12 Best Day Trips From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1. Cleveland

Cleveland is one of the state’s most historic cities. This destination is a great place to spend the day in, as it is filled with plenty to do, see, and explore. Although to get to Cleveland from Pittsburgh, you have to cross the state lines into Ohio.

Some of the fantastic places to see and visit in Cleveland include the impressive Cleveland Museum of Art, where you can find a wide selection of artworks, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and so much more. If you want to have the best day trip to Lake Erie, Cleveland is your best bet.

2. Columbus, OH

Another remarkable place for an excursion around Pittsburgh is the capital city of Ohio, Columbus. Blessed with a unique variety of scenic natural sights and a vibrant history, it is a fascinating place to visit. This location was where the German immigrants were first settled in the early 1800s. You can spend time hanging out and relaxing at the Franklin Park Conservatory. The place is filled with excellent art galleries and exhibitions, and if you love science, you must check out The COSI Columbus.

3. Washington DC

No other place can boast of having the prestigious title of the capital city of the United States of America than Washington DC. This hub of monuments and national importance is one of the best places to go for a day trip from Pittsburgh, although it may take a full day. Everywhere in the city, you will find a site worth seeing or an incredible building to visit. With iconic locales like the White House, the U.S. Capitol building, and a wide variety of museums, scenic parks, historic buildings, research facilities, and many more to visit, you will have a great time in Washington.

4. Baltimore, MD

If you want to venture into another state for your day trip, then Maryland is a great option to consider. It boasts of having a wonderfully diverse culture and charming hospitality. This vibrant place is home to over 200 different communities and has an ever-active port and dock. While in Baltimore, don’t miss checking out some of its great spots, including Port Discovery, Fort McHenry, the American Visionary Art Museum, and a host of other unique art galleries and the National Aquarium.

5. Fallingwater

In Pennsylvania, Fallingwater offers great day trips from Pittsburgh in the summer. Designed and built by one of the country’s most celebrated architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is a stunning iconic house in the state.

The impressive architectural structure sits in the heart of the state’s western forest landscape, right on top of a waterfall. Its innovative design will leave you amazed, and you can learn more about its history as you tour its premises, too. It is a National Historic Landmark, and it is just a short drive away from Pittsburgh.

6. Niagara Falls, NY

One of the most popular and iconic sights in the entire continent of North America lies within a day trip from Pittsburgh, the Niagara Falls. The amazing waterfalls sit on the international border between the U.S and Canada, and it is a sight you must not miss. There are not many other waterfalls more iconic and beautiful than the Niagara Falls. At the falls, there are several viewing platforms from where you can enjoy mesmerizing views, and you can even go closer to the roaring falls on a boat tour.

7. Seven Springs

If you want then kids to enjoy some outdoor fun and get your adrenaline pumping, then Seven Springs Mountain Resort is a great destination for day trips for families in Pennsylvania. This incredible outdoor fun resort offers you daring zip line courses, exciting hiking trails, mountain biking tracks, and so much more. You do not have to worry about the seasons here. During the winter months, there are skiing and snowboarding trails for people of all age groups and levels.

8. Meadville

Foodies and budding brewers, there is a great day trip destination for you. Meadville, Pennsylvania, is a community known for its craft beer and brewing companies. Explore the quiet neighborhood, taste their different flavors of craft beers, visit popular breweries like TimberCreek Tap & Table, Voodoo Brewery, and get a chance to see how a family-owned, purely organic brew operates at the Sprague Farm & Brew Works. And when it’s time to eat, there are several excellent places to dine out in the town.

9. Hartwood Acres

A hidden gem tucked away just outside Pittsburgh, Hartwood Acres Mansion is a great place to explore. It is one of the city’s hidden treasures and was built in the 16th-century. It is known for its Tudor-style design, and its architectural finishing is stunning. On top of that, the mansion sits on a park covering about 629 acres (254.5 hectares) of land in the city’s outskirts. With scenic vistas and lovely gardens to stroll through, this place is perfect for a quiet, refreshing day trip.

10. Laurel Caverns

Feeling adventurous? Then take a trip to the deepest cave in the entire northeastern region of the country, Laurel Caverns. Located on top of Chestnut Ridge, this cave sits southeast of Pittsburgh, and it covers about 3 miles (6.8 kilometers) of interconnected passages within the earth. The cave is vast and extensive, and it offers three different tours for its visitors, depending on the level of difficulty. If you are feeling adventurous, try the journey to the bottom of the cave. Lauren Caverns is the most prominent natural bat hibernation area in the region, so it is only open for exploration in spring.

11. Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park

Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park is a captivating natural wonder in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. As America’s only all-water cavern and wildlife park, it offers an extraordinary experience for adventurous travelers. The park’s highlight is the stunning limestone cave, where visitors can embark on a guided boat tour through its magical subterranean chambers, adorned with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. The park also boasts a remarkable wildlife park, where you can encounter various North American animals up close. From majestic elk and graceful deer to playful bears and mischievous mountain lions, the park provides a unique opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitats. Take a scenic bus tour or explore the park’s nature trails to fully immerse yourself in this wildlife haven.

Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park

Address: 222 Penn’s Cave Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828

Website: Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

12. Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle State Park is a breathtaking natural paradise nestled in southwestern Pennsylvania, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking outdoor adventure and tranquility. The park spans over 20,000 acres (8093.72 hectares) and encompasses a diverse landscape of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the stunning Youghiogheny River.

Adventure seekers will be delighted by the park’s thrilling whitewater rafting opportunities. The Youghiogheny River, renowned for its exhilarating rapids, provides an adrenaline-pumping ride for beginners and seasoned rafters. If you prefer a more peaceful water experience, kayaking and fishing are popular activities along the river.

Ohiopyle State Park is also dotted with charming picnic areas, campgrounds, and even rock climbing spots for those seeking more outdoor pursuits. With its blend of natural wonders and recreational opportunities, Ohiopyle State Park is a must-visit destination that promises unforgettable memories in the heart of Pennsylvania’s wilderness.

Enjoy exciting day trips from Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a gorgeous city in the state of Pennsylvania. The city is blessed with diverse attractions, cultures, beautiful natural landscapes, and exciting places to visit and explore. It is a beautiful place to spend quality time with friends and family. Although there are several exciting things to do within the city, you can extend your exploration to some other scenic destinations worth seeing around Pittsburgh. Check out our above list of the best day trips that you can undertake from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.