Skip to main content

Lounging on the River

Pictured: Race Street Pier

Map all locationsNature, Parks and Gardens

UWISHUNU philly from the inside out

June 19, 2013

June 18, 2013

View more from the blog

Sponsored Content:

The Philadelphia region is known as the “Cradle of Liberty” as well as the “Cradle of American Horticulture.” Both traditions began with the enlightened settlers who brought to the New World their curiosity about the natural world. William Penn was so inspired by the eastern hardwood forest that greeted him that he named his colony Penn’s Woods, or Pennsylvania.

His desire to establish a “greene countrie towne” was fundamental to his vision of the colony as a place of religious freedom. Today, the Philadelphia region is blooming with parks and gardens, many of which grace the city’s historic homes and art museums.

Featured Listings

  • Morris Arboretum

    A romantic Victorian landscape garden

    The Morris Arboretum’s Summer Palace

    A romantic Victorian landscape garden

    View More

  • Bartram’s Garden

    America’s birthplace of gardening

    Exploring Bartram’s Garden

    With its riverfront location and beautiful view of the Philadelphia skyline, Bartram’s Garden also appeals to more active visitors.

    View More

  • The New Race Street Pier

    Relaxing waterfront respite in the heart of the city

    The new Race Street Pier.

    The latest addition to Philadelphia’s amazing outdoor spaces, the new Race Street Pier on the Delaware River Waterfront is a relaxing respite in the heart of the city.

    View More

  • PHS Pop Up Garden

    Temporary outdoor escape in the city’s vacant spaces

    The 2013 PHS Pop Up Garden.

    The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s annual Pop Up Garden returns for its third year, transforming a forgotten outdoor area into a gorgeous, landscaped community space.

    View More

  • Mann Center for the Performing Arts

    A universe of stellar performers entertains under summertime skies

    Scenic views during Further at the Mann

    The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, one of the nation’s largest outdoor amphitheaters, is a top summer destination for music lovers in Philadelphia.

    View More

  • Triangle Park

    A three-sided conversation

    A perfect example of Philly’s neighborly ingenuity, this pocket park at the intersection of three major Bella Vista streets has been painstakingly cleaned and overhauled to provide a beautiful relaxation area for locals.

    View More

  • Picnic

    Everyday is a good day for a picnic

    Specializing in gourmet prepared foods, this carryout cafe also offers both indoor and outdoor seating for onsite indulging in decadent desserts, hearty sandwiches and more. Most ingredients are seasonal and sourced locally.

    View More

  • Penn Park

    The art of fielding

    The beautiful green space at Penn Park in University City.

    A beautiful green area situated between Penn’s campus and the Schuylkill River waterfront, Penn Park features open space and recreational facilities available to the public from 6 a.m. to midnight.

    View More

  • Clark Park

    At the center of it all

    Enjoyed by Spruce Hillers since the late 1800s, Clark Park always seems to play host of something intriguing, confusing, engrossing or all three. If food trucks, soccer leagues, cute dogs and that kind off stuff isn’t your jam, stick around for the LARPers, or live-action role players, gouging each other with foam weaponry.

    View More

  • Clemente Park and Playground

    An outdoor homerun

    Children cooling off at Clemente Park and Playground.

    Named for legendary baseball player and humanitarian Roberto Clemente, Spring Garden’s premier park hosts an annual “Clemente Fest” in the springtime, as well as a safe space for kids’ after-school activities.

    View More

  • Front Street green spaces

    A natural traffic buffer for I-95

    The leafy, welcoming areas along Front Street in Queen Village were constructed to act as a natural buffer between residents and I-95.

    View More

  • Mario Lanza Park

    A great community space named for the star singer

    Named for the beloved tenor and movie star born and raised just a few blocks away, the well-maintained Mario Lanza Park plays regular host to community gatherings and also features a separate area or dogs.

    View More

  • Moyamensing Point Park

    What was once bland stretch of asphalt is now a charming park

    Dedicated volunteers converted a dull stretch of Moyamensing Avenue asphalt into a small green space that stands out thanks to its attractive brick and wrought-iron touches.

    View More

Featured Philly