Photo by Lance Anderson
Our 10 Best Things to do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania article looks at a city that in In 2019 was rated the sixty-sixth largest city in the United States. Over the years, Pittsburgh’s city has been given a few nicknames, including; the Steel City, The ‘Burgh, City of Champions, and City of Bridges. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1758 by George Washington. Pittsburgh has led in the manufacturing of aluminum, glass, computing, electronics, and automobiles over the years. The city has 446 bridges, 300 steel companies, 30 skyscrapers. Pittsburgh is home to 68 colleges and universities, including Facebook, Google, Apple, Uber, Bosch, and Amazon. You also have 3 professional sports teams who call Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home.
There is such an abundance of information on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and such a large number of things that you can do in the area. It was tough to narrow it down to just 10. Pittsburgh is known for many things; Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates; all major sports teams. The Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) was founded in 1882, and they have won 7 championships. You also have the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), founded in 1967 and won 5 championships. Last but definitely not least is the Pittsburgh Steelers, found and owned by the Rooney family. They have won 6 Superbowl championships. Besides the abundance of information and the hundreds of things to do, Pittsburgh is HUGE. 3 million + people!
I did a lot of research, and I hope that I have satisfied the readers with the choices I have picked for the top 10 places to visit. It was tough to decide, as there are many things to see and I. As I read through everything, I tried to look at it through neutral eyes. I am a parent, so I picked things that I know my own children would enjoy, and I also chose things that I know I would enjoy as well. So without further ado, let us begin our tour of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
# 10 – Water Steps
This is one of the best places to visit in Pittsburgh in the summer months. The Water Steps are an out-of-the-box fountain made for toddlers and small children. But adults love to relax here as well. It is perfect for taking photographs; wedding, anniversary, family, or vacation. You can sit and enjoy the cool water, watch the sailboats go by, and the kids will have a ton of fun playing in the water.
# 9 – Randyland
If you want to check out something unique and colorful, then this is the place to go. Randyland is an art museum that is said to be one of America’s most colorful art landmarks. Admission is free, and there are numerous exhibits for all to see; the Celebration Mural, the Welcome Wall, and the Mirror Wall. You will also experience many upcycled items, Randy’s own paintings, and the fences around Randyland are adorned with murals of his neighbors laughing and dancing.
# 8 – Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Who doesn’t love going to a zoo? Seeing a wide variety of animals, whether they are ordinary or endangered species. Enjoying large fish that you can only see in the oceans. This particular zoo is 1 of the 6 in the United States that combines a zoo and an aquarium on the same property. You can enjoy 77 acres of parkland, over 4,000 animals, and so much more. The zoo and aquarium house over 400 species of animals (both land and water), twenty threatened and endangered species, and even a shark tank. You would have to spend two full days at Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, and you still wouldn’t see all they have to offer.
# 7 – Point State Park
Located in downtown Pittsburgh, the state park opened in 1974 and is situated on 36 acres. There are markers, monuments, and plaques that celebrate events and people of history. You can enjoy biking, hiking, boating, and even fishing at Point State Park. Take pictures of the gorgeous 150-foot fountain. This fountain uses a 54-foot deep well as its water source. The fountain’s base is 200-feet in diameter and is one of the most popular spots for people who love to bask in the sun. Don’t for about the Fort Pitt museum that offers tons of history in Pittsburgh. There are also many food vendors and artwork for sale on the 36-acre property.
# 6 – Mellon Park
Located in Shadyland and Point Breeze neighborhoods, it is home to the Walled Garden. The Walled Garden was built in the 1920s, restored in 2009, and reopened in 2010. There are 150 points of light on the lawn and many beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Daffodils are the first flower to bloom in the garden. You can also observe gorgeous flowering trees, perennials, and shrubs. Mellon Park was originally the estate of Richard Beatty Mellon. His 60-room mansion was the largest house in Pittsburgh. In 1912 he hired landscape contractors to begin designing the garden.
# 5 – Andy Warhol Museum
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Andy Warhol became a huge pop art icon. His museum is the only one in the United States that focuses on just one artist. The museum has 7 floors, 88,000 square feet, and contains 17 galleries. You can see a handful of things in the Andy Warhol museum; 900 paintings, over 4,300 Andy Warhol films and videotaped work, and 1,000 published prints. There is an abundance of other Andy Warhol works of art to view and even a gift shop where you can purchase a unique item to take home.
# 4 – PNC Park
The most spectacular place to visit if you are a huge Major League Baseball fan. PNC Park was opened in 2001 during the MLB season and is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ fifth home. At PNC Park, you have a stunning view of the Pittsburgh skyline. The stadium can hold over 38,000 fans and was built with an all-natural grass field. PNC Park is constructed with steel and limestone. Besides the 38,000 fans that can fit in the stadium seats, you also have 69 suites. You can visit the Outfield BBQ, which a former Pittsburgh Pirate owns. How about a visit to the Jim Beam Left Field Lounge or the Pirates Clubhouse? There is also an abundance of delicious food available before, during, and after the game.
# 3 – Venture Outdoors
This hot spot is for people who want a challenge or an adventure on their vacation. For those of us who would rather be on or near the water making memories and having an exceedingly fun time. Venture Outdoors is a non-profit organization whose mission is getting people back outside into the great outdoors. They have wonderful programs, classes, and camps that run throughout the year. Check out the outdoor learning lab or kayak on the North Park and North Shore. Venture Outdoors also offers programs and classes to those over 50 and to the disabled. They believe that you can get out and have a great time no matter your physical ability, and they have everything to accommodate this.
# 2 – Rivers Casino
Taking an adult-only adventure, vacation, or weekend is just what some of us need. Rivers Casino is the perfect place to relax and have fun after a day of visiting parks and museums. Enjoy a drink, Live entertainment, or play some poker or blackjack. The casino has live entertainment and offers casual and fine dining and over 2700 slot machines. Boasting nine bars and restaurants, you are sure to find your favorite meal, drink, and entertainment. Check out the wheelhouse Bar and Grill, Grandview Buffet, or Andrew’s Steak and Seafood. Choose from live jazz, local DJs, or a kick-ass cover band. There are many things to enjoy at Rivers Casino.
# 1 – Heinz Field
Being a HUGE Pittsburgh Steelers football fan, I had to include a Heinz Field tour in the top 10 things to do. This has been on my bucket list for many years. Heinz Field was built, starting in June of 1999 and finished in August of 2001. The first football game in the stadium in October of 2001 was against the Cincinnati Bengals. Heinz Field can hold over 68,000 fans! They also have 7300 club seats and 1544 seats available in the 129 suites. There are also 4 club lounges within the enormous complex, 56 restrooms, 47 concession stands, and 7 novelty stores. Some of these things will not be available during the tour. So, to get the full experience of Heinz Field, you need to visit during football season and attend a Pittsburgh Steelers football game. You also want to make sure you visit FedEx Great Hall, which has artifacts, hall of fame memorabilia, a pub, and Papa Duke’s Gyros.
There is an abundance of other exciting, beautiful, and historical sights to see in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have annual events, amusement parks, cathedrals, and much more. If you love the snow and the cold, they definitely have things for you to do and see in the winter months. Take a vacation in Pittsburgh and have the time of your life.
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