Essential Info
From serving as a center of commerce in 18th and 19th centuries to being effectively cut off from the rest of the city by the construction of I-95 in the 20th century, the Delaware River waterfront has served different purposes and undergone a number of major changes since William Penn landed here all the way back in 1682.
Just below the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, leafy trees, food offerings that change each year and a beer garden unite at Morgan's Pier, a seasonal dining destination. — Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia
Today, thanks to new development and renewed interest, the waterfront has become a go-to spot and a must-visit destination in the city for residents and visitors alike.
In the Neighborhood
A summer evening on the waterfront might start with drinks and bites at Morgan’s Pier before strolling out onto the Delaware River underneath the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on Race Street Pier . After catching a progressive performing arts show at FringeArts , a short walk leads to two of the city’s most exciting, seasonal parks: Spruce Street Harbor Park (with its glowing lights, colorful hammocks, and floating barge with food and drinks) or Blue Cross RiverRink (home of a roller skating or ice skating rink, depending on the season, as well as a charming lodge).
The waterfront has become a go-to spot and a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.
Even better, the waterfront runs the length of some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. That means, for example, that a visit to Penn Treaty Park is just one stop on a packed Fishtown itinerary, or that Spruce Street Harbor Park makes for a fun stop after strolling the charming colonial alleys in Society Hill .
Getting Here
The Delaware River waterfront is easily accessible via multiple modes of transportation, including SEPTA bus, car and Indego Bike Share . The Philadelphia PHLASH Downtown Loop also stops at Penn’s Landing. The RiverLink Ferry — connecting Philadelphia with Camden, N.J. across the Delaware River — runs during the summer months.
Blue Cross RiverRink's riverside pop-up village alternates between a winter wonderland (with an ice-skating rink) during the colder months and day-to-night oasis (with Center City’s only roller rink) during the warmer months. — Photo courtesy Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
