5 Top Things to Do in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia
Chestnut Hill offers top attractions including the 92-acre Morris Arboretum, Woodmere Art Museum, and independent shopping along Germantown Avenue. Located 10 miles northwest of Center City Philadelphia, this historic neighborhood combines outdoor parks, fine dining, and community festivals with historic stone architecture.
Attraction Name | Category | Address | Key Feature / Highlight |
|---|
Morris Arboretum & Gardens | Public Garden / Outdoors | 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA | 92 acres, Victorian estate, Garden Railway |
Pastorius Park | Public Park | 8177 Roanoke St, Philadelphia, PA | 16 acres, natural pond, summer concert series |
Booked | Boutique Bookstore | 8511 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA | Woman-owned independent bookshop, literary events |
Woodmere Art Museum | Art Museum | 9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA | 19th-century estate, Philadelphia artists, sculpture grounds |
Philadelphia is a vibrant city that combines colonial charm with the energy of a contemporary, bustling atmosphere. As the "birthplace of America," Philadelphia contains a wealth of history in every neighborhood, and residents and visitors enjoy this lively, charming locale and all it has to offer.
Chestnut Hill is a dynamic, welcoming neighborhood close to all the action while still being a reserved, beautiful suburban area. The best part of Chestnut Hill is the fantastic real estate landscape, which contains incomparable architectural masterpieces. If you are intrigued by the gorgeous homes and want to call Chestnut Hill your own, read on for top things to do in Chestnut Hill that will make you fall in love with the community.
1. Enjoy Nature and the Great Outdoors
Morris Arboretum & Gardens
100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA
- Address: 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
- Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: General admission required; free for University of Pennsylvania students and members
- Distance: 1.5 miles from Central Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill
Nature lovers flock to the Morris Arboretum & Gardens, a gorgeous public garden managed by the University of Pennsylvania. This 92-acre spread of land consists of incredible verdant trees and plants that complement the Victorian estate that lies on the grounds. In addition, you will have access to fun programs and educational experiences for people of all ages, ranging from birding and botany to treetop yoga and beekeeping.
The Morris Arboretum features a Garden Railway, which includes mini replicas of classic attractions from public gardens across the United States. Visitors enjoy seasonal family events in the Azalea Meadow during summer months.
Pastorius Park
8177 Roanoke St, Philadelphia, PA
- Address: 8177 Roanoke St, Philadelphia, PA 19118
- Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset
- Fee: Free public park
- Distance: 2 blocks west of Germantown Avenue
Find your peace at Pastorius Park, which consists of 16 acres of lush greenery donated by multi-faceted businessman George Woodward and designed by architect Frederick W.G. Peck. Feel free to gaze at the turtles and ducks that have made the pond their home or have a picnic with a few of your loved ones and your furry friends. This beloved park also hosts a variety of lively concerts in the summer, a 70-year tradition that highlights musicians and bands of many genres.
2. Local Boutique Shopping
Booked
8511 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA
- Address: 8511 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Type: Independent local bookstore
The dedicated bookworm will want to spend all day at this woman-owned bookshop in Chestnut Hill. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Booked was founded by Debra Gress Jansen and operates as a love letter to her childhood passion for reading and literature. The shop has a pleasing, organized aesthetic and invites warm conversation and a chance to sit down and rifle through whatever novels may interest you. This bookstore also holds fun events, such as Children's Storytime and author readings.
3. Dining and Cuisine
Jansen
7402 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA
- Address: 7402 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119
- Cuisine: Contemporary American & Seafood
- Reservation: Recommended for evening dining
For a restaurant that feels more like home than a public space, visit Jansen. Run by Chef David Jansen and his family, this restaurant boasts fresh ingredients and a pleasing combination of traditional American fare with international influences. Enjoy beef Wellington, or sample their signature seafood dishes such as tuna tataki and steelhead trout served over olive oil potato puree.
Adelinas Restaurant and Bar
8235 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA
- Address: 8235 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
- Cuisine: Fine Italian & Specialty Brunch
- Location: Heart of Chestnut Hill retail corridor
After spending your morning frequenting the parks or tackling a shopping trip, settle at Adelinas for brunch or dinner. The ambiance of this restaurant is refined and classy, making it a great spot to reunite with friends or clients. Menu selections include burrata topped with black summer truffle and specialty stuffed focaccia with whipped ricotta, rosemary, and roasted garlic.
4. Explore Local Art and History
Woodmere Art Museum
9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA
- Address: 9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
- Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Focus: Art and artists of Philadelphia
Explore this 19th-century Victorian estate in Chestnut Hill, which features multiple exhibitions dedicated to local Philadelphia artists and regional historical art. Enjoy collections of 20th-century works by Violet Oakley, or walk among the outdoor sculptures that line the grounds. Woodmere also hosts weekly jazz performances, art lectures, and film screenings.
5. Annual Community Events
Home and Garden Festival
Germantown Ave, Rex Ave, and Willow Grove Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Visit the annual spring Home and Garden Festival in Chestnut Hill, where over 200 local vendors line Germantown Avenue from Rex Avenue to Willow Grove Avenue. This marketplace offers foods from local eateries, handcrafted furniture, garden displays, and handmade jewelry.
Chestnut Hill Second Saturdays
Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA
From May through October, residents gather along Germantown Avenue to support local artists and musicians. Visitors can explore galleries, studios, and shops along the avenue during each Second Saturday event.
Event dates, business addresses, and public garden schedules are verified via the Chestnut Hill Business District and official venue registries.
Living in Chestnut Hill: Real Estate and Community
With so much to do in and around this Philadelphia neighborhood, living in Chestnut Hill allows residents to explore the city's rich history and vibrant arts scene without leaving home.
Chestnut Hill real estate offers historic stone homes, twin rowhomes, and luxury estates.
Trusted
Philadelphia Realtor Liz Clark guides buyers and sellers through every stage of the real estate process. Contact the
Liz Clark Team today to learn more about available homes in Chestnut Hill.
About the Author: Liz Clark is a leading Philadelphia real estate agent specializing in luxury and historic homes in Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Northwest Philadelphia. Representing buyers and sellers with Compass, Liz brings unmatched hyper-local neighborhood knowledge and market insights to every transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia best known for?
Chestnut Hill is famous for its historic stone architecture, vibrant Germantown Avenue shopping and dining corridor, and proximity to Wissahickon Valley Park and the Morris Arboretum. It is widely regarded as one of Philadelphia's most picturesque urban-suburban communities.
Is Chestnut Hill a walkable neighborhood?
Yes. The main cobblestone thoroughfare along Germantown Avenue is highly walkable, featuring independent boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and restaurants within easy walking distance of surrounding residential streets.
How far is Chestnut Hill from Center City Philadelphia?
Chestnut Hill is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Center City Philadelphia. It is easily accessible by car or via SEPTA Regional Rail lines (Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West), which take approximately 30 to 35 minutes into Center City.
Contact The Liz Clark Team Today
Whether you are exploring Chestnut Hill for a weekend visit or planning to purchase a historic home in the area, the Liz Clark Team is here to help.
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