By Coulter & Castillo
The South Hills is one of the most livable parts of the greater Pittsburgh area and one of the most underappreciated by visitors who spend their entire trip north of the rivers. Whether you live here and are still discovering your own backyard, or you are visiting for the first time, the communities south of downtown — Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, and the surrounding area — offer a genuinely impressive range of things to do. From iconic regional attractions to quiet parks and excellent dining, this guide covers what makes the South Hills worth exploring.
Key Takeaways
- Kennywood Park is one of the most beloved traditional amusement parks in the country and it is right in the South Hills
- Boyce Mayview Park in Upper St. Clair is one of the finest municipal park resources in Allegheny County, with trails, a world-class recreation center, and something for every age
- The Monongahela Incline and Mt. Washington are minutes from South Hills communities and offer some of the most dramatic views of the Pittsburgh skyline in the region
- The dining and shopping scene gives residents excellent options without heading into the city
Kennywood Park
There are amusement parks, and then there is Kennywood. Since opening in 1899, this West Mifflin park has become one of the most beloved traditional amusement parks in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The wooden coasters are the kind of classics that theme park enthusiasts travel for, while newer additions like the Phantom's Revenge keep the experience current.
For those who want water alongside their thrills, Sandcastle Water Park sits right next door with a wave pool, a lazy river, and a full summer day's worth of slides. Together the two parks make for one of the most complete outdoor entertainment destinations in the Pittsburgh area, right in the South Hills backyard.
For those who want water alongside their thrills, Sandcastle Water Park sits right next door with a wave pool, a lazy river, and a full summer day's worth of slides. Together the two parks make for one of the most complete outdoor entertainment destinations in the Pittsburgh area, right in the South Hills backyard.
What Makes Kennywood Worth a Visit
- Wooden roller coasters including the Jack Rabbit and the Thunderbolt
- Newer steel coasters and modern rides alongside historic attractions that give the park its unique old-meets-new character
- The adjacent Sandcastle Water Park for a wave pool, lazy river, and slides
- National Register of Historic Places status and a sense of local heritage that genuinely distinguishes it from corporate theme park alternatives
Boyce Mayview Park and the Upper St. Clair Recreation Center
Boyce Mayview Park is 475 acres of trails, fields, and green space in Upper St. Clair, and it functions as the outdoor living room of the community. The Loop Trail winds through varied terrain with views and wildlife that change with every season, drawing walkers, runners, and dog owners back week after week. Casey's Clubhouse draws families from across the South Hills and is one of the most thoughtfully designed outdoor play spaces in the region.
What makes Boyce Mayview exceptional is that the outdoor experience is only half of it. The Community and Recreation Center transforms the park into a true year-round destination. Day passes are available to non-members, making it as accessible to visitors as it is central to daily life for residents.
What makes Boyce Mayview exceptional is that the outdoor experience is only half of it. The Community and Recreation Center transforms the park into a true year-round destination. Day passes are available to non-members, making it as accessible to visitors as it is central to daily life for residents.
What Boyce Mayview Park Offers
- The 2.4-mile Boyce Mayview Loop Trail with views, diverse wildlife, and accessibility across all seasons and skill levels
- Casey's Clubhouse, a Pittsburgh-themed inclusive playground and one of the standout outdoor play destinations in the South Hills
- The Community and Recreation Center with fitness equipment, indoor aquatics, basketball courts, and group exercise classes
- Ballfields, pavilions, picnic areas, and open green space for youth sports, events, and casual recreation
The Monongahela Incline and Mt. Washington
Mt. Washington is minutes from South Hills communities, and the Monongahela Incline has been carrying locals and visitors to the top since 1870. The views of the Pittsburgh skyline from Grandview Avenue are among the most photographed in Pennsylvania.
The experience of riding the incline itself is unlike anything else in the region. From the top, visitors can explore Grandview Avenue's restaurants and walkways, or simply take in the panorama of the three rivers. Station Square and the Gateway Clipper Fleet at the base offer riverfront dining and river cruises that make the Mt. Washington experience easy to extend into a half-day outing.
The experience of riding the incline itself is unlike anything else in the region. From the top, visitors can explore Grandview Avenue's restaurants and walkways, or simply take in the panorama of the three rivers. Station Square and the Gateway Clipper Fleet at the base offer riverfront dining and river cruises that make the Mt. Washington experience easy to extend into a half-day outing.
What to Do at Mt. Washington and the Monongahela Incline
- Ride the Monongahela Incline, a National Historic Landmark in continuous operation since 1870 and one of only two remaining funiculars in Pittsburgh
- Walk Grandview Avenue for panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the convergence of the three rivers
- Dine at one of the restaurants along Grandview Avenue, many of which are oriented toward the city view
- Extend the outing at Station Square with riverfront dining, shopping, and Gateway Clipper river cruises departing from the base of the hill
South Park Amphitheater and Outdoor Recreation
South Park Amphitheater runs a free outdoor concert series on Fridays from June through August, featuring performers ranging from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to local and regional musicians. It is one of the great seasonal traditions of the South Hills and a perfect summer evening outing that costs nothing and delivers genuinely memorable performances in an outdoor setting.
The broader South Hills outdoor recreation landscape extends well beyond music. Public golf courses, open parkland, and community recreational facilities give both locals and visitors ample reason to spend time outside throughout the warmer months.
The broader South Hills outdoor recreation landscape extends well beyond music. Public golf courses, open parkland, and community recreational facilities give both locals and visitors ample reason to spend time outside throughout the warmer months.
What the South Hills Offers for Outdoor Recreation
- The South Park Amphitheater free Friday concert series running June through August — no tickets required, bring a blanket and enjoy the evening
- South Park Golf Course, Frosty Valley Golf Links, and Mt. Lebanon Golf Course for public play across a range of settings and skill levels
- South Park itself, a sprawling Allegheny County park with trails, a wave pool, an ice rink, and recreational facilities spread across more than 2,000 acres
- Boyce Mayview Park's trail network for hiking, walking, and wildlife spotting year-round just minutes from Upper St. Clair's center
FAQs
Is the South Hills easy to get to from downtown Pittsburgh?
Yes. The South Hills is well-connected to downtown via the T light rail system as well as by car via Interstate 79 and Route 19. Many communities are ten to fifteen minutes from the city center, making the South Hills genuinely convenient as a day-trip destination or as a base for exploring the broader Pittsburgh area.
Is there something for visitors who are not into theme parks or outdoor activities?
Absolutely. South Hills Village's shopping and dining, the South Park Amphitheater concert series, the Monongahela Incline, and the dining destinations at Siena at St. Clair all offer compelling options. A short drive also brings visitors to Andy Warhol's gravesite in Bethel Park, a unique and moving stop for fans of the Pittsburgh-born artist.
What is the best time of year to visit the South Hills?
Summer and early fall offer the fullest experience. But the South Hills is genuinely enjoyable year-round, with indoor dining, shopping, and recreation available across all seasons.
Contact Coulter & Castillo Today
We love this community and we know it well. Whether you are thinking about making the South Hills your home or simply curious what life here looks like, we are always happy to talk.
Reach out to our team at Coulter & Castillo to get started.
Reach out to our team at Coulter & Castillo to get started.
