Dragons, it’s finally warm outside and feels like spring after what’s seemed like an endless winter! It’s time to replenish your vitamin-D levels and get outside. While Philly can sometimes seem like an endless concrete wonderland, we’ve rounded up seven awesome places to soak up the sun in and around the city.
1. Spruce Street Harbor ParkWho doesn’t love the beach? Go to the Penn’s Landing Marina for a two-month-long summer program with an outdoor boardwalk, urban beach, fountains, and misting areas along the Delaware River Waterfront. This park also includes hammocks galore! At night, the park is lit up with beautiful and colorful decorative lights. This summer, they’re even coming out with a roller rink! It opens up May 22, so mark your calendars.
2. Schuylkill River TrailThis river has it all: A bike path that runs all the way to Manayunk, a new boardwalk that runs to the South Street Bridge, a dog park, free outdoor yoga and movie screenings in the summer, and grass to have a picnic and/or tan on! It is the perfect spot for everything from homework to hanging out with your significant other.
3. Philadelphia Art MuseumTake a walk down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway or down Kelly Drive to reach our beloved art museum. Cool off by checking out the latest exhibit or race your friends up the steps. Make sure to check out all of the free workout classes offered too!
4. Drexel ParkConveniently located right on our campus, Drexel Park is a great place to sit outside and read a book! The view of the city skyline is amazing; so make sure to take pictures!
5. Rittenhouse SquareThis is a prime people watching spot! Join the rest of the people lying in the grass by bringing your favorite blanket and getting lunch at a local restaurant! Try places like HipCityVeg or Yogorino! If you happen to have a dog, bring him/her too. There are plenty of puppy friends to be made. There are also local musicians and street performers almost everyday, so kick back and relax.
6. Washington Square ParkThis park is right in the middle of Philadelphia’s most historic area. Located in Society Hill, this park is near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Along with having an amazing history, this park is also extremely beautiful and the area around it is filled with cobblestones and historic homes. Make sure to check out all the awesome restaurants around this area like Zahav and Buddakan.
7. 30th Street Station PorchIf you’re in need of some quick sunshine, check out the chairs and tables outside of 30th Street Station. Grab some lunch from Cosi or Au Bon Pain from inside the station and grab a seat outside. Check out @ThePorchat30th on Twitter for the daily updates on food trucks and entertainment that frequent the area. The station is also really close to the Schuykill River path and Trader Joes!
Now that the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, it’s time to check out some new places to catch some rays and work on your tan before summer. Hopefully, this list will give you some new ideas to try. And don’t forget your sunscreen!