Looking for an escape from your day-to-day routine or just some quality outdoor time? No need to leave the city. Between the pop-up gardens and beer gardens, Philadelphia has become the ultimate stay-cation location. After a successful summer full of outdoor spaces last year, Philly parks are back and better than ever. Building off the excitement from last year, these parks can now be found all over the city, making them ideal places to unwind after work, celebrate the weekend, or simply spend time with family, friends, or that special someone.
Parks and Pop-Ups
Along the Delaware River Waterfront, enjoy the returning Spruce Street Harbor Park or new Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Relax under the lights in a hammock, take a few laps around Philadelphia’s first and only outdoor roller skating rink, and indulge in delicious food from the Garces Group, Shane Confectionary, and Cook N Solo. You don’t need to be an Old City resident to enjoy the recreation and stunning views these Philly parks offer.
Whether you’re traveling to and from the city or just stopping by on your lunch break, The Porch at 30th Street Station provides an urban oasis right outside Philly’s biggest transportation hub. Complete with outdoor seating, landscaping, lunchtime entertainment, special events, and food trucks from Philadelphia restauranteur Michael Shulson, The Porch is the perfect place to relax in University City.
Looking for an escape right in Center City? Dilworth Park provides fun for the young and young-at-heart with a fountain made for play, greenery, art, free Wi-Fi, outdoor movies, farmer’s markets, an outdoor café, and food trucks right by City Hall.
Beer Gardens
Wet your whistle at one of the many beer gardens Philadelphia offers. Whether you’re looking for a place to participate in Center City Sips or just want to enjoy a night under the stars, the city has an abundance of beer gardens in every neighborhood. You’ll feel truly American at the Independence Beer Garden, which provides 40 beers on tap and an extensive menu from Michael Shulson while overlooking the Liberty Bell. The Oval on the Ben Franklin Parkway is a great place for live music, movie nights, and beer in the Art Museum area. In Fishtown, beer fanatics can drink out of steins and indulge on pretzels at the year-round Frankford Hall. By the waterfront, Morgan’s Pier, known as “Philadelphia’s Backyard Beer Garden,” is a great place to relax with friends and features the food of Philly’s acclaimed chefs. And the PHS Pop-Up Garden turns formerly empty lots in South Philly into flourishing hangouts for locals and visitors alike.
Parklets
What’s a parklet? Parklets are temporary seating platforms repurposed from one or two parking spaces, great for people-watching, enjoying a fine craft beer or food, and indulging your senses in the surroundings. These parklets are particularly popular in the University City area, and there are plans for expansion. Keep an eye out for them this summer, Old Quaker residents.
Thanks to these spots, your summer oasis is closer than you think. Next time you find yourself sitting in shore traffic this summer, remember you don’t have to go any further than the comforts of your own backyard – these spaces bring outdoor recreation and relaxation within prime proximity to Philadelphia apartments.} else {