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Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

Pittsburgh Attractions Take Top Honors in USA Today's 10Best Travel Awards 2026

Another year, more chances to vote for Pittsburgh top attractions for USA Today's 10Best polls of 2026!

Pittsburgh is in the national spotlight again in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards of 2026! People from around the country are invited to come together and vote some of the regions staple locations the best at what they do and are. Here are our winners and some attractions that are up for voting:

Best Small Town Museum

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum (#1)

It’s not often you get the chance to visit a moving museum, but the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum gives guests the chance to do exactly that. Take a 4-mile round trip on one of their trolleys and get a history lesson while you’re on it, then gaze at the 50-plus vehicles in the Trolley Display Building and check out various hands-on exhibits that showcase the history of the Trolley Era.

Best 4th of July Celebration

Pittsburgh (#1)

Honor America's 250th in Pittsburgh, voted the top place to celebrate the occasion in USA Today's 10Best polling! The City of Pittsburgh's Independence Day Celebration at historic Point State Park is one of the nation's finest. Kicking off at 4 p.m., you'll find nonstop local entertainment, local cuisine at a food truck corral, and a family fun zone amongst the many festivities. Additional eats and live music lineups can be experienced at the North Shore Great Lawn and Grandview Park Bandstand, locations that also feature Pittsburgh's renowned skyline views, while an 80-foot-tall hot air balloon towers over everything. The epic fireworks display from the intersection of the City's three rivers put on by the world-class Starfire Corporation starts at 9:35 p.m.

Best History Museum

Heinz History Center (#1)

The Heinz History Center is took back-to-back first place finishes after winning USA Today's 10Best Best History Museum in the country voting!

The Heinz History Center, which was also voted "Pittsburgh's Best Museum" in 2022, is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum where you can see Smithsonian artifacts daily throughout six floors of engaging exhibitions, perfect for visitors of all ages.

The museum’s flagship exhibit, Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation, is where you can flex like Rosie the Riveter, learn about the region’s contributions to the Apollo 11 moon landing mission, and see how Pittsburgh transformed from a steel-making industrial powerhouse to a worldwide leader in technology, medicine, and education.

Best Children's Museum

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (#1)

The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh brought home the first place finish in USA Today's 10Best Children's Museums in the United States after finishing in second place two years in a row!

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners.

Best Drive-In Theater

Dependable Drive-In (#2)

Built on a former strip mine (it was previously Dependable Coal Co), the only remaining drive-in in Allegheny County has grown from a single screen to a four-screen operation. Film fans appreciate the state-of-the-art high-definition digital projection, Dolby Surround FM Radio Sound, old-timey in-car speakers, and a concession menu that runs deep with chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, and foot-long hot dogs.

Best Beer Label

Bumble Berry - Fat Head's Brewery (#2)

Set against a deep blue, honeycomb-patterned background, Fat Head Brewery’s Bumble Berry label is dotted with bright bumblebees, centering on the brewery’s cartoon mascot for a playful, approachable look. The cheerful design reflects the beer inside: a honey blueberry ale brewed with real honey and blueberries offering light sweetness, soft fruit character, and an easy-drinking finish. The visual and flavor profiles signal a beer that’s refreshing, friendly, and made to be enjoyed without pretense.

Best Roller Coaster

Phantom's Revenge at Kennywood (#2)

One of Kennywood's most popular rides was recently named the #2 roller coaster in the country by USA Today! 3,365-foot-long track of Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood brings visitors frighteningly close to another of the park's coasters, Thunderbolt.

Best Specialty Food Festival

Picklesburgh (#3)

This is kind of a big dill. After finishing in first place last year and second place in 2024, Picklesburgh took home 3rd place in USA Today's 10Best ranking of Best Specialty Food Festival for 2026! In 2024, 250,000 people came to Pittsburgh to partake in the fermented fun in Downtown.

Best Film Festival

Three Rivers Film Festival (#3)

Pittsburgh's November film showcase puts a roster of independent features, shorts, comedies, dramas, and documentaries front and center, celebrating the vibrant art form. Special events include parties, a script competition, and panel discussions that will get you thinking about the state of cinema.

Best Science Museum

Kamin Science Center (#3)

In its first year in the competition, this beloved Pittsburgh attraction was named the third best science museum in the country!

Explore the wonders of the universe in the Buhl Planetarium, learn about the human body in the BodyWorks Exhibit, check out replicas of famous robots in the Robot Hall of Fame, and more at the Kamin Science Center. Formerly known as the Carnegie Science Center, it’s home to five levels of fun exhibits, as well as the Rangos Giant Cinema. The museum hosts dozens of events all year round dedicated to all aspects of science.

Best Beer Festival

Barrel & Flow Fest (#3)

Voters deemed Pittsburgh's Barrel & Flow Fest the third best beer festival in the country in USA Today's 10Best contest this year, and who can blame them? With 3,000 craft beer industry professionals and enthusiasts coming together for a weekend celebrating Black-owned breweries, this festival truly is something special.

Best Theme Park

Kennywood (#4)

If you love a theme park with oodles of history and a collection of iconic rides, Kennywood is your place. Witness over 120 years of innovation in classic favorites that include wooden roller coasters like the side-by-side Racer, the intense Thunderbolt, and the circa-1920 Jack Rabbit. Plus, there's an unmatched collection of dark rides like the Old Mill and the last-of-its-kind Noah's Ark, as well as modern thrill rides like the Steel Curtain coaster.

Best NFL City

Pittsburgh (#4)

Few cities capture an NFL vibe better than Pittsburgh. Located along the confluence of three rivers in western Pennsylvania—Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio—the Steelers' faithful call the area home, creating a heartbeat of the fan base that matches the blue-collar mentality of the NFL team's epic history. For outsiders, some flying into the Steel City will experience the true fandom when the Franco Harris statue at the airport greets them. And it gets more intense from there. Terrible Towels are waved on gamedays with feverish pride, whether at the stadium, bar or home, from the South Side to Mt. Washington and beyond.

Best Beer City

Pittsburgh (#5)

There's no feeling quite like cracking open a cold IC Light, kicking up your feet, and enjoying the crispy taste of a good, Pittsburgh beer. That's just part of why voters in USA Today's 10Best contest voted Pittsburgh as the fifth best beer city in the country this year. With over 40 breweries to satisfy all types of tastes, there's a beer for everyone here.

Best MLB Stadium

PNC Park (#6)

In our opinion, PNC Park is the perfect place to enjoy a summer night out and catch a ball game. PNC Park ranked sixth in this year's USA Today 10Best contest for best MLB stadium. Constructed at the turn of the century to replace Three Rivers Stadium, PNC Park is nestled right along the Allegheny Rivers and offers one of the best views in baseball.

Best Hotel Fitness Center

Nemacolin (#6)

Nemacolin has enchanted visitors since 1987 with its expansive grounds, luxurious feel, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Fitness fanatics at Nemacolin can swim, go zip-lining, and play paintball or golf, as well as go ice skating, skiing, or snow tubing in the winter. The fitness center itself has all the weight-training machines and free weights, cardio, TRX, and other fitness challenges you could want, including private personal training. There's yoga by the indoor pool and a squash court to rent, too.

Best Hotel Pool

Nemacolin (#6)

The Peak at Nemacolin is a year-round pool complex with mountain views that's big on luxury and fun. Watch a show on stage from the water or from a private cabana while your dinner is brought right to you, or take a break from swimming and try your hand at ax throwing. Movie nights and other outdoor activities offer fun all year long at this pool complex. For a more intimate experience, spend some time at the smaller Paradise Pool.

Best NHL City

Pittsburgh (#7)

Penguins fans make Pittsburgh one of the NHL's best cities, a group of die-hards who have rooted so hard for Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby and a host of other Stanley Cup winners.

Best Independent Bookstore

White Whale Bookstore (#8)

White Whale Bookstore is a neighborhood indie known for its thoughtfully curated shelves and strong focus on small-press and independent titles. The welcoming shop has become a literary living room for Pittsburgh, with regular readings, book launches, and conversations that spotlight local authors and regional voices. A small but much-loved poetry section and carefully selected fiction and nonfiction reflect the store’s commitment to championing new ideas and emerging writers.

Pictured |
White Whale Bookstore
Credit |
Kelsey Wagner
Pictured |
White Whale Bookstore
Credit |
Kelsey Wagner

Best Spa Resort

Nemacolin (#8)

At beautiful Nemacolin resort in scenic Farmington, Pennsylvania, guests can enjoy the impressive Woodlands Spa and Salon, featuring a large indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, and sauna. After your relaxing treatments, settle in with a good book at the fireside lounge and allow the day to unfold.

Best Destination Resort

Nemacolin (#9)

In addition to well-appointed guest rooms and suites across five hotels, Nemacolin offers a wealth of activities to fill any itinerary. Whether being pampered at the spa, playing two Pete Dye-designed golf courses, conquering the High Ropes Challenge Course, or trying all of the amazing on-site restaurants, Nemacolin won't leave you bored.

Best Science Museum

Moonshot Museum (#9)

Moonshot Museum (co-located at the headquarters of the space robotics company Astrobotic) is dedicated to the space industry. Featuring multiple interactive exhibits, any space-lover will be fascinated to see the construction of Astrobotic’s lunar spacecraft, go on simulated lunar missions, and learn how science, technology, engineering, and math all come together to make space exploration possible.

Best Dinner Cruise

Gateway Clipper Fleet (#9)

The noteworthy dinner cruise on the Gateway Clipper showcases Pittsburgh’s breathtaking riverside architecture and vibrant culture. Savor an impressive buffet filled with an abundance of favorites including chicken, hearty pasta dishes, and fresh salads, all while cruising past the city's skyscrapers. Live DJ music enhances the experience, ensuring a lively evening on the water.

Best Immersive Art Experience

Mattress Factory (#10)

Mattress Factory is an immersive space in Pittsburgh where visitors can experience the creative visions of local and global artists. Artists work in residence to build site-specific installations, many of which blend art and technology while exploring the possibilities of audience interaction.

Best Free Museum

August Wilson African American Cultural Center (#10)

Named after the well-renowned playwright, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center features rotating exhibitions centering on Black culture. Previous exhibitions have featured the works of artists like Jo-Anne Bates and Garrett Bradley, highlighted the importance of Black comic book culture, and more, while the permanent exhibition, August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape, explores Wilson’s life and works.

Best Recreational Trail

Great Allegheny Passage (#10)

The Great Allegheny Passage connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland, with 150 miles of an almost-flat path perfect for hiking and biking. Those who venture out on the trail are rewarded with gorgeous mountain views as they cross 16 bridges. This was the first trail to earn a spot in the Rails to Trails Conservancy's Hall of Fame.

Still time to vote...

Best Theme Park Halloween Event

Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood

Balancing family-friendly fun during the day with more intense scares as the night progresses, Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood has Halloween thrills for everyone. After the sun sets, traverse seven sinister haunts and four scare zones filled with full-on frights. Seasonal food and specialty drinks are fun wind-down treats after riding the Phantom's Revenge, which is especially scary surrounded by a thick fog in the dark of night.

Best Craft Fair

I Made It! Market

Pittsburgh's nomadic indie market pops up at rotating spots around the city, from The Block Northway to outdoor summer stops at The Waterfront. Local makers sell functional pottery and fine jewelry, but you'll also find small-batch food, upcycled crafts, and vintage finds, with food trucks and live music turning up at the bigger events. Check the calendar before you go, since the location changes as often as the season does.

Best Craft Vodka

Boyd & Blair

Boyd & Blair uses locally sourced Pennsylvania potatoes along with champagne yeast to start their award-winning potato vodka. It's creamy and slightly sweet, an effect achieved by using the "heart," the most desirable part of the distillate run, as opposed to the heads and tails that commercial distilleries tend to use. You'll also want to try Boyd & Blair's Steel Curtain Vodka, named after the dynastic Pittsburgh Steelers front defensive line of the 1970s, which comes in individually numbered bottles with customized label art.

Best Craft Rum

Maggie's Farm Rum

Maggie's Farm Rum is the first commercially available craft rum made in Pennsylvania since Prohibition. The award-winning, Pittsburgh-based distillery's rum is made from raw cane with no sugar additives, and there are multiple options to choose from, including limited-availability Queen's Share Rum, White Rum, and Spiced Rum.

Best Airport Grab-and-Go Food

The Strip Market

The Strip Market in Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is packed with a curated selection of goods that captures the essence of the Strip District, an iconic neighborhood brimming with a diverse array of grocers. This grab-and-go spot is both a great introduction to the city and a smart place to grab a souvenir.

Best Airport for Art

Pittsburgh International Airport

At Pittsburgh International Airport, artworks are spread out evenly across the different concourses and even outdoors. You will notice a travel and Southwest Pennsylvania theme, including works like the salvaged glass mosaic "Pittsburgh; Then | Pittsburgh; Now."

Best Craft Distillery Tour

Wigle Whiskey

Tours of Pittsburgh's Wigle Whiskey show visitors just how their award-winning ryes and bourbons are made, from start to finish. At the same time, visitors receive a thorough education about the fascinating history of Pittsburgh's Whiskey Rebellion, followed by a seated tasting of straight spirits.

Credit |
Lauren Petrilla
Credit |
Lauren Petrilla

Best Craft Whiskey

Wigle Whiskey

Wigle Distillery was named for Phillip Wigle, a pioneer in whiskey distillation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — an epicenter of American whiskey production in the 1700s and 1800s. Today, Wigle Whiskey uses regional organic corn, wheat, and malted barley, all of which are milled on-site. They ferment and pot-distill all of their products at the family-owned distillery, including a variety of specialty and barrel-finished whiskeys and lines of Pennsylvania ryes and bourbons.

Taylor S.

Author

Taylor S.

Content Development Manager

A friendly neighborhood Pittsburgh transplant. Probably at book club, a local coffee shop or thrift store. Tell your pet I said hi.

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