March 20 marks the first day of spring for citizens around the city of Pittsburgh. Needless to say, after a long, gray winter, everyone is ready to get outdoors and into the sunshine. Luckily, the city and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of options for those eager to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, an active adventure, or simply a change of scenery, Pittsburgh’s outdoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop for springtime exploration and rejuvenation. We recommend dusting off your hiking boots, packing a picnic basket, and taking advantage of the warm and sunny weather before the bitter cold comes biting back.
Head Outdoors This Spring in Pittsburgh
Allegheny RiverTrail Park
There’s no better way to see the Allegheny River than up close and personal at the RiverTrail Park. Besides their monthly events, you can visit this park anytime for beautiful views of the water that combine the concrete jungle of the city with thriving nature. Look forward to the fishing dock, dog park, marina, native gardens, music venue, playground, bike loop, and walking trails to fill your day with outdoorsy fun.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Spring brings us warmer weather and the lovely sight of colorful blooms across fields of green grass. The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden includes over 65 acres of gardens and woodlands to explore. Plus, you can plan your visit ahead of time online to make sure you hit must-see spots and/or stay in accessible areas. If you aren’t sure how to spend your time, look for their program calendar featuring events like bird watching, crafting, and special guided walks.
Randyland
While flowers are the first colorful thing we think of when spring comes around, Randyland is another way to take in a vibrant display. This outdoor art exhibit fulfills a space between buildings on the Southside with odd items from mannequins to children’s toys and so much more. Randyland is free to visit and is sure to put a smile on your face, even if it’s just by looking into a wacky, painted mirror. Not to mention, it gives children the opportunity to see art in a new way that appeals to them.
Raccoon Creek State Park
Just a bit south of Pittsburgh, Raccoon Creek State Park expands over 7,572 acres of land including a 101 acre lake. While it’s still too cold to swim, the lake offers other ways of exploring the outdoors like their Wildflower Reserve containing more than 700 species of plants. You could even choose to spend the night in the woods at either their modern or rustic camping sites. Whether you want to camp out for the night in a tent or spend some luxury time in a cabin, it’s sure to be an exciting trip away from home.
Public Art in Downtown
You don’t have to pay admission to one of Pittsburgh’s museums to see exclusive art exhibits from creators around the world. Instead, take a stroll through Downtown and see what hidden art gems you can find outside. For instance, head to Tito Way and Exchange Way for the Cell Phone Disco, an interactive art piece that responds to your cell phone’s electromagnetic data. Or, sit in the eyeball chairs at Agnes R. Katz Plaza near the Benedum Center and watch the water cascade down a 25-foot bronze fountain.
Mellon Park
This park may be smaller than others around the city, but it is one of the best for a picnic between its grassy green fields and walled garden. Right off of Fifth Avenue in Shadyside, transfer yourself from the city life to nature’s arms and even the world of art as well. View special sculptures displaying the history of Pittsburgh before you walk along the walled garden to take in the Mellon Park Fountain. Plus, take a peek at the Japanese Stewartia tree that is actually not native to Pittsburgh but resides here happily.
West End Overlook
If you’ve ever wondered what Pittsburgh looks like to a bird in the sky, this may be about as close as you can get. The West End Overlook sits 700 feet above the Ohio River, offering up some of the most gorgeous views of the city you can get, especially at sunrise and sunset. There’s plenty of room to get a short walk in, or you can sit on one of the concrete slabs and just relax. Just be sure to bring your camera, you’ll want at least one photo of the city’s skyline.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Botanical Garden
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