It’s hard not to love your days in Pittsburgh when you travel there. Right at the moment you arrive, you will feel like you’re coming home to a home that’s far away. The city is rich in history and culture, and on every corner every day you will find something new to see and to explore. Even more, the curiosity shouldn’t just stop there, because there’s more to Pittsburgh to explore than the central city itself. When you travel to this city that was widely known for its steel industry and bridges, then you might put aside a time on the weekend to explore some of the beautiful places nearby. Here’s a list of the best weekend trips from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Keep scrolling to find out what they are and start planning your travel.
1. The Laurel Highlands
Get your outdoor and camping gears ready, and you will have a great time spending the weekend at The Laurel Highlands. Located around 55 miles (88.5 km) southeast of Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands is the favorite hiking destination for the Pennsylvania residents to go for a weekend getaway. The area is surrounded by mountains, including the highest peak in Pennsylvania, Mount Davis, which sits at an elevation of 3,213 feet (979 m). There are also a number of gorgeous waterfalls like the Cole Run Falls and Packsaddle Covered Bridge Falls.
2. Ohiopyle
From indulging in many outdoor activities like golfing and skiing, to trying your luck at a casino, all of these are things that you can do while you’re in Ohiopyle. Gaining its name from the Native American Indian word “ohiopehhla” that means “white frothy water”, Ohiopyle is a small community that’s only two-hour drive away or 84.5 miles (16 km) away from Pittsburgh. This borough in Payette County, Pennsylvania, is usually swarmed by tourists on the weekend who are looking to do some outdoor activities. Families enjoy an exciting time of rafting, kayaking, and canoeing here, while others prefer biking and hiking, most probably to the Ohiopyle State Park to see the waterfalls there.
3. Gettysburg
Explore a city that’s rich in the history of the American Civil War and learn many interesting facts that you might not know about the state and the country. If you’re one who loves unique travelling, such as exploring the history of a city or joining a ghost tour, then 195 miles (312 km) drive to Gettysburg from Pittsburgh will be a palpitating journey for you. The city is ready to offer you various types of historical and ghost or mystery tours around the city. As for you who love a tone-down travelling more, then, your weekend trip to Gettysburg can be filled with wine tasting, culinary tour, and you can also explore the health centers that are available throughout the area.
4. Jim Thorpe
The city that could be mistaken for the late American football player for international tourists, is widely famous as a beautiful city that’s perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner. Enjoy musical performances at the Maunch Chunk Opera House, or Penn’s Peak that is located at the mountaintop. Or, go on a city tour to discover their interesting history, that includes the Rotary Club Ghostwalks that is filled with exciting tales and stories on ghoulish encounters at some of the historical places. The downtown is filled with delicious restaurants, fabulous accommodations, pubs and wine-tasting spots. So, let’s start planning a wonderful five-hour trip with your significant other to this romantic city that is 288 miles (464 km) away from Pittsburgh.
5. Washington, DC
Who would want to miss the opportunity for a weekend getaway to the capital city of Washington, DC? Many interesting activities can be done here, from visiting historical places that will put you in awe at what happened in the past and shaped the United States as it is today, or explore the exciting Smithsonian Museum. Located around 248 miles (400 km) away from Pittsburgh, a visit to Washington, DC is always the quick getaway that you will be looking forward to, especially since you can do it in all seasons throughout the year.
6. Pocono Mountains
Enjoy a quick holiday at the Pocono Mountains, the area that is famous as the four-county region filled with gorgeous resorts, natural scenic beauty, and also quaint and historic towns. If you’re not the one who is into outdoor activity, in that case, doing some theatre-hopping might be a good idea for you to try. The whole year, Pocono Mountains host a variety of entertainment events and activities that are held at interesting venues. For instance, Casino Theatre Entertainment Centre offers you homemade waffle cones, malt and egg creams, and more than 70 flavours of Hersey’s ice cream. Pocono Mountains is located around 287 miles (461 km) from Pittsburgh, so there is time to plan what are you going to do during the journey.
7. Cleveland, Ohio
A 2.5-hour or 146 miles (235 km) from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, Ohio, will bring you to a city where you can enjoy the buzzing nightlife, explore the historical places, wander around exciting suburbs, or enjoy a picnic at the Lake Erie. Everyone in this city is as friendly as your neighbours back home, they are always ready to welcome you with a smile, and you will feel like you’re part of their city in short time, even if you’re a tourist. Don’t forget to uncover the hidden gems of the city, such as the International Women’s Air & Space Museum, that will give you vast information about women in aviation, or you can visit the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, which is a hall of fame and a museum filled with rock music history.
8. Harrisburg
Spend your weekend at Harrisburg, that is located around 250 miles (402 km) or approximately four hours drive from Pittsburgh, and find many interesting stories related to the city as you stroll. National Civil War Museum in the heart of the town will tell you a detailed story about the war that happened in the United States, and you can also see the display of uniforms and weaponry being used back then. Of course, not everyone who visits Harrisburg is a history buff, that’s why the city also offers other points of interest. For example, excellent breweries and wineries that will give you delicious options for drinks, even parks where you can walk around and have a relaxing time.
9. Niagara Falls, New York
The legendary waterfalls in the United States, where both domestic and international visitors would travel all the way to see the majestic natural border between the United States and Canada. Niagara Falls is actually a group of three waterfalls blending into one, they are American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and the largest of the three is the Horseshoe Falls. You can climb the wooden stairs to reach the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds, or find out how it feels to be near a tropical-storm like conditions when you’re standing underneath the Bridal Veil Falls. You can also stroll along the walking path and continue to the Niagara Falls State Park.
10. Philadelphia
When you travel to Philadelphia, you will find many things the city offers you, from lovely parks and interesting museum, to delectable food at famous restaurants. You will be amazed at what you can find in the museums in Philadelphia, not only the historical artefacts, but also culture and history that happened in Philadelphia and the United States. You can also enjoy the diverse culinary scene in the city, from street food to bars, cafes, vegetarian and vegan restaurants that will tease your taste buds to no ends. Time to pack your bags, and prepare for a six-hour drive to this gorgeous city where life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness were born.
A weekend trip to remember
Whichever destination that you choose from our list of 10 best weekend trips from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you are guaranteed to have a good time with your family and friends.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data