Boathouse Row

07

Nov

One of my favorite things about Philadelphia is the old buildings and quirky history (I’m such a history nerd!). If you haven’t been to Philadelphia, I’m sure you know Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are here, but there are a ton of other beautiful historic buildings in Philadelphia, too. One of my favorite historical spots is the iconic Boathouse Row. You may have seen beautiful pictures of it all lit up at night (I still need to go at night and get some photos!), and it’s also beautiful during the day. It’s actually still in use for college rowing teams and the Schuylkill Navy so you can often see people rowing on the river, which is pretty neat!

For a little history on Boathouse Row, there are 15 boathouses that started being built in 1858 for the Schuylkill Navy, the oldest amateur athletic governing group in the United States, named for the Schuylkill River that Boathouse Row sits on. Many of the boathouses were rebuilt over the years, and the newest one dates to 1904. There are only two original 1860 boathouses now, and you can read more about the history here.Β 

The best view of Boathouse Row is from I-76 (if you’re brave enough to drive on it), and you can also get a great view on the Schuylkill River Trail, which is where I went for these photos. Boathouse Row is right next to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so you can kill two birds with one stone by visiting the museum and Boathouse Row in an afternoon. I actually went right after sunrise to get these photos to make sure I had great light for the water and beautiful autumn leaves! (Stay tuned for a post on Philadelphia in the fall!)

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

This was taken from the art museum, and you can see the zoo balloon peaking through the trees!

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

There were already some rowers out at sunrise!

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

I love that little lighthouse!

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

Do you have a favorite historical spot in Philadelphia or a suggestion on where I should photograph next? Comment below! πŸ™‚Β 

Blog, Historical Philadelphia, North America, Philadelphia, Photography

  1. These photos are stunning! I just love the fall colors!

  2. deena says:

    OMG those images, are so realistic, love the write up and history you provided. Thanks for sharing

  3. Sarah says:

    Love your photos! Especially with the birds perched! Are those boathouses privately owned now?

    • Julia says:

      Thank you! πŸ™‚ I believe they’re all owned by different groups! I know Drexel and Penn each have one for their rowing teams.

  4. What beautiful views, I didn’t know about the boathouses!

  5. How quaint and idyllic! Not what I would have expected of Philly – thank you for showing an unexpected side of such a large city! I love Boston but should travel elsewhere on the east coast πŸ™‚

  6. Robin says:

    Gorgeous photos!!! I grew up in Philly and always loved wandering over to Boathouse Row after a day at the art museum ☺️

  7. Ashley B. says:

    Beautiful photos! I haven’t been to Philly in years, but my experience was much more different lol

  8. Karen says:

    Love your photos. I wish I had seen these when I was in Philly. The magic gardens seem cool

  9. Such gorgeous Fall color! Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing!
    xo ~ D
    Be you and thrive

  10. Sherell says:

    Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous. You are very talented. Wow!

  11. WOW! These are beyond stunning. You captured fall so beautifully!!

  12. Katell says:

    What a quaint little place!! Gloriously displaying fall too!

  13. Rachel says:

    Julia these photos are beautiful!! If I ever get to go to Philly again I will have to make a stop here!

    http://imperfectlyrachel.blogspot.com/

  14. Em says:

    Oh wow. How beautiful and autumnal are these photos. Just stunning. And those reflection *swoon*! x

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