Location: Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
Things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Gardens
One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Restaurants in Philadelphia
1. Fitler Square
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. PHS Pop Up Garden South Street
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Pop Up Garden, located near the corner of 15th and South, will feature delicious food, refreshing drinks and exciting events from The Royal Tavern and friends, featuring delicious food and botanical inspired cocktails. At night, the garden will be illuminated by Moroccan-style fixtures, twinkling lights strung through the Mulberry tree, and a variety of plants that will “glow” in the dark.
3. Wyck Historic House, Farm, and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Wyck is a National Historic Landmark house, garden, and farm in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia that served as the ancestral home to one Philadelphia family for nine generations (1690-1973). Here, traditional Quaker culture blended with a passion for innovation. The people who lived and worked at Wyck expressed these values through their commitment to education, horticulture, natural history, and preservation. Today, the Wyck Association connects this family and its rich history to our community through programs that focus on history, horticulture, and urban agriculture, using the past as inspiration for the present. Our 2.5-acre, centuries-old site plays an essential role in the life of our 21st-century urban neighborhood, using buildings, landscape, and collections to provide educational, cultural, and nutritional resources for our neighbors and visitors.
4. Morris Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 451 reviews
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is a historic public garden and educational institution. It promotes an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through programs that integrate science, art and the humanities.
Reviewed By Terrie1470
First thought was breathtaking absolutely amazing. This takes hours to fully look around take pics stroll through have a picnic just take in the natural beauty If you visit the area a must see experience.
5. Awbury Arboretum
6. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Tour our house, view our garden and feed our koi! Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park that reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia, from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to the installation of its contemporary paintings in 2007.Shofuso was built in Japan in 1953 using traditional techniques and materials and exhibited in the courtyard at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was moved to Philadelphia in 1958, to the site of several previous Japanese structures dating to the 1876 Centennial Exposition. In 2007, internationally renowned artist Hiroshi Senju, inspired by our waterfall, donated 20 murals to Shofuso.A viewing garden with koi pond and island, a tea garden, and a courtyard garden comprise the 17th century-style Japanese walled and fenced garden of this historic site and museum.
Reviewed By 200PL - Philadelphia, United States
I visit this place maybe twice a year, I would totally go more times, but I like to stretch it out a bit. I park near the horticulture center and walk through it’s courtyard to The shofuso house. The entrance is grand and reminiscent of that of walking into a courtyard in 16th century Japan. You take a stone trail to the guest window (there is only one, so on a good day, there can be quite a wait. Arrive around 11:00-11:45 to avoid crowds or long lines. After a check in, price is reasonable for the culture experience, you can either walk the path around the house or visit the koi pond. Many of the koi are huge and have beautiful colors. A few turtles live in the huge pond as well. If you take a walk to the pond, grab some fish food for $2 on your way. You’ll appreciate the many fish and the colors. They love to eat! There is a statue hidden amongst bambo and brush that you can cast some coins onto for luck. When you’re finished walking the ground and taking in the: many varieties of trees, pond, island and bridge (performance or ambiance purpose only for the island), a small yet meaningful waterfall, and pathways, visit a service member to get a lecture about the house. I found the history of the house to be fascinating. You learn about the different rooms, how and why the house arrived to Philadelphia, the reason for the scenery and even a few demonstrations of how certain aspects of the house work. This is a great place to visit for those who enjoy cultural experiences, history, and who want to simply enjoy the picturesque scenery. It’s a great place for professional and amateur photographers to get some awesome shots. They hold tea classes once a month and have many different events throughout the year. The porch like area of the house, is great for just sitting around and taking in the scenery. A representative even stated it’s a great place to visit in rainy weather because of how the house is designed, as the water runs off of the roof and into the many waterways throughout the house grounds. All in all, everyone, from children to teens will enjoy their visit. The enclosed photo is during the first week of Spring. Cherry blossoms are scheduled beginning in April.
7. Bartram's Garden
8. Benjamin Rush Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
