Boathouse Row is an historic site located along the east banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. It was built in 1860 as part of the U.S. Navy's holdings and has 15 Gothic-style boathouses. Each home is decorated in lights and makes for a spectacular site at night. Traditionally known for its national and international rowing events called regattas, it is perfect for visitors who like water sports. Since it is located in Fairmount Park, it also has miles of exercise trails and benches and tables for lounging around the river too.
Parking and Public Transportation at Boathouse Row
There are multiple lots located along Kelly Drive that allow for free parking, if there are no special events planned. Visitors traveling between the months of April through October should check the Boathouse Row website for an updated events calendar. The other option is to check with the Fairmount Park Welcome Center.
Best and worst time to go to Boathouse Row
Visitors who enjoy crowds, regattas and parties should come any weekend in the month of May. There is a race every weekend including the major international race; the Aberdeen Dadvail regatta.
Visitors craving silence and beauty should come any night of the year. It is always a perfect time to walk the trail and see Boathouse Row all lit up like Christmas.
Admission to Boathouse Row
It is free to walk along Boathouse Row all year long. There is a venue for snacks, coffee and gift shop items to be purchased.
Must See/Do Boathouse Row
The most attended event is the Aberdeen Dadvail regatta with thousands of college students and families from all over the nation and world.
Eating on the deck of the Water Works Restaurant with the view of the waterfall and Boathouse Row all lit up at night is worth the reservation.
Other places to visit near Boathouse Row
Visitors have the pleasure of going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art just a few steps from the row. There is a staircase visitors can use from the trail to enter the back of the museum.
The Farimount Water Works Museum is located directly next to the row. It is an interpretive museum under the river featuring centuries of history about the infrastructure of Philadelphia. Admission is free.
Insider tip for visitors to Boathouse Row
When attending the Aberdeen Dadvail regatta, hold onto all clothing. College kids have a standing tradition of taking a T-shirt from a blanket and replacing it with one from their school. If visitors are intrigued by this oddity, be sure to bring a T-shirt from a school and leave it on the blanket while strolling the river banks.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a journalist for 20 years.
The Independence Seaport Museum is located along the Delaware River on Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. It is the main repository for many historic artifacts, art and archival items from the Delaware Valley. It is the perfect place for families and individual travelers who enjoy maritime history, boat making or taking a sail on the Delaware River. It is best known for Admiral Dewey's famed flagship, Olympia and the World War II submarine, Becuna.
Best and worst times to go to the Independence Seaport Museum
The best time to visit the museum is the last week of June. Each year the museum hosts the Tall Ships event which is considered one of the most exciting interactive sailing events in the United States.
The worst time to visit the museum is during the week of the Christmas holiday as the museum is closed on Christmas day and New Year's Day.
Must see/do at the Independence Seaport Museum
Visitors to the museum with a passion for boats must attend a class in the museum's wooden boat-making shop, which is open year-round.
Another must do is taking a tour of the vessels docked in the river the Olympia and the Becuna. These are part of the museum's permanent collection.
For families, Seafarin Saturday offers tons of fun and free admission. There are interactive nautical activities plus other hands-on fun like making pirate rattles or sailor valentines.
Admission to the Independence Seaport Museum
There are a variety of prices for tours, events and exhibitions. General admission for adults, kids and seniors is under $20 and includes a boat-making tour, general admission to the museum plus ship and submarine tours.
Parking and public transportation to the Independence Seaport Museum
Parking is available in the large lot adjacent to the museum. Additional discount parking is available at the Quality Parking lot on Front Street just a couple of blocks away. There is also an abundant amount of metered street parking as well.
The PLASH shuttle is available all year round and operates via 22 stops. There is more information about their year-round seasonal schedules on their website.
Food at the Independence Seaport Museum
Visitors can bring their own food and eat on the fourth floor of the museum. In addition, there are many restaurants and pubs within walking distance of the museum. If visiting in the summer months, there are food vendors directly outside the museum along Penn's Landing offering a variety of items like hot dogs or funnel cake.
Insider tip for visitor to the Independence Seaport Museum
The museum is the only place where the adventurer can rent a kayak on the Delaware River between May through September.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.
The Naval Yard in Philadelphia is a must-see for maritime enthusiasts and lovers of green energy and innovative technology, all while relaxing on a mixed-use island. Visitors are surround by enormous Navy ships docked at eye-level on the river. There is a Marriott so travelers can spend the night in order to roam around all 1,200 acres. There is retail shopping, and even free outdoor yoga in the summer.
Parking and public transportation to the Naval Yard
Situated at the southern end of Broad Street, The Navy Yard is one of the region's most accessible destinations. Visitors can reach The Navy Yard by subway, shuttle, car, bike, bus, or even on foot. The best options are the two free shuttle buses provided by the Naval Yard to take visitors from Center City Philadelphia and the AT&T Broad Street subway station directly there.
Best and worst time to go to the Naval Yard
The Naval yard does very much rely on two seasons. From May through September the yard is hopping every night of the week with special events from beer festivals to free outdoor yoga to bocce ball.
January and February would be the worst months to go since that is the thick of the freezing Philadelphia winter and the wind off the river will be biting and bitter. One can always expect snow in those months as well.
Admission to the Naval Yard
It is free to go to the Naval Yard between 6am-8pm on weekdays. Travelers staying at the Marriott on the island do not have the same restrictions as to when the yard opens and closes. Weekends are open for special events such as the annual Broad Street run.
Must see/do at the Naval Yard
Visitors must see the enormous Navy ships docked on the rolling river at street level. One cannot help but be overwhelmed at the sheer size and proximity of those ships.
Shopping and eating is a great way to experience the yard. Taste Philly pork sandwiches or hang out at a café on the water. Buy some locally made items by Philadelphians while soaking in the soothing waterfront. It is a brand new way of blending urban and nature with still a vibrant big city feel.
The Navy Yard has over 20 acres of parks and a mile of waterfront trail. These open spaces provide opportunities for visitors to stretch their legs, expand their minds, and enjoy the outdoors.
Other places to visit near the Naval Yard
If you are a sports fan, you are in heaven. All of the Philadelphia sports arenas are less than a mile away and can easily be accessed via the free shuttle that goes there.
Travelers can continue on the subway's Orange-Broad Street Line heading north and in a few short stops get off at South Street. No matter if one heads east or west on South Street, visitors are in for a fun, funky, artsy treat.
And if it is a big day for history, take that same subway line up to City Hall and check out the brand new Dilworth Plaza. There is a skating rink too.
Insider tip for visitors to Naval Yard
Whether you go to a food truck or pizza joint, you need to have a cheesesteak. Remember the way to order your cheesteak is to say "wit whiz". Don't worry, the person serving you will be extremely impressed.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist for 20 years.
The Liberty Bell is a Historic National Landmark drawing thousands of visitors year-round. The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, was first called the State House bell in the 1700s. It is the national symbol of life and liberty. This is why Philadelphia is often referred to as the "nation's cradle of liberty."
Parking and transportation at the Liberty Bell
There is metered street parking all around the Liberty Bell for people traveling around the city by car.
The closest and most popular parking garage is the Independence Visitor Center underground garage.
For public transportation options, visitors can take SEPTA's Market- Frankford line to 5th Street and walk one block. For travelers coming from New Jersey, the PATCO line's 8th Street stop is a four block walk.
Best and worst times to go to the Liberty Bell
Visitors who love a family-friendly party should visit the Liberty Bell on the fourth of July. There are special events planned all day and night. Visitors can also walk a few blocks to see spectacular fireworks at Penn's Landing.
The worst time to visit the Liberty Bell is in February, based on weather in Philadelphia. Frigid temperatures and snow can make for canceled flights and possible street closures.
Admission to the Liberty Bell
Admission to the Liberty Bell is free.
Must see/do at the Liberty Bell
Travelers to the Liberty Bell will see how it is now located in a visitor's center. This center has many interactive exhibits explaining the history of the bell followed by a National Park Ranger providing a live history lesson right under the bell.
The Liberty Bell is situated on Independence Mall where visitors can stop and visit the President's House for free right next door. This outdoor exhibit focuses on the history of slavery in Philadelphia and by the founding fathers.
Other places to visit near the Liberty Bell
The National Constitution Center is two blocks north of the Liberty Bell and has free general admission. Certain special exhibits charge admission fees.
Other places to visit near the Liberty Bell
The National Constitution Center is two blocks north of the Liberty Bell and has free admission except for certain special exhibits.
The Benjamin Franklin Museum is located two blocks east of the Liberty Bell. This interactive museum focuses on the many contributions Benjamin Franklin made to society. It is perfect for visitors of all ages. The museum does charge a small fee for admission.
The City Tavern was founded in 1773 and is a big favorite for visitors to Philadelphia. Servers are dressed in colonial outfits, and the menu reflects the cuisine of 18th Century Colonial America.
Insider tip for visitors to the Liberty Bell
Most visitors to Philadelphia want to have a cheesesteak or an Italian hoagie. Not too many people know there is a famous Italian sandwich spot called Campo's Deli just three blocks from the Liberty Bell. Campos's offers other sandwiches with a Philadelphia flare. But visitors looking for cheese whiz on their steak need to say, "Wit Whiz".
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.