Pittsburgh Vacations

Welcome to Pittsburgh and Its Countryside – a magical blend of city life and all the excitement that goes with it – and the serenity, beauty and wide-open spaces of the countryside. There's no place like Pittsburgh and Its Countryside!

Easy to get to – just a drive or a short flight away, few cities can match what Pittsburgh has to offer. You'll be awe struck as you enter downtown through the Fort Pitt Tunnel as the city bursts into view with such force that it's called "the only city with an entrance," according to the New York Times.

Only two miles in diameter, downtown Pittsburgh's compact size makes it easy to walk from hotels to shops, theaters and restaurants. A haven for culture lovers, the 14-block Cultural District is where you'll find unique galleries and seven live performance venues hosting regional and national stage productions, ballet and symphony. Just across the river, don't miss The Andy Warhol Museum, the "art that dares" museum that celebrates the life and work of one of Pop Art's founding fathers and one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century.

And neighborhoods – 89 of them – make exploring the unique flavors and diversity that surround Pittsburgh's downtown a must. Grab a bike or lace up your hiking shoes and travel the city and countryside trails. Rent a kayak and see the city in a new light from one of its three rivers. And, don't miss the ride up and down the 400-foot slopes on Mt. Washington in historic inclines — funicular railways that transport you to aptly named Grandview Avenue where you'll find stunning views, day or night, and many fine eateries along "Restaurant Row."

You can try your luck at the new Rivers Casino – where beautiful views along the esplanade, great restaurants and lady luck await you! See the city from the water on a Gateway Clipper cruise, or take a Just Ducky Tour – on the water and on the land, in an amphibious vehicle.

If you're looking for family adventure – there's an abundance of great family fun in Pittsburgh. In fact, we call Pittsburgh "Kidsburgh," because there is so much family enjoyment to be had. From the National Aviary, home to over 600 exotic and endangered birds, to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium – one of the nation's best – where you'll find more than 4,000 animals plus polar bears and sand tiger sharks – to the thrills and chills at Kennywood Park, named the world's "favorite traditional amusement park," by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. You'll also want to dip into Sandcastle Water Park, where 14 major waterslides a wave pool and an old-fashioned boardwalk make pool time fun for everyone!

And, the kids (both young and old) may learn something while having a great time! The Carnegie Science Center boasts the nation's largest robotics exhibit and there's lots of hands-on activity. Visit the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History to see the third-largest collection of real dinosaur bones in the country plus great works of art. The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh lets kids visit Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and the Senator John Heinz History Center celebrates everything that makes this region so remarkable. Awaken your senses within the 19 indoor and outdoor gardens of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, one of the world's greenest public gardens.

Heralded as the City of Champions, Pittsburgh is known for its world-class sports teams and its world-class venues: Heinz Field for Steelers football, PNC Park for Pirates baseball and the new Consol Energy Center for Penguins hockey. The games are on in Pittsburgh and we invite you to make a sports weekend your next adventure.

Just outside the city limits, you'll find some of the most picturesque surroundings imaginable. Gentle rolling hills, vast woodlands, fertile farmlands, mighty rivers and gentle streams offer ample opportunities for exploration, adventure and romance, too. This part of the state has everything an outdoor enthusiast could ever want, with natural beauty and abundant charm.

The people of Pittsburgh and its surrounding countryside are just as warm and inviting as the beautiful, panoramic landscapes. This ethnically diverse region is home to friendly, outgoing, accommodating people from every background and heritage. You'll feel just like a member of the family as you travel from one charming place to another. Here's just a taste of what you'll find in the countryside.

Armstrong County invites you! Come! Play! Discover! Fish or boat the Allegheny River. Hike & bike our scenic trails. Golf one of our diverse courses. Ride the Kiski Junction Railroad.Search for your family connections or enjoy a fair or festival.

Feel the speed and excitement of polo matches held every Friday evening in Darlington, or hit the track at BeaveRun MotorSports Complex for thrill-a-minute action in Beaver County. Visit the National Historic Landmark of Old Economy Village, the final home of the Harmony Society.

Butler County has an amazing mix of adventure and history. Harmony National Historic Landmark District was founded by the Harmony Society of German Lutheran Separatists in search of religious freedom.Moraine State Park with more than 16,000 unspoiled acres with the perfect getaway for the outdoor adventurer.

Greene County is home to beautiful rural sheep and cattle farms and steep wooded hillsides teeming with game and recreational opportunities, including county fairs and trails and don't miss what the Smithsonian Institute said is "one of the greatest finds of its type in the nation," in the W.A. Young Machine Shop and Foundry.

Indiana County has something for everyone, from the simple way of life at the Amish community of Smicksburg, to the "Hollywood Magic" of the Jimmy Stewart Museum.

Known as the Fireworks Capital of America, extravagant fireworks displays are featured annually at Lawrence County's major events and festivals. For a more contemplative activity, stroll the labyrinth at Villa Maria Community Center.

Mercer County is known for its unique shopping, attractions and golf. Exceptional shopping venues such as Prime Outlets, Grove City; Reyers, the world's largest shoe store; and The Winner, the world's largest off-priced fashion store make Mercer County a favorite of bargain hunters.

Washington County is home to 22 covered bridges and the historic National Road. Nation-building events took place on the doorsteps of the Bradford and LeMoyne houses. More modern pursuits include the heart-pounding fun of the Meadows Racetrack and Casino and shopping at Tanger Outlets, offering over 75 name brand stores.

Pittsburgh and Its Countryside is a great destination for a family getaway or a romantic weekend. It's the perfect location for seeing our incredible sports teams compete or a great outdoor adventure. It's the perfect for a reunion of old friends and family. And whether you choose to end your day at a sleek city hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast, no other region offers a greater selection of ways to play, discover and explore! Pittsburgh and Its Countryside – the perfect spot for your next getaway!