Spruce Street Harbor Park

Summer Waterfront Destination

Spruce Street Harbor Park is an urban park located at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park, which is open seasonally during the summer months, features a boardwalk along the Delaware River with a beachfront-like atmosphere.

Inaugurated in 2014, the park was part of an initiative to reconnect Philadelphians and regional visitors to the waterfront. It was conceptualized by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC), Interface Studios, Digsau, and Groundswell Design Group.

View from USS Olympia's deck overlooking the Delaware River

Photo: SymphonicPoet (CC BY 2.0)

Unique Design Features

The design of the park evokes the maritime history of the area and celebrates the river's industrial past while looking towards its future. One of the most distinctive features is its array of colorful hammocks, both on land and suspended over the water.

The park also includes landscaped barges that house restaurants and bars, creating floating gardens on the river. Thousands of LED lights are strung through the trees, creating a magical ambiance, especially in the evening.

The majestic blue Moshulu ship dominates the waterfront

Photo: 123 Chroma Pixels (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Recognition and Popularity

The park has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It's estimated that an average of 35,000 people per week visit during its operational season.

The space has received accolades, including being named one of the world's best urban beaches by the Huffington Post and receiving a "Best of Philly" award from Philadelphia Magazine.

The USS Olympia museum ship moored in front of the park

Photo: 123 Chroma Pixels (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Part of a Larger Vision

Spruce Street Harbor Park is part of a larger Master Plan for the Central Delaware, which aims to develop the waterfront area with parks every half mile, connector street projects, a bike trail, and the redevelopment of Penn's Landing.