Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia Highlights Tour & Rocky Steps

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This tour, which clocks in at just over 10k, is a great overview of Philadelphia’s scenic, cultural, and historic highlights in the heart of downtown, west of Broad St: Avenue of the Arts, Schuylkill River, Fairmount Park, and more. As a complement, see our Philadelphia History Tour, which focuses on Old City and Society Hill.

Start at City Hall, and make your way up the grand Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Logan Square, which is the beginning of Philadelphia’s famed Avenue of the Arts. Continue around the imposing square, which has tree-lined paths on the right and left, past Philadelphia’s famed cultural institutions: the Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation, and the impressive Philadelphia Museum of Art with the Rocky Steps and Rocky Statue (yes, there can be a ‘line’ for selfies!). And yes, you gotta do the steps! Continue north of the Museum, along the Schuylkill River Path paralleling Kelly Drive for 1 mile to Girard Ave., passing the iconic Boathouse Row, and along the river into Fairmount Park. Turn around at Girard (or continue along the path through Fairmount Park, which goes for miles), and double back to the Museum. Here, bear right to continue south on the Schuylkill River Path, heading toward downtown section for ~ 1 mile. The river path is below the streets and is very pleasant here. Turn around at the end of the path or at South St., using the stairs to get back to street level. The final section through downtown is on Locust St., through Rittenhouse Square, then LEFT on 15th St. or Broad St. to return to City Hall.

Add-On: Easiest way to make this a longer run is to head further north on the Schuylkill River through Fairmount Park. Or, combine with our Philadelphia History Tour. which starts 1/2 mile east of City Hall (use Chestnut St. or Market St.)

Essentials
  • 6.6 mile (10.6 km) loop
  • 318 feet
  • City Hall, Logan Square, or other convenient point on route
  • Subway: City Hall

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chris
1 year ago

are there drinking fountains?

Essentials
  • 6.6 mile (10.6 km) loop
  • 318 feet
  • City Hall, Logan Square, or other convenient point on route
  • Subway: City Hall