Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Pittsburgh, United States
1. Point State Park
A popular riverfront park offering beautiful views of the Three Rivers and Pittsburgh's iconic bridges.
- Riverfront Location: Unique setting with the confluence of Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers.
- Iconic Bridge Views: A perfect spot to capture panoramic photos of Pittsburgh's famous bridges.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Features a carousel, fountains, and plenty of green spaces for picnics and relaxation.
2. North Shore Riverfront Trail
A scenic 2.5-mile trail along the Allegheny River with various attractions like PNC Park and Heinz Field.
- Scenic Waterfront Views: Offers stunning views of the river, bridges, and downtown Pittsburgh.
- Access to Attractions: Easy access to sports venues, museums, and dining options along the trail.
- Biking and Walking Trail: Ideal for exercise, leisurely strolls, or biking adventures.
3. Robert C. Byrd Jr. Riverfront Park
A riverside park featuring a boardwalk, picnic areas, and an amphitheater for outdoor events.
- Boardwalk Experience: Allows visitors to walk along the river with beautiful views of the city.
- Outdoor Events: Hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
- Green Space for Relaxation: Provides tranquil spaces for relaxation and picnics.
4. West Park
A large park along the Monongahela River offering beaches, sports facilities, and hiking trails.
- Beach Access: Includes sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing.
- Sports Facilities: Offers basketball courts, tennis courts, and a golf course.
- Hiking Trails: Features trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
5. Oakland Beach
A sandy beach along the Allegheny River in Oakland, perfect for a quick escape from downtown Pittsburgh.
- Urban Beach Setting: Unique urban setting with city skyline views.
- Close to Universities: Conveniently located near Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
- Affordable Recreation: Inexpensive and easily accessible for students and locals alike.
6. Hayes Avenue Beach
A small beach along the Allegheny River, offering a peaceful retreat from the city.
- Quiet and Tranquil: Smaller and less crowded than other beaches in Pittsburgh.
- Picnic Shelters: Provides picnic shelters for a relaxing lunch by the water.
- Nearby Parking: Easy parking access, making it convenient to visit.
7. Kennywood's Sandcastle Water Park
A water park with a variety of water rides and attractions, perfect for family fun.
- Water Rides and Attractions: Offers wave pools, water slides, and lazy rivers.
- Family-Friendly Activities: A fun and safe environment for families with young children.
- Concessions and Shops: Provides food, drinks, and souvenirs throughout the park.
8. Idlewild and SoakZone
A classic amusement park with a water park featuring rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.
- Rides and Attractions: Features roller coasters, kiddie rides, and water slides.
- Shows and Entertainment: Offers live shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets.
- Dining Options: Provides a variety of food options throughout the park.
9. Lake Arthur
A lake in Frick Park offering fishing, boating, and picnic areas.
- Fishing and Boating: Allows fishing from the shore or by boat.
- Picnic Areas: Provides picnic tables for a relaxing meal.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding park.
10. North Park Lake
A large lake in North Park offering boating, fishing, and paddleboat rentals.
- Boating and Fishing: Allows boating and fishing.
- Paddleboat Rentals: Offers paddleboats for rental.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding park.
11. Penn's Landing Marina
A marina along the Allegheny River offering boat rentals and dockage.
- Boat Rentals: Rent kayaks, canoes, or motorboats for a day on the river.
- Dockage: Provides docking space for personal watercraft.
- Scenic River Cruises: Offers river cruises with sightseeing tours and dinner options.
12. Five-Star Marine Boat Rentals
A boat rental company offering a variety of boats for fishing, cruising, and tubing on the Three Rivers.
- Variety of Boats: Offers pontoon boats, fishing boats, and jet skis.
- Licensed Captain Services: Provides licensed captains for rentals.
- Fishing Equipment Rental: Rents fishing equipment and supplies.
13. Three Rivers Heritage Trail Boat Tour
A guided boat tour exploring Pittsburgh's history and landmarks along the Three Rivers.
- Historical Sites: Visits historical sites like Fort Duquesne and Point State Park.
- Scenic River Cruise: Offers stunning views of Pittsburgh's skyline, bridges, and parks.
- Expert Guide: Provides knowledgeable guides sharing the history of Pittsburgh and its landmarks.
14. Whitewater Rafting Adventures on the Youghiogheny River
A thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Youghiogheny River near Pittsburgh.
- Adrenaline Rush: Provides a heart-pounding, adrenaline-filled adventure.
- Professional Guides: Offers experienced and certified guides for safety and guidance.
- Scenic River Tour: Includes breathtaking views of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.
15. Pittsburgh Pirates Raft Race
An annual event where participants race homemade rafts in the Allegheny River during a Pirates game.
- Unique Event Experience: A one-of-a-kind event blending sports and water activities.
- Community Spirit: Brings together the Pittsburgh community in a fun and exciting way.
- Pittsburgh Pirates Connection: Connects to the city's professional baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.