Best Outdoor Activities in Pittsburgh 2025
While Pittsburgh is often recognized for its rich industrial heritage and passionate sports culture, it also offers an impressive array of outdoor experiences waiting to be explored. From lush riverfront trails and scenic overlooks to thrilling sports and historic landmarks, the Steel City blends nature and urban life in unforgettable ways. This 2025 guide highlights the top outdoor activities Pittsburgh has to offer—perfect for visitors seeking adventure, history, and relaxation.
Iconic Outdoor Attractions
Point State Park: Located at the confluence of three rivers, this historic park is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, or just enjoying the iconic fountain and skyline views.
Duquesne Incline: Ride the historic incline railway for breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh from Mount Washington.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: The outdoor gardens and green spaces at Phipps offer seasonal floral displays, butterfly forests, and sustainable landscape exhibits.
Nature and Scenic Trails
Three Rivers Heritage Trail: A scenic urban trail system stretching over 33 miles, ideal for biking, jogging, or walking along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers.
Frick Park: Pittsburgh’s largest regional park, with wooded trails, dog parks, and bird-watching areas.
Schenley Park: Located near the University of Pittsburgh, offering hiking trails, picnic spots, and a lake.
Riverview Park: Known for its observatory and hilly terrain, this park is great for trail runners and nature photographers.
Seasonal Activities: Winter and Summer
Winter at Boyce Park: Located just outside the city, this spot offers downhill skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding. It’s one of the few places for winter sports near the city.
Summer Water Activities: Rent a kayak or paddleboard through Venture Outdoors or enjoy a river cruise with Gateway Clipper Fleet.
Thrilling Adventures
Zipline & Aerial Parks: Try Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park located in North Park for an adrenaline rush through treetop obstacles and long ziplines.
Skydive Pennsylvania: About an hour from Pittsburgh, you can experience tandem skydiving with beautiful aerial views of Western Pennsylvania.
Whitewater Rafting on the Youghiogheny River: Ohiopyle State Park, about 90 minutes away, offers some of the best rafting and hiking experiences in the state.
Family-Friendly Fun
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: One of the few combo zoo/aquarium destinations in the country, with outdoor paths and exhibits.
Kennywood Park: A classic amusement park with outdoor rides and roller coasters, perfect for all ages.
Sandcastle Waterpark: Located on the Monongahela River, it offers water slides, lazy rivers, and outdoor lounging.
Carnegie Science Center’s Outdoor Exhibits: Includes the Highmark SportsWorks® and a riverside submarine tour.
Outdoor Dining with a View
Grand Concourse: Housed in a restored train station along the river, offering seafood and American cuisine with a scenic backdrop.
The Summit: A rooftop bar and restaurant in Mount Washington with skyline views.
Redfin Blues: A casual, open-air eatery on Washington’s Landing with riverside seating.
The Porch at Schenley: Overlooks Schenley Plaza and is perfect for brunch or lunch near the parks.
Best Hotels and Hostels with Outdoor Amenities
Fairmont Pittsburgh: Luxury downtown hotel with easy access to riverfront trails and Market Square.
The Oaklander Hotel: Located near university parks and botanical gardens.
TRYP by Wyndham: Trendy hotel in the Lawrenceville neighborhood with rooftop views and nearby trails.
South Side Traveler’s Rest: Budget-friendly hostel with a communal outdoor area and bike rentals.
Final Thoughts
Pittsburgh in 2025 delivers an unbeatable blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking through forested parks, ziplining above tree canopies, or kayaking under city bridges, outdoor activities Pittsburgh offers are as diverse as they are memorable. Plan your itinerary to include scenic dining, thrilling adventures, and peaceful nature escapes to make the most of your visit.
