Looking for the perfect places for weekend trips from Pittsburgh? You are at the right place! Let us take you to the top 5 places for your Pittsburgh getaways. All these destinations we have mentioned below are within driving distance, given you really enjoy road trips and are packed with vibrant attractions, exciting experiences, historical sites and thrilling adventures. We have also included a few prominent routes, the best time to visit and essential tips so you can have a good time on your weekend trip.
Let’s get started!
1. Lake Erie
Located on the international border between the United States and Canada, Lake Erie is a wonderful destination to enjoy weekend getaways near Pittsburgh. It ranks number four in terms of size in the list of five Great Lakes of North America and is blessed with a vivid diversity of aquatic and wildlife species.
It spans across a surface area of 9,990 square miles, with its deepest point at 64 feet, making it the shallowest and warmest Great Lake amongst others. There are multiple state parks and beaches along the shoreline, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking views. One can also enjoy various activities, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and beach hopping while relishing in savory foods.
How to Travel
The travel distance from Pittsburgh to Lake Erie is approximately 130 miles. It is just a 2.5-hour drive via I-79 from the north of Pittsburgh. If you do not have a vehicle, worry not! You can choose a train or bus as well, though there might be limited schedules between.
Activities
Swimming, kayaking, hiking, boating, and fishing.
Must-See Attractions
| Attraction | Location |
| Presque Isle State Park | 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505 |
| Bicentennial Tower | 1 State St, Erie, PA 16507 |
| Erie Maritime Museum | 150 E Front St, Erie, PA 16507 |
| Waldameer Park & Water World | 220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505 |
Best Time to Visit
June to mid-August is the best time to visit Lake Erie when the weather is warm and sunny. If you want to experience the crowd-free time, then you can visit during the fall season.
2. Pocono Mountains
Next on the list is the Pocono Mountains, a renowned destination for adventure enthusiasts and romantic getaways near Pittsburgh. Situated in northeastern Pennsylvania, this destination boasts a vivid range of outdoor activities, indoor fun and seasonal retreats, making it a top destination for weekend hoppers and holiday lovers.
This place has a ton of stateparks, waterparks, and resorts, offering thrilling experiences. It also has around 150 lakes, if you want to enjoy a weekend full of water adventures or a picnic by the shore. If you are looking to spend some time away from the noise of city bustles and in a secluded setting, the Poconos offer an array of luxury vacation rentals.
How to Travel
The approximate distance from Pittsburgh to the Poconos is 280 miles. Driving would take around 4.5 hrs, you can take the east via I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) and I-80. It is recommended you travel by car, as you can enjoy the scenic landscapes on your way.
Activities
Skiing and snowtubing, camping, hiking, kayaking, ziplining and historic tours.
Must-See Attractions
| Attraction | Location |
| Bushkill Falls | Lehman Township, PA 18324 |
| Lake Wallenpaupack | 2512 Route 6, Hawley, PA 18428 |
| Camelback Resort | Tannersville, PA 18372 |
| Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area | 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324 |
| Hickory Run State Park | 3 Family Camp Rd., White Haven, PA 18661, |
Best Time to Visit
Pocono Mountains is a year-round destination; you can visit this destination during any season and enjoy the natural beauty. We recommend you visit during the winter and fall months, as it opens opportunities for winter activities and fall foliage viewing.
3. Deep Creek Lake
Looking to spend your weekend in nature, with the mountain as your backdrop? Deep Creek Lake is absolutely the place to visit if you are looking for weekend trips from Pittsburgh, PA. This man-made reservoir is the largest freshwater lake in Maryland, and covers 3900 acres, with its deepest point at 75 feet deep. The Deep Creek Lake State Park offers a vivid range of activities and tons of recreational spaces.
During the winter months, the lake turns into a winter wonderland and activities like skiing and snowboarding take over. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the lake and has to be on your list of places to visit in 2025. Apart from activities and experiences, there are a few annual events and festivals organized throughout the year, so plan accordingly
How to Travel
Deep Creek Lake is roughly 100 miles from Pittsburgh. Thus, driving would take around 2.5 hrs to reach, via I-79 South or I-68 East. Public transportation options are limited, so we recommend travelling in a personal vehicle or a rental.
Activities
Boating, skiing and snowtubing, hiking, rafting, and fishing.
Must-See Attractions
| Attraction | Location |
| Deep Creek Lake State Park | 898 State Park Rd., Swanton, MD 21561 |
| Wisp Resort | 296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, MD 21541 |
| Swallow Falls State Park | 2470 Maple Glade Rd., Oakland, MD 21550 |
| Deep Creek Lavender Farm | 625 Doerr Rd., Accident, MD 21520 |
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Deep Creek Lake would be during the summer and winter months, as it opens opportunities for winter sports as well as summer fun.
Also read our article on Must visit lakes in the Poconos.
4. Hocking Hills
Located in the heart of Ohio, Hocking Hills has become a premier destination for adventure lovers and travel enthusiasts alike. The whole region is famous for unique rock formations, steep gorges, and historic caves. The place is also home to a few breathtaking waterfalls, opportunities for wildlife watching and thrilling adventures, boasting a perfect and complete spot to spend time with family and friends. The natural abundance of the area and exclusive activities make it the perfect hideaway to enjoy vacations close to Pittsburgh.
How to Travel
The Hocking Hills is situated approximately 200 miles from Pittsburgh. Driving is the best and recommended option; it will take around 3.5 hours. Common routes are US-22 West, I-79 West and I-70 South.
Activities
Hiking, boating, ziplining, horse riding, and rock climbing.
Must-See Attractions
| Attraction | Location |
| Old Man’s Cave | Logan, OH 43138 |
| Ash Cave | 26400 OH-56, South Bloomingville, OH 43152 |
| Cedar Falls | Benton Township, OH 43138 |
| Rock House | 16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135 |
Best Time to Visit
The perfect time to visit would be during the summer and fall seasons, as you can view the fall foliage in full glory and also enjoy the outdoor adventures.
5. Laurel Highlands
Located approximately 50 miles to the south of Pittsburgh is this hidden gem called Laurel Highlands. The natural beauty of this destination is second to none and is home to a number of natural attractions, exclusive activities, places of heritage and impeccable dining experiences. Due to its higher elevation, the weather tends to be cooler and breezy at times.
If you’re craving for weekend vacations near Pittsburgh with your buddies, this is certainly the place to be! Home to many amusement parks, national parks, resorts, architecture and historic sites, this place is a complete package and will make your weekend getaway an unforgettable one.
How to Travel
Laurel Highlands is around 53 miles from Pittsburgh; it’ll just take an hour drive at the most. Common routes are I-376 East and US-30 East. You can also take a train or a bus if you’d like to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Activities
Hiking, whitewater rafting, skiing, hunting, museums and heritage tours.
Must-See Attractions
| Attraction | Location |
| Ohiopyle State Park | 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 |
| Fallingwater | 1491 Mill Run Rd., Mill Run, PA 15464 |
| Seven Springs Mountain Resort | 777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA 15622 |
| Nemacolin Castle | 136 Front St, Brownsville, PA 15417 |
| Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site | 110 Federal Park Rd., Gallitzin, PA 16641 |
Best Time to Visit
The recommended time to visit would be during the summer and winter seasons, due to the abundance of seasonal activities available.
Know Before You Go
Here are a few practical tips for a great weekend getaway from Pittsburgh
- Plan ahead: It’s always better to take things into consideration (distance, offerings etc.) and finalize the place you want to visit well in advance.
- Checkout weather forecasts: be sure to know how the weather is at the destination you are planning to go.
- Packaging and gear: pack smart and light; refrain from taking unnecessary things. Be sure to carry recommended gear and clothing to enjoy seasonal activities.
- Secure passes beforehand: if you’re planning to visit any amusement park or resort, securing passes would be a smart move.
- Take part in cultural programs: wherever possible, try to visit the local towns and enjoy festivals and events.
- Book your rentals: choose the perfect accommodation before you go, and advance booking is preferable. Select the ideal place to stay that is nearby your planned spot.
Wrap Up
Wondering where to stay during your visit? Worry not; we have you covered. We offer a range of luxury accommodations and weekend getaway homes in the Poconos. Our rentals are located in close proximity to all the major attractions and are equipped with all the essential amenities required for a comfy stay and a peaceful retreat.
Contact us for further assistance.
FAQs
Q: What are the best weekend getaways near Pittsburgh in winter?
A: Lake Erie and the Poconos are some of the best winter getaways from Pittsburgh.
Q: Is carrying gear for skiing and other winter sports necessary?
A: While many resorts offer rental options, it’s always better to carry your personal gear.
Q: Name a few romantic getaway destinations from Pittsburgh.
A: The Poconos, Laurel Highlands, and New York are the best places for a romantic getaway.
Q: Is public transport not a good option while travelling to these destinations?
A: Firstly, public transportation options are limited, and even though you might have good connectivity, it is not flexible enough to cover all these destinations.
