Pittsburgh is an incredible place to catch a sports game or see your favorite artist in concert, but it also doesn’t disappoint with its views. No matter what season it is, the best views of Pittsburgh can be found up above or down below. So whether you are taking a ride up the incline or around the river on a Pittsburgh Pedal Boat, we’ve compiled the best places to take photos and sightsee in Pittsburgh.
8 Places to See the Best Views in Pittsburgh
Mount Washington
Mount Washington is a staple for the best Pittsburgh city views, so we couldn’t leave it out. It gives people a complete view of the city and is the perfect place to bring your friends and family that live out of town. You can even ride the incline to get up to the outlook, giving your friends and family another chance to take in the views. Mount Washington is also a classic place to take photos in Pittsburgh, both as a skyline view and a background for group photos. It’ll be a hit no matter what season you’re in or what time of day it is.
West End Overlook
The West End Overlook is another overlook, but this one is a little farther away from the city, giving people a more expansive view. You not only get a great look at the beautiful bridges and buildings, but you are also able to see all three rivers in this view. The West End Overlook is located in the Elliott neighborhood of the city and is situated right above the Ohio River. It’s an incredible spot that allows you to take a straight shot view of Point State Park, another excellent location to see the city.
Point State Park
Point State Park gives you a beautiful view of the city, and it’s an ideal location to take photos and the perfect place to relax. If it's summertime, you can sit by the fountain to cool off and watch the boats float by in the river. During the night, the fountain is illuminated by lights, so the scenery is just as gorgeous. If you look across the river, you’ll be able to see Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Point State Park is the location of Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt, offering a large amount of history to pair with the fantastic scenery. After you and your friends take photos of the Steel City and relax at Point State Park, you can continue catching incredible views from the water on a Pittsburgh Pedal Boat.
From the River
As we mentioned before, one of the best ways to see the city is on the water. Whether you are kayaking or taking a booze cruise, you’ll be able to see the city unlike ever before. Sure, you can take sightseeing tours on a boat, but they won’t be as fun as a booze cruise on Pittsburgh Pedal Boats. You and your friends can bring on your favorite beers or seltzers, listen to some music, hang out, and catch new views of the city. A cruise is the ultimate way to show your friends around or pregame a night out.
North Shore River Trail
The North Shore River Trail is the perfect way to take a scenic bike ride or walk around the city. It’s a very common trail, but it’s still got a great view that deserves to be mentioned. While riding or walking down the trail, you’ll be met with plenty of views of the city from various vantage points. One of the best views on the trail is when you get to take in all three of the iconic bridges at once — Clemente, Warhol, and Rachel Carson bridges. Then, you can head more west to catch views of PNC Park, Heinz Field, and the Mr. Rogers Memorial. It’s kind of the most yinzer way to get some exercise, seeing all the classic views of Pittsburgh on a single trail.
The Color Park
Not only is The Color Park a great place to see Pittsburgh, but it’s also one of the most unique parks in the city. Although graffiti is usually frowned upon, this is the one place where it is accepted and celebrated. Unfortunately, you can’t reach this park by car or bus, so you have to bike or walk. The Color Park is nestled along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, between the Liberty Bridge and the 10th Street Bridge. Don’t forget to pack some paints and leave your lasting mark on the Steel City.
279 Overpass in the North Side
The name of this one may leave you feeling puzzled, but this ‘random’ spot on the 279 Overpass leads to beautiful views and even more incredible photographs. If you’ve driven to Pittsburgh through the North Side, you’ve probably looked over at this view and gawked while you were driving. The highway below creates an intriguing point leading into the city’s skyline. The overpass is easily accessible from Howard Street on the North Side, and it’s definitely worth the trip. near
Schenley Park Overlook
Schenley Park is home to a vast amount of green space, making it another great place to pack up a picnic for you and your friends. The Schenley Park Overlook not only offers some of the most green spaces in the city but a fantastic view of Pittsburgh’s skyline. This overlook is on Pittsburgh’s furthest east end, making it far from downtown Pittsburgh. Although it’s far from downtown, it doesn’t mean there isn’t much to do in Schenley Park — grab takeout from a local restaurant, invite a few friends to the park, and take in the beautiful views.
As we mentioned previously, nothing compares to the best views in Pittsburgh — especially while on the water. Take in the scenery of the Steel City while having a party on a Pittsburgh Pedal Boat. After you are done seeing the city from the water, explore the views and nightlife from downtown. Contact us today to book your booze cruise and get ready for the fun.
