Ten Great Scenic Views of Pittsburgh

Here are ten favorite scenic places to photograph, record or paint in Pittsburgh. A big part of its beauty started a long time ago when glaciers started cutting out the valley that the city was later built in.

The topography and city planners had a lot to do with the creation of these beautiful scenic spots. The hills provide us with many green areas where it just doesn’t make sense to develop. Therefore, from every angle you see the green spaces mixed in with the houses and other structures that make up the city.

Its not hard to understand why Pittsburgh is a great city for photographers and artists. Our landscape appears on mugs, postcards, and more. Check out our shop to bring a part of this scenery home.

#1 The West End/Elliot Overlook

From this view you have the opportunity to look down at the Point to the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. They empty into the Ohio and create our iconic triangle.  If you are looking to capture a photo of the city from this vantage point come in the late afternoon to evening.  At that time of day, the sun is setting behind where you will be standing. This causes the buildings to change in color from a clear natural look to a golden glow.  As the sun sets and the lights of the city turn on, a beautiful night shot is yours for the taking.

#2 The Upper Platform of the Duquesne Incline

To get the best photo from this vantage point it is best to be there in the afternoon.  The exact time is tricky because the shadows change with the seasons.   City shots can be taken with any focal-length lens but a wide-angle lens will enable you to capture the city and the incline.

#3 Walk the North Shore

From the Rivers Casino, past the Carnegie Science Center, Clemente Memorial Park and PNC Park to the Rachel Carson Bridge, you’ll have lots of opportunities to take some great photos of the Point to the Convention Center.  The Pittsburgh Convention Center is the first “green” convention center in the world.  If you walk the North Shore corridor a few times, you will have a chance to see how drastically the city changes as the light changes.  It’s a great way to spend the day. Look at our article about The Walking Tour of the North Shore for more information about this view.

#4 Grandview Avenue

Grandview Avenue offers you another great walking and photo opportunity.  Make sure you have your walking shoes on if you get to Grandview Avenue via the Monongahela or the Duquesne Incline.  The advantage of doing the Grandview Avenue walk (about 1.5 miles) over the North Shore jaunt are the number of great watering holes on Grandview Avenue.  Both, though, offer unique views of the city.  Additionally, if you don’t want to walk you can always drive and most time you can find a parking spot close by.  Saturday is the busiest day on Grandview Avenue.  Besides the locals and tourists enjoying the views, it is the number one spot in the city for wedding parties to have their group photos taken with the city as a backdrop.

#5 Point State Park

 Point State Park will give you an opportunity to relax.  Sitting by the fountain on a hot summer day is the ideal place to cool off in the city.  If you are interested in history, Point Park is the site of Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt.  There are a few walls remaining from the original structure of Fort Pitt.  The Fort Pitt Blockhouse is the only remaining structure still intact from the days of Fort Pitt.  It was built in 1764 and is the oldest authenticated structure west of the Allegheny Mountains.  The Blockhouse is managed by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The fountain at the Point has been a Pittsburgh symbol since it was completed in 1974.  An interesting fact about the fountain is that the water doesn’t come from the three rivers surrounding it. It comes from an underground subterranean fourth river 54 feet below the surface of the Point.  The fountain is illuminated at night and at various times of the year it is tinted a different color.  Pittsburgh is the only city in the United States that has a fountain as the focal point and symbol for the city.  This is a great spot to photograph fireworks, riverboats, the fountain itself, the Blockhouse, Heinz Field, and so much more.

#6 The Bike Trail by Station Square

Don’t think that the only views you have of the city are from Mount Washington.  While you’re at Station Square you may want to jump on the Monongahela Incline or ride your bike a little further to the Duquesne Incline.  You can ride up the side of Mount Washington to take a photo or two from the top.  Both the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines allow you to take your bike on the incline with you if space allows. From Station Square you can walk down the trail towards the Fort Pitt Bridge and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with some great views.  As always, be careful on the trails.

#7 From the River/On the Water

There are many sightseeing cruises in the area, as well as private tour guides available for reservations. The river boats provide interesting views of the city which change as you go along. Spending the day traveling up and down the three rivers is a great way to experience many diverse views of the city.

#8 West End Bridge

One of the bridges that makes this Top 10 list is the West End Bridge. It crosses over the Ohio River approximately a mile south of the Point.  The bridge is located right below the West End/Elliot Overlook.  The overlook and the bridge provide very different views because of the very different elevations. Both are equally as charming.

#9 31st Street Bridge

Take a stroll on the 31st Street Bridge which crosses over the Allegheny River and provides a bird’s eye view of Washington’s Landing/Herr’s Island.  After his raft capsized on a mission during the French and Indian War George Washington was said to have spent the night here. It is now a shining example of urban redevelopment in the city.  At various times throughout the year the city’s crew teams can be seen training for their next event.

#10 Liberty Bridge

From the Liberty Bridge, high above the Monongahela River, you’ll have another great view of our city.  Depending upon where you stand, you might be able to get a view of Heinz Field in the background.  Go there in the evening to get some pretty dramatic photographs. Fireworks night really makes this view spectacular.

We hope to have given you a way to find your favorite scenic view in Pittsburgh. Hope the days will all be sunny and you will bring a friend along to help you carry your gear and share in the Pittsburgh experience.