Hordes of jersey-clad NFL fans are prepared to descend on Pittsburgh next month. It might be the offseason, but one very big event will be in town April 23-25: the NFL Draft.
VisitPittsburgh is estimating that about 500,000 to 700,000 sports fans will attend draft-related events, which means that our city will be jam-packed. While that may be exciting for some, others aren’t ready for the chaos.
Dan Stadnik of Sewickley, for example, will be taking the opportunity to visit the Kings Island theme park in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I am admittedly a roller coaster junkie,” he said. “I am really not a professional sports fan in general, nor the NFL specifically.”
He’s also concerned about traffic near the airport and Robinson Township, areas where he spends a lot of time normally.
“Cincinnati is only a four-ish hour drive away and the theme park will be open for the season, so it seemed as good a weekend as any to get away,” he said.
Since the draft will be taking place from a Thursday to a Saturday, it’s a perfect opportunity for a mid-spring long weekend getaway.
Pittsburgh is located at something of a crossroads, from the Midwest to the East Coast, from the urban to the rural, from the mountains to the lakes. That offers a lot of options, from metropolises such as Cleveland and Washington, D.C. to peaceful parks such as New River Gorge National Park.
Not sure where to go? We’ve got you covered.
Taking in the big city
It may be ironic to book a mini-vacation in the home of one of the Steelers’ biggest football rivals, but Cleveland is a perfect place to take a mini-trip.
Attractions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Orchestra are great ways to pass the time. Ashley Baxstrom, director of out-of-market media relations for Destination Cleveland, said that the city contains a great balance of urban and outdoors for travelers.
“It offers a change of scenery, and being only about a two-hour drive away, you don’t have to do flights or major planning. You can get out of the draft energy, which we can sympathize with,” Baxstrom said — Cleveland hosted the NFL Draft in 2021.
For a three- or four-day trip in the city, Baxstrom recommends checking out the walkable downtown area for culinary options, catching a performance at Playhouse Square, checking out the arts area University Circle, visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
Visitors can also explore some of the neighborhoods in the city for their specific cultures, delicious food tastings and breweries.
“You can do a day just doing breweries and dining,” Baxstrom said.
As for Washington, D.C., the historical attractions speak for themselves. From the Washington Monument to the White House to the Capitol, history and politics buffs will have a dream near the Potomac River. But with dining, nightlife and fun neighborhoods, the nation’s capital will please the whole family.
And there is one very good reason to check out D.C. this year: “As we mark the nation’s 250th anniversary throughout 2026, no place tells America’s story as vividly as D.C., the only place to see the Declaration of Independence and the best place to discover its impact,” said Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC. “With major openings and a busy calendar of events across the city, we welcome you to D.C. to better understand all facets of our nation’s history.”
The city offers vibrant neighborhoods, a thriving culinary scene and free museums, monuments and sites, including 21 Michelin-starred restaurants and 17 free Smithsonian museums, said Ferguson.
“This is the perfect chance to make the short trip from Pittsburgh … and discover all that’s new across this vibrant city, including attractions, restaurants, hotels and special exhibits,” he said.
A mix of city and nature
Christine Temple of VisitErie wants to make sure everyone knows that Erie isn’t just a beach town.
“Any time of year is a good reason to live the good life on a Great Lake,” said Temple, director of communications for VisitErie.
Erie sits on the south shore of Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes. Temple pointed out that you can’t beat Erie for convenience; it’s a straight shot up Interstate 79 for about two hours.
“If you start to see the lake, you’re going in the right direction,” she said.
Erie’s biggest draw is Presque Isle State Park, the most visited of Pennsylvania’s state parks with more than 4 million annual visitors. While the park draws big crowds between Memorial Day and Labor Day for its beaches, there are dozens of miles of trails for hiking and biking. The park is also a birdwatching paradise.
The Erie area is also home to almost two dozen wineries and 30,000 acres of vineyards. There are breweries, local restaurants and vibrant small businesses to visit over a three-day stay. Temple said that they’re preparing for a possible influx of traffic during the NFL Draft.
If you want to head south instead of north, Lauren Bodnar of the West Virginia Department of Tourism has some good ideas.
“My first recommendation would be Morgantown, which is home to West Virginia University,” Bodnar said.
The college town offers great dining and nightlife, as well as outdoor recreation nearby that will satisfy those who have been hankering for a camping trip during the long Pittsburgh winter. One of those spots is Coopers Rock State Forest, which has new A-frame stargazing cabins with telescopes that will open up incredible sky views to visitors during the springtime.
“This is about an hour and a half outside of Pittsburgh, so it’s really so easily accessible,” she said.
For those who want to treat themselves during the draft, she recommends Oglebay Resort, which has recently added new dining options, upgraded amenities and more opportunities for family fun.
“They have a zoo and other amazing activities; there’s paddle boating on their little lake,” she said.
Getting back to nature
If you’re hoping to get out of the city and off the grid, the splendor of spring will be all around during this late April weekend. And what better place to see nature in full bloom than at some of the more easily accessible U.S. National Parks?
Within an easy trip, nature enthusiasts can reach Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, as well as a plethora of National Historic Sites and National Monuments.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park was established in 2000 to preserve natural areas around the Cuyahoga River, and this protection has allowed for species of plants and animals to flourish within the park. Don’t miss hiking to Brandywine Falls, as well as the Ledges Trail to see awe-inspiring rock formations. The park offers more than 125 miles of hiking trails through forests, hills and open fields.
“It’s a great thing to do on your way back (from Cleveland),” Baxstrom said. “It’s about a half hour drive from downtown.”
New River Gorge has been a destination for hikers, kayakers and nature lovers for decades, before it became a National Park in 2020. But now, with visitor’s centers, scenic drives and new amenities popping up, it’s an even better destination for weekenders. It is also conveniently located near Fayetteville, W.Va.
“Whitewater rafting — what the gorge is kind of known for — is available in that time of year, in April, but the water is pretty cold, so I would recommend a wet suit,” Bodnar said. She also described Fayetteville as a “mini Asheville,” providing cute shops, delicious dining and plenty of attractions in a smaller town atmosphere.
Rebecca Peterson, a National Parks Service Region 1 public relations specialist, provided a list of other very accessible NPS sites nearby, including the Flight 93 National Memorial, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Friendship Hill National Historic Site, the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. NPS has even created a webpage titled The National Parks of Western Pennsylvania for explorers who want to do them all in one trip.
Whether you’re looking for thrills, arts, history, nature or relaxation, locals who want to be anywhere but Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft have great options for a long weekend away.