As Memorial Day weekend fastly approaches, we are all finalizing last-minute plans for the perfect getaway. But before you book those over-priced flights, here’s a list of four destinations within two hours driving distance of Pittsburgh that won’t break the bank and still bring the fun!
Presque Isle, Erie PA
Every Yinzer has typed in “beaches near me” into Google at least once or twice, and as Pennsylvania’s only official “seashore”, Presque Isle is the most popular option. It offers visitors a chance to swim, tan, boat, fish, hike, and much more without having to leave the state! Less than two hours away from downtown Pittsburgh, Presque Isle is great for a day trip or an overnight stay at a bayfront hotel, cozy bed and breakfast, or a chance to escape into nature at a cabin/campground.
Other popular places to visit in the area include Waldameer Park & Water World, 6 Miles Cellars winery, Watson-Curtze Mansion at the Hagen, several lighthouses, hiking trails, classic diners, and much more. Sports lovers can also attend The Memorial Day Classic, an annual premier soccer tournament that draws in over 200 teams at the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Campus, throughout the holiday weekend.
Raccoon Creek State Park, Beaver County, PA
For the true outdoor adventurer, look no further than Raccoon Creek State Park, located only 30 miles away from Pittsburgh. Named as Pennsylvania’s largest and most visited state park, Raccoon Creek has over 7,000 acres and offers a vast amount of hiking and campground options.
Catch over five species of freshwater fish at Raccoon Lake or take a dip at the 500-foot, sand and turf beach! Mountain biking, horse riding, and boating are also available making it the ultimate destination for nature lovers.
Morgantown, WV
With the ideal combination of a bustling historic downtown business district full of restaurants, shops, clubs, historic hotels, and museums, along with nearby greenery spaces, Morgantown is a one stop hub for an event filled weekend escape.
Stay at the 88-room historic Hotel Morgan, take a visit to the The Metropolitan Theatre, Morgantown History Museum, Monongalia Arts Center, Mon River Rail-Trail, or West Virginia Botanic Gardens, or stroll through Main Street.
Pittsburgh, PA
Save yourself the trip and get reacquainted with Pittsburgh in an unforgettable Memorial Day staycation. Choose your pick of a plethora of historic hotels not limited to Mansions on Fifth, Omni William Penn, The Priory Hotel, Kimpton Hotel Monaco, and many more! Check out one of Pittsburgh’s 90 unique neighborhoods different from your own, or grab a bite to eat and drink at an outdoor restaurant.
There’s also so many ways to celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day by attending Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum’s free celebration and the Hookstown Grange Annual Memorial Day Car Cruise or visiting a local memorial or monument on a walking tour.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.