Philadelphia Navy Yard
A vast historical naval base transformed into a unique urban space with retired warships, parks, and vibrant event venues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for exploring
Philadelphia Navy Yard
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast historical naval base transformed into a unique urban space with retired warships, parks, and vibrant event venues.
"A unique break from all the other spots in the city, offering history and open space."
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Plan travel carefully, especially during events. One entrance/exit can cause major delays .
🎒 Pack Snacks & Comfort
Bring your own food and drinks for a picnic, plus pillows/blankets for drive-ins or longer stays .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Retired Warships
Various piers
Marvel at impressive retired naval vessels, including aircraft carriers and other historic ships awaiting their fate. A unique sight!
Riverside Walks & Parks
Along the Delaware River
Enjoy peaceful strolls or bike rides with scenic views of the river and passing ships. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
The Big Bounce America
Marine Parade Grounds
An inflatable wonderland for families! Experience massive bounce houses and slides for endless fun.
Vegandale Festival
Marine Parade Grounds
A vibrant vegan festival featuring food, drinks, art, and music. A must-visit for plant-based enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Navy Yard
What to Expect at the Yard
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Plan travel carefully, especially during events. One entrance/exit can cause major delays.
🎒 Pack Snacks & Comfort
Bring your own food and drinks for a picnic, plus pillows/blankets for drive-ins or longer stays.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot or Bike
The Navy Yard is expansive. Walking or biking offers the best way to see the sights.
🚢 Admire Ships from Afar
You can see many retired warships, but boarding is not allowed as it's a working facility.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Traffic
Plan travel carefully, especially during events. One entrance/exit can cause major delays.
🎒 Pack Snacks & Comfort
Bring your own food and drinks for a picnic, plus pillows/blankets for drive-ins or longer stays.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot or Bike
The Navy Yard is expansive. Walking or biking offers the best way to see the sights.
🚢 Admire Ships from Afar
You can see many retired warships, but boarding is not allowed as it's a working facility.
🚌 Utilize SEPTA Buses
Consider the Center City Express or Navy Yard Local buses for convenient transport within the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Philadelphia Navy Yard as a unique, less-crowded alternative to typical tourist spots, highlighting its historical significance with retired warships and pleasant walking/biking paths. Some note traffic issues during events and the inability to board ships, but overall it's seen as a worthwhile diversion.
"Great, quiet place, awesome for walking, biking, ok maybe to for fishing. Got a near by bar or restaurant with outdoor seating so overall pleanty to see and do for 2-3 hours! Also not to.mention dozen+ plus retired warships and no entrance fee!
Btw you have two busses going down here (Center City Express) and around (Navy Yard Local)... look the up on the Septa map."
Mirko Popovic
"Love being here. I am from New Jersey and I pack a lunch every time I visit one on the Jefferson’s doctors. I always get good care and a professional diagnosis and a good conversation about what is needed."
Bridget Golding
"Lots of history here, great place to walk or drive around,look at passing ships, or do some exploring. Come see the ex USS John F. Kennedy CV67 while she is still here!!
There is also a DEERS office here too which is an added bonus"
Peter Cuoco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to the Navy Yard, but be aware of potential traffic congestion, especially during events. Public transport options include SEPTA's Center City Express and Navy Yard Local buses, which are recommended for easier navigation within the complex.
Yes, there is parking available at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. However, during large events, parking can become limited and traffic can be heavy.
Absolutely! SEPTA offers bus routes like the Center City Express and Navy Yard Local that serve the area, making it accessible without a car.
The Navy Yard is quite spread out. Walking or biking are excellent ways to explore its many attractions. Driving is also an option, but be mindful of traffic.
While not a constant shuttle service, SEPTA's Navy Yard Local bus route helps connect different parts of the facility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, generally there is no entrance fee to visit the public areas of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. However, specific events like festivals or attractions may require tickets.
Yes, tickets are required for the Vegandale Festival. You can purchase them online in advance at vegandalefest.com.
The Big Bounce America is designed for family fun, and while specific age restrictions might vary by session, it's generally suitable for children and families.
You can view the retired ships from designated areas, but you cannot board them as the Navy Yard is a working facility.
The Philadelphia Navy Yard is generally accessible during daylight hours for public exploration. Specific attractions or businesses within the Yard will have their own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore retired warships, enjoy riverside walks and parks, visit unique events like Vegandale or The Big Bounce America, and discover historical sites.+1
Yes, it's an excellent place for walking and biking due to its spaciousness and scenic routes.
The Navy Yard itself is a historical site, with remnants of its naval past visible in the retired ships and the repurposed facilities.
Yes, the Navy Yard offers many great photo opportunities, especially with the ships and the urban landscape.
The Navy Yard hosts a variety of events, including festivals like Vegandale,
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a few restaurants and bars with outdoor seating available within the Navy Yard.
Absolutely! Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a great idea, especially for picnics or longer visits.
During festivals like Vegandale, you'll find a wide array of vegan food and drink vendors.
While dining options directly within the Navy Yard are limited, there are more choices in nearby South Philadelphia.
For a unique experience, try the on-site eateries. Otherwise, packing a picnic is a popular and practical choice.
📸 📸 Photography
The retired warships, the industrial architecture, and the riverside offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Yes, you can photograph the ships from accessible viewpoints, but remember you cannot board them.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography may require permits. Always be respectful of the working environment.
You can capture dramatic shots of naval vessels, urban landscapes, and scenic river views.
Drone usage may be restricted due to it being an active area. Check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
which provides an incredible amount of active play for children. Packing snacks and drinks is a great tip for keeping everyone happy during longer visits.🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Navy Yard: Traffic and Transportation
For those who prefer to explore on their own terms, driving is an option, but it requires careful timing. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience. If you're visiting for an event, be prepared for potential delays and consider arriving early. Once inside, the Navy Yard is quite pedestrian-friendly, making walking or biking excellent ways to discover its many attractions at your own pace.
A Glimpse into History: The Ships of the Navy Yard
it's important to remember that you cannot board them. The Navy Yard remains a working facility, and access to the ships is restricted for safety and operational reasons.The sight of these decommissioned vessels, some awaiting their final fate, offers a unique and poignant experience. It's a chance to connect with maritime history and appreciate the scale and engineering of these naval behemoths. The USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier, for instance, has been a notable sight as it undergoes scrapping,
Family Fun and Festivals at the Navy Yard
It's a fantastic way to spend a day with the family, filled with laughter and active play.Another major draw is the Vegandale Festival, a vibrant celebration of vegan culture that attracts a large crowd.
This festival features a wide array of plant-based food and drink vendors, unique art installations perfect for photos, and live music, making it a lively and engaging experience for attendees of all ages. Checking the Navy Yard's event calendar is highly recommended to catch these special occasions during your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit