There are plenty of spraygrounds and public pools that can help you beat the heat in Philly. But never forget: There are two major rivers—the Schuylkill and the Delaware—that sandwich Center City when the shore just sounds too far or a run through a public fountain won’t cut it.
As the weather warms up, and the humidity starts to kick in full time, we’ve decided to round up the best spots where you can get out on the water (but stay in the city) this summer. Whether you’re looking to just dip your toes, or take a kayak out, here are some of Philly’s best offerings.
Got another water-friendly spot you’d care to share? Leave it in the comments or send us a tip.
Want to get out of the city? Here are 12 more swimming lakes and rivers near Philly.
1. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
8601 Lindbergh Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Philadelphia, PA 19153
(215) 365-3118
The nation’s first urban National Wildlife Refuge has a docking area where kayakers and canoers can ship off and explore the marshes of this 4.5-mile stretch of Darby Creek. Just time your ride wisely: The river is only accessible two hours before or after high tide. For more information on the high tides, hit up the refuge’s website.
2. Spruce Street Harbor Park
301 S Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Philadelphia, PA 19106
When the views of the Delaware River from the pop-up park’s hanging hammocks aren’t enough, (carefully) hop on a standup paddleboard. Aqua Vida hosts yoga, meditation, and cardio classes multiple days of the week, starting June 16. And yes that’s all on standup paddleboards. So no one will blame you if you lose your balance during down dog and take an accidental dip in the river.
3. Independence Seaport Museum
211 S Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-5439
Independence Seaport Museum’s paddle tours are open for the summer season now through September 30. For $8, you can paddle around the museum’s spot at Penn’s Landing in a kayak, rowboat, swan, or dragon (yes, you read that correctly) for a half-hour; it’s $5 if you’re a museum member.
Plan ahead, though. Boating hours are only in the afternoon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until dusk
4. Riverlink Ferry PA Side
201 S Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-5465
If you just want to enjoy being on the water without all the work, there’s the 12-minute Riverlink Ferry Ride that travels between Penn’s Landing and Camden’s waterfront. You’ll get great views of the Philly skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge for $9 a pop.
5. Spirit of Philadelphia
501 S Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(866) 455-3866
On that same note, if you want something longer than a 12-minute jet across the Delaware, there’s always the Spirit of Philadelphia’s dinner, lunch, or brunch cruises. The cruise lasts a couple of hours with great views of the skyline and the Delaware. Prices vary but the more expensive time (dinner) will run you just over $70.
6. Washington Avenue Green
While you can’t actually swim here, there is a small rocky beach at this pier that gets you pretty close to the water’s edge. The former immigration pieris an ecological treasure that has views of Camden and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. When it opened in 2014, it became the first dedicated waterfront public space in South Philly.
7. Bartram’s Garden
54th St. and Lindbergh Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-5281
Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through october you can take free kayak and rowboat rides along the Schuylkill River over at Bartram’s Garden, a 45-acre National Historic Landmark. Bartram’s also offers standup paddleboard rentals. Or, you can bring your own boat and take off from here.
8. Schuylkill Banks
2501 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 683-0200
If you’ve got your own canoe or kayak, you can bring it down to Schuylkill Banks and get on the water from the Walnut Street launch site. No boat? Schuylkill Banks and Hidden River Outfitters offer basic kayak tours throughout the summer and fall, as well as moonlight rides. For the full schedule, click here.
9. Philadelphia Canoe Club
4900 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Philadelphia, PA 19128
The Philadelphia Canoe Club over in Manayunk has a jam-packed schedule of canoe and kayak trips and classes. A lot of them stick to local waters, but if you’re really looking for an adventure they also do trips throughout the country. They also offer standup paddleboard and whitewater kayaking lessons.
10. Wissahickon Valley Park
300 W Northwestern Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 685-9285
There are plenty of spots along the Wissahickon where you can dip your toes in or let your pups splash around. You’ll find impromptu beaches along Forbidden Drive, or you can hike the trail to the infamous Devil’s Pool (which, despite its popularity, is not legal to jump or swim in. But you can wade through it!).
11. Patriot Harbor Lines
Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA
(800) 979-3370
Patriot Harbor Lines is another way to explore the Schuylkill or the Delaware without having to lift a finger. The boat rides take off at two spots: at the Independence Seaport Museum on the Delaware and from the Schuylkill Banks at 2501 Walnut Street. One reader who recommended the cruise rides said they’re “always a pleasurable experience.”
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