National Aviary
700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212
America's largest aviary—and the only “national” one in the country—this Pittsburgh destination gets visitors up close to more than 150 species of birds from across the globe, many of which are endangered or threatened. From the Andean Condor to the fairy bluebird, plenty of wild and colorful winged creatures make the aviary their home.
The basics
For visitors, the National Aviary is like a bird zoo, though don’t picture a bunch of sky-filled enclosures—you’ll see habitats that mimic the rocky beaches of South Africa, the treetops of Vietnam, the grasslands of America’s Great Plains, and more. Feeding demonstrations happen daily, and additional live birding events take place on the rooftop and in the theater—yep, it’s the only indoor theater in the country dedicated to bird shows. You can also check out talks and other programs at the aviary.
Some Pittsburgh sightseeing tours include the National Aviary, making it easy to learn more about the site and its conservation work (perhaps from a double-decker bus, no less).
Things to know before you go
- If you’re visiting on a weekend, it’s best to buy your ticket in advance.
- Interactive experiences with birds—where guests have opportunities to hand-feed—can be purchased as add-ons.
- The aviary is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- A café, with both grab-and-go and made-to-order items, is located on-site.
How to get there
If you’re driving, parking is available at the National Aviary for a fee; parking garages, street-metered parking, and limited free parking are available nearby as well. A bus stop is near the aviary’s entrance along North Avenue, and taxis and rideshares are also an option.
When to get there
The National Aviary is typically open daily, except for major holidays, from morning to very early evening (and its parking lot keeps the same hours). Since you might want to spend up to 3 hours here, be sure to come early enough to explore at your leisure.
Psst—it’s not all birds
OK, it’s mostly birds, but one beloved resident comes without feathers: Vivien the two-toed sloth (look for her in the tropical rainforest habitat, alongside Benito and Sapphira, two fabulously popular hyacinth macaws). If you like, you can book an encounter with Vivien, and can even hand-feed her some snacks.
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