Love Park

Philadelphia's Love Park is an iconic landmark in the City of Brotherly Love, overlooked by the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, for which the park is affectionately named. Officially dedicated as John F. Kennedy Plaza, this picturesque park in Center City first opened in 1965 and covers an underground parking garage. Love Park features impressive curved granite steps and a striking fountain with a large, single spout with the Ben Franklin Parkway in the distance. At times, the waters of the fountain are dyed to coordinate with the occasion-pink for breast cancer awareness and "Phanatic" green when the Phillies won the World Series, among others. Love Park is a great place for photos or a quick lunch break during your tour of Philadelphia.

Parking and public transportation at Love Park
Love Park is conveniently located in the Penn Center district of Center City Philadelphia, right near SEPTA's stately Suburban Station, an underground commuter rail system. You may also wish to check out the Philadelphia Phlash Transit Loop bus, which goes to many of the historic attractions in Philadelphia. If you wish to drive to Love Park, the underground parking garage, the Parking Garage at Love Park, run by Laz Parking at JFK Plaza (1500 Arch St., between N. 15 Street and N. 16th Street), may be a good choice based on its accessibility to the park.

Best and worst time to go to Love Park
Visit Love Park in the morning when it will be less crowded so you can take pictures, enjoy a cup of coffee, and relax without feeling cramped. You might also try to go in the late evening when the glow of the art museum and the fountain illuminate the backdrop of the LOVE sign. The park is bound to be crowded on warm, sunny days, so if crowds aren't your thing, you may want to keep that in mind.

Admission to Love Park
There is no cost to visit Love Park. You can also mark your calendar for Philadelphia's Christmas Village, an outdoor holiday market event that takes place annually and has been hosted at Love Park since 2011. The Christmas Village has free admission as well and has become one of the most beloved holiday happenings in the city.

Must see/do at Love Park
It's an absolute must to have your picture taken at the LOVE sign in front of the fountain. If you are interested in souvenirs, you may also wish to check out the the Fairmount Park Welcome Center and Gift Shop, which offers many love themed mementos. The welcome center provides ample suggestions for must-see attractions throughout the area and offers maps, brochures and custom itineraries so you can build out your trip through Philly.

Other places to visit near Love Park
Enjoy your walk around Love Park and the city with a cup of coffee or another hot beverage from nearby La Colombe. If you're looking for a meal, watch for the gourmet food trucks, take a short walk for Irish fare at Tir Na Nog Bar & Grill, or spend some time at the popular Reading Terminal Market.

Insider tip for visitors to Love Park
Plan to bring a friend or loved one to snap your picture at the fountain and LOVE sculpture. Some strangers may offer to take a photo for you, but many will do so expecting a tip.

Author's bio: Kathryn M. D'Imperio is a writer who's held close ties to the City of Brotherly Love for her entire life. She is a die-hard Philly sports fan and enjoys spending time in the city with her family.