Penns Landing
| Type | Waterfront district |
|---|---|
| Location | Center City |
| ZIP code(s) | 19106 |
| Established | 1967 (current development) |
| Named for | William Penn's landing site |
| Boundaries | Delaware River waterfront from Vine Street to Washington Avenue |
| Adjacent | Old City, Society Hill, Queen Village |
| Major streets | Columbus Boulevard (Delaware Avenue) |
| Transit | Market-Frankford Line (2nd Street Station), Bus Routes |
| Landmarks | Independence Seaport Museum, Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink |
Penn's Landing is the Delaware River waterfront area in Philadelphia, named for the traditional site where William Penn first landed in 1682. The area has been developed as a public park and entertainment district, featuring seasonal attractions, the Independence Seaport Museum, and views of the Delaware River and Camden waterfront. Penn's Landing hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year.[1]
History
William Penn's Landing
William Penn reputedly landed at this site on October 27, 1682, when he first arrived in his colony. A plaque marks the traditional landing spot, though the exact location is uncertain.
Industrial Era
For most of Philadelphia's history, the Delaware waterfront was a working port:
- Shipping wharves
- Industrial facilities
- Commerce and trade
- Limited public access
Urban Renewal
Penn's Landing was created as a public space in the 1960s and 1970s:
- I-95 construction separated the waterfront from Old City
- Public park development
- Festival site creation
- Ongoing redevelopment
Attractions
Independence Seaport Museum
The Independence Seaport Museum focuses on maritime history:
- Ship models and exhibits
- Historic vessels (USS Olympia, Submarine Becuna)
- Maritime art
- Educational programs
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Spruce Street Harbor Park (seasonal, typically May-September):
- Hammocks along the waterfront
- Food vendors
- Beer garden
- Colorful lighting
- Floating barges
RiverRink and Winterfest
RiverRink and Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest (seasonal):
- Outdoor ice skating (winter)
- Roller skating (summer)
- Fire pits and warming stations
- Holiday attractions
Race Street Pier
Race Street Pier*** - Elevated public park:
- Views of the river
- Landscaped pier
- Seating areas
- Connection to Old City
Events
Penn's Landing hosts numerous events:
Major Events
- July 4th celebration*** - Fireworks, Wawa Welcome America
- New Year's Eve*** - Fireworks
- Tall Ships festivals*** (occasional)
- Concerts and festivals throughout summer
Regular Programming
- Summer movie series
- Fitness classes
- Cultural festivals
- Food festivals
I-95 Cap Project
Philadelphia is planning to cap a section of I-95 to better connect Penn's Landing with Old City:
- Remove barrier between waterfront and neighborhood
- Create new park space
- Improve pedestrian access
- Major infrastructure project
Getting There
Public Transit
- Market-Frankford Line (The L):*** 2nd Street Station
- SEPTA Bus Routes:*** 21, 25, 42
Walking
Penn's Landing is walkable from:
- Old City (5 minutes, though crossing I-95)
- Society Hill (5-10 minutes)
- Center City (15-20 minutes)
Ferries
- RiverLink Ferry*** - Seasonal service to Camden waterfront attractions
Camden Waterfront
Across the Delaware River, the Camden waterfront offers:
- Adventure Aquarium
- BB&T Pavilion (concert venue)
- Battleship New Jersey
- Connected by RiverLink Ferry
See Also
References
- ↑ "Penn's Landing". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025