The best fall activities in Pittsburgh
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Take a walk around the zoo
Fall is the best time to visit the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. While the zoo is packed to the brim almost daily during the summer months, the crowds begin to dwindle down in the cooler fall months (with the exception of Asian Lantern festival). The temps are so much more comfortable, the animals are out and about more, and you can freely explore the exhibits minus large crowds. And, because there are so many trees, it’s also a great place to leaf peep. Several days in October a special Zoo Boo (featuring trick or treating stations) festival takes place. Although the zoo no longer offers a nighttime Halloween event, there is a pretty cool Asian Lantern festival to enjoy.
Take a scenic ride up the Duquesne Incline
Fall is the best time to take the scenic 400 foot ride up to Mt. Washington. The temps have finally cooled down, crowds are non existent, and a hint of fall foliage can usually be enjoyed. While you can enjoy the fabulous view from the Incline viewing area without paying for the ride, the Duquesne Incline is an iconic Pittsburgh experience worth enjoying at least once. Tip – Drive to the top (the Upper Station) on a Sunday to avoid both the incline parking lot fee and the parking meters on Grandview Ave. The ride is $10 round-trip. Address: 1220 Grandview Avenue.
Take in the stunning city skyline via the Grandview Overlook
Just down the street from the Duquesne Incline lies the beautiful Grandview overlook. Because they are both located in the same region, you can easily incorporate a quick stop here into your itinerary. While the views are not as grand as those found at the Incline overlook, it’s another fabulous city viewpoint to take in. During the fall season, you may get to enjoy a little bit of leaf peeping as an added bonus. Tip: Visit on Sunday to enjoy free metered parking. Address: 136 Grandview Ave.
Cozy up with a bowl of warm soup
Fall is the best time to enjoy a bowl of delicious soup. When the weather is brisk, a bowl of minestrone, broccoli cheddar, or seasonal butternut squash just seems to taste that much better. While you could enjoy a predictably decent bowl of soup at chains like Panera Bread and The Olive Garden, there are a number of great local establishments to support. One of these is Zuppa’s Deli with cafes in Wexford and Cranberry Township. Enticing options include tomato bisque, Italian wedding, lobster bisque, and spicy shrimp and corn chowder, along with fall seasonal specials like butternut squash. They also offer a big menu of specialty sandwiches and delicious deli sides.
Attend a fall festival
Fall is a great time temperature-wise to attend a festive event. A few of the special festivities you can look forward to include fall festivals at local orchards and farms, farmer’s markets, food festivals, Oktoberfest, movies in the park, concerts, and more. One popular Halloween event to check out is the Monster Pumpkin Festival in the historic Strip District. The highlight of attending this event is seeing the Atlantic Giant Pumpkins which weigh up to 2500 lbs! Other activities/attractions include artistic pumpkin displays, seasonal food and drink, carriage rides, glass blown art demonstrations, pie eating contests, and more. Admission is free (extra cost for food and certain activities) and there are plenty of fun photo opps.
