Location: Fairmount Park
Top Things to do in Fairmount Park
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The 8 Best Sights & Landmarks in Fairmount Park, Pennsylvania (PA)
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. Joan of Arc Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
A statue of Joan of Arc riding a horse.
Reviewed By waunderlust_forever - Houston, United States
This was honestly one of the first things that caught our eye. So pretty. Bring out the camera, and take a snap. Cool pic
2. Boathouse Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
The best walking and biking route in the city is along the Schuylkill River. The cluster of 15 rowing clubs host a variety of rowing and running events each year.
Reviewed By MissElegance
These mostly historic boathouses are private, but there is a public place to rent boats and another for bikes or surreys. The view from Martin Luther King Dr (FKA West River Drive) is beautiful -- day or lit-up at night. Biking, hiking, driving, or picnicking along the water is lovely and can be busy but never overly crowded except on regatta days! There's an ok cafe for a beverage or snack near the bike rentals on Kelly Drive (fka East River Drive).
3. Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Discover. Connect. Act. Nation's first public water supply system. Global tourist attraction. Showing the public how to be better water resource stewards. Come downstairs to visit one of Philadelphia's hidden gems. Best of all, we are free and open to the public six days a week. The mission of Fairmount Water Works is to foster stewardship of our shared resources by encouraging informed decisions about the use of land and water.
4. Lemon Hill
5. Strawberry Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By vhenry6 - Mount Laurel, United States
Excellent time seeing all the Fairmont Park mansions dressed up for the holidays! So much history, architecture and views!
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. Memorial Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Important building used during the United States' Centennial celebration during the Ulysses S. Grant presidency in 1876.
8. Eakins Oval
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By 166darleneh - Waukesha, United States
This Eakins oval park is right across the street from Philadelphia Museum of art. Most buses stop at the art museum because people want pictures of Rocky. The best statue and sculpture is in Eakins. That would be the Washington Monument. It is the most inspiring and impressive piece of art work I have seen in Philadelphia. It’s beautiful on every corner and every side. It has elk, buffalo, fish, Native American Indians and set on top is George Washington. A must see!!!!
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