This area along the Delaware River section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is named after the state founder William Penn, who first docked near here in 1682. You can still see the first wharf built in Philadelphia, which became known as "Carpenter's Wharf" and could handle ships of 500 tons or more. Several historic ships are moored here as part of the Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia's only maritime museum, including the Barque Moshulu (which now serves as a floating restaurant), the World War II-era submarine USS Becuna and the Spanish-American War-era cruiser USS Olympia (the oldest steel warship still afloat in the world). You can also see the Barquentine Gazela and tugboat Jupiter moored there.
The museum also features nautical art, interactive exhibits and hosts the Workshop on the Water. The main public space at Penn’s Landing is The Great Plaza, located along the Delaware River at Christopher Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street. It serves as the location of many outdoor events. With the recent addition of a third casino along the riverfront, Philadelphia became the largest major U.S. city with casinos that include both table games and slot machines.
A sure bet for family fun is the new pop-up park Spruce Street Harbor Park, which can be found on the Delaware River Waterfront every summer. It features a boardwalk with arcade games, a hammock lawn, a bocce court, giant chess boards, a beer garden, an urban beach, fountains and a series of floating barges with lily pad water gardens. With all the fun you can have in this seaside destination, it’s good to know that there are many Choice Hotels near Penn’s Landing to provide you with restful accommodations. Book a room with us today.