In every season, you might find yourself on the lookout for some of the best day trips in Pittsburgh and beyond. After all, there’s nothing better than heading out to make lasting memories with loved ones — especially when you’ve got a free day and an open road. While we adore the many marvelous things to do in Pittsburgh itself, sometimes it’s beneficial to put the hustle and bustle of the city behind and hit the road on a daylong adventure. There are so many great day trips in Pennsylvania that narrowing our favorite local selections to just nine posed a pretty hefty challenge, but we’ve done our best! The best day trips in Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities are detailed below.
These day trips included range in length from a little over an hour away to three hours or so away. Some people enjoy short day trips around Pittsburgh, while others prefer the longer hauls, so a mix of both is featured.
- Pine Creek Gorge
TripAdvisor/DLP Just 189 miles from Pittsburgh lies one of Pennsylvania’s most spectacular natural wonders. Pine Creek Gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, promises stunning views of the massive gorge that runs 50 miles long and is nearly 1,500 feet deep. Enjoy amazing views of the gorge from either Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park, each of which promises to impress visitors of all ages. Pine Creek Gorge, Watson Township, PA 17740, USA
- Bedford County
Google Reviews/Paul Y. Forget going to outer space! Visit Gravity Hill in Bedford County, where the concept of gravity isn’t exactly what we’re used to. In fact, you’ll have the change to experience the phenomenon of your car rolling uphill, not downhill. Situated approximately 104 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Bedford County is also home to Old Bedford Village, a “living history village" where you can step back in time. There’s a reason this area is so beloved! Bedford County, PA, USA
- Penn’s Cave
Google Reviews/Shanthan Kumar Padisala Sure, you’ll drive further – 155 miles, to be exact – to access this spot, but Penn’s Cave in Centre Hall certainly makes the trip worthwhile. Tour the cave by boat before heading aboveground to join a 90-minute wildlife tour that will bring you face-to-face with some of Pennsylvania’s most popular animals. Get happily lost, then find your way out of Miners Maze or pan for gemstones. There’s whimsy around every bend when you check out this locale near the city. Penns Cave Spring, Gregg Township, PA 16875, USA
- Presque Isle State Park
TripAdvisor/management Fill up the gas tank and start your 132-mile day trip to Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Kick back and relax on one of the state park’s pristine beaches, bike along the park’s trails, get an up close view of the Presque Isle Lighthouse, or go kayaking on the lake. Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
- Allegheny National Forest
Google Reviews/Patrick Norris Allegheny National Forest, located just 129 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, caters to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of various backgrounds. Try your hand at geocaching if you’re up for an adventure. Other activities include golfing, go-karting, biking, or boating. Really up for something new? Try skydiving or hit the trails in an ATV. Allegheny National Forest, Sheffield Township, PA 16347, USA
- Ricketts Glen State Park
TripAdvisor/ThePoundcake Definitely the farthest on our list from Pittsburgh at 245 miles away, Ricketts Glen State Park offers so many delights that we simply had to include it. You might, however, want to camp out or stay overnight if you don’t have a driving partner to help you split the driving time. Ricketts Glen State Park boasts 22 waterfalls with Ganoga Falls measuring the tallest at 94 feet. Popular activities in the park range from horseback riding and hiking to swimming and boating. Talk about a blast! Ricketts Glen State Park, Ricketts Glen State Pk, Ross Township, PA 18656, USA
- Kinzua Bridge
Google Reviews/A M Kinzua Bridge in the Allegheny National Forest, only 143 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, provides visitors with a stunning view of the park. Partially destroyed in 2003, Kinzua Bridge no longer functions as a bridge and is now a sky walk. Visitors can cross the sky walk and stand on the glass floor for a terrifyingly spectacular view of the lush green below. Are you brave enough to check it out? Kinzua Road, Kinzua Rd, Warren, PA, USA
- Indiana County
TripAdvisor/management Are you looking for a day trip a bit closer to home? Indiana County, a mere 63 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, offers something for just about everyone. Movie buffs can check out downtown Indiana, the home of legendary actor Jimmy Stewart and the Jimmy Stewart Museum. Visit the nearby Amish town of Smicksburg or hike along the Ghost Town Trail to get your legs moving. Indiana County, PA, USA
- Laurel Highlands
Flickr/Jack A 51-mile sprint from downtown Pittsburgh, Laurel Highlands offers a full menu of outdoor activities (Living Treasures Wild Animal Park and Idlewild Park & SoakZone, for example), photogenic covered bridges, and quaint towns. Some of these towns, such as Ligonier, beckon visitors to embark on leisurely strolls, eat at locally owned and operated restaurants, and visit eclectic shops and museums. Laurel Highlands, PA, USA
Now that you’re up to speed on some of the best day trips in Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas, you’ll surely want to start planning for your next family adventure. Of course, we know that you might prefer to get out and explore even further beyond Pittsburgh, so check out some of our favorite free things to do in Pennsylvania. Did we leave any of your favorite spots off our list? Share your thoughts by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend a few more of the best day trips in Pittsburgh by completing our official nomination form.
TripAdvisor/DLP
Just 189 miles from Pittsburgh lies one of Pennsylvania’s most spectacular natural wonders. Pine Creek Gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, promises stunning views of the massive gorge that runs 50 miles long and is nearly 1,500 feet deep. Enjoy amazing views of the gorge from either Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park, each of which promises to impress visitors of all ages.
Pine Creek Gorge, Watson Township, PA 17740, USA
Google Reviews/Paul Y.
Forget going to outer space! Visit Gravity Hill in Bedford County, where the concept of gravity isn’t exactly what we’re used to. In fact, you’ll have the change to experience the phenomenon of your car rolling uphill, not downhill. Situated approximately 104 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, Bedford County is also home to Old Bedford Village, a “living history village" where you can step back in time. There’s a reason this area is so beloved!
Bedford County, PA, USA
Google Reviews/Shanthan Kumar Padisala
Sure, you’ll drive further – 155 miles, to be exact – to access this spot, but Penn’s Cave in Centre Hall certainly makes the trip worthwhile. Tour the cave by boat before heading aboveground to join a 90-minute wildlife tour that will bring you face-to-face with some of Pennsylvania’s most popular animals. Get happily lost, then find your way out of Miners Maze or pan for gemstones. There’s whimsy around every bend when you check out this locale near the city.
Penns Cave Spring, Gregg Township, PA 16875, USA
TripAdvisor/management
Fill up the gas tank and start your 132-mile day trip to Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Kick back and relax on one of the state park’s pristine beaches, bike along the park’s trails, get an up close view of the Presque Isle Lighthouse, or go kayaking on the lake.
Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Google Reviews/Patrick Norris
Allegheny National Forest, located just 129 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, caters to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of various backgrounds. Try your hand at geocaching if you’re up for an adventure. Other activities include golfing, go-karting, biking, or boating. Really up for something new? Try skydiving or hit the trails in an ATV.
Allegheny National Forest, Sheffield Township, PA 16347, USA
TripAdvisor/ThePoundcake
Definitely the farthest on our list from Pittsburgh at 245 miles away, Ricketts Glen State Park offers so many delights that we simply had to include it. You might, however, want to camp out or stay overnight if you don’t have a driving partner to help you split the driving time. Ricketts Glen State Park boasts 22 waterfalls with Ganoga Falls measuring the tallest at 94 feet. Popular activities in the park range from horseback riding and hiking to swimming and boating. Talk about a blast!
Ricketts Glen State Park, Ricketts Glen State Pk, Ross Township, PA 18656, USA
Google Reviews/A M
Kinzua Bridge in the Allegheny National Forest, only 143 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, provides visitors with a stunning view of the park. Partially destroyed in 2003, Kinzua Bridge no longer functions as a bridge and is now a sky walk. Visitors can cross the sky walk and stand on the glass floor for a terrifyingly spectacular view of the lush green below. Are you brave enough to check it out?
Kinzua Road, Kinzua Rd, Warren, PA, USA
Are you looking for a day trip a bit closer to home? Indiana County, a mere 63 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, offers something for just about everyone. Movie buffs can check out downtown Indiana, the home of legendary actor Jimmy Stewart and the Jimmy Stewart Museum. Visit the nearby Amish town of Smicksburg or hike along the Ghost Town Trail to get your legs moving.
Indiana County, PA, USA
Flickr/Jack
A 51-mile sprint from downtown Pittsburgh, Laurel Highlands offers a full menu of outdoor activities (Living Treasures Wild Animal Park and Idlewild Park & SoakZone, for example), photogenic covered bridges, and quaint towns. Some of these towns, such as Ligonier, beckon visitors to embark on leisurely strolls, eat at locally owned and operated restaurants, and visit eclectic shops and museums.
Laurel Highlands, PA, USA
Can’t get enough adventure? Be sure to read about more of the best day trips in Pittsburgh — one for every month of the year.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Pittsburgh May 17, 2022 Sophie Boudreau What are some of the other top things to do in Pittsburgh and its nearby areas? If you just can’t get enough things to do in and around our city, we’ve got you covered. One of the best things to do here is dine, so our collection of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh is sure to have your mouth watering in no time. Whether you’re searching for a laid-back eatery or seeking something fancier for your next date night, you’ll undoubtedly discover a new favorite as you peruse our picks. Are there any natural attractions around Pittsburgh? While we included plenty of nature-based outings on our list of the best day trips around Pittsburgh, we know that many folks prefer to fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors. There are so many beautiful hikes in Pittsburgh and its neighboring regions, including trails that can be appreciated by the entire family. Read about our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Pittsburgh or dive into a list of the best hikes in Pennsylvania as a whole if you’d prefer to expand your borders a bit. What are the best things to do in Pittsburgh when it’s raining? If you’re searching for a day trip in or near Pittsburgh that won’t be canceled when inclement weather rears its ugly head, we’ve got you covered. Some of the best family-friendly activities in Pittsburgh include the fascinating Carnegie Science Center, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and countless other locales. You (and your little ones) will find it pretty hard to be bored when you opt to spend time in our beloved city.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Pittsburgh
May 17, 2022
Sophie Boudreau
What are some of the other top things to do in Pittsburgh and its nearby areas? If you just can’t get enough things to do in and around our city, we’ve got you covered. One of the best things to do here is dine, so our collection of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh is sure to have your mouth watering in no time. Whether you’re searching for a laid-back eatery or seeking something fancier for your next date night, you’ll undoubtedly discover a new favorite as you peruse our picks. Are there any natural attractions around Pittsburgh? While we included plenty of nature-based outings on our list of the best day trips around Pittsburgh, we know that many folks prefer to fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors. There are so many beautiful hikes in Pittsburgh and its neighboring regions, including trails that can be appreciated by the entire family. Read about our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Pittsburgh or dive into a list of the best hikes in Pennsylvania as a whole if you’d prefer to expand your borders a bit. What are the best things to do in Pittsburgh when it’s raining? If you’re searching for a day trip in or near Pittsburgh that won’t be canceled when inclement weather rears its ugly head, we’ve got you covered. Some of the best family-friendly activities in Pittsburgh include the fascinating Carnegie Science Center, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and countless other locales. You (and your little ones) will find it pretty hard to be bored when you opt to spend time in our beloved city.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you just can’t get enough things to do in and around our city, we’ve got you covered. One of the best things to do here is dine, so our collection of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh is sure to have your mouth watering in no time. Whether you’re searching for a laid-back eatery or seeking something fancier for your next date night, you’ll undoubtedly discover a new favorite as you peruse our picks.
Are there any natural attractions around Pittsburgh?
While we included plenty of nature-based outings on our list of the best day trips around Pittsburgh, we know that many folks prefer to fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors. There are so many beautiful hikes in Pittsburgh and its neighboring regions, including trails that can be appreciated by the entire family. Read about our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Pittsburgh or dive into a list of the best hikes in Pennsylvania as a whole if you’d prefer to expand your borders a bit.
What are the best things to do in Pittsburgh when it’s raining?
If you’re searching for a day trip in or near Pittsburgh that won’t be canceled when inclement weather rears its ugly head, we’ve got you covered. Some of the best family-friendly activities in Pittsburgh include the fascinating Carnegie Science Center, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and countless other locales. You (and your little ones) will find it pretty hard to be bored when you opt to spend time in our beloved city.
