Philadelphia Parks and Gardens

(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - PA, USA)

Many of the city's parks and gardens were drafted in with the original design of Philadelphia city and remain unchanged to this day. Fairmount Park is perhaps the premier walking and picnic spot, coming with miles of meadowland and walking trails, as well as numerous attractions.

In addition, Historic Bartram's Garden harbors many native wildflowers, while Laurel Hill Cemetery offers pleasant views. Located on the far northern side of Philadelphia and within the suburb of Wyndmoor, the Morris Arboretum is a Victorian gem and stands alongside the Chestnut Hill College, being best reached via the Schuylkill Expressway (Interstate I-76), Leverington Avenue and then Ridge Avenue.

Fairmount Park

Address: Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA, USA
Tel: +1 215 683 0200
Northwest of downtown Philadelphia and split in two by the Schuylkill River, Fairmount Park is the largest landscaped park in the world, encompassing almost 9,000 acres / 3,640 hectares of lush meadowland, miles of walking trails and numerous colonial mansions and attractions. You can cycle, jog, walk, rollerblade, play tennis and golf, and even go boating here. Fairmount has been around for over 200 years and is home to America's very first zoo.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: free

Historic Bartram's Garden

Address: 54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA, USA
Tel: +1 215 729 5281
Located on the Schuylkill River, Historic Bartram's Garden was established by America's first botanists, John and William Bartram, almost 50 years before the signing of the big book. The park is well-known for its American native plants that grow in the wildflower meadow, herb gardens and the National Historic Landmark of Bartram House.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, students and children, children under 12 free

Morris Arboretum

Address: 100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA, USA
Tel: +1 215 247 5777
Established in 1887 and located just outside the city, the 166-acre / 67 hectare Morris Arboretum on East Northwestern Avenue, brainchild of John and Lydia Morris, is a Victorian-era garden featuring natural woodland, romantic paths and tropical ferns. The garden is cleverly landscaped and incorporates English, Japanese and rose gardens. The arboretum boasts a plethora of trees from around the globe, with Asian greenery featuring prominently. Additionally, a miniature railway provides entertainment in the summer and fall.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Laurel Hill Cemetery

Address: 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PA, USA
Tel: +1 215 228 8200
Situated beside lower Fairmount Park and on the eastern side of the Schuylkill River, the Laurel Hill Cemetery is unique in that it was the first architect-designed cemetery in the US. The architect, John Notman, also sculpted some of the monuments that can be seen here today, among pieces by other notable artists. The lush rolling hills afford lovely views over the Schuylkill River, making strolling here a delight. Of interest to many visitors, a number of important Philadelphians have been buried here.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 09:30 to 13:30
Admission: free