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Penn's Landing
Named in honor of William Penn’s historic landing in Philadelphia in 1682, Penn’s Landing hosts events, attractions and entertainment all year long.
The area along the Delaware River waterfront is home to year-round attractions like Independence Seaport Museum; stunning open spaces like Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier; and restaurants like the Moshulu.
Perhaps most notably, Penn’s Landing is home to some of the city’s most popular seasonal parks, including Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest and Summerfest.
Plus, throughout the year, happenings and events like farmers markets, concerts, art exhibitions and more take place throughout the spaces at Penn’s Landing.
Tying everything together: stellar views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Delaware River and the Camden waterfront across the river in New Jersey.
Once a series of dilapidated piers and underutilized public spaces, Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront has undergone a number of thrilling developments in the 21st century on its way to becoming one of the most exciting spots in the city for residents and visitors.
The epicenter of it all is Penn’s Landing.
This reclaimed space — which runs the length of Center City along the waterfront — always has something fun going on, including festivals, concerts, beer gardens, yoga, roller-skating and ice-skating.
Spruce Street Harbor Park draws thousands of residents and visitors during the warm-weather months with a beer garden, hammocks and food stands. — Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Set on the shores of the Delaware River Waterfront, Penn’s Landing offers a seemingly endless array of ways to enjoy Philadelphia’s riverfront.
Open Spaces
Race Street Pier features two levels for recreation, a multi-tiered seating area for watching the tide roll in, free seasonal yoga and — of course — absolutely transcendent views of the Delaware River and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Located just next door, Cherry Street Pier — opened in 2018 — is an indoor-outdoor mixed-use public space, home to artist studios, a marketplace, and alfresco food and beverage purveyors, including The Garden.
The Garden at Cherry Street Pier serves up sweet riverside views along the waterfront. — Photo by Society Hill Films
Year-Round Attractions
All year long, the Independence Seaport Museum provides an interactive and educational glimpse into Philadelphia’s rich seafaring heritage. Permanent exhibits like the Workshop on the Water and the warships Olympia and Becuna bring the past and present to life. Visitors looking to get their sea legs can rent paddle boats, swan boats and kayaks.
Housed within a historic former pumping station beneath the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, FringeArts’ 300-seat theatre hosts concerts, theater performances and special events. Exposed brick walls, high ceilings and large windows preserve the original character of the building and provide the backdrop for a wide range of performances.
Seasonal Attractions
In the summer, Spruce Street Harbor Park draws thousands of residents and visitors with features like a beer garden, food stands, colorful hammocks and carnival-style games. The urban oasis also hosts fun-filled festivals and alfresco concerts of all musical genres.
Blue Cross RiverRink offers roller skating in the summer and ice skating in the winter. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
A few steps away, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest delights guests with roller skating, a boathouse-style lodge and carnival rides. In the colder months, the site transforms into Winterfest, with an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, outdoor fire pits, delectable bites and holiday lights.
Hotels
On the shores of the Delaware River, the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing is the only waterfront hotel in the city. The property boasts an indoor swimming pool, on-site dining at Keating’s Rope & Anchor Bar + Kitchen, a fitness room and more. Pro tip: Bring a lock to add to the Philadelphia Hope Fence, which runs along the exterior of the hotel.
Enjoy a scenic, waterfront location at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. — Photo courtesy Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn’s Landing is less than a 10-minute walk from Elfreth’s Alley, The Betsy Ross House, Christ Church and other sites in Philadelphia’s Historic District. Rooms facing the Delaware River offer views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Camden waterfront, and all stays include daily complimentary breakfast.
Food & Drink
An anchored historic ship houses one of the city’s most unusual dining experiences. Moshulu’s seafood-centric menu includes options like tuna tartare, lobster bisque and Spanish octopus, along with crowdpleasers like filet mignon and roasted chicken, while the bar serves sushi, small bites and shareable plates. Visitors can also chill at the outdoor bar at the The Deck , serving up small plates, chilled seafood and more.
A Philadelphia landmark, the Moshulu is the world’s oldest and largest four-masted tall ship as well as a restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
The Delaware River — which flows south past Bucks, Philadelphia and Delaware counties on its way to Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean — offers lots of waterfront fun beyond Penn’s Landing as well.
That includes can’t-miss riverside attractions (Adventure Aquarium); drinking and dining with a river view (Morgan’s Pier); and things to do in the countryside, including gorgeous historic mansions, Washington Crossing State Park, Philadelphia Union professional soccer games and more.
Click the button below for our guide to things to do on the Delaware River waterfront in Philadelphia and the Countryside.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Where to begin your exploration of the city's vast cultural scene...