A Picturesque Cruise Along Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers
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After living here, I can confidently say that Pittsburgh is easily one of the most scenic cities in America. The many bridges, beautiful high rises, and rivers combine to form a spectacular skyline. Before moving here, I had no idea the city was so beautiful. The skyline easily ranks amongst my favorites – right up there with Chicago. Three rivers – the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio River join together at iconic Point State Park. This park marks the tip of a section of downtown called “The Golden Triangle.”
One of the things I love most about living here are the many ways to take in the spectacular cityscape, including the famous Duquesne Incline, bike paths, various overlooks, and cruises. This is one city I don’t even mind driving into as it is so gorgeous. One day, we decided to book a touristy cruise just to do something different.
The Gateway Clipper offers a variety of year-round cruises. In October, they were offering a special Halloween cruise and we are both fans of the spooky season so we figured why not. Mike and I had a fun time learning about local legends while also enjoying the beautiful scenery. They played some fun music, hosted a costume contest, and put up a few spooky decorations (although I thought they could have decorated a bit more).
The Gateway Clipper fleet
The fleet has been in operation since 1958. Today, 5 ships compose the fleet. The original riverboat was named after the city, once referred to as“Gateway to the West.”
The 2 story climate controlled riverboats features floor-to-ceiling windows. No matter where you sit, you will be able to take in enchanting views of the skyline. During the warmer months, you can enjoy the city views via the outdoor deck.
Unfortunately, smoking is allowed which really is a bummer. This is the only negative thing I have to say about this cruise. I spent most of my time inside due to the many smokers, nonetheless, the views were gorgeous. I am so impressed by the skyline here!
Drinks and snacks are available for purchase, although they are a bit overpriced. It’s best to dine beforehand. Luckily, there are plenty of popular restaurants at Station Square (including Tupelo Honey and The Melting Pot).
Sightseeing cruises
You can enjoy views of the city’s iconic bridges, skyscrapers, and stadiums via any cruise. If you are new to the ‘Burgh, I recommend a sightseeing cruise. During this cruise, you will get to enjoy the beautiful urban sights while also learning more about the city’s rich history.
This is a great opportunity to become more acquainted with major landmarks and destinations within the city. Afterwards, you will probably want to go out and explore more. You can take a look at my ‘Burgh city attraction guide for some ideas.
I love seeing all the bridges in this city (we learned that there are 446) – it really gives the skyline an interesting look. The most notable bridges are the 3 eye popping yellow ones (The Three Sisters). These were named after 3 local legends: Roberto Clemente (a Pirates baseball player for 18 seasons), Andy Warhol (the pop artist legend), and Rachel Carson (an iconic marine biologist and environmentalist).
While you are in town, I highly recommend taking a tour of The Warhol Museum. This is a really cool place that is organized chronologically (there are 7 floors of just Warhol’s’ work – it’s the largest museum dedicated to just one artist).
Here are some beautiful pictures I took of the bridges just before sunset. A sunset cruise is a nice choice if you are seeking a romantic city date destination.
Themed cruises
If you will be visiting the city over the holidays you may want to check the special cruise lineup. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and NYE themed cruises all offer varying amenities. From a Halloween dance party, to holiday buffets, to a festive Christmas Santa cruise, to a NYE cruise featuring a champagne toast, the options are endless.
We enjoyed the Halloween fun cruise which included some spooky stories, spooky music, and a costume contest. They also offer an adult 21+ option if you want to leave the kids at home for a night of drinking and dancing. On a side note if you like Halloween, this is a great city to be in. Take a look at some of my favorite fall and Halloween activities to put on your bucket list.
Location/parking info
Station Square is located at: 125 W Station Square Dr. Parking rates vary – check the website for further details. Cruises start at $32 per adult, $15 per kid. Pricing current as of 2025. Please check the website for updates and special promotions.
Check the schedule and book your cruise online
Where to dine nearby
The most convenient place to dine is at Station Square. Since you will be paying to park here anyways for the cruise, it’s the easiest choice. Restaurants include a number of popular national chains including: Hard Rock Cafe, The Melting Pot, Bucca di Beppo, and Tupelo Honey. Update: This Hard Rock sadly closed in 2025 and Bucca in 2024.
If you prefer to keep it local, consider a casual pub style meal at Homerun Harry’s or a fine dining experience at Grand Concourse (they offer a grand Sunday brunch buffet). And if you need a boost, grab a quality cup of joe at Yinz – one of the city’s most popular local coffeehouses. If you are willing to drive or walk a bit further, there are some nice restaurants in the downtown. I recommend Christo’s, a wonderful old-fashioned local Greek cafe.
What to do in the ‘Burgh
Take a look at my Pennsylvania Travel Guide for full details on the best city attractions, plus some awesome daytrips to state parks and waterfalls. I also lived in Philly so you will find some city recommendations there too.
