3-Day Nature Itinerary in Pittsburgh, PA

  • Day 1: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    15 minutes (6.1 miles) from Downtown Pittsburgh

    Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Pittsburgh. This 15-acre garden features numerous seasonal and themed gardens, an indoor tropical rainforest, and outdoor art installations. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and enjoy nature at its finest.

  • Day 2: Allegheny Observatory & National Aviary
    20 minutes (7.6 miles) from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    Start your day at the Allegheny Observatory, a historic astronomy research center. Take a guided tour and learn about the stars and planets. Next, head over to the National Aviary, which features over 500 birds from all over the world. See penguins, eagles, and even a bald eagle up close and personal.

  • Day 3: Point State Park & Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater
    1 hour 30 minutes (62 miles) from National Aviary

    Spend the morning at Point State Park where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers meet to form the Ohio River. Take a walk around the park and see the iconic fountain. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Fallingwater is a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture and sits atop a waterfall.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (2 hours, $18)
  • Allegheny Observatory (1 hour 30 minutes, $10)
  • National Aviary (2 hours, $17)
  • Point State Park (1 hour, free)
  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (2 hours, $30)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $75

Transportation

Transportation in Pittsburgh can be easily done by renting a car or using public transportation, especially for the locations listed above. The estimated cost for a car rental for three days is around $150, while taking public transportation can range from $3 to $6 per day. However, if you prefer to stick to Downtown Pittsburgh, it is easy to walk or use ride-sharing services.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, which is located near Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Additionally, the city has numerous hiking trails and state parks, including Ohiopyle State Park, that allow for a more immersive nature experience. For those with less time, shorten the trip by removing a location and opt for a relaxing day exploring Downtown Pittsburgh.

Airports

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the main airport serving Pittsburgh, located 20 miles west of Downtown Pittsburgh. The airport offers domestic and international flights from various airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines. There are numerous transportation options from the airport, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation via the Port Authority Transit (PAT) system

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