Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk
A scenic boardwalk extending over the Schuylkill River, offering stunning city views and a vibrant recreational path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic boardwalk extending over the Schuylkill River, offering stunning city views and a vibrant recreational path.
"This boardwalk edition is fairly new. And was constructed and completed by 2014 and opened that October so a little bit over 10 years old and it is maintained very well."
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike?
Great for both! Rent bikes or bring your own to cover more ground. :athletic_shoe: :bike:
🎧 Be Aware of Bikers
Bikers can move fast. Stay to one side and be mindful of announcements. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Boardwalk Over Water
Extends from Locust Street to South Street
Stroll or cycle directly over the Schuylkill River with stunning city skyline views.
Panoramic City Views
Various points along the boardwalk
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of downtown Philadelphia and the waterfront, perfect for photos.
Educational Panels
Along the trail
Learn about the local history and environment through informative displays as you explore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Bike Etiquette Matters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike?
Great for both! Rent bikes or bring your own to cover more ground. :athletic_shoe: :bike:
🎧 Be Aware of Bikers
Bikers can move fast. Stay to one side and be mindful of announcements. :warning:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning cityscapes and river views. Great for portraits and scenic shots. :camerawithflash:
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Pair your walk with a delicious matcha from Mr. Rabbit Coffee just down the street. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike?
Great for both! Rent bikes or bring your own to cover more ground. :athletic_shoe: :bike:
🎧 Be Aware of Bikers
Bikers can move fast. Stay to one side and be mindful of announcements. :warning:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning cityscapes and river views. Great for portraits and scenic shots. :camerawithflash:
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Pair your walk with a delicious matcha from Mr. Rabbit Coffee just down the street. :coffee:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days. There are open spaces to relax and rehydrate. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk as a beautiful and well-maintained urban oasis, perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying scenic city views. Its extension over the river is a highlight, offering a unique perspective. While generally praised, some note that it can get crowded, and bikers should be mindful of pedestrians.
"The Schuykill Banks Boardwalk a great place to walk. We started out at the art museum and walk approximately 2.5 miles from the back parking lot to the end of the boardwalk over the years. I’ve watched this develop into a great place to exercise. it is also a great place to just go relax as they have a lot of open areas to sit along the trail. There are many benches And open spaces and along the way there are many places to stop and read information on educational panels. This boardwalk edition is fairly new. And was constructed and completed by 2014 and opened that October so a little bit over 10 years old and it is maintained very well. We walked approximately 2.5 miles to the temporary end point. Where another project is being constructed with a brand new walkable bridge for pedestrians that will link this trail far into South Philadelphia and end up into Bartram Gardens, which is an absolutely beautiful garden area that needs to be seen and I have reviewed and you will find not too far into my reviews. You will find walkers joggers bikers on this trail. Be aware bikers do travel sometimes at high rates of speed and unfortunately, you have to be careful because not all of them use the courtesy of letting you know that they’re on your left but every day you will find people on this trail it is a safe place to be, and there are many places to get off on so you do not have to walk the entire trail without having an outlet up to the city streets. there are future plans also towards the end of the trail on the opposite side of the river near 30th St. station to extend that side in outward marina. For pedestrians into the river with green space a public pool and usable facilities you will find this online. I am not sure of the exact thing but I have seen plans that are soon to be constructed. There is plenty of parking at the art museum that is free in lower parking lots behind the art museum. You’ll find great facilities down there which also lead in the opposite direction to the iconic boathouse Row. There are rentals for bicycles and other things as well as retail shops, some light fair eateries, and restroom facilities. You’re also find along this trail the river that runs adjacent to it has rentals for kayaks and other things and there are areas to hold private events at in across the street from the facilities there’s the historical lemon Hill and of course the rocky steps at the art museum."
KingVegan
"The view from the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is amazing! It provides a great view of downtown Philly and also waterfront. It is a nice flat and paved trail that is perfect for going for a stroll or run. It extends for miles and no cars are allowed on it. Finally, it is clean and well maintained. Overall, I definitely recommend checking it out. The view from the South Street part is especially good."
Scott
"Scenic walk and beautiful trail. Love taking my family here who are visiting from other countries, and they're usually impressed."
Roshelle Mooney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the boardwalk from various points, including near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where there's ample free parking in the lower lots. It's also accessible via public transport and connects to the larger Schuylkill River Trail system.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's lower parking lots, which is free.
Absolutely! The boardwalk is part of the Schuylkill River Trail, making it a popular destination for cyclists. You can bike from various points in and around Philadelphia.
Yes, the boardwalk is accessible via SEPTA bus routes. Check SEPTA's schedule for routes that stop near the Art Museum or other access points.
Popular access points include near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and further south towards South Street. The trail is well-marked and easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is a public park and is free to access.
The boardwalk is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time to enjoy the scenic views.
There is no admission fee to enter or use the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk. It's a free public amenity.
Typically, dogs are allowed on the Schuylkill River Trail and boardwalks, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations.
The main restriction is to be respectful of other users and the environment. Keep noise levels down and dispose of trash properly.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk, jog, bike, relax on benches, enjoy scenic views of the city and river, and learn from educational panels.
Yes, it's a great family-friendly spot. The flat, paved path is easy for strollers and young walkers, and the open spaces are perfect for picnics.
Restroom facilities are available at the Art Museum area and other points along the trail.
While there might not be direct rentals on the boardwalk itself, there are bike rental stations nearby, and programs like Bike Schuylkill offer community bikes.
Expect stunning panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline, the Schuylkill River, and surrounding green spaces.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are eateries and cafes near the Art Museum area, and you can also find great spots like Mr. Rabbit Coffee nearby for a drink to enjoy on your walk.
Absolutely! There are many open areas and benches perfect for a picnic while enjoying the river views.
Mr. Rabbit Coffee is highly recommended for its matcha, perfect for a hot girl walk. The Art Museum area also has various dining options.
While the boardwalk itself is primarily a recreational path, the adjacent areas, particularly near the Art Museum, offer food vendors and cafes.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the boardwalk or in the designated open spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire boardwalk offers great photo opportunities, especially where it extends over the water, providing unique angles of the city skyline and river. 
Yes, the scenic views, waterfront setting, and urban backdrop make it an excellent location for engagement shoots and portraits.
Late afternoon during the golden hour offers beautiful lighting, while evenings provide stunning city lights.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or require permits. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
People often capture cityscapes, river views, active shots of biking and running, and portraits against the urban backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider starting your visit near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can find restrooms and potentially rent bikes suitable for younger riders. The lack of car traffic on the boardwalk ensures a safer environment for children to explore. It's a great way to get kids outdoors and active while enjoying beautiful city views.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
You can enjoy stunning waterfront views and the city skyline as your backdrop, making your workout more enjoyable. Be aware that the boardwalk can get crowded, especially on weekends, so early morning or weekday visits are ideal for uninterrupted training. Remember to be courteous to other users, and if you're biking, be mindful of pedestrians.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The golden hour light in the late afternoon casts a beautiful glow, perfect for capturing stunning cityscapes and portraits. Consider incorporating elements like the river, bridges, and urban architecture into your shots. Drone photography can offer dramatic aerial views, but always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
The boardwalk is also a popular spot for engagement shoots and capturing dynamic action shots of runners and cyclists. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Schuylkill River Trail Extension
The extension not only enhances recreational opportunities but also plays a crucial role in connecting different parts of the city. Future plans aim to further extend the trail, linking it to areas like Bartram Gardens and potentially creating more green spaces and public facilities along the river.
When exploring the boardwalk, remember it's a shared space. While it's a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous bike ride, be mindful of other users. The trail can get busy, especially on weekends, and it's important to be courteous to ensure everyone has a pleasant experience.
Experiencing the Boardwalk: A Local's Perspective
Many appreciate the numerous benches and open areas, providing spots to simply sit, read, or soak in the atmosphere. The boardwalk's appeal lies in its blend of urban energy and natural flow. You can watch kayakers on the river below while enjoying views of the city skyline above.
It's a place where you can feel connected to the pulse of the city while still finding moments of tranquility. The educational panels along the way add an informative layer, enriching the experience with local history and environmental insights. For those looking to enhance their experience, consider grabbing a coffee from a nearby cafe, like Mr. Rabbit Coffee, known for its lavender matcha, and enjoy it as you stroll.
The boardwalk is a dynamic space, with ongoing developments promising even more to explore in the future, making it a continuously evolving and exciting part of Philadelphia. 
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