Overlook Shelter, Overlook Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15207, US

Schenley Park holds a special place in the anthology of everything Pittsburgh, similar to how Central Park is in integral to life in New York City. It is where Bill Mazeroski hit a Game 7 walk-off home run, the only in World Series history. It is where Michael Chabon set countless scenes of his Mysteries of Pittsburgh, arguably the city's most famous novel. It is also where Pittsburghers gather to watch movies in the park in the summer and ice skate in the winter. Schenley is the most beloved Pittsburgh park.Parking and public transportation at Schenley ParkYou can generally park on the side of park roads throughout Schenley for free, space permitting. However, spaces tend to fill up very early in the morning for people who work or go to school in Oakland, and metered lots surrounding the park can be pricey. Public transportation is much easier. Just take one of the many buses that go to Oakland (61 and 71 are the most popular routes) then walk across the Schenley Drive bridge into the park.Best and worst time to go to Schenley ParkEvery season has something to offer at Schenley, so that should not be your concern. However, weekdays have parking problems and Saturdays have crowds and parking will be costly. That leaves Sunday, which is the best time to visit the park. Weekend events are held, parking is free, and the park should be alive with families and locals enjoy the open spaces.Admission to Schenley ParkAccess to the park is free, just like all other city parks. Some park amenities, like the golf course, skating rink, and pool charge admission, but Schenley is known for having some of the cheapest fees around, thanks to the generosity of the Pittsburgh Park Conservancy. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday.Must do at Schenley ParkGo for a hike along the Panther Hollow Run creek (pronounced "crick" in Pittsburgh-ese) to enjoy the natural beauty of Schenely. During summer, take in a free movie screen under the stars on Flagstaff Hill. Or go skating at the Schenley Park ice rink during the cold, blustery months of winter.Other places to visit near Schenley ParkPhipps Conservatory is actually located within the park and offers exotic plant environments and manufactured waterfalls, as well as wonderful food at their cafe. Just across the bridge in Oakland, are the Carnegie Museums, which house dinosaur fossils and impressionist art. The Cathedral of Learning is an impressive Gothic tower, and its interior looks stolen from the pages of Harry Potter.Insider tip for visitors to Schenley ParkDon't be afraid to explore the neighborhoods surrounding Schenley; they are some of the nicest in the city. Oakland is to the west, Squirrel Hill is to the east, and Greenfield is to the south. All are walkable from the park and all offer great restaurants, shopping, bars, and cafes. Go explore them!Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.