Having exciting summer adventures doesnât always have to mean traveling halfway around the world. Sometimes you donât even have to leave the east coast. With many seasonal festivals, outdoor restaurants, and free concerts popping up for the warmer months, summer is the perfect time to open your eyes to whatâs close by. Whether it be a walk, a drive, or a quick flight – Philadelphia (aka the city of Brotherly Love) has got a ton to offer. Check it out!
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Spruce Street Harbor Park is a (free) annual festival that sets up along the Delaware River waterfront from May-September. Come for the beautiful views, food stands, and giant swinging hammocks; stay for the drinks (you could probably use one or three), color-changing lights, and life-size versions of Jenga and Connect Four. Because if life-size Jenga doesnât get you amped up, what are you even living for?
Photo Credit: Flickr/ Kjarret
Fishtown
Escape Center City Philly and take a bike, cab, or Septa train up to Fishtown, which many are now calling the âBrooklyn of Philadelphia.â First, get your caffeine fix at La Colombeâs flagship store or Fishtownâs own Milk Crate Cafe and browse one of the renowned vintage shops like Jinxed. Next, enjoy a trip to the worldâs first pizza museum at Pizza Brain. Even if you think museums are cheesy, we think youâll want to make time for this one. If you want to make a full, wild night of it, plan to catch a show at the Fillmore-Â Fishtownâs live music venue housed in a former metal factory.
Photo Credit: Flickr/Vivian Dnguyen
Stroll from City Hall to the Art Museum
Grab a donut (or a dozen) from Federal Donuts on 15th Street and Sansom Street and enjoy them while strolling up the picturesque Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The path starts in JFK Plaza, and runs all the way to the Philadelphia Art Museum and famous Rocky Steps. From the top of the steps (you donât have to sprint up the steps like Rocky did, we promise), you get a perfect sight-line straight into the heart of Philly, with an unparalleled view of the majestic City Hall.
Go for a bike ride along the Schuylkill River
Hop on your bike (or rent one at the stand just behind the Art Museum) and go for a ride up the iconic Schuylkill River Trail, which winds its way along the river and through Fairmount Park. Along the path youâll pass the historic (and beautiful) Boathouse Row – each boathouse has itâs own unique history and is at least a century old. Itâs like getting a history lesson without having to deal with lines at the Liberty Bell or the Art Museum! And if you feel like making a day of itâŚ
Photo Credit Flickr / UGArdener
Picnic in Fairmount Park
Pick up some picnic fare (and a ready-to-drink cocktail, of course) like fruits, veggies, cheeses, and pastries from one the fabulous vendors at Reading Terminal Market – Phillyâs famous public market – and head up to Fairmount Park for a relaxing day in the sun. The park has playgrounds, a Horticulture Center, historic mansions, and a stunning view of the city. If youâre feeling like two wheels is too few, you can ditch the bikes and take an easy cab ride to the park.