JFK Plaza (Love Park)
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
JFK Plaza, also known as Love Park, offers a unique value proposition as a tranquil urban oasis centered around the iconic 'LOVE' statue, providing excellent photo opportunities and scenic views of Philadelphia landmarks like City Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It's designed as a spacious, inclusive public park with on-site food vendors and ample seating, making it a relaxing stop for families during a city tour.
Key Highlights
- ✓Iconic 'LOVE' sign provides a prime photo opportunity for families.
- ✓Offers stunning scenic views of major Philadelphia landmarks including City Hall, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- ✓Helpful staff, like 'Ranger Bob', are present and willing to assist with taking family photos.
- ✓Food vendors selling family-friendly options like pizza, hot dogs, and ice cream are available on-site.
- ✓Numerous tables and seating options are available, especially by the fountain, for families to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- ✓The park is spacious and well-designed, allowing different groups to feel comfortable and engage in their own activities.
Standout Features
- ⭐The prominent and iconic 'LOVE' statue focal point.
- ⭐Direct, unobstructed views of city hall and the museum.
- ⭐Friendly and helpful staff (e.g., Ranger Bob) who enhance the visitor experience by offering photo assistance.
- ⭐Convenient on-site food vendors for quick family snacks.
- ⭐Abundant seating options throughout the park, including tables by the fountain.
- ⭐Proximity and walkable access to other family-friendly attractions like Dilworth Park.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Plan to get a family photo with the 'LOVE' sign; consider asking a staff member like 'Ranger Bob' for assistance.
- →Be prepared for potential lines at the 'LOVE' sign, but know they typically move quickly.
- →Research parking options or consider public transportation in advance, as parking can be challenging.
- →Visit during pleasant weather to fully enjoy the outdoor seating and walking opportunities.
- →Take advantage of the on-site food vendors for convenient snacks like pizza, hot dogs, or ice cream.
- →Combine your visit with a short walk to nearby Dilworth Park for additional experiences.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Parking can be somewhat difficult, potentially requiring nearby paid garages or public transport.
- ⚠Early March or similar cold weather periods might not be ideal for extended outdoor sitting.
- ⚠There can be a line to take photos with the 'LOVE' sign, though it reportedly moves quickly.
Price & Value
Entry to JFK Plaza (Love Park) is free. The value lies in accessing an iconic landmark, enjoying panoramic city views, and utilizing a well-maintained public space with amenities like seating and food vendors. Any food purchases from vendors are an additional cost, but no admission fee is required.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •The park features inviting pathways and spacious areas, suggesting good accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs, although specific disability accommodations are not explicitly detailed in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •On-site food vendors offer family-friendly options such as pizza, hot dogs, and ice cream. There is no explicit mention of a policy against outside food, but convenient options are available for purchase.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking can be somewhat difficult. It is advisable to plan for nearby paid parking garages or utilize public transportation, as direct parking at the park is limited or challenging. Dilworth Park, a short walk away, might offer additional parking context.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Lines for the 'LOVE' sign are noted, but reviewers state they move quickly. The park is described as spacious and designed to accommodate various visitors comfortably, suggesting it can handle crowds without feeling overly congested for general enjoyment.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features for children's play areas (e.g., dedicated staff monitoring, wristbands) are mentioned, as it is an open city park. However, the presence of helpful staff like 'Ranger Bob' implies general public assistance and presence.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you are specifically looking for playgrounds or dedicated interactive play areas for young children, as the park's primary focus is on sightseeing and relaxation.
- • Expecting easily accessible, free parking directly at the site.
- • Visiting if young children require constant, high-energy entertainment, as the main activities are walking, viewing, and photo-taking.
Pricing/Package/Events
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Mohammed Hosain
a week agoNestled in the heart of this vibrant city, this tranquil oasis offers a stunning escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Regardless of the season—whether the warmth of summer, the chill of winter, or the blossoming beauty of spring—this destination captivates with its lush greenery, inviting pathways, and serene atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to unwind, reflect, or simply enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Anne Margaret White
2 months agoEarly March may not be the best time of year to visit to sit outside, but it still has cool views and photo ops. Loved the view down to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And you're in the shadow of City Hall. Of course, you have to take a pic with the iconic LOVE sign. Fun stop!
Miss. K
a week agoBeen to Philly plenty of times over the years. Never seen the new LOVE site. We met Ranger Bob! Big gentle Giant! Super helpful amd even took our pictures 😝 It was a line but it moved quickly. They have food vendors around pizza, hit dogs, ice cream. Also, have tables it you want to sit by the fountain and enjoy the scenery.
Jason Everett
a month agoI love LOVE Park. It's a perfectly designed park. Every type of person in the city, or those the city draws, can feel comfortable in their own bubble and activity in that park. It's spacious, has lots of seating options, and offers great views. And, I think making the LOVE statue the focal point was brilliant.
Enchanted Wisdom
a week agoIt’s a nice spot for walking around enjoying the surroundings, parking can be somewhat difficult, Dilworth park is nearby which is super cool if you wanted to walk there.