Belmont Plateau
| 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 | Official Site |
Belmont Plateau is a prominent overlook in 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.[1]
The plateau is a beloved gathering spot for Philadelphians across all neighborhoods.
Features
[edit | edit source]The View
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- Sunrise: Dramatic light on skyline
- Sunset: Golden hour photography
- Night: City lights
- July 4th: Fireworks viewing
Picnic Areas
[edit | edit source]Gathering spaces:
- Large open meadow
- Picnic tables
- Grills available
- Popular for cookouts and family reunions
- Group gathering spot
Recreation
[edit | edit source]Activities on the plateau:
- Frisbee and field games
- Kite flying
- Dog walking
- Informal sports
Cross-Country Course
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Disc golf course nearby:
- Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Course
- One of the nation's oldest disc golf courses
- 27 holes
- Free to play
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk
- Open year-round
- Busiest on summer weekends and holidays
Getting There
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Regular Use
[edit | edit source]- Family cookouts (especially summer weekends)
- Birthday parties and reunions
- Photography sessions
- Cross-country meets
Major Events
[edit | edit source]- July 4th: Prime fireworks viewing
- Cross-country championships
- Informal sports tournaments
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Fairmount Park
- Philadelphia skyline
- West Fairmount Park
- Lemon Hill (another overlook)
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Belmont Plateau". Fairmount Park Conservancy. Retrieved December 30, 2025