Penn’s Landing is located along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, PA. It is in honor of William Penn’s landing in Philadelphia in 1682. The area is quite large spanning from Spring Garden Street (by Festival Pier) and going all the way down to Washington Avenue.
Many different events happen along this vast stretch of water front. You have Festival Pier a good outdoor venue for concerts. Dave and Buster’s, Morgan’s Pier, and Race Street Pier. Also you can find Cherry Street Pier which has many different things to offer. This summer, one Sunday a month they have a kids painting class.
Once you pass Cherry Street Pier you come across a giant Farris Wheel in the late spring and summer or an ice skating rink in the Winter. These are located at the blue cross river rink. While it is nice during the day light hours, night time is when you want to be here. There is just something about the lights at night that really make the atmosphere.
If you arrive around sunset you can get some nice shots with either Philly or Camden as a nice backdrop. And who doesn’t like to do some long exposure shots of a merry go round or Farris wheel?
Penn’s Landing is also home to the Independence Seaport Museum, which sits right next to the Blue Cross River Rink. This is a great place for adults and kids alike. Included with your admission to the Museum also includes a ticket to board the Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna. You can also buy a combo ticket that also includes the Battleship New Jersey located right across the river.
If you ever wanted to know just how tight it really is to move around on a submarine. Here is your chance. Just be sure to duck! OH, and if you are a bigger guy… have fun with the hatches. I had to put one leg through, than sit and duck my head, than get the other leg through. It is a small space and the pathways are narrow. Overall it is a fantastic experience and one you can’t get everywhere you go.
The ships are located away from the Museum but only about a couple minute walk. You get to walk through Spruce Street Harbor Park (SSHP) to get to the two ships. SSHP is a hidden gem in my eyes. This place comes to life when the sun goes down.
At night the park transforms into a sight for the eyes. They have hanging lights that slowing change color. There are also bean bag toss, giant connect four and giant Lego bricks located around the park. But that’s not even the best part.
Best thing about SSHP… The Hammocks.
They have around 50 hammocks strung between the trees. It makes for one heck of a relaxing afternoon or night. Who doesn’t love laying around in a hammock. It is sure to be a hit with you and your kids.
TIP: These are two person hammocks.
Now you are probably wondering about food. Well, along the one side by the river there are food “boxes” (kinda like a food truck but not on wheels). They have burgers, ice cream, drinks, and fries. Don’t worry crab fry fans. They have a Chickie’s and Pete’s box too. Not sure what crab fries are? Give em a shot if you like old bay. Don’t forget the cheese sauce.
At the end of the boardwalk you have old shipping containers that have been turned into a little arcade. They don’t offer much but there is a Ms. Pacman and an air hockey table. Be sure to check out the art work that is done on the front of the building.
Once you get past the Becuna and Olympia you will see an old wooden sailboat. This is actually a restaurant called Moshulu. This is not a place for kids. This is a AAA 4 diamond rated restaurant. It does look nice though.
If you only get one chance to visit make sure you come down around 3pm. This way you can spend 2 hours at the Independence Seaport Museum exploring (they close at 5). Than you can enjoy the waterfront at sundown and watch SSHP transform as the sun goes down.
Can you tell me what is better than relaxing in a hammock? Let me know in the comments below. Remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest at KozmoPhotos. It will help you stay up to day with all the latest post and photos.
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