Local Attractions
Think you'll have some free time over the weekend? Take an opportunity to do a little exploring around Pittsburgh. Here are some of our favorite local activities and attractions.
Sightseeing | Arts + Cultural | Amusement + Sports | Shopping | Outdoors
Sightseeing
Take a self-guided cell phone or mp3 tour of downtown and other historic areas.
1197 W Carson St, Pittsburgh
Park at the lower station and ride to the top of Mt. Washington for the classic view of the point.
Station Square
Ride the oldest continuously operating funicular in the country and enjoy the scenic views from the top.
Amusement + Sports
1 Wild Pl, Pittsburgh
Wander through an aquarium, a tropical forest, an African savanna and a coastal fishing village home to two polar bears.
4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin
Get your thrills at this classic amusement park dating back to 1898 with six roller coasters and plenty of other exhilarating rides.
1000 Sandcastle Dr, Pittsburgh
Cool down at this water park right on the Monongahela River with fourteen waterslides, pools and a lazy river, and a sister park of Kennywood.
PNC Park, 115 Federal St, Pittsburgh
The Pirates take on the Washington Nationals Friday and Saturday at 7:05 and the Atlanta Braves Monday at 1:35.
Shopping
Smallman St/Penn Ave between 16th and 23rd St, Pittsburgh
Saturday mornings are the best to take your pick of fresh produce, meats and baked goods from places like Wholey's and Penn Mac (Pennsylvania Macaroni Co.) and see what all the street vendors are offering.
Robinson Town Center Blvd and Park Manor Blvd, Pittsburgh (1 exit east of the hotel on I-376)
A convenient shuttle from the hotel will take you to this mall and other big-box stores, including IKEA.
Walnut St between S Aiken Ave and S Negley Ave, Pittsburgh
Restaurants, cafes and boutique shops like American Apparel, Apple, Banana Republic, Gap, J.Crew and Williams-Sonoma form a small business district in Shadyside near the church.
E Carson St and 27th St, Pittsburgh
Shop at national and local boutique and specialty stores or catch a movie at this former steel mill site, now transformed into a mixed-use gem on the South Side.
Arts + Cultural
Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Roam through the Dinosaur Hall and see 2 T. Rexes; then wander through the Hall of Architecture and Hall of Sculpture to see a distinguished collection of art.
1 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh
Visit an earthquake simulator, planetarium, model train exhibit of early 20th century Pittsburgh and the USS Requin, a WWII submarine.
Catch a show while you're in town! 'S Wonderful is at the Theater Square Cabaret (dinner theater) and The Phantom of the Opera is at the Benedum Center.
1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh
Immerse yourself in 17 distinct botanical experiences and look for the gargoyles in the garden at the gorgeous summer flower show.
1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run 15464
Tour the beautiful home that stretches over a 30 foot waterfall! It's about 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, but well worth the drive. While in the Laurel Highlands, stop and see Frank Lloyd Wright's other creations, Kentuck Knob and Polymath Park.
Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh
Discover over 250 years of Pittsburgh's history in an interactive environment at Pennsylvania's largest history museum, affiliated with the Smithsonian.
Cathedral of Learning - Nationality Rooms
Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh
Explore the second-tallest educational building in the world and visit the 26 Nationality classrooms displaying the rich ethnic heritage of Pittsburgh. Where else can you visit 26 countries in one day?
7227 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh
Visit the home of Pittsburgh industrialist Henry Clay Frick and see the family's collection of art and classic cars.
500 Sampsonia Way, Pittsburgh
Visit this contemporary art museum that lets you wander right through room-sized artwork and environments.
117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh
Stretch your art comfort zone at this in-depth exploration of the work of the Pittsburgh native and leading figure of pop art and avant-garde films.
Outdoors
Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh
With a prime location at the Point downtown, stroll along the river walkways or visit the Fort Pitt Museum, commemorating the area's strategic importance during the French and Indian War.
Under the 6th St Bridge, Pittsburgh
Paddle around the Point, under the bridges and by the stadiums in a bright yellow rental kayak.
4100 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
A former parking lot was turned into a green oasis in the heart of Oakland, offering public entertainment, cafes and the PNC Carousel, a re-creation inspired by the original 1913 carousel in Schenley Park.