As a family that has successfully lived the “van life” on the road, we know our way around the country! We’ve driven with the kids all the way through America’s picturesque deserts, through breathtaking mountain ranges, and across some of the loveliest plains this country has to offer.
But we still love being in Pennsylvania. After exploring the rest of the country, there is something particularly beautiful about our rich green trees and rolling hills. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a single overnight away, our local landscape has a lot to offer.
We’re quite lucky out here. In only a few hours, we can travel to some of the best natural features and cities this country has to offer, from the powerful beauty of Niagra Falls (which we’ll talk about in a minute) to the wild wilderness of West Virginia canyons (which we’ll also touch on).
There’s no shortage of day trip opportunities when you live in western Pennsylvania! If you’re thinking about a day trip from Pittsburgh, try some of our ideas!
10 Ideas for Day Trips From Pittsburgh
Here are some places you could visit in a single day from Pittsburgh:
1. Visit another great city. We’re lucky to be surrounded by so many great cities out here in Pittsburgh. Within only a few hours, you could be in:
Baltimore, OH (4 hours, 250 miles) - Don’t forget to visit Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor while you’re in town!
Cleveland, OH (2.25 hours, 140 miles) - While you’re there, check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Metroparks Zoo.
Columbus, OH (3 hours, 185 miles) - Be sure to check out Columbus’ awesome parks, museums, and the German Village featuring brick houses from the 1800s.
Erie, PA (2 hours, 130 miles) - Visit Lake Erie and its adorable lake-side town!
Lancaster, PA (3.5 hours, 230 miles) - Take a trip to a great foodie town and the famous Amish country!
Washington, DC (4 hours, 250 miles) - Wake up early to visit some of the nation's coolest historic sites and museums!
2. Gravity Hill - Bedford County (2 hours, 100 miles). Gravity Hill is a Pennsylvania phenomenon where the road seems to lack gravity! Carefully put your car in neutral, and you’ll seem to roll upward.
While the science says Gravity Hill is an optical illusion, it’s a tough one to break. It really does look like it’s going uphill! You can learn more on the Gravity Hill website. But while you’re there, be sure to stop in the nearby town of Bedford, which is a charming little neighborhood for a lovely day or afternoon.
3. Niagara Falls (4 hours, 240 miles). When it comes to big water, Lake Erie and Ohiopyle get most of the attention in the Pittsburgh region. But did you know you can reach Niagara Falls from Pittsburgh in less than four hours? Take some time to explore the town, then check out that impressive waterfall!
4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (2 hours, 110 miles). Love football? The Pro Football Hall of Fame is only two hours away in Canton, OH. Once you’re done at the museum, you could spend the day exploring Canton or drive another hour north to enjoy dinner in Cleveland.
5. Ohiopyle State Park (1.25 hours, 70 miles). This beautiful Ohio park is one of our favorite places for a day trip! There’s plenty to see and do, especially when it comes to hiking along beautiful waterfalls.
6. McConnells Mill State Park (40 minutes, 40 miles). Pack a lunch and drive up 79 to get to McConnells Mill State Park. Known for its covered bridge and restored water wheel, McConnells Mill also offers tons of scenic hiking trails and fishing holes.
7. New River Gorge Bridge and the Canyon Rim Visitor Center (3.5 hours, 220 miles). Tucked away inside New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, New River Gorge Bridge stretched more than 3,000 feet nearly 900 feet above the water below, giving you a beautiful view of West Virginia forest. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, pop into Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn more about the Park and take in some lovely sights.
8. Benezette, PA (2.5 hours, 130 miles). Nicknamed the “Elk Capital of Pennsylvania,” Benezette is the best place in the state to watch the elk roam the countryside. Plus, it’s less than three hours away!
9. Idlewild & SoakZone (1 hour, 50 miles). If you have kids, Idlewild & SoakZone can be a fun, active day trip filled with thrills and delicious treats. Plus, Ligonier is only 50 miles from Pittsburgh, so you’re less likely to get that dreaded “Are we there yet?” on the drive there.
10. Fallingwater (1.25 hours, 70 miles). The famous Frank Lloyd Wright house is only a little more than an hour from Pittsburgh, and it’s well worth the drive! Tour the home and then explore the equally impressive grounds. And don’t forget—Fallingwater is a short drive from Ohiopyle!