What Makes Pittsburgh a Great Place to Visit in the Summer

There is much to do in and around Pittsburgh during the summer, whether you want to take to the water, attend a popular city event, or explore world-renowned museums. Let’s look at some of the characteristics of Steel City that make it an excellent place to visit this summer.  

Although Pittsburgh is a major metropolis, it is still a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Built along the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny rivers, it is a distinct waterfront environment. If you are visiting in the summer, tours of the Pittsburgh rivers highlight the city’s history and architecture. Pleasant lakes are near Pittsburgh as well, including Lake Arthur and Raccoon Lake, which offer fishing, swimming, and water sports. 

Pittsburgh also has many picturesque public green spaces that offer scenic trails for hiking and biking, such as the massive 380-acre Highland Park. And Point State Park is a pleasant downtown park by the water with intriguing historical sites. 

Scenic and charming suburbs surround Pittsburgh, and in the summer, these communities are exciting places to escape the large city’s hustle and bustle.

Sewickley is a pleasant borough roughly 15 miles from Pittsburgh. It is a charming and historic community that offers visitors a scenic slice of small-town Pennsylvania to enjoy, with tree-lined streets and quaint shops and eateries. For a longer trip, consider the quiet town of Coudersport. Roughly a three-hour drive from Pittsburgh, Coudersport has gorgeous natural scenery in the Susquehannock State Forest and a charming, historic downtown.

There are many events in Pittsburgh throughout the year, but summer is an especially busy season. The warmest months of the year bring on the majority of Pittsburgh’s festivals, fairs, and city events, which celebrate everything from the city’s history and food to its music and art. You will see the city at its liveliest if you visit Pittsburgh while one of its major summer events is in full swing. 

One of Pittsburgh’s biggest summer celebrations is the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. This is a massive ten-day celebration of the city’s incredible arts scene featuring hundreds of talented performing artists, visual artists, and more. The city’s tremendous Fourth of July festivities at Point State Park are a can’t-miss, with food vendors, patriotic music, and an incredible fireworks display over the water. For foodies, the Pittsburgh Taco Festival will bring dozens of food vendors and family-friendly activities to the Strip District in August.