking views of nature. It is also perfect for a day out with friends or couples, and families with kids.

Amazing Winter Fun and Magic Sleigh Rides at Ma & Pa's Cabin in Burton OH

• The cost is $110 weekdays and $150 weekends for two-night stay.

Are you looking for memorable winter fun, a fabulous sleigh ride, and a unique off-the-grid cabin rental in the woods? You will get this unique experience and much more, while staying at Ma & Pa's in the village of Burton, Ohio.

Nestled in the mature woods, away from the busy city life, with a gas fireplace, fire pit, wrap-around deck, home amenities, and private hiking trails, this winter getaway will make your childhood dream come true!

Fun Family Getaway at Tygart Lake State Park & Adventures Water Park in West Virginia

• Half-day in the water park is $12 per person. Full-day is $16 per person. Free for children aged three and under.

Are you looking for a great place to have a fun family getaway? Consider vising Tygart Lake State Park with its Tygart Adventures Water Park.

Enjoy the beautiful views, numerous water activities, and breathtaking hiking trails in the park. ⁠⁠Have the thrills of sliding, climbing, jumping, and racing to the top of inflatable slides and obstacles on water. An exciting way to stay cool in summer!

Stunning Beach Getaway at Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania

• The entrance to the park is free.

Are you looking for the best beach getaway? Presque Isle State Park is a gorgeous “seashore-like” beach, with a beautiful coastline and lake views. It is a paradise for outdoor lovers, families, couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and those who want an unforgettable summer getaway!

Picturesque Getaway at Swallow Falls State Park near Deep Creek Lake in Maryland

• The cost is $3 for instate resident, and $5 for out-of-state resident

Swallow Falls State Park in Western Maryland is a perfect destination for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts any time of the year. With beautiful scenery, picturesque hiking trails, old hemlock trees, and two grand cascading waterfalls, you will fall in love with this park from the first minutes of your visit!

Picturesque Beach and Park Getaway at Geneva On The Lake OH⁠

• The Bach access is free. For accommodation suggestions see below.

Geneva-on-the-Lake , a village in Ashtabula County, Ohio, with picturesque lake views makes for a great weekend getaway for active people, nature lovers, wine buffs, couples, families, and friends! ⁠⁠Sandy Breakwater Beach, with a large beach area, is located inside Geneva State Park. The park, with 698 acres of forest, also offers hiking/biking trails, boating, and camping⁠.

Gorgeous Lake Getaway at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland

Deep Creek Lake is a quiet and relaxing four-season getaway destination, with picturesque mountain and lake views. It is a paradise for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and lovers of beautiful scenery!   Deep Creek Lake is nestled in the gorgeous mountains of western Maryland. It is the largest lake in Maryland with 69 miles of shoreline. The region has a wide range of activities all year round. In the summer months, you can go hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. During the winter months, there are opportunities for skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Pennsylvania (PA) » 15 Best Day Trips from Pittsburgh

15 Best Day Trips from Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is an exciting and versatile city in Pennsylvania. There is a lot to explore in this city, in fact, Harper’s Bazaar named Pittsburgh on of the ‘best places to travel in 2017’ and they’re keeping up their fantastic track record.

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are surely the highlight of any visit to Pittsburgh.

Art lovers will fall head over heels for the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Art.

With so much to see and do in Pittsburgh you’ll be hard pressed to find time to venture out of the city limits. You really should though.

Lying within easy reach of Pittsburgh are dozens of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

Let’s take a look at the best day trips from Pittsburgh :

1. Cleveland

Crossing over the state lines into Ohio, Cleveland is a wonderful city in which to spend a day.

There is plenty to see, do and explore.

Cleveland lies on the shores of Lake Erie and is one of the most historical cities in the state.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a massive attraction in Cleveland and is home to exhibits on the world’s biggest and best music superstars.

The Cleveland Museum of Art holds an impressive selection of artistic works from the last 6,000 years.

If you’re travelling with children the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon.

2. Penn’s Cave

Penn’s Cave is America’s only wave cave and wildlife park.

This fun and family friendly day out is one of the most easily accessible and affordable day trips from Pittsburgh.

You can opt for a steady day walking around the wildlife park and observing the animals go about their business or you can tick of everything Penn’s Cave has to offer.

You can tear around the Miner’s Maze in search of the treasure, you can take a tour of the cave complex themselves or even pan for gemstones.

Engaging and educational, Penn’s Cave is a great day out for all; no need to pack a picnic, grab lunch at Cave Cafe.

3. Fallingwater

Fallingwater is one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic homes.

Designed and constructed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s greatest ever architects, Fallingwater has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark.

Since 1964 over five million people have come from far and wide to tour this impressive architectural gem.

The team at Western Pennsylvania Conservancy run tours of Fallingwater daily from 10 am – 4 pm, except on Wednesdays.

During your tour you will learn about the quirky and innovative design features of the house and its interesting history too.

Over the weekends it is possible to team a house tour with a landscape hike for a more rounded day trip.

4. Hartwood Acres

Hartwood Acres Mansion is one of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets, lying just outside the city limits the mansion and grounds are a joy to explore.

The mansion itself is built in 16th-Century style Tudor design and is simply majestic in its stature.

The heritage preservation teams run tours of the property and grounds on a daily basis.

The Allegheny County Park in which Hartwood Acres Mansion spans an impressive 629-acres, although you cannot cover all that ground in one day taking a stroll through the gardens and taking in the scenic vistas is a refreshing change from the traffic and city smoke in Pittsburgh.

5. Columbus

Leave Pennsylvania behind and head to Ohio and its state capital, Columbus.

Rich in history and with a wonderful selection of sights to explore Columbus is an interesting and insightful day trip from Pittsburgh.

Columbus was home to German settlers in the early 1800s and their restored village homes can still be visited today.

The Franklin Park Conservatory is a peaceful and relaxing spot to spend an afternoon.

The gardens have both plant and art exhibitions and there is something truly photogenic to snap everywhere you turn.

The COSI Columbus is a great place to head if you’re interested in science and stars.

They have a planetarium and plenty of hands on exhibits to experience.

6. Gravity Hill

A visit to Gravity Hill is a bit of a novelty nonetheless is really rather cool.

Also known as magnetic hill, gravity road and mystery hill, Gravity Hill can be found in sleepy Bedford County.

This magical spot appears to make cars roll freely uphill and soccer balls struggle to roll downhill.

You’ll know you’ve reached the spot when you see ‘GH START’ spray painted on the road before you.

Knock the car into neutral, gingerly take your foot of the brake and let the phenomenon begin.

The landscape surrounding the road only serves to intensify the optical illusion and make the feeling of movement even more bizarre.

7. Washington DC

It’s always a pleasure to visit the capital city of a nation and none so true of the United States of America.

Washington DC is a full day trip from Pittsburgh but well worth every mile.

The first port of call should, naturally, be the White House closely followed but the United States Capitol building.

It is possible to book on to guided tours of both buildings should that be of interest.

You could easily spend a day, or more, touring through the Smithsonian Institution.

Their vast collection of museums, zoo and research facilities are simply incredible.

8. Chautauqua

Should you be seeking an action packed, fun filled day out then head to Chautauqua, you will not be disappointed.

Chautauqua is home to the self proclaimed ‘World’s Vacation Learning Centre’, the Chautauqua Institution.

Hosting daily talks and seminars on every last topic you can think of; arts, sciences, sociology and more you’ll leave a more enlightened individual for sure.

Then there is Chautauqua and the aerial adventure playground at Peek ’n’ Peak Resort.

Get rushing through the forest canopy on zip lines or perhaps grace the lake on a kayak and explore the beaches and coves that are lying in wait.

9. Baltimore

Time to tick off another state on your American adventure and stray into Maryland, to visit Baltimore for the day.

A vast city home to 200 very different neighbourhoods Baltimore has a diverse culture and a welcoming array of communities.

Sitting on one of the most important and lucrative mid-Atlantic trading routes Baltimore is still a thriving port and dock today.

Great spots to visit in Baltimore include the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry and Port Discovery.

The American Visionary Art Museum is inspiring even for those who generally remain unmoved by fine art.

There are some unsual and truly unique artistic exhibits to explore.

10. Seven Springs

For all you adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers out there you will be thrilled with a visit to Seven Spring Mountain Resort.

There is a whole mile of zip line courses to explore that see you whip from treetop to treetop with the valley sprawling away beneath you.

Mountain bikers will feel like they’ve landed in paradise.

Offering a great selection of trails from beginner level all the way through to near-pro Seven Springs is adventure central.

In the winter months, once the snow has settled you can don the skis or even the snow board and hit the downhill trails in a whole other way.

11. Monongahela National Forest

Monongahela National Forest is one of West Virginia’s best kept secrets and lovers of the great outdoors will be stoked to explore this vast wilderness.

Spruce Knob is the highest peak of the Allegheny Mountains and can be accessed from Monongahela National Forest.

The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a breathtaking landscape featuring fiery red spruce trees, smooth, weathered boulders and vast expanses of forest.

There are hiking trails crisscrossing through the park and you can find route maps and information at the Visitor’s Centre.

On your way back to Pittsburgh take a pit stop at the Mountain State Brewing Co, you won’t be disappointed.

12. Lake Erie

This is a popular spot for weekend getaways and has dozens of camping spots and picnic parks.

With Lake Erie being so incredibly large you can easily forget that you’re in the heart of the USA as the gentle waves lap against the pebbledash shoreline.

If you’re travelling with children who like a little more structured fun be sure to take a trip to Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort.

It’s also a great place to keep in mind if the rain clouds appear.

13. Laurel Highlands

Lying just south of Pittsburgh is the magnificent mountainous landscapes of the Laurel Highlands.

Looked over by Mount Davis this area of Pennsylvania is the gateway to the Great Allegheny Passage.

The Laurel Highlands encompasses eight individual state parks that all offer free entry to visitors.

The route to the Mount Davis’ peak is completely paved, all the way to its 3,213 ft pinnacle, its possible to drive most of the way and hike the final ascent.

There is so much to see and do in the Laurel Highlands, from canoeing in the rapids, to pottery making sessions, there’s a number of high-end hotels with luxury spa complexes open to non-residents too.

14. Meadville

Budding brewers and self proclaimed foodies will be chuffed to discover Meadville PA. Home to an ever expanding community of craft brewing companies, it is advisable to book a driver for a day trip to Meadville.

Popular breweries include TimberCreek Tap & Table and Voodoo Brewery.

The Sprague Farm & Brew Works produces 100% keg conditioned, unfiltered lagers and ales all on their humble, family run farm.

You can get tours of their operation on Thursdays, Fridays from 4-9 pm and Saturday from 12 – 9 pm.

You can soak up your beer with a visit to Hoss’s Steak and Sea House for a phenomenal surf ’n’ turf dinner.

15. Niagara Falls

A trip to Niagara Falls is an incredible day trip from Pittsburgh and is one of the great wonders of North America.

Straddling the international border of Canada and the United States of America the Niagara Falls must be visited once in every lifetime.

This iconic collection of waterfalls can be experienced from one of the many viewing platforms or by jumping aboard the Maid of the Mist.

This boat tour takes you as close as possible to the roaring falls and you’ll feel the formidable force of the 600,000 gallons of water gushing into the river below.

15 Best Day Trips from Pittsburgh:

• Penn’s Cave
• Fallingwater
• Hartwood Acres
• Gravity Hill
• Washington DC
• Seven Springs
• Monongahela National Forest
• Laurel Highlands
• Niagara Falls

Weekend in Pittsburgh: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit to the Steel City

Without a doubt, Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities in the world, and it’s somewhere that I think everyone should visit at least once. However, with so much to do in this corner of western Pennsylvania, what should you do during your first weekend in Pittsburgh?

Having visited the city many times over the years and having enjoyed each visit more than the last, I decided to put together this guide to help you enjoy your first visit to Pittsburgh. While there are enough things to do here to keep you busy for a lifetime, I’ve pulled together my top picks to help you have a wonderful weekend. Should you have longer than the roughly 48 hours that this itinerary covers, I’ve included some additional suggestions at the bottom of the article

So, whether this is your first visit to the Steel City or it’s just been a while since your last visit, here are suggestions for how to spend a great weekend in Pittsburgh, PA.

Where to Stay in Pittsburgh

Before we get into the itinerary, you’ll need somewhere to spend the night during your weekend in Pittsburgh. While there are many great places throughout the city, I recommend staying in the downtown area as they will provide you with the most central location. In fact, you’ll be able to walk to many of the spots mentioned here.

In downtown Pittsburgh, I really like the Wyndham Grand Hotel . This hotel is located near Point State Park and is highly rated. Other great options nearby include Renaissance Pittsburgh and the Sheraton at Station Square .

If price is more important than location, the Holiday Inn in Greentree is near downtown Pittsburgh and offers free parking and easy access into the city.

There are many more great places to stay on Booking.com .

For this weekend in Pittsburgh itinerary, we’ll assume that you arrive on the first day in the late afternoon. Because of this, the first day of the itinerary is only going to focus on the evening. If you arrive in the morning, you can either skip to Day 2 or add things from our additional places to visit at the bottom of this post.

The Duquesne Incline and Mount Washington

There’s no better place to start your first visit to Pittsburgh than by checking out the view from Mount Washington .

This is, without a doubt, the classic view of Pittsburgh and might be the best urban vista in the entire world. From here, you can see all of the downtown area and marvel at the beauty of the city. Make sure to spend some time strolling along Grandview Avenue at the top of the hillside.

While you can drive to the top of Mount Washington, the best way to get up here is via the Duquesne Incline . While there used to be over a dozen of these inclines in the city, today there are only two, of which this is the most well known.

You can access the lower station for the incline by walking across the pedestrian walkway on the Fort Pitt Bridge. You can also park in a lot near the station.

The Strip District

There’s no better place to start the second day of your Pittsburgh weekend than in the Strip District. This area of the city is located just outside of the downtown core and is full of old warehouses that have been converted into many great shops, markets, and restaurants.

This is a great area to pick up breakfast and coffee before heading out. A few good options include Cafe Raymond, Delucca’s, Peace, Love, and Donuts, and De Fer Coffee.

The Strip District is most active on Saturday mornings but is a great morning destination any day of the week. It’s also a good spot for nightlife if you are looking for something to do after a busy day exploring Pittsburgh.

Most of the shops are located along Penn Avenue, though there are also some along Smallman Street, especially on the eastern end of the district. This is a great guide to the Strip District to help you plan your time there.

Lunch at Primanti’s

There might be no more famous restaurant in Pittsburgh than Primanti Brother’s . And, if you’re visiting Pittsburgh for the first time, I definitely recommend trying this institution.

While there are Primanti’s locations throughout the city (and now around the country), none are better than the original location in the Strip District, which is why it’s been added for lunch today.

While Primanti’s has a variety of sandwiches, they all come with traditional sandwich toppings, as well as fries (on the sandwich, not on the side). I also recommend getting an egg on the sandwich. All that’s left is to choose your meat and you’re ready to have a Pittsburgh staple for lunch.

If you’re looking for somewhere else to eat, S&D Polish Deli is another great choice for some delicious food.

Afternoon Options

After lunch, I recommend picking one of the great museums in and around downtown Pittsburgh depending on your interest.

The Fort Pitt Museum is located within Point State Park and offers a great look at the history of western Pennsylvania, particularly the area’s military history and how it impacted the United States.

This museum is on a portion of the fort’s former footprint does a great job highlighting the European exploration and settlement of the region, as well as covering the Native American history in western Pennsylvania.

If you love art, the Andy Warhol Museum is another great choice. Located on the North Shore, just across the Allegheny River from downtown Pittsburgh, this museum is the largest single-artist museum in the United States.

In the museum, you’ll find hundreds of Warhol’s original pieces ranging from his commercial work to his more avant-garde work. This is a great spot to learn about the life and art of this Pittsburgh native.

A third great option for your afternoon if you are traveling with younger children is the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh . This spot offers three floors of interactive activities that are a ton of fun for kids (and many that are also fun for their parents). This is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do with kids in Pittsburgh and one of the best children’s museums in the region.

There are also many Pittsburgh elements mixed into the museum, so you can learn a bit more about the city’s history while exploring this fun spot.

Walking Through Downtown

After you’ve had a chance to check out one of Pittsburgh’s great museums, take some time to take a stroll through downtown Pittsburgh. This area of the city is quite beautiful and there are many great architectural gems to uncover.

Depending on which museum you visited earlier in the afternoon, the order that you visit spots may vary, so consider this more a listing of places to visit instead of an exact walking guide.

One spot that you definitely won’t want to miss is Point State Park . This is Pennsylvania’s most urban state park and is located on the spot where the Monongahela River and the Allegheny River form the Ohio River.

During the city’s early years, there was a series of French and English forts here. Today, an outline of Fort Pitt can be seen, along with the Fort Pitt Blockhouse, the oldest existing structure west of the Allegheny Mountains. You also won’t want to miss the great fountain at the confluence of the rivers.

Two other can’t-miss spots are Market Square and PPG Place. Located adjacent to each other, these squares are a flurry of activity with many shops and restaurants located in and around this area. They are especially great spots to visit during the Christmas season in Pittsburgh .

Leaving Market Square, head towards the Cultural District . This area is home to several historic performance venues that showcase a broad range of entertainment. The lights here after dark are fun to see, and it’s also neat to watch as people in fancy clothes head in to see a show.

From the Cultural District, cross the Allegheny River on one of Pittsburgh’s famous golden bridges.

My favorite is the Roberto Clemente Bridge (the most downstream of the three) as it provides great views of the city, and you can check out PNC Park , home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Roberto Clemente Statue at the end of the bridge.

Once across the river, head down to the water level. This is the North Shore River Trail , a great walking and biking trail that stretches for several miles in each direction. The best views can be had by walking upriver. If you walk far enough, you might even reach the rather odd but tranquil statue of TV’s Mister Rogers.

Once you’ve walked up an appetite, it’s time for dinner. While the area around downtown isn’t the city’s best restaurant area, there are still a few notable options here for a delicious dinner.

My top pick is Federal Galley . This is located on the North Shore near the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and is a flat walk of about a mile from the downtown core.

Federal Galley is a food hall with a handful of different and rotating restaurants. This space is designed to be a launching pad for aspiring restauranteurs to try out new ideas and get feedback from customers without having to set up an entire restaurant.

However, don’t think that the food here is second rate. It’s often some of the best you’ll find in the city.

If you are looking for something a bit more traditional, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina is a South American restaurant located in downtown Pittsburgh. Having moved here from the Strip District, this is a great spot to try delicious meat dishes that span a wide range of styles and prices. The sandwiches here are especially delicious.

After Dinner

If you’re still up for a bit of fun after dinner, there are a lot of great options in the city.

My first pick for those spending their first weekend in Pittsburgh is to take a ride on the Gateway Clipper . These sightseeing boats leave from a dock in Station Square and take you on an hour-long ride on all three of the city’s famous rivers.

This is a great way to see the city from a whole new angle, and the provided narration offers a lot of great information about Pittsburgh’s history.

Another great option is to take a ride up to the West End Overlook .

While Mount Washington gets most of the love, the view from this overlook is nearly as good, and is, in fact, favored by some residents and visitors. It makes a great way to cap off day two of your Pittsburgh itinerary and is one of my favorite places to take photos in Pittsburgh .

If you’re looking for a hearty way to start off the last day of your weekend in Pittsburgh, look no further than Pamela’s Diner . This local institution has been serving one of the city’s best breakfasts for more than 50 years and has six locations in and around the city.

While you could have enjoyed them in the Strip District on your second day, I recommend saving Pamela’s for day three and going to their location in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Since you’ll be spending the rest of your day here, this is the perfect place to start your day. Just make sure to arrive early as there is often a wait.

If you are looking for something a little faster or less hearty, Redhawk Coffee is a great choice. While the primary focus here is on their excellent coffee, they also offer a few food options that are perfect for a light breakfast.

Morning Options

For your last morning in the city, I recommend enjoying one of the great attractions in Oakland. This neighborhood is the home of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, so there is always a lot of activity going on here, and there are some fun spots to visit as well.

My top pick for the area is the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art . While these are technically two different museums, they are connected together and a single ticket provides admission to both spaces. Depending on your interests, you can spend more time in one than the other or split it equally.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of my favorite museums in Pennsylvania and features everything from an incredible collection of dinosaur fossils to gemstones and anthropological exhibits about different cultures around the world.

The Carnegie Museum of Art covers a wide breadth of artistic styles, including some of the strangest art displays I’ve ever seen. However, if you love art, there is definitely something for everyone in this space.

Another great option for your morning is Phipps Conservatory . This botanical garden was first opened in 1893 and features 14 indoor and half a dozen outdoor gardens. Each garden is set up with a different theme, creating many incredible botanical spaces to explore.

There’s even a children’s garden that’s perfect for families with young kids.

If you’d rather do something free in Pittsburgh , Schenley Park is a great choice. This nearly 500-acre park features several miles of hiking trails, a large lake, and many great statues and monuments.

There’s also a great view of downtown Pittsburgh from the park.

Cathedral of Learning

The Cathedral of Learning is the perfect spot to end your visit to Pittsburgh.

Located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, this is the tallest educational building in the western hemisphere, and the views from the top-most accessible floor are quite good. However, the view is not the main draw here.

Instead, it’s the 31 Nationality Rooms that are the star of this beautiful building (Don’t miss the main lobby area when visiting).

Located on the first and third floor, these working classrooms are designed to resemble nearly three dozen different cultures from around the world that have impacted Pittsburgh. The rooms were built by each cultural community and truly offer an incredible look into each of these countries.

If you have more than a weekend in Pittsburgh…

It should probably come as no surprise that what’s listed above is only a very small sample of the many amazing spots to visit in and around Pittsburgh . If you have a bit more time to explore this corner of the state, here are a few more spots I recommend checking out (in addition to all the places above).

Randyland –  Randyland is the work of local artist Randy Gilson and is one of my favorite spots in Pittsburgh. Gilson has transformed his home and yard into a whimsical kingdom filled with bright colors and things found around the neighborhood. If you’re lucky, Randy might even be there to greet you.

National Aviary and the Pittsburgh Zoo –  The National Aviary and the Pittsburgh Zoo are actually two separate attractions, but since they are both animal related, I thought I’d include them. If you are itching to see some of the world’s most beautiful animal species, these are spots that you won’t want to miss.

Carrie Furnace – The historic Carrie Furnace was once part of the Homestead Steel Works. Today, only this small part of the facility remains and tours are offered for those that want to learn more about the history of steelmaking in western Pennsylvania.

McConnells Mill State Park – McConnells Mill State Park is located about 40 minutes north of the city and is one of the most beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania. It’s located along Slippery Rock Creek and features some great waterfalls and an incredible covered bridge .

Ohiopyle State Park –  Located approximately 90 minutes southeast of Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle State Park is worth the trip to see its many beautiful waterfalls and to hike its fantastic hiking trails. It’s also near two Frank Lloyd Wright homes: Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob .

Have you spent a weekend in Pittsburgh? What were your favorite things to do?

Looking to explore more of Pennsylvania? Check out our itinerary for your first weekend in Philadelphia , our Pennsylvania Bucket List , and our favorite small towns in PA .

Great places to stay in Pittsburgh

• Renaissance Hotel - One of the city's highest-rated hotels on Trip Advisor.
• Residence Inn North Shore - The perfect hotel for sports fans
• Hampton Inn and Suites - The only downtown hotel with free parking
• Hyatt Place - Great value near great attractions
• Find more great places to stay on Vrbo!

Click the map to see more nearby things to do

More nearby places worth exploring

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Find more things to do in the pittsburgh region.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

5 thoughts on “Weekend in Pittsburgh: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit to the Steel City”

Wonderful weekend in Pittsburgh..it was amazing..I used to live & work in Pittsburgh & seen most of those wonderful places…thank you..

I’m glad you had a fantastic visit!

This is like a re-write of every listicle about Pittsburgh. Maybe explore the Maxo Vanka murals, Pamela’s in Millvale, Big Jim’s in the Run, Pusadee’s Garden, banjo night at the Allegheny Elks, a Pittsburgh steak salad, stroll through one of the 90+ neighborhoods, check out the Tiffany windows in various places throughout the city, Hornbostel buildings, learn about John Roebling.

I realize that this isn’t the most inventive itinerary. That’s not the goal. I’ve done many of the things you mentioned and enjoyed them, but if you are visiting Pittsburgh for the first time, you want to see the main highlights of the city, which is what I’ve included here. Those are great spots for a second or third trip, though.

Some years ago, when we visited Pittsburgh, we went to a fun, rather usual diner called The Hot Steel and the owner was a hoot! Throwing insults (in fun) at customers yet serving some great food. I so saddened to see she passed away a few years ago and the diner has closed. We enjoyed the Phillips Conservatory and Kennywood the most.

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When could you see the northern lights? Aurora forecast for over a dozen states this weekend

Read the latest on the northern lights this weekend: Saturday's forecast says parts of U.S. could see auroras .

A series of strong solar flares that the sun has been emitting since Wednesday morning could cause the northern lights to become visible this weekend to a wide swath of the United States.

The coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hurtling toward Earth prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue a rare  Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch on Thursday for the first time in 19 years. The geomagnetic storms that the CMEs would produce pose a limited threat to our communications, but they can also trigger the aurora borealis, better known as the northern lights.

And because the sun is at the height of its 11-year-cycle, the auroras have a very good chance of being seen by more Americans than usual .

Here's what to know about the northern lights, and when and where you may catch a glimpse of them this weekend.

Good news on northern lights: Experts predict years of awesome aurora viewing

What are the northern lights?

The auroras are a natural light display in Earth's sky that are famously best seen in high-latitude regions.

The northern lights materialize when energized particles from the sun reach Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph, according to Space.com . Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles through a process that produces a stunning display of rays, spirals and flickers that has fascinated humans for millennia.

Geomagnetic storm: Solar storm is powerful enough to disrupt communications: Why NOAA says not to worry

When might the northern lights be most visible?

This week's solar activity brings with it the increased possibility of seeing the aurora across the U.S.

Though the timing is uncertain and the northern lights can be a particularly fickle forecast , officials at NOAA said the coronal mass ejections could reach Earth as early as Friday evening into Saturday, Shawn Dahl, a space weather forecaster at SWPC, told reporters Friday morning during a news briefing.

Experts from NOAA said auroras could be visible into Sunday.

The best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight (between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. local time). These hours expand towards evening and morning as the level of geomagnetic activity increases, according to NOAA.

Where might the northern lights be best seen in the US?

The northern half of the U.S. is forecasted to be in the view path where the auroras may be most visible.

The best chances appear to be in northern Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the majority of North Dakota, according to SWPC's  experimental Aurora viewline . The visibility for viewing will also depend on local weather conditions and city lights.

Experts at NOAA said the northern lights may even be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. If all else fails, experts even recommend taking a photo of the night sky with your cell phone – you never known what you may capture.

"Things that the human eye can't see, your phone can, so it'll be interesting to see just how far south we're getting aurora images this time," said Brent Gordon, Chief of Space Weather Services Branch for SWPC, on the Friday call with reporters.

The National Weather Service on Friday shared an aurora forecast for Friday night and early Saturday morning, showing more than a dozen states with at least a chance to see the lights.

How does the solar maximum influence the northern lights?

Explosive bursts of radiation known as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (eruptions of solar material) drive the geometric storms, releasing solar particles and electromagnetic radiation toward our planet.

As the frequency of coronal mass ejections increases at the height of its 11-year cycle,  which NASA said is expected to be in 2025 , electromagnetic activity on the sun peaks. What that so-called "solar maximum" means for us is that the risk increases for disruption to satellite signals, radio communications, internet and electrical power grids.

'God's Hand' revealed in cosmos: Telescope images reveal 'cloudy, ominous structure' known as 'God's Hand' in Milky Way

Last December , a powerful burst of energy created the largest solar flare that NASA had detected since 2017.

The last G4 level solar storm hit Earth in March , one of only three storms of that severity observed since 2019, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center .

Just like in March, the upcoming solar storm will have particles flowing from the sun that get caught up in Earth's magnetic field, causing colorful auroras to form as they interact with molecules of atmospheric gases. The resulting glowing green and reddish colors of the aurora may be quite a sight to see.

Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

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