North Shore Riverfront Park and Water Steps
A playful cascade of 500 sandstone blocks offering a refreshing escape with stunning city skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool off with fewer crowds
North Shore Riverfront Park and Water Steps
Best Time
Cool off with fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A playful cascade of 500 sandstone blocks offering a refreshing escape with stunning city skyline views.
"Absolutely love visiting everytime i come to the city! Grew up in Kittanning and always enjoy taking off shoes n getting my feet wet!"
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The sandstone blocks can have sharp edges. Water shoes offer protection and better grip.
💧 Check Water Levels
Water levels can vary. Signs may indicate lower levels for safety reasons.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Water Steps
North Shore Riverfront Park
500 sandstone blocks create a playful, cascading waterscape perfect for cooling off.
City Skyline Views
Along the riverfront
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Dog-Friendly Fun
Throughout the park
Bring your furry friends to enjoy the open spaces and riverfront paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Park Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The sandstone blocks can have sharp edges. Water shoes offer protection and better grip.
💧 Check Water Levels
Water levels can vary. Signs may indicate lower levels for safety reasons.
📸 Golden Hour Photos
Capture stunning city skyline shots during sunrise or sunset.
🐶 Leash Your Pup
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Enjoy the riverfront together!
North Shore Water Steps
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Water Shoes
The sandstone blocks can have sharp edges. Water shoes offer protection and better grip.
💧 Check Water Levels
Water levels can vary. Signs may indicate lower levels for safety reasons.
📸 Golden Hour Photos
Capture stunning city skyline shots during sunrise or sunset.
🐶 Leash Your Pup
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Enjoy the riverfront together!
🚫 No Night Lights
The water steps are not illuminated at night, so plan evening visits accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and free nature of the Water Steps, offering a fun way to cool off and enjoy stunning city views. While many appreciate the interactive design and dog-friendly atmosphere, some note the lack of nearby restrooms and the potential for sharp edges on the sandstone blocks, requiring careful supervision with children.
"Really unique feature on the North Shore. Completely free and open to the public (dogs allowed). Marvelous view of the city. Great place to watch sunrise and sunset, or to cool off on a hot day. Disclaimer, the hotter of the day, the busier it is."
Brianna Renk
"Absolutely love visiting everytime i come to the city! Grew up in Kittanning and always enjoy taking off shoes n getting my feet wet! 😊🤣🙏🙌🔥😌"
Nina Graziano
"This is a stunning fountain. I really enjoyed the design. There was even some children and a couple dogs enjoying it the Saturday evening I stopped by. This was my first time west of PNC Park to explore. Glad there was so much to take in on my walk to see the Steelers game. I was a little disappointed that these weren't lite up at nighttime."
Brian Dible
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible via public transport, including buses and the light rail. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby, though it can be busy on game days. Many visitors enjoy walking from areas like the Strip District or Downtown Pittsburgh.
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots on the North Shore, particularly near PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. Rates can vary, especially on event days.
Absolutely! The Water Steps are located just west of PNC Park, making it a pleasant walk to cool off before or after a baseball game.
Yes, the North Shore is well-served by Pittsburgh's public transit system. Several bus routes stop nearby, and the light rail also has a station on the North Shore.
Walking or biking along the riverfront paths is a fantastic way to see the sights. You can connect to other parks like the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to North Shore Riverfront Park and the Water Steps is completely free and open to the public.
The park and water features are generally accessible during daylight hours. However, they are not illuminated at night, so visits are best enjoyed before dusk.
Yes, dogs are welcome in North Shore Riverfront Park, including near the Water Steps, as long as they are kept on a leash.
There is no admission fee. The park is a public space designed for everyone to enjoy.
No, as it's a public park, there's no reservation system. It's first-come, first-served, especially on hot days.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular way is to take off your shoes and wade in the shallow water cascading down the steps. It's a great way to cool off on a warm day.
While fun, caution is advised. The sandstone blocks can have sharp edges and slippery surfaces, so close supervision is essential.
You'll get fantastic panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline, including the bridges and the city's iconic architecture. It's a great spot for photos.
Unfortunately, public restrooms are not located directly at the Water Steps. You may need to walk a few blocks towards PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium.
Yes, the park offers open grassy areas perfect for picnics. Just be sure to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, offers beautiful light for capturing the Water Steps and the city skyline.
No, the Water Steps are not illuminated at night, so they are best photographed during daylight hours.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the city skyline, close-ups of the water cascading down the steps, and candid moments of people enjoying the space.
Try different angles, perhaps from slightly above or at water level, to capture the texture of the sandstone and the movement of the water.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the cityscape, and a polarizing filter can enhance the water's clarity and reduce glare. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Design and Experience of the Water Steps
While the visual appeal is undeniable, visitors should be aware of the practicalities. The sandstone blocks, while beautiful, can have sharp edges and become slippery when wet. This necessitates caution, especially for families with young children. Despite these considerations, the Water Steps remain a beloved feature, offering a free and accessible way to connect with the riverfront and enjoy the city's scenery.
Beyond the immediate fun of the water, the park offers stunning panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline. It's an ideal location for photography, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The open design of the park also makes it a great place for picnics and leisurely strolls along the river.
Navigating Amenities and Accessibility
Despite this drawback, the park is celebrated for being completely free and open to the public, including being dog-friendly. This accessibility makes it a valuable community asset, allowing everyone to enjoy the riverfront. The open layout of the park means there's ample space for various activities, from simply relaxing by the water to enjoying a picnic.
The park's location on the North Shore also makes it easily reachable by public transportation, with bus routes and light rail stops nearby. This enhances its accessibility for those without personal vehicles, further contributing to its role as a vibrant public space.
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