The 8 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Pittsburgh

What are some unique things to do around Pittsburgh?

You can call Pittsburgh a lot of things – friendly, busy, and loyal. Perhaps, however, there’s no better way to describe Pittsburgh than unique. We’re one-of-a-kind, and you’ll find a ton of unique destinations in and around the city. Take Randyland, arguably the most colorful house in the city. It’s a popular North Side destination designed by Randy Gilson, and you can visit it for free. Just don’t forget your camera. If you’re willing to venture a bit further beyond Pittsburgh’s borders, head to Mars. About a half an hour from the city, the darling small town calls its residents Martians and pays tribute to its namesake with a life-sized spaceship sat in the middle of town. Every two years, it also hosts the Mars New Year, an epic event that draws visitors from all over. Keeping with the outer space theme, plan a visit to the annual Kecksburg UFO Festival. The town is perhaps best known for the space acorn, a replica of a spaceship that was said to have landed near town in the mid-1960s. “Unsolved Mysteries” rolled into town decades later to film a segment about the supposed-UFO landing, and it built the space acorn, now a popular tourist spot.

What are some of the best day trips near me?

You can never go wrong daytripping in Pittsburgh. Fortunately, we live in a prime spot for picture-perfect getaways that aren’t too far from home. If you’re craving a beach day but indoors, make your way to Splash Lagoon, for example, in Erie. The epic indoor waterpark boasts attractions for the whole family – tipping buckets, waterslides, and a lazy river. Natural beauty is never too far from home, either. When you fancy a bit of time among nature, head to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Meander along winding paths, over a picturesque footbridge, and to Bookworm Glen. You’ll even pass a few fairy houses. On those simmering summer days, plan a visit to Laurel Hill State Park. There, you can relax on the sandy beach before jumping into the water to cool off.