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Delaware River Waterfront: Philly’s Riverside Retreat

Philly's premier urban oasis features riverside fun in all seasons ...

Pa Sabrina Carter epi Jovan EllisLast updated on July 30, 2025
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Few places capture the Philly spirit like the Kòt Rivyè Delaware.

Drawing over 2 million visitors annually, the waterfront features parks, attractions and iconic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

At its heart is Penn’s Landing, a dynamic hub for concerts, festivals, fireworks, beer gardens, skating and art pop-ups.

The waterfront’s main attractions — many of which are free and open year-round — sit between Vine Street and Washington Avenue.

Note that Penn’s Landing is undergoing a major transformation, including a massive new park and more.

Read on for a guide to Penn’s Landing and the Delaware River waterfront, curated with help from the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.

Plis enfòmasyon sou katye a:
Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
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Gade tout enfòmasyon yo
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Eksperyans ou pa dwe rate

1. Lounge at Spruce Street Harbor Park or lace up at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink

Pak Spruce Street Harbor is a warm-weather fave with food vendors, a beer garden, floating barges and free concerts — plus a twinkly hammock grove you’ll never want to leave.

Just upriver, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink hosts Fèt Ete (roller skating) and Fèt Ivè (ice skating), with an open-air rink, rides, boardwalk games and seasonal treats like funnel cake.

Visitors relax in a netted lounge area along floating barges at Spruce Street Harbor Park in Philadelphia, overlooking the Delaware River on a sunny day. Visitors relax in a netted lounge area along floating barges at Spruce Street Harbor Park in Philadelphia, overlooking the Delaware River on a sunny day.

Pak Spruce Street Harbor   — Photo by Beaumonde Originals for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

2. Celebrate major festivals and firework shows

Some of Philly’s biggest celebrations happen right here on the waterfront.

The area is a major fireworks destination, with a pre-Fourth of July fireworks celebration each summer and dazzling fireworks displays every New Year’s Eve.

Plus, the annual PECO Multicultural Series showcases diverse cultures, crafts and cuisine throughout the year at events like the ACANA African Festival, the Mexican Independence Day Festival and the Festival of India.

Fireworks explode in the dark sky over the Delaware River and Penn's Landing. People ice skate and watch the fireworks from Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest. Fireworks explode in the dark sky over the Delaware River and Penn's Landing. People ice skate and watch the fireworks from Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest.

New Year’s Eve fireworks display   — Foto koutwazi Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

3. Support the arts at Cherry Street Pier and FringeArts

The art scene on the water is electrifying.

Kwà Ri Cherry offers maker pop ups, events, rotating exhibits and open studios — all with panoramic river views.

Nearby, FringeArts hosts avant-garde performances in a historic building under the Ben Franklin Bridge, along with a beer garden next door at Bar Fringe and the annual Fringe Festival.

People shop at the vendor booths at Art Star Craft Bazaar at Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia. The garage doors of the market are open and overlook the Delaware River. People shop at the vendor booths at Art Star Craft Bazaar at Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia. The garage doors of the market are open and overlook the Delaware River.

Art Star Craft Bazaar pop up at Cherry Street Pier   — Photo courtesy Art Star

4. Enjoy dinner and drinks with a view

Fun on the water extends to Philly eateries, with skyline views and riverside brews.

Enjoy fresh seafood at spots like Libète Pwen (Philly’s largest restaurant), waterfront dance parties at seasonal hangs like Morgan's Pier, and contemporary American and twilight cocktails aboard anchored ships like the Moshulu.

Two people smile and toast cocktails in clear plastic cups while dining outdoors at Liberty Point. Blue skies, menus on the table and the Delaware River are visible in the background. Two people smile and toast cocktails in clear plastic cups while dining outdoors at Liberty Point. Blue skies, menus on the table and the Delaware River are visible in the background.

Libète Pwen   — Photo courtesy Liberty Point

5. Get nautical with maritime attractions

La Independence Seaport Museum highlights Philadelphia’s history both from land and sea with interactive exhibits and an award-winning pair of military vessels — the Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna.

Just steps away, Paddle Penn’s Landing puts you at the helm of a (swan-shaped) vessel of your own to cruise the river for yourself.

Looking for an even bigger voyage? Climb aboard the impressive Lespri Filadèlfi or charter an intimate luxury cruise with Sea Philly.

A mother and two children look at a model ship displayed in a glass case at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. A mother and two children look at a model ship displayed in a glass case at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia.

  — Foto pa J. Fusco pou Visit Philadelphia

6. Explore more green spaces along the Delaware River Trail

Connecting our favorite riverfront destinations, this expansive trail offers over three miles of scenic views and prime space for biking, walking, boarding, skating and more.

Wake up with sunrise yoga at Kwà Race Street, stroll through historic Pak Penn Treaty, admire the Land Buoy — a tribute to Philly’s immigrant communities — at Washington Avenue Pier, or just take to the trail and see where it leads you.

Yon siklis ki mete kas ap woule sou Delaware River Trail devan Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier ak Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Yon siklis ki mete kas ap woule sou Delaware River Trail devan Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier ak Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

  — Foto pa Visit Philadelphia

7. Hop across the river for Adventure Aquarium, Battleship New Jersey & Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

The fun doesn’t stop on the Philly side of the river.

The Camden waterfront (yes, that is New Jersey on the other side of the Delaware River) offers major all-ages fun — and impeccable views of the city skyline — at Akwaryòm Avantur, Batiman de gè New Jersey and Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

Pro tip: The seasonal Ferri RiverLink offers easy access to the Camden waterfront from Penn’s Landing — no driving required.

Families walk through the Shark Tunnel at Adventure Aquarium and watch fish and sharks swim by. Families walk through the Shark Tunnel at Adventure Aquarium and watch fish and sharks swim by.

Akwaryòm Avantur   — Foto pa J. Fusco pou Visit Philadelphia

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Ki kote pou rete

Take your pick. Hilton Philadelphia nan Penn's Landing epi Holiday Inn Express are right on the water, plus Otèl Penn's View epi Filadelfi Marriott Old City are close by.

A modern hotel room with a king bed and large windows with views of the Delaware River. A modern hotel room with a king bed and large windows with views of the Delaware River.

King Bed Waterfront Room at Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing   — Photo courtesy Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

Konsèy lokal

Ou pare pou w dekouvri zòn nan poukont ou? Men kèk konsèy pou kòmanse:

  • Accessing the waterfront via public transportation is as easy as hopping on Sepa’s L (Market-Frankford) subway line, the seasonal PHLASH shuttle, or one of the many nearby buses.
  • Parking is limited due to the construction, but lots are available along Market Street, Lombard Circle and Penn’s Landing. Rates and availability may vary by event.
  • Insider secret: Early evening is one of the best times to visit Spruce Street Harbor Park. As the sun goes down, the LED lanterns turn on, washing the hammock lounge in a magical glow — plus the lines for food tend to be shorter.
  • Looking to catch the sunset? Cherry Street Pier offers peaceful, secluded views of the sun setting over the Ben Franklin Bridge from its outdoor garden area.

Plis bagay pou fè toupre

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Rezève sejou w nan Philadelphia, PA
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Filadèlfi
Katye

Philadelphia se yon vil ki gen katye vivan, antoure pa yon rejyon ki gen ti vil atiran, kote chak zòn gen yon pèsonalite distenk. Eksplore katye ak ti vil ki nan Philadelphia ak alantou li — lari ki gen istwa, atraksyon enteresan, restoran ki tout moun ap pale de yo, ak evènman ki fèt pandan tout ane a.

Sèvi ak meni ki anlè a pou eksplore katye Philadelphia yo.

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Sabrina Carter

Manadjè Kontni Entènèt, Visit Philadelphia

Mwen ekri atik pou visitphilly.com ak imèl, tankou Ultimate Philly Guide, kouvri tout bagay soti nan konsèy enteryè rive nan eksplore atraksyon ki sèlman nan Philly, jiska rezime mural pi renmen pa anplwaye Visit Philly yo. (Pa mwen se sa a) yon!)
Gade tout atik Sabrina yo

Jovan Ellis

Manadjè Senior Kontni Entènèt, Visit Philadelphia

Mwen se yon ekriven ak editè pou visitphilly.com, kote mwen kouvri evènman amizan, trezò kache, ak moun ak kote ki fè Filadelfi kontinye pwospere. Philly se yon kote espesyal: etranj, bèl e san dout orijinal.
Gade tout atik Jovan yo

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