A recommended day trip from The Bellevue Hotel: Longwood Gardens

Getting there from The Bellevue Hotel

Longwood Gardens sits in the Brandywine Valley about 37 miles from The Bellevue Hotel. The hotel address is 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19102 if you enter it into a GPS or rideshare app.

The most direct options are driving (rental car, personal car, or rideshare) or booking a private day tour. The hotel offers valet parking at the front entrance for guests; check current valet/self-parking options and rates with the front desk if you plan to return by car.

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• Tell the valet you’re leaving a vehicle overnight if you plan to return later in the evening — rates are charged to the guest room.
• If you prefer not to drive, ask the concierge at The Bellevue Hotel about local car services or recommended tour operators for Longwood Gardens.
• Bring the hotel’s address (200 South Broad Street) or call BookResorts agents at +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking assistance or questions.

What to see and do at Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens features a mix of formal outdoor gardens, conservatory displays, fountains, and seasonal exhibitions. Depending on the season you’ll find floral displays, water features, and rotating horticultural shows.

Plan time for the Conservatory, the Main Fountain Garden (if active that day), and any special exhibits or seasonal events listed by Longwood. The property also has walking paths and landscape gardens best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

• Conservatory displays (indoor plant collections and seasonal shows)
• Main Fountain Garden and water features (check if fountains are operating the day of your visit)
• Outdoor formal gardens and walking paths
• Special seasonal exhibits or evening light shows (varies by time of year)

Sample half-day itinerary

If you have one day, aim to arrive soon after Longwood opens and leave mid-to-late afternoon to avoid evening traffic. A typical visit sequence is Conservatory first, then the Main Fountain Garden, and finally a relaxed walk through the outdoor gardens.

Allow at least 2–3 hours for a focused visit; allot more time if you want to attend a special program, show, or to dine on site.

• Arrival and tickets — pick up maps and check the day’s event schedule
• Conservatory — view seasonal displays and indoor collections
• Main Fountain Garden — visit when fountains are scheduled or otherwise walk the terraces
• Outdoor gardens and walking paths — end with a quiet stroll or photo stops

Timing, tickets and accessibility notes

Check Longwood Gardens’ website for current hours, ticketing, and any required timed-entry reservations before you go. Seasonal hours, special events, and fountain/lighting schedules change throughout the year.

Longwood has paths and indoor spaces that are accessible, but specific accessibility services, parking details, and mobility-aid policies are managed by Longwood — consult their site or call them directly for the most current visitor information.

• Buy tickets or reserve timed entry in advance when possible to secure your preferred arrival window.
• Check whether the Main Fountain Garden is running a fountain show or evening light program on your chosen date.
• If you require accessible parking or mobility assistance, verify Longwood’s services ahead of your visit.

Return to The Bellevue Hotel — dining and unwind options

After your visit, return to The Bellevue Hotel for dinner at Pergola (19th floor) or Mr. Edison in the lobby. Pergola serves breakfast through dinner and offers city views from the 19th floor; Mr. Edison is an evening-focused supper club in the lobby with a seasonal New American menu.

Reservations are recommended for both restaurants, especially Pergola for rooftop seating or Mr. Edison for supper-club evenings. If you prefer a lighter return, the lobby bar serves morning beverages and pastries earlier in the day and the hotel offers in-room delivery overnight hours through Pergola.

• Pergola — breakfast, lunch and dinner; open 6:30 AM–10:00 PM (dinner later Fri–Sat). Make reservations for rooftop seating.
• Mr. Edison — dinner service starts at 5:00 PM; dress code and reservations apply for evening service.
• If you’re staying later, use the hotel’s valet and front desk (open 24 hours) for an easy return; confirm parking arrangements on arrival.

Hotel practicalities and final tips

Check-in at The Bellevue Hotel is standard at 4:00 PM with check-out at 11:00 AM; a late check-out may be available on request. The hotel provides complimentary guest access to The Sporting Club (indoor lap pool and fitness) for the duration of your stay.

If you plan to use hotel amenities before or after your Longwood visit, confirm hours — The Sporting Club has designated children's hours and age restrictions for some areas. For questions about parking, pet policy, or room options such as Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed or Junior Suite, contact the front desk or BookResorts agents at +1 (888) 605-1350.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for Longwood’s outdoor gardens.
• If traveling with children, review The Sporting Club children’s hours and required waivers before using hotel pool facilities.
• Confirm restaurant reservations at Pergola or Mr. Edison before you leave for the day to ensure a table on return.