Penns Landing
Penn's Landing
| Type | Waterfront park |
|---|---|
| Address | Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1967 |
| Hours | Always open (attractions vary) |
Penn's Landing is a waterfront area on the Delaware River in Old City, Philadelphia, commemorating the site where William Penn first landed in 1682. The area features seasonal attractions, festivals, the Independence Seaport Museum, and views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Camden waterfront.[1]
History
William Penn's Arrival
William Penn arrived on the Delaware River on October 27, 1682, to claim his colony of Pennsylvania. The approximate landing site is commemorated at Penn's Landing, though the actual shoreline has shifted over centuries of development.
Modern Development
- 1967: Penn's Landing dedicated as public space
- Original design included concrete plazas
- Criticized over decades for failing to connect city to river
- Ongoing redevelopment plans to improve waterfront access
Attractions
Independence Seaport Museum
Maritime museum with historic ships:
- USS Olympia (1892 cruiser)
- USS Becuna (WWII submarine)
- Maritime exhibits
Seasonal Attractions
- Spruce Street Harbor Park*** (summer) — Hammocks, floating barges, beer garden
- Blue Cross RiverRink*** (winter) — Outdoor ice skating
- Summerfest concerts*** — Outdoor music events
- Tall ships visits*** — Periodic historic ship arrivals
RiverLink Ferry
Seasonal ferry connection:
- Connects Philadelphia to Camden, NJ
- Access to Adventure Aquarium
- Access to Battleship New Jersey
- Scenic Delaware River crossing
The Waterfront Today
Ongoing Development
Penn's Landing is undergoing transformation:
- New park designs approved
- Improved pedestrian connections
- Cap over I-95 highway (planned)
- Mixed-use development
Challenges
- I-95 separates city from waterfront
- Original design now dated
- Limited year-round programming
- Weather-dependent attractions
Visiting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Delaware River waterfront at Walnut Street |
| Hours | Always open (attractions vary seasonally) |
| Admission | Free (attractions may charge) |
| Best season | Summer (Spruce Street Harbor Park) |
| Winter | RiverRink skating |
Getting There
- SEPTA Subway — 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
- Walking — From Old City, cross under I-95
- RiverLink Ferry*** — From Camden
- Parking — Garages at Columbus Boulevard
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Penn's Landing". Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Retrieved December 23, 2025