River Revelry: How to Enjoy the Three Rivers

PHOTO BY RICHARD COOK

What’s a Pittsburgh summer without spending time on its defining waterways?

“When you have three rivers winding their way through a city, it creates many opportunities to explore and enjoy,” says James Santelli, communications officer for Riverlife, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization that leads the community vision for the redevelopment, activation and care of the city’s riverfronts.

He adds that the rivers provide an incredible variety of vistas and experiences. “What you’ll see from Washington’s Landing is different from what you’ll see at Point State Park or from the Hot Metal Bridge,” he says.

As summer carries on, here are five ways to enjoy some of the city’s greatest treasures.

Post Up at Shore Thing

Shore Thing, Riverlife’s floating platform nestled among Pittsburgh’s Sister Bridges, returned this summer with a new shade structure from the art collective La Vispera. Titled “Surface Tension,” it was created from reclaimed single-use plastic.

The seasonal site also has expanded hours and offerings, including 70 free events and programs that include everything from live music and wellness classes to board game nights.

“Our programming team has done its best to schedule something for everyone, all with the idea of providing a joyful experience when you’re on the water,” says Santelli.

Located just off the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, the vibrant venue offers food and drink from BG Brewing; think poke bowls, wagyu hot dogs, ice cream sandwiches and cold drinks.

“Your summer in Pittsburgh is not complete unless you spend some time along the riverfront,” Santelli adds. “And Shore Thing is designed to be the most welcoming spot along the river.”

Wander Allegheny RiverTrail Park

In Aspinwall, cycle or stroll along the wildflower-dotted Allegheny RiverTrail Park that connects to Sharpsburg. The site plays host to all types of alfresco events during the warmer weather, from monthly concerts to evening food truck roundups. You can also take a yoga class on the dock, run your pup in a fenced-in park, turn your kids loose on the playground with a view of the Allegheny River or drop in your own SUP or kayak from the motorless boat launch.

In 2025, the park welcomed Sprig Coffee Co., opened by two friends with a shared love for coffee and community. (Current hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings until 12:30 p.m.)

If you’re planning a riverside picnic this summer, consider packing local finds such as Trace Brewing’s Selva (a fruited sour brewed with passionfruit, guava and mango) or Two Frays’ Adult Swim Hours, a golden summer ale that perfectly complements long summer nights when lightning bugs swoop close by, and responsibilities feel blissfully far away.

Cruise from Downtown Pittsburgh

Take advantage of the city’s access to water — and bounty of bridges — as you push off from Downtown docks to cruise around in a rented kayak from Venture Outdoors or on a private, two-hour charter with Cruisin’ Tikis.

The latter lets you take your party’s tropical vibes on the move — it’s BYO tunes, beverages and snacks — while a Coast Guard-certified captain does all the navigating. Each tiki boat carries up to six passengers, but groups of up to 18 can reserve multiple boats.

Then there’s the Gateway Clipper, a sailing staple on Pittsburgh’s rivers for more than 50 years. Choose between dinner cruises, a highly informative Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise or seasonal offerings, among them live music cruises and, later in the fall, haunted sailings.

Paddle, Then Pints

Combine adventure with craft beer by renting a kayak from 10.7 Marina in Verona before settling in with a beverage at neighboring Acclamation Brewing. A peaceful patio perch alongside the Allegheny River makes for a relaxing environment as you enjoy fare from on-site Soul Pasta, plus your choice from the venue’s rotating selection of craft beer, seltzer and cider. (There are cocktails and N/A options, too.) Keep an eye out for live music, yoga classes and other offerings on Acclamation’s summer calendar.

Root for the Home Team

Take in a professional sporting event while enjoying river views, you say? We’re sold. Even baseball novices would agree it’s quite a memorable experience cheering on the Pirates from PNC Park, often lauded as one of the country’s most scenic stadiums thanks to its prime location along the shore of the Allegheny River. Opened during the 2001 MLB season, the facility combines classic ballpark features such as steel trusswork and a natural grass playing field with panoramic views of the water and Downtown’s city skyline. Before or after the game, cruise the North Shore’s plethora of restaurants and bars or head to Redfin Blues, located just across the water on Washington’s Landing, where patrons can enjoy seafood and cocktails on an outdoor deck overlooking the Allegheny.

River Care

Founded in 1999, Riverlife aims to live up to the challenge issued by renowned Pittsburgh historian and author David McCullough, who famously said to local leaders, “Make this a place where you want to bring the people you love.” Today, Riverlife lives up to that request through events such as Riverlife Chalk Fest, a family-friendly celebration that recently brought together thousands at Allegheny Landing on the North Shore to create colorful chalk murals while enjoying community art projects, food vendors and live music.  Those wanting to get involved can join the Riverlife Crew to make monthly gifts toward keeping Pittsburgh’s riverfront trails, parks and green spaces welcoming and accessible to all. For hands-on volunteering, join their UpKeep partners Friends of the Riverfront and Allegheny CleanWays to help maintain and care for the rivers.