Want to know the best time to see Philadelphia’s famous Boathouse Row? At sunrise in the fall a few days before Daylight Savings Time. It’s a very specific time and date and very early in the morning, but it’s worth it! And I am going to show you why 🙂
The best place to see fall leaves in Philadelphia
Last year, I went to see Boathouse Row at sunrise in the fall, and it was gorgeous! I made a little mistake though- I went the weekend of Daylight Savings Time, which meant that sunrise was at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., and giving 45 minutes to drive and walk to the spot to see Boathouse Row, I had quite the early morning! (Shout out to Matt for always coming with me on my crazy photography adventures!) So learn from my mistake last year and go before the time change. Because I didn’t have to go quite so early this year, I also got to see Boathouse Row all lit up with Christmas lights, which was absolutely beautiful.
I love the Philly skyline!
I mentioned this in last year’s post about Boathouse Row, but I love how the historic boathouses are still being used. One of the perks of seeing Boathouse Row so early in the morning is you get to see rowers on the Schuylkill River!
Aren’t the fall colors beautiful?
 
I couldn’t get enough of the boathouses!
The sun rises behind the art museum, but the colors in the sky on the opposite side are also beautiful
The sunrise over Philadelphia Museum of Art
After getting my fill of photos, we walked towards the park around the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see more of the fall colors. I loved how yellow so many of the trees were! The park around the museum is pretty empty this time of day, and we only saw a few people out for runs so you can have the area almost all to yourself.
Annika loved our early morning hike!
So yes, getting up before the sun is pretty early, but it’s so worth it to see the beautiful fall colors! (I also have other recommendations to see fall colors in Philadelphia if you’re in the city). The area is very empty (because who else is crazy enough to get up that early?), and seeing Boathouse Row at sunrise during fall is one of the most beautiful sights in Philadelphia! 🙂Â
Your photos are wonderful! I love how we can see the hours go by as we scroll through and look at the sequence of photos here. Definitely worth the early start I’d say!
Julia x
http://www.julia-speaks.com
Thank you so much! 🙂 It’s definitely worth getting up early for the sunrise!
These pictures are beautiful, Julia. Thanks for posting!
Thank you! 🙂
What a pretty row! I would love to walk here and daydream and about owning one of the boathouses. They are so pretty with the lights!
I would love to own one of the boathouses, too!
Superb pictures, autumn foliage and from the boathouse – even with such little light! Thanks for sharing, dreaming of renting as well a boathouse on London canals when my boys are slightly older!
Thank you! 🙂
Wow the Christmas lights are gorgeous! These first photos in the night are absolutely gorgeous. In fact all the photos you took are beautiful, it must have felt so special to notice the change in the light and the colours as the sun was rising. An early start, but so worth it! Thanks for sharing these photos with us. 🙂
Julia x
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Thank you! 🙂 The early start was worth it!
This is great! I had no idea this existed, but will add it to my ‘to do’ list and have to get to Philly around the holidays!
Yes Philly is a great place to visit for the holidays!
Your photography is standing! Somehow I never thought of Philly as such a piss picturesque place, but you have changed my mind.
Thank you! 🙂 There are many beautiful spots in Philly!
Boathouse row looks so beautiful! I’ll definitely have to check it out when I finally make it to Philly – no matter what time of year!
Yes it’s beautiful any time of the year!
Love the foliage and the holiday lights.
Thanks! 🙂
What a beautiful place! I love all the Christmas lights and the bright autumn colours. 🙂
It’s definitely worth seeing in person if you get the chance! 🙂
The boathouses look so sweet!
Thanks!
Picture postcard perfect!
Thanks! 🙂