Race Street Pier
| Race Street Pier | |
|---|---|
| Type | Waterfront park / Pier |
| Location | Delaware River waterfront |
| Coordinates | 39.9530,-75.1390 |
| Area | 1.7 acres |
| Established | 2011 |
| Operated by | Delaware River Waterfront Corporation |
| Features | River views, lawn, swings, Ben Franklin Bridge views |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Transit | Walk from Old City; SEPTA bus 25 |
| Website | Official Site |
Race Street Pier is a 1.7-acre public park extending into the Delaware River in Philadelphia, offering unobstructed views of the water, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the New Jersey shoreline. The minimalist, beautifully designed pier provides a peaceful escape from the city and has become one of Philadelphia's most photogenic locations.[1]
The pier demonstrates how Philadelphia is reclaiming its Delaware River waterfront for public enjoyment.
Design
[edit | edit source]Landscape Architecture
[edit | edit source]The pier was designed by James Corner Field Operations—the same firm that designed New York's High Line:
- Clean, contemporary design
- Graduated lawn sloping toward the river
- Integration with existing pier structure
- Sustainable materials
Features
[edit | edit source]- Lawn: Tiered grass areas for lounging
- Swings: Popular bench swings
- Lighting: Evening illumination
- Railings: Clean metal railings at water's edge
- Trees: Shade plantings
Views
[edit | edit source]Race Street Pier offers exceptional views:
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
[edit | edit source]- Dramatic views of the suspension bridge
- Excellent photography spot
- Bridge lighting at night
Delaware River
[edit | edit source]- Wide river views
- Boat traffic
- Camden shoreline across the water
- Sunrise and sunset views
Philadelphia Skyline
[edit | edit source]- City buildings from the water
- Center City towers
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Dawn to dusk daily
- Free admission
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Delaware River waterfront at Race Street
By Public Transit:
- Walk east from Old City
- SEPTA Bus 25 to Columbus Boulevard
- Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street, then walk
By Car:
- Columbus Boulevard parking lots
- Penn's Landing parking
By Bicycle:
- Delaware River Trail access
- Bike racks at the pier
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Sunrise is spectacular here
- The swings are popular—arrive early to get one
- Bring a blanket for the lawn
- Little shade—bring sun protection
- Combine with other waterfront attractions
Activities
[edit | edit source]- Relaxation on the lawn
- Photography (especially golden hour)
- Picnicking
- Watching boats
- Quiet contemplation
- Exercise (yoga, etc.)
Events
[edit | edit source]The pier occasionally hosts:
- Fitness classes
- Small performances
- Community events
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Cherry Street Pier — North along waterfront (arts and food)
- Penn's Landing — South along waterfront
- Spruce Street Harbor Park — Further south (seasonal)
- Old City — Short walk west
- Independence Hall — Walk through Old City
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Race Street Pier". Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Retrieved December 30, 2025