Pittsburgh is a beautiful city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural surroundings. While it’s a great place to visit any time of the year, summer is an ideal season to explore the surrounding areas. The warm weather, lush greenery, and outdoor activities make it an exciting time to discover the hidden gems near Pittsburgh. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the top places to visit near Pittsburgh in the summer.
Why Visit Places Near Pittsburgh in Summer?
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, and Pittsburgh is surrounded by numerous parks, forests, and waterways that offer endless opportunities for adventure. The warm weather makes it ideal for hiking, biking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, many of the local festivals and events take place during the summer, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit. By visiting places near Pittsburgh in the summer, you can experience the best of both worlds – the city’s urban attractions and the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.
Top Places to Visit Near Pittsburgh in Summer
In this article, we’ll explore the top places to visit near Pittsburgh in the summer. From scenic drives to outdoor adventures, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s start exploring!
Places To Visit Near Pittsburgh In Summer
Pittsburgh is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. When the summer months arrive, the city and its surrounding areas come alive with outdoor activities, festivals, and events. Here are some of the top places to visit near Pittsburgh in the summer:
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re looking for a fun and active way to spend your summer days, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had near Pittsburgh. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fallingwater: Located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most famous houses in the world. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this stunning home is cantilevered over a waterfall and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding woods.
- Ohiopyle State Park: Just a short drive from Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle State Park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and whitewater rafting opportunities. It’s a great place to get outside and enjoy nature.
- Raccoon Creek State Park: Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, Raccoon Creek State Park offers hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to spend a day or a weekend outdoors.
Festivals and Events
Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas host a wide range of festivals and events during the summer months. Here are a few of the most popular ones: (See Also: Places To Visit Near Naples Italy)
- Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival: This annual festival takes place in June and features live jazz music from around the world.
- Pittsburgh Folk Festival: Held in July, this festival celebrates traditional music and dance from around the world.
- Three Rivers Arts Festival: This annual festival takes place in June and features live music, dance, and visual arts performances.
Day Trips
If you’re looking for a quick day trip from Pittsburgh, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions:
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob: Located in Chalk Hill, Pennsylvania, Kentuck Knob is another famous Frank Lloyd Wright house. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in architecture or history.
- West Newton Historic District: Located just a short drive from Pittsburgh, the West Newton Historic District is a charming small town with a rich history. It’s a great place to visit for a day of shopping, dining, and exploring.
- Laurel Highlands: The Laurel Highlands are a beautiful region of southwestern Pennsylvania that offer stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It’s a great place to visit for a day of hiking, biking, or exploring.
Table: Top Places to Visit Near Pittsburgh in Summer
Location | Activity | Distance from Pittsburgh |
---|---|---|
Fallingwater | Outdoor adventure | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Ohiopyle State Park | Outdoor adventure | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Raccoon Creek State Park | Outdoor adventure | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival | Festival | In Pittsburgh |
Pittsburgh Folk Festival | Festival | In Pittsburgh |
Three Rivers Arts Festival | Festival | In Pittsburgh |
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob | Day trip | 1 hour 30 minutes |
West Newton Historic District | Day trip | 30 minutes |
Laurel Highlands | Day trip | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Conclusion
Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of exciting places to visit during the summer months. From outdoor adventures to festivals and events, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or culture, there are plenty of options to choose from. So why not start planning your summer vacation today and discover all that Pittsburgh has to offer?
Pittsburgh is a city surrounded by natural beauty, with plenty of exciting places to visit during the summer months. In this article, we’ve explored some of the top destinations near Pittsburgh that are perfect for a summer day trip or weekend getaway.
We started by highlighting the stunning scenery of Ohiopyle State Park, which offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and whitewater rafting opportunities. Next, we visited the charming town of Ligonier, with its historic downtown area and antique shops. The scenic beauty of Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous house, was also a highlight.
We also explored the outdoor recreation opportunities in the Laurel Highlands, including the Great Allegheny Passage and the Youghiogheny River. And for those looking for a more relaxing day trip, we recommended a visit to the beautiful gardens and arboretum at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Ranchi)
In conclusion, there are plenty of exciting places to visit near Pittsburgh during the summer months. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, or simply a relaxing day trip, there’s something for everyone in the surrounding area. So why not start planning your summer getaway today and discover all that Pittsburgh has to offer?
Here are five FAQs related to “Places To Visit Near Pittsburgh In Summer”:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular outdoor spots near Pittsburgh in the summer?
Some popular outdoor spots near Pittsburgh in the summer include Frick Park, Schenley Park, and Riverview Park. These parks offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the city. You can also visit the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a 24-mile trail that runs along the three rivers of Pittsburgh and offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
Are there any beaches near Pittsburgh where I can spend a summer day?
Yes, there are several beaches near Pittsburgh where you can spend a summer day. Some popular options include Presque Isle State Park, which is located about an hour and a half north of Pittsburgh and offers a beautiful beach on Lake Erie. You can also visit Ohiopyle State Park, which has a swimming beach on the Youghiogheny River. Another option is Moraine State Park, which has a swimming beach on Lake Arthur.
What are some fun festivals and events to attend in Pittsburgh during the summer?
Pittsburgh hosts a variety of fun festivals and events during the summer. Some popular options include the Three Rivers Arts Festival, which features live music, food, and art exhibits along the Allegheny River. You can also attend the Pittsburgh Regatta, which is a sailing regatta that takes place on the three rivers. Another popular event is the Pittsburgh Pride Festival, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with live music, food, and a parade. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Bilbao)
Are there any museums or cultural attractions near Pittsburgh that I can visit during the summer?
Yes, there are several museums and cultural attractions near Pittsburgh that you can visit during the summer. Some popular options include the Andy Warhol Museum, which is located in the North Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh and features a collection of Warhol’s artwork. You can also visit the Carnegie Science Center, which has a variety of exhibits on science and technology. Another option is the Senator John Heinz History Center, which features exhibits on the history of Western Pennsylvania.
What are some day trip options from Pittsburgh during the summer?
There are several day trip options from Pittsburgh during the summer. Some popular options include visiting the Laurel Highlands, which is a scenic region located about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh and features hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. You can also visit the Amish Country, which is located about an hour and a half southeast of Pittsburgh and features a variety of Amish farms and shops. Another option is to visit the city of Wheeling, West Virginia, which is located about an hour and a half west of Pittsburgh and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.