While you may not sail the great blue seas, you can explore the history they played in Philadelphia’s development at the Independence Seaport Museum. A museum dedicated to the maritime history of Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley and Pennsylvania, the Independence Seaport Museum is suitably located along Penn’s Landing, the historic site where William Penn first docked when he arrived in America.
You can bike, run, picnic or even skateboard along the Schuylkill Banks, or you can take to the serene Schuylkill River itself. The Schuylkill Banks provide excellent access to the river for recreation and watersports. Explore the city from a kayak, relax at this popular fishing spot or even take a motorized or large boat out for a spin.
Travel across the globe when you enter Shofuso, also known as the Japanese House and Garden, located in Fairmount’s West Park. Leftover from the 1876 Centennial Exposition, this 17th century-style Japanese house and garden represents friendship between the US and Japan. Guests are welcome to find tranquility in the elaborate garden, koi pond and teahouse as well as participate in Shofuso’s festivals and events.
Experience thrills and chills as you explore the attractions at the Edgar Allan Poe House, former home of the famous Gothic poet. His literary works continue to captivate readers to this day, so take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the man’s personal history and see what influenced his writings. Educated tour guides share their knowledge, as well as some of Poe’s famous stories and poems.