Last Updated on July 28, 2024 by Kristin
Nestled within the Allegheny foothills, Pittsburgh is home to world-class museums, parks and universities. While attractions like the Andy Warhol Museum and Carnegie Museum of Natural History keep visitors busy for days, the city is also a great starting point for further exploration. Here are the best road trips from Pittsburgh.
Fabulous Road Trips from Pittsburgh
Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway
51 miles / 1 hr.
Head about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh to Ligonier for an unforgettable 68-mile scenic drive on the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. Not only does the route pass through an incredible natural landscape, but it offers several stops at several unique cultural attractions. Hike to waterfalls and go whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle State Park, or take a guided architectural tour through Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob houses. The sprawling, subterranean Laurel Caverns sandstone cave is also worth a stop.
Sandusky, Ohio
182 miles / 2 hr. 45 mins.
Less than three hours northwest of Pittsburgh, set along the shores of Lake Erie, the Ohio town of Sandusky gets its name from a Native American word for water. Appropriately enough, the town is beloved not just for its lakeside charms but also for its modern indoor waterparks—along with Cedar Point, one of the most popular theme parks in the nation. Sandusky also has a walkable downtown and interesting museums, so there’s something for everyone in the family. >> Recommended hotels in Sandusky
Gettysburg
185 miles / 3 hr. 18 mins.
Gettysburg, one of the most important historical sites in the country, only lies a few hours southeast of Pittsburgh. Named for the bloodiest 1863 Civil War battle, Gettysburg is home to an array of unique museums and historic sites. The main attraction here is the nearly 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park, which features nearly 1,400 monuments. For a glimpse into how families used to live during the Civil War, visit the restored Shriver House Museum built in 1860. >> Recommended hotels in Gettysburg
Niagara Falls, Ontario
238 miles / 3 hrs. 26 mins.
You can see the iconic Niagara Falls from either side of the border, but staying on the Ontario side tends to give you more of a front row seat. This is where you can get the iconic view of the Horseshoe Falls, as well as the best view of the American Falls from across the river. Not only are there better views of the falls, but also more to do, more restaurants and more places to stay. >> Recommended hotels in Niagara Falls
Washington, D.C.
241 miles / 4 hr. 3 mins.
The nation’s capital lies about four hours southeast of Pittsburgh, offering a seemingly endless array of museums, monuments and delicious restaurants. While most tourists put attractions such as the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall and United States Capitol at the top of their bucket lists, museums including the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum and National Gallery of Art should not be missed. >> Recommended hotels in Washington DC.
The Poconos
279 miles / 4 hr. 22 mins.
Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains offer an easy-access mountain getaway in whatever flavor you want. Whether you are coming in the winter for snowy fun at the Big Boulder Ski Area or visiting in the summer for hiking, biking and water sports, you’ll find plenty of places to stay, from camp-style lodges to big resorts to casino hotels. >> Recommended hotels in the Poconos
Philadelphia
304 miles / 4 hr. 50 mins.
To get a sense of Pennsylvania’s size, head east to Philadelphia —- also known as the City of Brotherly Love. For an especially sweet way to break up the long car ride, make a pit stop in Hershey, home of the chocolate-themed Hersheypark amusement park, featuring rides and even a place to make your own candy bar. In Philadelphia, get some exercise climbing up the famous “Rocky Steps” leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Then, cure your appetite with a Philly cheesesteak or eclectic eats from Reading Terminal Market. For a more quirky outing, visit Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens or the medical history-themed Mütter Museum. >> Recommended hotels in Philadelphia
Louisville, Kentucky
389 miles / 5 hrs. 38 mins.
It’s famous as the hometown of spring’s Kentucky Derby, but Louisville makes a delightful getaway year-round, too. Taste your way along Whiskey Row’s downtown distilleries. Explore the Muhammad Ali Center. Or dive into the other cool museums, such the giant 120-foot-tall Louisville Slugger museum and factory, with its giant bat replica outside. Given the rich history and culture the city right off the Ohio River, there is no shortage of things to do. >> Recommended hotels in Louisville
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