Things to do in Pittsburgh

Experience Fall in Pittsburgh on the Water: Autumn Cruises on the Three Rivers

By · · Updated · 2 min read

A red Duquesne Incline car climbing Mount Washington through yellow fall foliage above the Point, the three rivers and downtown Pittsburgh

Quick answer

The best fall cruises for seeing Pittsburgh's autumn color are the Autumn Serenade Lunch (a two-hour midday buffet with live music on select October Wednesdays and Saturdays) and the one-hour Three Rivers Sightseeing cruise. Families can sail the Halloween Family Fun cruise with a DJ and character friends.

Fall in Pittsburgh is nothing short of magical. As the hillsides burst into red, orange and gold, the city's skyline and rivers become a picture-perfect backdrop. This season, there's no better way to take it all in than from the water aboard a Gateway Clipper Fleet cruise.

Autumn Serenade Lunch: music and fall color

The Autumn Serenade Lunch invites you to relax and enjoy the season in style. Cruise the three rivers with live entertainment (performers such as Drew Sipos), an Autumn Harvest lunch buffet and views of Pittsburgh's fall foliage from the top deck. It's a lovely way to celebrate autumn, whether it's a midday date, a special outing with friends or simply a chance to savor the season.

Three Rivers Sightseeing: the city in autumn

Looking for something more casual? The one-hour Three Rivers Sightseeing cruise offers panoramic views of the city under crisp autumn skies. With narration from our captain, you'll hear the facts, tales and river lore that make Pittsburgh special while taking in fall from the best seat in the city: the water.

Fall trees in red, orange and gold along the riverbank below a yellow arch bridge in Pittsburgh
Fall color along Pittsburgh's rivers

Halloween Family Fun: a cruise for the kids

For families, fall fun comes alive on the Halloween Family Fun cruise. Ghosts, ghouls and goblins are welcome: it's an afternoon river cruise with a DJ and character friends, so bring the kids in costume for some spooky (but not too scary) fun.

For grown-ups who like their fall a little spookier, the evening Haunted Three Rivers cruise shares Pittsburgh ghost stories and local legends on the water.

Make it a group outing

This autumn, let Pittsburgh's rivers show you their most beautiful season. Whether you choose the Autumn Serenade, a sightseeing tour or the Halloween Family Fun cruise, the Gateway Clipper Fleet has a fall getaway waiting for you.

  • Tickets: book on each cruise page or call (412) 355-7980.
  • Groups of 15 or more: call Group Sales at (412) 355-7951 or see group cruises.
  • Private events: email info@gatewayclipper.com or call (412) 355-7965, or plan your event.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Autumn Serenade Lunch cruise?

A two-hour midday cruise in October with a lunch buffet, live entertainment and views of Pittsburgh's fall scenery. It boards at 11:15am and sails 12:00–2:00pm on select Wednesdays and Saturdays.

How long is the Three Rivers Sightseeing cruise?

One hour. It starts on the Monongahela and continues onto the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers while the captain and narrator share Pittsburgh history and river lore.

Is there a Halloween cruise for kids in Pittsburgh?

Yes. Halloween Family Fun is a two-hour afternoon cruise with a DJ and character friends. Ghosts, ghouls and goblins are welcome aboard.

Cruises in this story

Dining Autumn Serenade Lunch

A midday buffet with live music and fall color on the banks.

$62.37 per adult, all-in · Select Wed & Sat in October

Sightseeing Three Rivers Sightseeing

One hour, three rivers, and the captain telling the city’s story.

$33.53 per adult, all-in · Apr–Nov · days vary by month

Kids & Family Halloween Family Fun

Ghosts, ghouls and goblins welcome: an afternoon river cruise with a DJ and character friends.

$36.66 per adult, all-in · Sat, Oct 24, 2026

Holiday & Seasonal Haunted Three Rivers

Ghost stories of old Pittsburgh, told after dark on the water.

$36.66 per adult, all-in · Fri & Sat, late Sept–Oct

Find your cruise

Sightseeing tours, dinner and dance cruises, family and holiday cruises, all sailing from Station Square.

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