Paradise in Pittsburgh

Been dreaming of getting away?

There are plenty of places in Pittsburgh to enjoy a smashburger in paradise or fall in love to the rhythm of a steel drum. We promise, you won’t miss the sand, once you have an ice-cold tropical drink melting in your hand!

Where to Stay

The Parador Inn, a Caribbean-themed bed & breakfast conveniently located on the North Shore, offers elegant guest rooms, beautiful gardens, exquisite historic spaces and tropical surprises both inside and out.

The Parador Inn

Pittsburgh also has numerous hotels with rooftop decks perfect for soaking up some rays, like TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville, Hotel Kimpton Monaco Pittsburgh in Downtown and more.

What to Do

Explore the beauty and wonders of nature at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, encompassing 15 acres including the historic 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens. This summer, visitors can enjoy Tropical Forest Hawai‘i, an immersive exhibit showcasing the history, culture and nature of the Hawaiian islands. This 12,000 square-foot, 60-foot-high exhibit takes visitors through native and endemic species, interactive stations and even a model canoe!

Phipps Conservatory
Credit |
Jin Wu

Immerse yourself at the National Aviary in warm, tropical habitats with more than 500 beautiful birds and mammals from around the world! The oldest habitat, the Tropical Rainforest is home to over 30 different bird species that fly freely through the walk-through habitat. This impressive space is blooming, with hundreds of lush, green trees and plants—including cacao and coffee—that thrive in the natural light that filters in through over 3,000 panels of bird-friendly glass. It also includes a stunning 15-foot waterfall spilling into tiered ponds where birds bathe and play.

Hyacinth Macaws at The National Aviary
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The National Aviary

For more exotic animal encounters, stop by the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, which offers a wide range of exhibits, from the African Savanna to Tropical Forest and The Islands. Plus, they host a ton of fun summer events, like Summer Safari: A Pittsburgh Party on June 9.

For even more interactive tropical excitement, check out Paradise Island Bowl & Beach. Just about 20 minutes from Downtown, it offers a fun space with bowling, axe throwing, Hologate Virtual Reality, arcade games and a seasonal outside beach bar & restaurant.

Rather spend time outdoors soaking up the sun? From Gateway Clipper and Cruisin’ Tikis cruises or kayaking and paddleboarding on the famous three rivers to relaxing in the many county and city parks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Pittsburgh’s natural beauty.

Where to Eat & Drink

Wastin’ away again in Pittsburgh’s eclectic Squirrel Hill neighborhood, Hidden Harbor offers shelter from life’s stormy seas with an array of tropical cocktails and island eats, served in the Aloha spirit. Be sure to try a Daiquiri made with Hidden Harbor’s White Rum, which was created in partnership with Maggie’s Farm Rum in the Strip District and has been recognized as the best white rum in the world at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021.

Hidden Harbour
Credit |
@dearcalliope on Insta

Hula Bar & Grill in Verona, North Park Lounge Bamboo Bar & Beach in Cranberry and Tiki Lounge in Southside also offer expansive menus of island-inspired food and drinks in fun atmospheres.

Kaya in the Strip District serves delectable cuisine inspired by sea and sun. Fresh herbs and spices combined with culinary preparations custom to the Caribbean Islands, South America, the Pacific and beyond create food that is exotic and lively. Try favorites like their Yucatan Hot Bean Dip served with Kaya chips or Tropical Paella – plus, be sure to stop by during happy hour for half price mojitos, grapefruit basil margaritas and drafts.

Kaya in the Strip District

In Lawrenceville, Esquina Cantina, previously known as Round Corner Cantina or simply “the Cantina,” takes its guests on a journey through regional Mexican cuisine as an homage to traditional dishes from Oaxaca to Todos Santos.

Redfin Blues is Pittsburgh’s only North Shore waterfront grill, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the warm breeze overlooking the water from their deck with an open-air bar and a delicious frozen drink menu. Plus, its dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along to take a stroll along the Allegheny River after enjoying mouthwatering bites.

Redfin Blues' waterfront grill

No matter where you choose to stop, you’re bound to find something that will put you in a summer state of mind. For example, grab a refreshing mojito on tap from Goodlander or a pint of Bloomfield Beach at Trace Brewing.

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Alex Soller

Author

Alex Soller

Communications & Public Relations Manager

A storyteller, food lover and art admirer, thriving in curated chaos. Enjoys long walks on city streets and can usually be found at your local farmer’s market or snuggled up on the couch with her dog.

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