Head down to Southwest Philly and stroll the meadows and trails of the nation’s oldest surviving botanical garden, shaded by the Franklinia trees that John Bartram named for his good bud Ben Franklin. Self-guided tours are free; bring a fishing pole and hang on the docks, admiring the views of the Center City skyline.

Bartram's Garden | S. 54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA | 215-729-5281 | http://www.bartramsgarden.org