Summer weather in Philadelphia tends to be hot and humid and breathable clothing is advised. Winters are moderately cold with temperatures dipping below the freezing mark during winter months, but with daytime highs usually above freezing. Snow does occur irregularly in winter but does not stay long. Rain can occur throughout the year so be prepared with an umbrella for rainy walks with your pooch and warm outerwear for winter months.
This area is both residential and commercial with high rise apartments and office towers in the northern section and walk-up buildings further south. Residences consist of apartment buildings and townhouses and many of the buildings are historic. Streets in the neighborhood tend to be narrow with trees. The result is that sidewalks are well shaded by the buildings and landscape which provides relief on hot summer days.
Historic landmarks, like the Liberty Bell, museums, theatres, and shops are concentrated in the north but distributed throughout the area. There are twenty-six rainbow flag symbols on street signs and crosswalks painted with rainbow colors. The neighborhood features some sloping terrain, however, most inclines are not steep and it is not difficult for pedestrians and their dogs to traverse the neighborhood. This centrally located neighborhood is very busy with pedestrian and vehicular traffic and you will need to acclimate your dog to this active neighborhood.
Louis I. Kahn Park is located in Gayborhood on the south end and is a heavily treed park with benches, cobblestone walkways, and a seating area. This park is a beautiful place to sit and rest in the shade and visit with neighbors.
Washington Square is located just east of the Gayborhood area and is surrounded by pedestrian greenways along the busy streets that border these green spaces. These make ideal places to stroll with your dog on a Philadelphia evening and take in some historic landmarks.
Pet owners are just a 10-minute drive from the Schuylkill River Park which has a dog run with separate enclosed and fenced areas for large and small dogs to roam and play off-leash. The park also has greenways and access to the Schuylkill River Trail which provides 30 miles of greenway. The trail is mostly paved and runs along the river providing a generous pedestrian path with beautiful scenery.