This Road Trip Will Give You The Best Pittsburgh Beach Day You've Ever Had
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 22, 2019
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Who’s ready for the best beach day ever? Unfortunately, most of us can’t just hop on a plane and jet off to our favorite tropical beach. That doesn’t mean, however, that we can’t have an awesome beachy day right here around the Burgh. Just set off on this delightful road trip.
Click here for Google Map directions. (Beaches at PA state parks are open from Memorial Day weekend to after Labor Day each year. Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset.)
Our first stop takes us to Raccoon Creek State Park, about a half an hour from downtown Pittsburgh. Throw down your beach towel on the 500-foot sand beach that leads into the cool water of Raccoon Lake. Or, if you prefer a bit more solitude, find a spot on the grass. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch, or just visit the concession stand when you're hungry.
Or, if you just want to sunbathe and swim for a while without eating, you can fill up at our next beach-themed stop. Slip into a booth or grab a chair at the bar at Hidden Harbor, a tropical restaurant that serves such tasty dishes as ahi tuna poke, mango-chicken tacos, and queso-avocado nachos. And, sip on a cocktail - a rum cannonball or a Cat Eye Cobbler.
Ready for a little more sunbathing and swimming in cool lake waters? Then, off we go to Laurel Hill State Park, which boasts a sandy 1,200-foot beach that leads into Laurel Lake. The picturesque beach offers swimming, a concession stand, and boating. (And, you can even explore some of the park, if you want.) For an authentic beach experience, play a game of beach volleyball.
Our day certainly is flying by, isn't it? By now, we're probably tired from all that sun and activity, so we'll head for a snack at Ohiopyle Bakery and Sandwich Shoppe. Grab a seat under one of the umbrellas on the patio, where you can enjoy the gentle breeze. Sink your teeth into a fresh sandwich, or enjoy a scrumptious dessert. Maybe a slice of pie?
Next, since we're near Ohiopyle State Park anyway, we're heading to Meadow Run Natural Water Slide. Of course, it's not really beachy, but it's a totally Western PA experience that will make our day complete. Slip down the natural water slide to cool off. (Be forewarned, however, that you might suffer a few bumps and bruises from the rock.)
Alas, we've arrived at our final destination. Can you think of a better way to end a beachy day than with a scrumptious ice cream treat? Opt for a classic ice cream cone or a traditional sundae at Scotty's Ice Cream Drive-In.
What is your ideal beach day around Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! And, if you’re up for an overnighter, head out on this hidden beaches road trip. Click here to read more.
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