Food
The waterfront's newest place to party, Cavanaugh's River Deck is also the city's largest outdoor Irish grill and bar, serving casual cuisine with live music and dancing under the stars from May to September. (215) 629-7400, https://www.cavanaughsriverdeck.com
At the ever-popular Chart House Restaurant, diners can sample creative seafood dishes, watch ships pass from the outdoor patio, listen to the soothing waterside waterfall, and admire the city skyline from the cocktail lounge. (215) 625-8383, www.chart-house.com
Tucked among the bells, whistles and bars in the enormous Dave and Buster's entertainment complex is the Grand Dining Room, the flagship restaurant for the nationwide chain, featuring an extensive menu from lunch to late-night dinner and a relaxed, quiet setting. (215) 413-1951, www.daveandbusters.com
The food, cooked at the table, is also the entertainment at Hibachi. Teriyaki and sushi are served up with the best views of the city, as well as a heaping of jazz during Sunday brunch, offered 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (215) 592-7100
The enticing American fare at Keating's River Grill, located in the recently developed Hyatt Penn's Landing, is matched by the restaurant's lively bar and lounge and the superb views from its 140-foot outdoor terrace. (215) 521-6509
From its home on Pier 3, the elegant La Veranda Ristorante, has boasted first-rate Roman cuisine, a wood burning grill and stunning river views for 13 years, making it one of the most successful Italian restaurants in the city. (215) 351-1898
The recently reopened Moshulu is a rare harmony of first-class food and service with stunning views and ambience, writes Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan. Located on an historic docked ship, the Moshulu offers an unparalleled fine dining experience. (215) 923-2500, www.moshulu.com
Since its inception, Rock Lobster has become a local institution, racking up Best of Philly accolades for its fresh seafood and nightly live music, offered daily from April to September. (215) 627-ROCK, www.rocklobsterclub.com
Living
Open since Fall 2002, the Dockside Residences at Pier 30 is a 16-story luxury building with an onsite fitness club and pool. Dockside offers 242 studio, one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartments, each featuring a lovely water view. (215) 925-3000 or www.docksideapartments.com
A former warehouse, Pier 3 Condominium offers all the amenities of luxury living, with a health spa and indoor pool, elegant mahogany wood finishes, and some of the best views in town for Fourth of July fireworks. (215) 351-4003
Residents of the posh waterfront Pier 5 Condominium enjoy 24-hour concierge service, private indoor parking, convenient proximity to Old City and South Street, and a full service marina. (215) 351-4100
Attractions
Designed by renowned architect Robert Venturi in 1992, the striking 106-foot Columbus Monument commemorates the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's historic voyage. The three-sided obelisk is inscribed with text honoring the explorer and his descendants.
Now in its 12th season, the outdoor Blue Cross RiverRink at Pen's Landing is the perfect place to ice skate while enjoying scenic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Philadelphia skyline. The Blue Cross RiverRink, open from November to March, also hosts monthly special events with fun family activities for skaters and non-skaters alike. (215) 925-RINK, www.riverrink.com
With 185 spacious guestrooms, many with magnificent views of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia skyline, the Comfort Inn Hotel Downtown/Historic District is conveniently located on the waterfront, near Historic Philadelphia. Hotel amenities include a complimentary shuttle to local attractions and restaurants. (877) 424-6423, www.comfortinn.com
Festival Pier: Located at Columbus Blvd. and Spring Garden Street, Festival Pier is home to the Blue Cross RiverRink from November through February and hosts a variety of concerts and festivals including Sippin By the River, the PECO Energy Multicultural Series and the Summer stage at Festival Pier concert series. For more information call 215-922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com
Great Plaza: Located at Columbus Blvd. and Chestnut Street, the Great Plaza is home to many concerts and festivals from Mid May throug September. Events such as Jam on the River, Smooth Jazz Summer Nights, and Singer/Songwriter weekend are just a few of the many exciting events that occur every year. For more information call 215-922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com
The waterfront's newest and biggest hotel, the Hyatt Regency opened in 2000, attracting hordes of visitors and business meetings to the modern, 350-guest room facility equipped with fitness center, restaurant/bar, Starbucks and ballrooms, conference and meeting rooms that overlook the river. (215) 928-1234, www.hyatt.com
At the Independence Seaport Museum, visitors can watch boat-building on the premises, and explore maritime history through family friendly exhibits and tours through the Cruiser Olympia and the WWII Becuna submarine. (215) 925-5439, https://www.phillyseaport.org/
Be sure not to miss a tour of Independence Seaport Museum's historic ships, 1892 Cruiser Olympia and WWII Submarine Becuna, before they close for a restoration project on August 15, 2005. Both ships will re-open on Saturday, October 1, 2005, at 10 a.m.
Philadelphia City Sail, Inc. owns and operates the 75-foot schooner North Wind docked at Penns Landing. Students board this tall ship and get hands-on sailing experience while learning about environmental science and maritime arts on the Delaware River. For information on our programs or to learn about public evening cruises or chartering the North Wind contact us at, (215) 413-0451, or www.citysail.org.
Plans are in the works to expand and renovate the International Sculpture Garden, which features artwork from around the world. The Penn's Landing Corporation, the Fairmount Park Art Association and Margie Ruddick Landscape are working in conjunction to extend the Garden from the Hyatt hotel to the Penn's Landing Visitor Center. The $1 million redesign includes new lighting, paving of pathways and more green space.
RiverLink Ferry: If you love the water and enjoy a gentle breeze and a beautiful view, RiverLink Ferry is the choice for you. Come Sit and relax in a 12 minute picturesque view of Penn's Landing and the Philadelphia Skyline and colorful attractions in Camden. For more information call 215-925-LINK or visit https://riverlinkferry.org
Home to the Olympia warship cruiser and the Becuna submarine, the Penn's Landing Marina is available to private boaters, offering 24-hour security and electric and water service from May to October. (215) 923-9129
Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild, the owner and operator of the historic barkentine Gazela, has replaced entire deck and waterways of the hundred year-old 177-foot tall ship making the summer of 2003 was a successful sailing season for the ship. The Gazela and the 102-year-old tugboat Jupiter are now docked permanently at Penn's Landing. (215) 283-0280, www.gazela.org
A land and water tour like no other, Ride the Ducks made a huge splash during its debut season in 2003. The enormously popular entertaining duck rides invite quacking passengers to view the sites of historic Old City from land and Penn's Landing from water, while learning fascinating local trivia and folklore. (215) 227-DUCK, www.phillyducks.com
Sheraton Society Hill
One Dock Street
(2nd and Walnut Streets)
(215) 238-6000
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
Located in historical old city along Dock Street, Sheraton Society Hill preserves the charm and history of colonial Philadelphia and is only minutes from South Street, Independence Hall, and world-class restaurants, shopping, galleries, and theaters. On display in the hotel are artifacts that date back 200 years, unearthed in an archaeological dig before the hotel's construction.
Winner of Spirit Cruises "City of the Year" award, The Spirit of Philadelphia runs lunch, dinner and midnight harbor cruises featuring live entertainment, buffet meals and unparalleled views of the skyline. (866) 211-3808, www.spiritofphiladelphia.com
Located on Pier 36, Sterling Helicopter offers scenic sky tours that cover major attractions such as the Philadelphia Zoo, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Boathouse Row, Liberty Plaza and the Camden Waterfront. (866) STE-RHEL, www.sterlinghelicopter.com
IN THE WORKS:
A proposed plan is in the works to build a replica museum and restaurant of the historic Philadelphia Tun Tavern on Pier 11. The birthplace of the US Marine Corps, the Tun Tavern was originally located on Water Street at the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Penn's Landing Corporation has received two proposals to develop Pier 9 North into a mid-rise condominium with off street parking. This pier is just north of the two privately owned condominium developments Pier 3 and Pier 5. In the upcoming months a decision will be made on development.
Penn's Landing Corporation will introduce a Water Shuttle System soon- that will service the major attractions at Penn's Landing along the Delaware River, and provide an exciting new means of transportation to visitors and residents.