10+ Outdoor Activities in Pittsburgh

'Rooftopping'

Rooftopping (noun): an activity best described as “hopping” from one rooftop to the next, usually involving fine cuisine, good company, and even better views! You heard it here first. Pittsburgh has the best rooftops and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors from a different angle. Start with Biergarten or Gaucho Parrilla downtown for some GOOD food, then head to Lawrenceville and finish the evening at New Amsterdam or Over Eden for the perfect night cap! Congrats! You’re a certified Rooftopper.

Picinic at the Point

Picnics are perhaps the simplest way to spend time outdoors. The Point downtown is easy to get to, spacious, and offers a great view of the North Shore and the rivers. BYO-Food or order take-out from one of the many surrounding options. Our pick? The Eagle. Name a better combo than fried chicken on a picnic blanket. We’ll wait. The park is accessible by bike, foot, or car; with plenty of nearby trails to explore, the options are endless!

Monday | 6:00am–11:00pm
Tuesday | 6:00am–11:00pm
Wednesday | 6:00am–11:00pm
Thursday | 6:00am–11:00pm
Friday | 6:00am–11:00pm
Saturday | 6:00am–11:00pm
Sunday | 6:00am–11:00pm

📍 Point State Park

Go to a Concert

📷 Pavilion at Star Lake

There are three main outdoor venues in Pittsburgh: Heinz Field, Stage AE, and the Pavilion at Star Lake. After two years of seclusion we are so ready for live music and it seems like we’ve been heard. The rest of the year is packed with some reallly HOT names  so check out the blog below for upcoming dates and details! Looking for something a bit more accessible? Pittsburgh is bustling with live music and entertainment throughout the city. We love Allegheny City Brewing Co. or Southern Tier on the North Shore for outdoor entertainment!

Biking

There are so many great biking trails in Pittsburgh! There are trails throw the woods and next to the rivers, trails for everyone.  You can also take a bike tour with Golden Triangle Bike! There are so sweet and knowledgeable about our beautiful Burgh. If you’re looking for something more and outside of the city? Take a multi-day bike trip through the Great Allegheny Passage! From Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. your itinerary, luggage transfers, bike rentals, etc. will all be taken care of for you!

🗓 Monday | Closed
🗓 Tuesday—Sunday | 9:00am—6:00pm

📍 600 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Take a Stroll

📷 Arran Senn

Pittsburgh is littered with hiking trails both in the city center as well as the surrounding areas! Visit Frick Park in Squirrel Hill or Emerald View Park on Mt. Washington for fresh air and fantastic views. If you’re in the mood for a day trip, Ohiopyle or McConnell Mills State Park offer an escape from city-life with the beautiful rivers and waterfalls. As the temps start dropping, it’s the perfect time to see some of the best fall foliage in PA. Click below for even more beautiful parks in Pittsburgh!

Visit a Farmer's Market

The perfect weekend morning most definitely includes a trip to the local farmers market and Pitt does not disappoint. Who needs grocery lists with the fresh produce and baked goods on display at the Bloomfield Saturday Market? Whether it’s the yummy corn, homemade bread, or local honey, these markets are an easy place to find hidden gems AND build an excellent meal. Check out the Lawrenceville and Northside Market as well for even more unique offerings!

Jet Ski on the Mon

Jet Skiing on one of Pittsburgh’s three rivers is definitely a bucket list item while in the Burgh. Saying that, look no further than Steel City Jet Ski for all your rental needs! The company offers 30-minute to 4-hour rental sessions with a 10-mile river radius available to skiers and riders. Access the marina by parking in the connected lot to the marina. Check their website below for more details!

Learn Pickleball

📷 Fox Chapel Pickleball

Attention newcomers, Pittsburgh has a thing for pickles.  So much so, that pickleball is a serious pastime during the warm and cold weather months. If you’re unfamiliar with the sport, imagine tennis and badminton had a baby. But then add a dash of ping-pong. The result is a game both exhilarating and competitive for the perfect afternoon activity. Been practicing? Join a league in PSL, a great way to play and meet new people. Find nearby courts on the Pittsburgh Pickleball website!

Experience the Pedaler

📷 Pittsburgh Party Pedaler

During the summer, the Pedaler can be seen (and heard) throughout Pittsburgh streets in Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and North Shore.  While the name itself conjures images of the next Marvel supervillain, The Pittsburgh Party Pedaler is the best way to experience the city with a group.  Planning your next birthday or bachelorette party? Rally a few friends, a cooler packed with your favorite beverages, and reserve a time slot on the Pedaler’s website!  The experience is sure to leave you breathless—from the laughter or pedaling though?  TBD.

Ride a Cruisin' Tiki

Take advantage of the warmer weather while it’s here with a Hawaiian-style tiki cruise down the river! We definitely do! You and your five besties can grab your favorite drinks to bring on board with you. Also, you can play your own music to play on your tiki cruise. Perfect for your bachelor/bachelorette trip, birthday excursion, or even a great spot to pop the question!

Pro-tip: Book a tour on a night with fireworks over PNC Park for more magic added to your trip!

Attend a Pittsburgh Festival

📸 Hard Cider & Donut Fest

One of the best parts of the Pittsburgh Fall season is the festivals. From Hard Cider and Donut Fest to the classic Fall Fesitvals happening in various locations around the city you really can’t go wrong! If that’s not really your thing, check out B*itchcraft Fair happening at the David L. Lawrence convention center!

Gear Up in Black & Yellow

📷 PNC Park

Pittsburgh supports their home teams with a passion unlike that of (dare we say) any other. While sports is a year-round thing here in the Burgh, warm weather only serves to heighten the enthusiasm and thrill of ball games. Catch a soccer game with the Riverhounds or spend an afternoon at PNC Park—the best spot to view the Pittsburgh skyline! Be sure to pick up your team colors beforehand from one of the many souvenir shops in the Strip District. As long as it’s black and yellow of course…