Schenley Plaza

A Green Oasis in the Heart of Oakland

Schenley Plaza spent nearly 60 years as a parking lot before becoming one of Pittsburgh's more pleasant green spaces. Hard to believe, but from 1949 onward the 4.5-acre site - originally conceived as a grand entrance to Schenley Park in the early 1900s - was filled with cars instead of people. Revitalization efforts began in the 1990s, and by 2006 the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and the City of Pittsburgh had completed a full transformation.

Today the plaza sits among some of the city's most impressive landmarks - the towering Cathedral of Learning, the stately Carnegie Library, and the culture-filled Carnegie Museums - right beside the bustling University of Pittsburgh campus.

What You'll Find There

At the heart of the plaza lies a generous one-acre "Emerald Lawn" - a versatile green space where you can spread out a picnic blanket, toss a frisbee, or simply lie back and cloud-watch. It's a surprisingly serene spot considering you're in the middle of one of Pittsburgh's busiest neighborhoods.

The plaza blooms with ornamental gardens showcasing plants native to Western Pennsylvania. These gardens aren't just pretty to look at - they change with the seasons and provide important habitat for local pollinators.

Kids (and the young at heart) will be drawn to the charming Victorian-style carousel that adds a touch of nostalgic magic to the modern space. It operates during set hours all year long, so check the schedule if you're planning a visit specifically for this attraction.

You'll also appreciate the thoughtful design touches: a tented area provides welcome shade on sunny days, movable chairs and tables let you create your own perfect spot, and free Wi-Fi means you can stay connected while enjoying the outdoors.

The PNC Carousel with its ornate gold and blue detailing

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

Grab a Bite

Feeling hungry after soaking up all that fresh air? The plaza offers several food kiosks and The Porch, a full-service restaurant. The dining options are impressively diverse - from bubble tea and Chinese cuisine to coffee and ice cream - there's something to satisfy almost any craving.

One of the simple pleasures of Schenley Plaza is getting some takeout and finding a spot on the lawn to enjoy your meal al fresco. Or grab a table if you prefer - either way, dining here comes with a side of people-watching and urban greenery.

The Porch restaurant is lined with trees on both sides

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

Community Hub

Schenley Plaza functions as a community gathering place. Throughout the year, the space hosts outdoor concerts, fitness classes, cultural celebrations, and seasonal festivities.

From the WYEP summer music festival to the PurpleStride walk and various cultural performances, there's often something happening that adds energy and connection to the space. It's a popular venue for everything from casual meetups to organized rallies and festivals.

The plaza holds a special place in the hearts of university students, who flock here between classes to study on the lawn, meet friends, or simply take a breather from academic pressures. It provides a green space connecting Oakland's educational and cultural institutions.

The Cathedral of Learning peeks out from behind a tree north of the plaza

Photo: Courtesy of Mayday Hou

Good to Know

Schenley Plaza welcomes visitors daily from 10AM to 10PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy this urban oasis. Clean public restrooms are available - always a plus when you're spending time outdoors in the city.

Dog owners will be happy to know their four-legged friends are welcome, making this a popular spot for local pups and their people. The whole area is notably well-maintained, which adds to the pleasant experience.

If you're driving, be aware that street parking nearby is limited and metered. Many regulars opt to visit the plaza as part of a walking tour of Oakland's attractions - it fits perfectly into a day of museum-hopping or campus exploration.