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Destination

Chestnut Hill

Loaded with photo-worthy charm, Chestnut Hill is tucked in the northwest section of Philadelphia just 25 minutes from Center City. And thanks to its location near the Wissahickon and Cresheim creeks and Fairmount Park, this National Register Historic District enjoys an abundance of greenery and open spaces. Once a suburb where well-to-do Philadelphians escaped the city’s summer heat, Chestnut Hill saw an influx of year-round residents with the arrival of railroads in the 19th century. It was then, and still is, a relatively affluent community with an array of historic mansions and Victorian twins and row houses. Throughout the neighborhood there are unexpected delights including the Morris Arboretum and the Wissahickon Valley captivate visitors with their hidden trails, rippling waters and stunning natural treasures.

The main street, Germantown Avenue, is a treasure trove of shops, galleries, boutiques, home furnishings stores and restaurants. Stretching for almost 10 blocks, the avenue boasts cobblestones on the street and historic facades on many shops and businesses—all adding to the picturesque charm. Altogether, it creates a vibe that is lively but not wild and a quaint setting that is traditional but not stuffy, giving Chestnut Hill a village-like atmosphere.

How to get there

The SEPTA Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail Line stops at the top of “the Hill” on Germantown Avenue. The Chestnut Hill East station is located at 101 E. Chestnut Hill Avenue. SEPTA Bus Routes 23, 77, 94, 134 and L also run in the neighborhood.

Fare

There are many ways to get here on SEPTA, there are also many ways to pay. Click here to learn which fare is best for you.

Things To Do

Chestnut Hill is open for business! Chestnut Hill’s independent businesses, shops, and restaurants are committed to welcoming visitors safely following city and state guidelines. Shop at small boutiques, dine outdoors, and stroll the cobblestoned Avenue amid the scenery of Philadelphia’s Garden District. 

Morris Arboretum: Escape from the city to 92 acres of sweet, spring blooms, colorful gardens, bubbling fountains, and towering shade trees, and go Out on a Limb – 50 feet up in the treetops! Get here on SEPTA. Ride the Chestnut Hill East or Chestnut Hill West Line to the last stop. From there hop the Route L or 97 toward Plymouth Meeting or Plymouth Meeting Mall to the Germantown Avenue & Northwestern Avenue stop. Walk down Northwestern Avenue for .5 miles past Chestnut Hill College and the apartment complex until you come to the black wrought-iron gate of the Arboretum.

Nearby Perks
The Bone Appetite
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE - DOGGIE BAKERY ITEM

The Bone Appetite is your friendly neighborhood pet store and grooming...

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AR Workshop Chestnut Hill
$10 OFF REGISTRATION OF $50 OR MORE

AR Workshop Chestnut Hill is a boutique DIY workshop that offers hands-on...

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