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Water, Lakes & Rivers
Fun along the water
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Riverlink Ferry
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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Location:
Philadelphia and surrounding counties
Transportation:
Walking or cabs in Philadelphia and driving in the countryside
Duration:
3 Days
When touring the waters of the Greater Philadelphia area, it seems most fitting to start at the place where our city's founder, William Penn, first set foot upon what he called his "greene country town", fresh from his voyage in 1682. Penn's Landing, our city's premier waterfront park, is located just off I-95 and stretches along the Delaware River for about ten blocks (from Vine to South Street).
There is much to see and do here and the full slate of available activities is dependent on the season of your visit.
Day One
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Riverlink Ferry
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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During the summer months, you can enjoy riverside events beginning in May with the First Union Jam on the River®, a 4-day festival featuring plenty of New Orleans-style entertainment. The summer event series continues from June through September with entertainment for everyone, including the Sunoco Welcome America Festival, a 10–day celebration of America’s Birthday here in America’s own Birthplace, as well as plenty of concerts and cultural programs at The Festival Pier.
If you want to get out on the water, rent a “U-Pedal” paddle boat next to Penn’s Landing’s Riverboat Queen Fleet (in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel) and get a closer look at the impressive Walt Whitman and Benjamin Franklin Bridges connecting Philadelphia and New Jersey. (Upon its completion in 1926, the Ben Franklin was the largest suspension bridge in the world.) You also can hop aboard the Delaware Riverlink Ferry and cruise over to Camden, New Jersey for a visit to the New Jersey State Aquarium. Back at Penn’s Landing, check out the Independence Seaport Museum and learn about Philadelphia’s waterfront history through a host of interactive displays.
If your arrival in Philadelphia is accompanied by gloves and scarves, you can lace up a pair of skates and glide over the frozen waters of the outdoor Blue Cross River Rink. And should you come on December 31, plan to ring in the New Year with a bang. Sponsored by the Delaware River Port Authority and the Penn’s Landing Corporation, the annual New Year’s celebration on the waterfront includes a spectacular music and fireworks show that lights up the Benjamin Franklin Bridge with a dazzling waterfall of colors.
There are other attractions along Penn’s Landing that you can visit all year round. An impressive collection of three-dimensional works, including a bronze statue of William Penn, awaits you at the World Sculpture Garden. And any tour of the waterfront wouldn’t be complete without a look at some big ships. The first of these, known as the Gazela, is a 177-foot former fishing boat that has been combing the region’s waters since 1883. Constructed a year earlier, the U.S.S. Olympia, one of America’s first steel battleships, served as an escort ship during the World War I. You can take a fascinating self-guided tour of the Olympia, as well as the U.S.S. Becuna, a submarine that survived World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
No doubt you will build up a hearty lunch appetite after spending time around and/or on the water. Penn’s Landing conveniently borders Old City and its assortment of wonderful restaurants catering to every taste and budget. If you’d prefer to stay close to the water, try the Chart House Restaurant and enjoy your meal along with a view of the Delaware. If you spend an entire day at Penn’s Landing, you can cap it off with dinner on a boat! Both the Spirit of Philadelphia and the Riverboat Queen Fleet at Penn’s Landing (mentioned above) offer dinner cruises with great food and views of the river and skyline.
Heading west through center city, you will behold Philadelphia’s other famous river, the Schuylkill. If the weather cooperates, a leisurely stroll along Kelly Drive is highly recommended. Here, in what is part of the city’s Fairmount Park (the world’s largest landscaped, urban park), you will see the architecturally impressive Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as the equally impressive Fairmount Water Works, which complements the museum with its colonnaded buildings and which once provided Philadelphia’s waters supply (from 1815 to 1909).
Kelly Drive also offers a close-up view of the historic and colorful boathouses, whose familiar while-lighted frames are a landmark for evening drivers along the Schuylkill Expressway. If you’d prefer to bike or rollerblade along the river, you can rent equipment from Drive Sports, conveniently located to both sides of the river. Whether you’re walking, blading, or biking, be sure to keep your eyes open for some of Philadelphia’s best outdoor art in the park and along the riverbanks. And when you’re ready for a break or refreshments, stop by Lloyd Hall, the newest addition to “Boathouse Row.”
Like Penn’s Landing, the Schuylkill River boasts its own seasonal events. For example, if you visit in May, you might catch the always exciting Dad Vail Regatta, and in October, you can make your tour of the foliage even more meaningful by participating in the city’s annual AIDS Walk.
No matter what time of year you arrive, however, you certainly won’t have to travel far for dinner. The Fairmount/Art Museum area offers a wonderful menu of restaurants and taverns. One worth visiting is Bridgid’s Restaurant, a cozy and reasonably-priced eatery with an excellent beer selection.
Day Two
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Northbrook Canoe Co
Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC
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Your enjoyment of the Delaware River will continue today about an hour from center city in Bucks County, home to the historic village of New Hope. Nestled along the banks of the Delaware and divided by the Delaware Canal, this popular tourist area offers plenty to do and see on the water and on land.
Begin by taking a trip back in time and board a 19th century mule-drawn canal boat, chartered by New Hope Canal Boat Company. Your costumed guide will provide a fascinating narrative of life along the canal in the 1800s. You also can take a cruise on the Major William C. Barnett, a 65-foot, Mississippi-style riverboat, chartered by Coryell’s Ferry Historic Sightseeing Boat Rides. Don’t forget to stop into the adjoining Gerenser’s Exotic Ice Cream afterwards to sample one of their wild flavors.
For more fun on the water, head over to nearby Point Pleasant, where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or leisure raft—or step up the adventure with a few hours of white water rafting—at Bucks County River Country.
Once you’ve had your fill of the water, wind down with some browsing through New Hope’s wonderful collection of art galleries, antique shops, and specialty stores. And when hunger strikes, you’ll find that your dining options are extensive; New Hope features over 30 excellent venues to choose from. One recommendation is Mother’s Restaurant, where a cozy table awaits. If the weather is nice, you might choose to dine al fresco on the restaurant’s covered porch. You also will find lots of charming Bed & Breakfast and hotel accommodations in and around New Hope, although it is advisable to make your reservations in advance of your trip.
Day Three
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Nockamixon
Photo courtesy of Bucks County Convention and Visitor's Bureau
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Spanning both Delaware and Chester counties, the scenic Brandywine Valley, located about an hour from New Hope (and about 45 minutes from center city Philadelphia), is your final destination. Within this picturesque landscape stand the remaining historical Covered Bridges of Chester County, including Bartram’s Bridge and Rapp’s Dam Bridge. (Check out the link listed in the attractions list below for a suggested bridge tour itinerary.)
If you’re interested in more canoeing, sailing—or even fishing—visit Marsh Creek State Park. Beyond water sports, you’ll find excellent hiking trails around Marsh Creek Lake, as well as another bridge—the Larkins Covered Bridge—located in the northeast section of this 1,705-acre park.
After building up an appetite with some serious boating or hiking, stop by the Four Dogs Tavern and enjoy a delicious lunch. Housed in a converted barn, the tavern features traditional American cuisine and a great outdoor patio.
Now that you’ve fueled up, you can head to the Brandywine River for more water fun! Chester County’s Northbrook Canoe Co. is your resource for canoe and kayak trips on the Brandywine. They also offer inner tube and splash boat outings—a perfect way to cool off on those scorching summer days.
For a memorable end to your vacation, visit the lovely town of St. Peter’s and rise high above its treetops in a hot air balloon chartered through The United States Hot Air Balloon Team. You won’t soon forget this spectacular, aerial view of the Brandywine Valley!
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