Having exciting summer adventures doesn’t always have to mean traveling halfway around the world. Sometimes you don’t 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 what’s 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 doesn’t 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 “Brooklyn of Philadelphia.” First, get your caffeine fix at La Colombe’s flagship store or Fishtown’s own Milk Crate Cafe and browse one of the renowned vintage shops like Jinxed. Next, enjoy a trip to the world’s first pizza museum at Pizza Brain. Even if you think museums are cheesy, we think you’ll 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- Fishtown’s 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 don’t 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 you’ll pass the historic (and beautiful) Boathouse Row – each boathouse has it’s own unique history and is at least a century old. It’s 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 it…

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 – Philly’s 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 you’re feeling like two wheels is too few, you can ditch the bikes and take an easy cab ride to the park.