Philadelphia, PA - Family Fun In Philadelphia, Adventure Aquarium and Independence Seaport Museum are just two of dozens of attractions that the whole family can enjoy when in Philadelphia.
A Complete Guide to the Delaware River Waterfront: Attractions, Eats, and Adventures
Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront has undergone a stunning transformation, evolving from a series of underutilized piers into one of the most vibrant and exciting destinations in the city for both locals and visitors. This bustling corridor offers a perfect blend of beautiful open spaces, fascinating historical attractions, delicious food and drink, and fun on the water. Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon in a hammock, a spin on a Ferris wheel, or a gourmet meal on a historic ship, the waterfront has it all. Here is your complete guide to its essential attractions, eats, and adventures.
Iconic Parks & Attractions
The heart of the waterfront is a string of incredible parks and piers that come alive, especially during the warmer months.
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Spruce Street Harbor Park: The quintessential summer hangout, this park is a magical urban oasis famous for its hundreds of colorful hammocks, floating gardens, and thousands of twinkling LED lights that illuminate the trees at night. Enjoy local craft beers on a floating barge, grab a bite from a variety of food vendors, and relax by the river. (Seasonal, typically May through September).
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Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest: Just a short walk from Spruce Street, Summerfest is a classic summer carnival on the water. It features a massive outdoor roller-skating rink, a 60-foot Ferris wheel, a double-decker carousel, mini-golf, and boardwalk-style games and rides. In the winter, it transforms into Winterfest, with a beloved ice-skating rink and cozy fire pits.
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Cherry Street Pier: This historic pier has been brilliantly repurposed into a year-round, mixed-use public space. Inside, you'll find artist studios, pop-up artisan markets, and a waterfront bar and garden. It's a fantastic spot to enjoy a drink with an incredible, up-close view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
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Race Street Pier: With its two levels of green space, this pier is a favorite for those seeking a more relaxed experience. It's a perfect spot for free yoga classes, a quiet stroll, or simply sitting on the tiered steps and watching the river traffic go by.
Waterfront Eats: From Casual to Fine Dining
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Liberty Point: As Philadelphia's largest outdoor restaurant, Liberty Point offers a massive, multi-level space with five bars and unobstructed, panoramic views of the river. Its casual, Mexican-inspired menu and summer tiki bar pop-up make it a fun and festive destination.
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Moshulu: For a truly unique and elegant dining experience, have dinner aboard the Moshulu, the world's oldest and largest four-masted tall ship still afloat. The menu features modern American cuisine in a sophisticated and romantic setting.
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Keating's Rope & Anchor: Located in the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, this restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and beautiful waterfront views in a comfortable, upscale setting.
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Morgan's Pier: A classic seasonal beer garden, Morgan's Pier is a go-to for casual food, craft beer, and live music with fantastic views of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Adventures on the Water
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Independence Seaport Museum: Dive into Philadelphia's rich maritime history at this fantastic museum. You can also climb aboard and explore two historic warships: the Cruiser Olympia, a 19th-century warship, and the Submarine Becuna, a World War II-era sub.
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Paddle Penn's Landing: Get out on the water yourself! Located in the basin right next to the Seaport Museum, you can rent paddle boats, swan boats, and kayaks for a fun and family-friendly adventure with a great view of the city skyline.
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RiverLink Ferry: For a scenic and convenient trip across the river, the RiverLink Ferry connects Penn's Landing with the Camden Waterfront, home to the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey. It's a fun, 15-minute ride that offers a unique perspective of both city skylines.
From the relaxing hammocks of Spruce Street Harbor Park and the family fun of the RiverRink to the historic ships at the Seaport Museum and the elegant dining aboard the Moshulu, the Delaware River waterfront is a dynamic and essential part of any Philadelphia visit. It's a place that perfectly blends the city's history with modern recreation, offering an unforgettable experience for everyone.
