Any Which Way to Wellness

A pocket guide to staying happy and healthy around Penn's campus and the Shop Penn Retail District in University City, Philadelphia.
Balancing emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and physical health can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. The Shop Penn Retail District, located in University City between Penn and Drexel's campuses, offers everything you need to revitalize the way you eat, move, and live. From healthy dining options to fitness gear and self-care services, discover the best wellness spots on and around Penn's campus.
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dine
Dine
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Address

3731 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Philadelphia's love affair with honeygrow knows no bounds—and for good reason. This locally-born fast-casual restaurant serves exceptional salads and stir-fries made from high-quality, wholesome ingredients. Far from a two-trick pony, they also offer cold-pressed juices and create-your-own fresh fruit bowls with custom toppings.

Whether you stick to the menu or chart your own path, honeygrow is home base for fueling up for your next adventure. What makes them a wellness essential? They commit to from-scratch sauces and dressings with no artificial ingredients, incorporate healthy fats and fiber-rich options throughout their menu, and offer plenty of vegetarian and plant-based choices for those going meatless. Who knew sticking to wholesome, nutritious eating could taste this good?

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shop
Apparel
Address

3621 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

For a treasure trove of athletic attire and running essentials, duck your head into Philadelphia Runner. This locally owned and independently operated specialty running store is nothing less than a candy store for runners and fitness enthusiasts, with an unrivaled collection of shoes, apparel, and accessories designed to help you get where you want to go.

Their culture is built on the idea that exercising can and should be fun, and their "all faces and paces" ethos extends to every customer interaction, welcoming everyone from beginners to marathoners. Spend five minutes with a fit specialist and you'll walk away not only with new insight into your arch height and gait analysis, but also a host of training tips and resources, and a half-dozen entry points into a community of people passionate about running, fitness, and living a healthy lifestyle. It's more than just shopping for athletic gear—it's joining Philadelphia's vibrant running community.

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shop
Apparel
Books
Address

3601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

The University of Pennsylvania Bookstore has always been a one-stop shop for all sorts of items to help with wellness, whether that's books for relaxation and inspiration or games and puzzles to engage the mind. Now you can also find products from Barnes & Noble's "Be Well. Be You." line, a thoughtfully curated collection of wellness products for mind and body designed to support the well-being of campus community members.

These products encourage a holistic approach to wellness and self-care, with options to promote calm, sleep, and energy; reduce anxiety; and relieve aches and pains. You'll find everything from relaxation and sleep aids to stress management tools, aromatherapy essentials, and cognitive engagement activities. Barnes & Noble College carefully selected brands to collaborate with for the collection, prioritizing a variety of items that are modern, relevant, and priced for accessibility—making self-care attainable for students, faculty, and staff alike.

4
play

Penn Park

Play
Parks
Address

3000 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Speaking of exercising, sometimes wellness is as simple as setting aside 15-20 minutes to walk around Penn Park during your lunch break one day next week. Getting up from your desk isn't only advantageous for your physical health—it can also be landscape-altering for mental health. Even a short walk around the block can do wonders for your mood, and your productivity, and your ability to cope with stress.

Penn Park offers the perfect escape with its multi-use walking and jogging track, beautiful green spaces for meditation and relaxation, and scenic routes through the nation's most beautiful and historic campus grounds. Like a good game plan? Keep the parks paths in your back pocket for quick loops during busy schedules, moderate midday breaks, or extended comprehensive exercise sessions. Getting outside isn't just exercise—it's essential self-care for your mental and emotional well-being.

5
dine
Dine
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Address

3728 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

With salads, wraps, bowls, and more, Just Salad is a testament to the idea that healthy eating doesn't need to be boring. The restaurant has fresh ingredients delivered daily and only serves food that is raw, roasted, baked, or steamed. It's the perfect option for delicious healthy choices to elevate your lunchtime experience, whether you're grabbing a bite between classes or refueling after a workout.

Just Salad offers fresh salads with unlimited customization, wholesome grain bowls and wraps, and seasonal ingredients with rotating specials to keep things interesting. With options for every dietary preference and their tagline "Healthy for Everyone," Just Salad has just what you need to keep your resolutions about eating better right on track. Nutritious choices have never been this easy or this delicious.

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shop
Beauty
Address

212 South 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Luxe Nail Bar brings premium wellness and beauty services to the Shop Penn Retail District, offering a tranquil escape from the demands of academic and professional life. This modern nail salon provides manicures and pedicures with organic and non-toxic polish options, spa treatments designed for stress relief, and a clean, contemporary atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

Their professional technicians focus on your comfort and well-being, creating an experience that's about more than just looking good—it's about feeling good. Taking time for yourself through regular self-care appointments can reduce stress, improve mood, and give you something to look forward to during challenging times. Whether you're treating yourself after finals week, preparing for an important event, or simply carving out "me time" in a busy schedule, Luxe Nail Bar provides the perfect setting for physical and mental rejuvenation. Make wellness a priority—you deserve it.

7
play

Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Play
Museums
Address

3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Every First Wednesday, the Penn Museum's galleries and gardens transform into a sanctuary of self-care for the University City community. Mind & Mood Recharge offers a chance to hit pause on the hustle and bustle of a busy week with multi-sensory moments designed to help you recharge and rejuvenate. Now in its third year, this popular after-hours wellness series has become an essential mid-week escape for students, professionals, and Philadelphia residents seeking balance and tranquility.

Unwind in the museum's stunning galleries with an uplifting array of health-centric happenings. Get centered with all-levels yoga, sound bath sessions, and meditation led by experienced local practitioners. Slow down and savor a mindful gallery exploration, spark creativity by dropping in to an artmaking session, explore a rotating lineup of curated artisans in the wellness marketplace, and enjoy light bites and botanical refreshments at the botanical bar. Whether you're looking to decompress after a challenging day or find community in a beautiful setting, Mind & Mood Recharge offers the perfect mid-week reset.

Plan Your Wellness Journey in University City

The Shop Penn Retail District makes it easy to prioritize your health and happiness in University City, Philadelphia. Whether you're fueling your body with nutritious meals from honeygrow or Just Salad, finding the perfect running shoes at Philadelphia Runner, investing in self-care products at the Penn Bookstore, enjoying outdoor exercise at Penn Park, or treating yourself to spa services at Luxe Nail Bar, everything you need is right here between Penn and Drexel's campuses. Start your wellness journey today and discover how the Shop Penn community supports healthy, balanced living for students, faculty, staff, and Philadelphia residents alike.

honeygrow

Philadelphia Runner

University of Pennsylvania Bookstore

Penn Park

Just Salad

Luxe Nail Bar

Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology