20 Philadelphia Day Trip Ideas

As I sat and watched the Eagles Victory Parade (celebrating the recent Super Bowl win) on TV, I thought there’s no better time to write a blog post about Philadelphia…it also shows you how long I took to write this post.  It’s no secret by now that the city of Philadelphia is my all time favorite place to visit for a day trip.  I’ve done research on other major cities in the U.S. and although there are some great things about these other places, there is nothing that Philadelphia doesn’t have in some way, in my opinion.  Don’t just take my word for it though, according to publications such as “The New York Times,” “Fodor’s Travel,” and the “Huffington Post” consistently rate the city on top travel destination lists.  Fodor’s included it in the top 25 international cities to visit!  My great grandfather, who is 103 (!) has traveled the world in his younger days, visiting nearly every country of the world, including over 100 islands.  Do you know which destination he loves to talk about the most…..Philadelphia!  It’s also his hometown, but he would agree it has a little bit of everything for any kind of interest.  Philadelphia has become a particular interest of mine considering I was born and raised in the close-in suburb of Abington and my ancestral history goes back to the earliest days of Philadelphia’s origins, intersecting with my passion for American history.  All that to say, I’ve done a lot of research about the city, and slowly our family is exploring the various destinations.  I came up with 20 day trip ideas and although I haven’t personally visited all the sites I will talk about, it is my desire to eventually explore everything. I included links to separate blog posts that go into more detail for a particular destination.  I have visited many more sites than I have been able to keep up writing about, so I will update this post as I write more.  Not covered here is a whole sub-category of active trips, such as hiking and biking trails. Of course I am sure there are other combinations of destinations that would make a great trip, but this list is a good start.  Do one or do them all…time to get planning! http://www.visitphilly.com/ is always a great resource for digging deeper.

 

1. Old City Historic Philadelphia-FREE-best time to visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day as everything is open and more programs are available. Perfect for a 1-day trip.

Discovering the origins of our country’s independence makes this trip a MUST-SEE for every citizen close enough to visit.  Learn about the crucial events surrounding Philadelphia in 1776, along with a whole cast of characters that helped to shape our country. The affordability of this trip, since it is run by the National Park Service, also makes it appealing for families.  The following list only includes activities that are FREE!

1. Visitor’s Center
2. Independence Hall
3. Liberty Bell
4. Museum of the American Philosophical Society
5. Bishop White House
6. Carpenter’s Hall
7. Christ Church
8. Christ Church Burial Grounds
9. Congress Hall
10. Declaration House
11. Dolley Todd House
12. Franklin Court and Printing Office
13. Free Quaker Meeting House
14. Old City Hall
15. Washington Square
16. Welcome Park
17. Elfreth’s Alley
18. Science History Museum
19. United States Mint

 

2. National Constitution Center/Museum of the American Revolution/Ben Franklin Museum/Betsy Ross House-admission charged but is part of historical Philly. Any of these can be added to the above list if you have time or are doing a multi-day trip and don’t mind paying pricey admission fees. 

If you want to dig deeper into our nation’s political and social history, include one of these fine, self-explanatory museums for a more thorough experience. See my blog post http://www.daytrippermom.com/museum-of-the-american-revolution-philadelphia/

3. CityPASS Tour –only worth the money if you do a 2-day trip

One of our favorite trips, this money-saving booklet gives you a wonderful overview of Center City and beyond with plenty of fun, energy-packed excursions the whole family can enjoy. In between the following attractions, walk around the financial district taking in skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and urban parks.  I highly recommend it! See my blog post http://www.daytrippermom.com/big-bus-company-philadelphia/ and http://www.daytrippermom.com/one-liberty-place-observation-deck-philadelphia/

1. Franklin Institute
2. One Liberty Place Observation Deck
3. Big Bus Tours and Philadelphia Trolley Works
4. Adventure Aquarium –or-
5. Philadelphia Zoo

4. Benjamin Franklin Parkway/Center City

Quintessential big city experience, check out all the local landmarks and iconic points of interest that define Philadelphia. Leisurely or fast-paced, you can completely customize this tour to your particular interests.

1. City Hall Tower and Interior Tours
2. One Liberty Place Observation Deck
3. Comcast Building Lobby
4. Macy’s
5. Masonic Temple-tours available
6. Reading Terminal Market
7. LOVE Park
8. Free Library of Philadelphia
9. Rocky Statue and steps
10. Any museum along the Parkway
11. Eastern State Penitentiary

 

5. Please Touch Museum/Smith Playground and Playhouse-perfect for small children and in close proximity

Please Touch Museum is a premier children’s museum where discovery and play go hand-in-hand.  Burn off steam afterwards at the historic, yet modern Smith Playground that boasts six football fields worth of unstructured playtime opportunities.

6. Independence Seaport Museum/Penn’s Landing

One of the earliest port cities of our country, there is plenty of sea-faring history to discover on this trip.  In addition, as part of the museum’s admission you have the opportunity to tour a retired battleship and submarine.

1. Spruce Street Harbor Park
2. Blue Cross River Rink (skating in summer, ice skating in winter)
3. Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
4. USS Olympia
5. USS Becuna
6. Gazela
7. Moshulu-dining on a ship

7. Society Hill/Penn’s Landing

A lovely mix of water-front leisure and quaint cobblestoned streets makes this a sweet romantic get-away.

1. Anything from Penn’s Landing (see number #6)
2. Powel House-tour available but can be tricky to do because of private events
3. Penn House
4. Physick House-tour available
5. Willing’s Alley
6. Delancey Street
7. Spruce Street
8. Head House Square
9. “Man Full of Trouble” Tavern-only pre-Revolutionary tavern still standing-closed to public

 

8. Adventure Aquarium, NJ/Penn’s Landing

A surprisingly wonderful aquarium with fun features like the shark tunnel and hippo habitat, you can beef up this destination by parking in Penn’s Landing and taking the ferry across the Delaware River to the aquarium on the New Jersey side.  If you have time, climb aboard the country’s largest and most decorated battleship for a hands-on tour.  See my blog post http://www.daytrippermom.com/adventure-aquarium-camden-nj/

1. Riverbus Ferry
2. USS New Jersey

9. Society Hill/Historic Churches Tour-Walking tour suited for a fair-weather day and would be especially wonderful in spring or fall.

Stroll through Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods checking out beautiful, historic church buildings, many with significant historical backgrounds.  Many are open free of charge for touring;  some have audio tours you can download ahead of time, a number to call on your cell phone, or tour guides available onsite during specified hours.  Make sure you walk down Delancey and Spruce Streets to see many lovely 18^th century restored homes.  William Penn started Philadelphia as a Quaker colony but the large variety of churches in colonial Philadelphia stands as a testament to Penn’s desire to see people practice “the Freedom of their Consciences, as to their Religious Profession and Worship,” truly unprecedented anywhere else in the world at the time.  Notice the broad range of architectural style and levels of adornment from the lavish Catholic interiors to the simple, austere Quaker meeting houses.

1. Saint Augustine’s Church-(1847) Irish Catholic church built after the previous building was burned to the ground due to anti-Catholic riots sparked by the Nativist movement. The current building’s steeple blew off onto the Ben Franklin Bridge during a violent storm in 1992 damaging valuable murals inside.
2. Old Saint George’s Church-(1763) Oldest continuously used Methodist church building in America, Francis Asbury preached his first American sermon here. Includes a museum and archives open to the public.
3. Christ Church-(1727) Oldest Anglican church in Philadelphia, most popular for tourists.
4. Arch Street Meeting-(1804) Large Quaker church, my (6th) great grandfather was buried under it when it was a burial ground!
5. Old Saint Joseph’s Church-(1838) First Catholic church in Philadelphia started in 1733 when Catholics were often persecuted.
6. Old Saint Mary’s Church-(1763) Second Catholic church, lovely grounds.
7. Saint Peter’s Church– (1758) Spin off from Christ Church, many wealthy and famous Philadelphians attended here and are buried here in the adjoining cemetery.
8. Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church-(1768) Only Presbyterian church in Philadelphia still housed in its pre-Revolutionary building, served as a hospital for British troops during Philadelphia’s British occupation.
9. Society Hill Synagogue-(1829) Formerly Spruce Street Baptist Church, converted to a synagogue during a large influx of Russian Jewish immigrants to Society Hill in the late 19th century.

11. Art Lover’s Tour-choose from any of the following all in close walking distance of each other on or near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
    1. Philadelphia Museum of Art-Quintessential structure in Philadelphia, the most thorough and broad portrayal of art through the ages and geographic regions are displayed.
    2. Rodin Museum-Intimate look at the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin. Famous statue of “The Thinker” sits in front of the museum.
    3. Barnes Foundation-Classic collection of masterworks from the likes of Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Matisse, plus Native American ceramics and African sculptures are among other mediums exhibited.
    4. Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts-A balance of historical and contemporary works by American artists, this part museum, part educational institution also features the works of regional artists and academy students.
12. Penn Museum/Mutter Museum-combo ticket available, 1.2 miles apart–half an hour walk, perfect if you take the train to 30^th Street station.

Perfect for those interested in archeology, anthropology, the ancient world, and medical history, these off the beaten path museums are worth exploring and may be well-suited for older children and teens.  Not for the squeamish, Mutter Museum contains a vast assortment of medical specimens both skeletal and wet, preserved in formaldehyde. Famous examples include slides of Einstein’s brain, the tallest skeleton in North America on display, and a malignant tumor removed from President Grover Cleveland.

12. Penn Museum/University City-suited for a fair weather day and would be especially wonderful in spring or fall

Penn Museum is the University’s historic collection of artifacts from around the world.  Explore ancient cultures through their art, textiles, tools, and religious objects. Explore the centerpiece of the town, ivy-league University of Pennsylvania founded by Benjamin Franklin.  Notice the varied and beautiful architecture reflecting the growth of the university over time.

1. Fisher Fine Arts Library-Designed by famous architect Frank Furness, the red Gothic giant houses special library collections and is home to the Arthur Ross Gallery, campus art gallery, free and open to the public.
2. Franklin Field where the famous Penn Relays are held
3. Beautiful and Historic Campus of University of Pennsylvania
4. The Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion
5. John Bartram Gardens (could be a separate trip)

 

13. Franklin Museum/Academy of Natural Sciences-Tour Franklin in the morning and enter the Academy after 3pm for a deep discount with reduced crowds and plenty of time to complete your tour before closing time. Perfect for children and those interested in science and the natural world.  See my blog post http://www.daytrippermom.com/academy-of-natural-sciences-philadelphia/

14. Fairmount Park/Historic Homes Driving Tour-see my blog post for turn-by-turn directions with descriptions of each colonial-era mansion http://www.daytrippermom.com/driving-tour-of-fairmount-park-philadelphia-historic-mansions/ 

One of the world’s largest urban parks, miles of shaded woodlands, relaxing waterfront, and rolling hills await exploration and leisure activities.  The Historic Homes tour could be driven or seen by bicycle depending on your interests. Additionally, spring through fall, many of the mansions are open for touring and parking is free.  Admission is typically $8/adult.  Visit www.parkcharms.com for more information.  Wilderness trails for off-road biking and horseback riding require a special permit for their use.

15. Art Museum/Fairmount Water Works/Boathouse Row

Want to visit the Art Museum but wonder what else you can do for the day that is close by?  The Fairmount Water Works is a National Historic, Civil and Mechanical Engineering Landmark constructed in 1815 to be the sole pumping station for the water needs of the city of Philadelphia, which operated as such for about a century.  Repurposed several times, the current restored structure serves as an educational resource for the public promoting clean water and responsible care of area watersheds.  The Water Works specializes in educating school groups, but individuals may tour also.  Admission and 2-hour parking are free!  Iconic boathouse row, while not a destination per se, is a scenic spot perfect for a photo op.  A quiet paved path snakes along Kelly Drive behind the boathouses which would make for a nice walk.

16. Philadelphia Zoo-thoroughly explored, takes a good part of the day.  See my blog post http://www.daytrippermom.com/the-philadelphia-zoo/

    

 

17. Historic Germantown/Chestnut Hill and Gardens Tour (1 or 2-day trip)-see my blog post for complete overview http://www.daytrippermom.com/historic-germantown-philadelphia/

 

18. Italian Market/South Street-eclectic shopping and dining delight

South Street is a little crass for my liking, but people flock here.  I walked it recently, and it reminds me of the boardwalk at Wildwood, so if you like that sort of thing, this is the trip for you.  Make sure you explore the alleys between 9^th and 10^th Streets and visit the “Magic Gardens” nearby for a wonderful little surprise…glittering mosaics cover everything! Visit America’s oldest outdoor market…Italian Market on 9^th Street, open 7 days a week, year round.

19. Convention Center/Chinatown/Reading Terminal Market-great if you have an event at the Convention Center.

Take a little detour into the popular Reading Terminal Market for lunch and grab dinner in Chinatown.  Make sure you check out the Chinese Friendship Arch for a fun photo spot at 10^th and Arch Street. My kids loved stepping into another culture for a few blocks!

 

20. Rittenhouse Square–upscale, old-world charm best discovered on foot. Perfect for a romantic getaway, experience luxurious dining, shopping, and art. 
21. Rosenbach Museum and Library
22. Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Phila.
23. Mutter Museum