Editing Belmont Plateau

{{Infobox Park
| name = Belmont Plateau
| image =
| image_caption = Philadelphia skyline view from Belmont Plateau
| type = Scenic overlook / Park
| location = Fairmount Park (West)
| coordinates = 39.9850,-75.2100
| area = Part of West Fairmount Park
| established = Part of 1867 Fairmount Park expansion
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| features = Skyline views, picnic areas, cross-country course, disc golf
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| transit = SEPTA bus 38; drive recommended
| website = https://myphillypark.org
}}

'''Belmont Plateau''' is a prominent overlook in [[Fairmount Park|West Fairmount Park]], offering one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the [[Philadelphia]] skyline. The elevated meadow, popular for picnics, cookouts, and informal gatherings, provides an unobstructed vista stretching from Center City to the Delaware River, making it the premier spot for skyline photography and July 4th fireworks viewing.<ref name="belmont">{{cite web |url=https://myphillypark.org/explore/parks/belmont-plateau/ |title=Belmont Plateau |publisher=Fairmount Park Conservancy |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The plateau is a beloved gathering spot for Philadelphians across all neighborhoods.

== Features ==

=== The View ===

'''Panoramic skyline views:'''
* Full Center City skyline
* Comcast Technology Center and Liberty Place
* City Hall tower
* Ben Franklin Bridge visible
* Delaware River in distance

=== Best Times to Visit ===

* '''Sunrise:''' Dramatic light on skyline
* '''Sunset:''' Golden hour photography
* '''Night:''' City lights
* '''July 4th:''' Fireworks viewing

=== Picnic Areas ===

'''Gathering spaces:'''
* Large open meadow
* Picnic tables
* Grills available
* Popular for cookouts and family reunions
* Group gathering spot

=== Recreation ===

'''Activities on the plateau:'''
* Frisbee and field games
* Kite flying
* Dog walking
* Informal sports

=== Cross-Country Course ===

The area features a '''cross-country running course''':
* Historic course used for competitions
* Rolling terrain through West Fairmount Park
* Philadelphia Catholic League and other championships
* Training runs year-round

=== Disc Golf ===

'''Disc golf course''' nearby:
* Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Course
* One of the nation's oldest disc golf courses
* 27 holes
* Free to play

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Dawn to dusk
* Open year-round
* Busiest on summer weekends and holidays

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Belmont Mansion Drive, West Fairmount Park

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 38 to Belmont Mansion Drive
* Long walk from any rail station

'''By Car:'''
* Most visitors drive
* Free parking lot
* Can be crowded on nice weekends

'''By Bicycle:'''
* Accessible via park roads
* Part of Fairmount Park bike network

=== Tips ===

* Arrive early on July 4th for best spots
* Weekday visits are less crowded
* Bring your own food and supplies
* Portable restrooms available
* Limited shade—bring sun protection

== Cultural Significance ==

Belmont Plateau serves as:
* Community gathering place
* Multi-generational tradition for many families
* Cookout and reunion destination
* Democratic public space

The plateau draws visitors from across the city and represents the kind of shared public space that defines Philadelphia's park tradition.

== Events ==

=== Regular Use ===

* Family cookouts (especially summer weekends)
* Birthday parties and reunions
* Photography sessions
* Cross-country meets

=== Major Events ===

* '''July 4th:''' Prime fireworks viewing
* '''Cross-country championships'''
* '''Informal sports tournaments'''

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Surrounding park
* '''[[Belmont Mansion]]''' — Historic house nearby
* '''[[Shofuso Japanese House and Garden]]''' — West Fairmount Park
* '''[[Please Touch Museum]]''' — Memorial Hall
* '''[[Mann Center]]''' — Performing arts venue

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Philadelphia skyline]]
* [[West Fairmount Park]]
* [[Lemon Hill]] (another overlook)

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]
* [https://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=136 Sedgley Woods Disc Golf]

{{#seo:
|title=Belmont Plateau Philadelphia - Best Skyline Views & Picnic Spot
|description=Guide to Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park. Philadelphia's premier skyline overlook with picnic areas, cross-country course, and July 4th fireworks viewing.
|keywords=Belmont Plateau Philadelphia, Philadelphia skyline views, Fairmount Park picnic, Philadelphia overlook, West Fairmount Park, July 4th Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Photography]]
[[Category:Recreation]]