Attractions
Come early or stay late and enjoy all Philadelphia and the Keystone State have to offer. Visit the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and Visit Pennsylvania for more information.
Philadelphia
Independence National Historic Park - Historic district preserving sites associated with the American Revolution such as:
- Independence Visitor Center – Main orientation hub for the historic district, and helpful starting point for first-time visitors.
- Independence Hall – Birthplace of American democracy, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Offers guided tours through the original Assembly Rooms.
- Congress Hall – Seat of the U.S. Congress from 1790-1800.
- Museum of the American Philosophical Society in Philosophical Hall - Showcases rotating exhibitions drawn from the American Philosophical Society’s extraordinary collections of rare books, manuscripts, scientific instruments, and historic documents.
- Liberty Bell Center – Home to the iconic Liberty Bell, this exhibit explores the bell’s symbolism, it’s famous crack, and it’s evolving role in American History and civil rights.
- Old City Hall – Served as home to the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1790’s.
- Declaration House – Former boarding house where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, interpreted through exhibits and guided storytelling.
- Franklin Court – A modern interpretation of Benjamin Franklin’s former home, featuring an underground Museum, interactive exhibits, and printing demonstrations.
- Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank - Located in the former Second Bank building, this gallery features portraits of early American leaders, offering a visual look at the figures who shaped the nation’s founding era.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway - A broad, walkable avenue that anchors Philadelphia’s museum district and links several of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions such as:
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – One of the nation’s premier art museums, featuring world-class collections and the iconic “Rocky Steps” with panoramic views of the city.
- Rocky Steps and Statue – Movie landmarks outside the museum, popular for photos and skyline views.
- Rodin Museum - A compact, elegant museum home to one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin’s works outside France, set within a tranquil sculpture garden.
- Barnes Foundation – Art museum and educational institution known for one of the world’s most significant collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings.
- The Franklin Institute - A large, interactive science museum known for hands-on exhibits, immersive experiences, and its iconic giant heart.
- Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University - One of the oldest natural history museums in the country, featuring dinosaur skeletons, biodiversity exhibits, and environmental science displays.
- Moore College of Art and Design Galleries - Contemporary gallery spaces showcasing rotating exhibitions focused on women artists and emerging voices in the arts.
- Logan Square - A central green space anchoring the Parkway, highlighted by the Swann Memorial Fountain and surrounded by major cultural institutions.
African American Museum in Philadelphia – First institution built by a major U.S. city to preserve African American history, culture, and art.
Museum of the American Revolution – Explore immersive exhibits that bring the nation’s founding to life through storytelling, and rare artifacts, including George Washington’s original headquarters tent.
National Constitution Center – Dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, featuring theatrical reenactments, historic documents, and rotating exhibits.
Franklin Square – One of William Penn’s original public squares, featuring a historic fountain, carousel and mini golf on a relaxed green space.
Elfreth’s Alley and Museum – America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, with 32 houses built between 1703 and 1836.
9th Street Italian Market – The oldest outdoor market in the nation, offering lively streetscape of vendors, shops, and cultural history in South Philadelphia.
Betsy Ross House – Restored historic home associated with the legendary maker of the first American Flag.
Philadelphia Phillies – Catch Major League Baseball at Citizens Bank Park, with the Phillies hosting home games against the New York Yankees on July 24 and 25!
Philadelphia Zoo – America’s first zoo, offering a walkable campus with innovative animal habitats, overhead animal trails, and a strong focus on conservation and education.
Delaware River Waterfront – Revitalized stretch along the river featuring walking paths, seasonal attractions, public art, and waterfront views.
Independence Seaport Museum – A maritime history museum exploring Philadelphia’s naval and shipping past featuring exhibits and historic ships along the Delaware River.
Spruce Street Harbor Park – Seasonal waterfront park along the Delaware River with hammocks, floating barges, lights, and casual seating.
United States Mint – A working mint where visitors can learn how U.S. coins are produced via guided tours and interactive exhibits.
Eastern State Penitentiary - Former prison known for its imposing architecture and influential role in criminal justice history; former inmates included legendary gangster Al Capone.
Please Touch Museum – Hands-on children’s museum housed in a historic Memorial Hall, designed to encourage learning through interactive play.
Philadelphia’s Magical Gardens – A vibrant mosaic art environment created by Isaiah Zagar, blending sculpture, color, and reclaimed materials.
LOVE Sculpture – Classic Philadelphia photo opportunity, located near City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden – Serene and traditional Japanese house and garden set in Fairmount Park, known for its seasonal beauty and cultural programming.
Explore Pennsylvania
Gettysburg National Military Park – The site of the Civil War’s most pivotal battle, offering preserved battlefields and monuments.
Valley Forge at National Historic Park – A key Revolutionary War site where George Washington’s army encamped, a now scenic park combining history, trails, and monuments.
Washington Crossing Historic Park – The site where George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River in 1776.
Hershey Park – Large amusement park known for roller coasters, family attractions, and Hershey’s Chocolate.
Dutch Wonderland – Family-focused theme park featuring gentle rides, and storybook style attractions.
Longwood Gardens – World-renowned botanical garden featuring expansive conservatories, fountain gardens, and seasonal displays.
Aeolian Pipe Organ at Longwood Gardens - One of the largest and most celebrated in the world, featuring more than 10,000 pipes and regularly showcased through live concerts and demonstrations in the Conservatory’s grand Ballroom. Unlike many historic organs, Longwood’s instrument remains fully playable and meticulously maintained.
Brandywine Museum of Art – Best known for its extensive Wyeth family collections and its integration of art, landscape, and regional history.
New Hope – Charming river town known for its art scene, historic inns, scenic views along the Delaware Canal and easy walkability.