Philadelphia’s Best: Parks and Gardens - Part 2

Wissahickon Gorge

The country’s only covered bridge within a major city is sited on a hiking trail in this gorge, whose forests and creek are home to over 100 bird species. 

Logan Square

This grand square was once used as a burial ground and pastureland. Its center-piece is the majestic, multi-spouted Swann Memorial fountain designed by sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder.

Washington Square and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier



Named in honor of George Washington, the first president of the US, the centerpiece of this peaceful park is his statue, and the tomb of the unknown soldier of the  Revolutionary War. 

Rittenhouse Square 

Center City’s most popular park often fills with downtown workers who lunch under the trees. Reminiscent of New York’s Central Park, it is flanked by upscale restaurants.

Philadelphia’s Best: Parks and Gardens - Part 1

Philadelphia’s Best: Parks and Gardens

William Penn wanted his city to be “a green countrie towne” and included five squares in his original city grid. Today, four of these, Logan, Rittenhouse, Franklin, and Washington Squares, are pleasant areas with trees and park benches. Along the Schuylkill River on the outskirts of Center City is Fairmount Park. Its 9,200 acres (3,700 ha) of parkland and gardens make it America’s largest urban park. The area has biking and walking paths along the river and one of its tributaries,Wissahickon Creek, which runs within a gorge. Fairmount Park includes the peaceful Shofuso Japanese House and Garden and
restored historic houses that were once the homes of the colonial elite. Beyond Philadelphia, near the Delaware state border, are the exquisite Longwood Gardens.

Morris Arboretum of the  University of Pennsylvania

Located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, this scenic  tract of land includes ponds, greenhouses, meadows, and gardens with thousands of rare plants and “trees-of-record”.

Longwood Gardens

Industrialist Pierre S. du Pont designed this extravagant horticultural wonderland filled
with spectacular choreographed fountains, whimsical topiaries, conservatories with exotic
plants, and meadows and gardens replete with more than 11,000 varieties of indoor
and outdoor plants.

Fairmount Park

This extensive greenbelt along the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Creek is dotted with statues and features miles of running and biking paths.