Philadelphia is blessed by not one but two great rivers—the Delaware to the east, and the Schuylkill in the west—and Guild House, our luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Philly, is situated perfectly between them, nearly equidistant from both of their very lovely, but very different charms.

Philadelphians and visitors alike tend to think about of the rivers (and riverfronts) most often in the summertime, when it seems like there’s a concert or festival every weekend, when the banks are packed with sunbathers, when the water beckons and the parks are in full swing. But here’s the truth: it’s fall in Philadelphia that makes for the best outdoor time … and the riverfronts offer just as many things to do as in the summer, only with the cooler weather and prettier colors. Here, 7 fresh, fun activities on (and around) the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers to enjoy right now … all just a few blocks from our historic Guild House Hotel.

Photo of Race Street Pier by J. Miczek for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

 

See the city by boat.
You can rent a little paddle boat (or a Swan-shaped peddle boat!) through Paddle Penn’s Landing on the Delaware, or step it up a few dozen notches on The Spirit of Philadelphia, a river cruise boat with dining, dancing and DJs. There’s also the beautiful Sea Philly, a private restored Chris Craft picnic boat that seats six. Book it day- or sunset cruises, or even four-hour expeditions on the Delaware. Meantime, on the other side of town, the Secrets of the Schuylkill Riverboat Tours run through October, and offer a chance to both learn about the river, and see the city from a fresh vantage point. The same is true with the guided kayak tours offered by Hidden River Outfitters… though with those, you can also enjoy paddling by moonlight, as well.

Photo of Boathouse Row at night by E. Frizzelle for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

 

Exercise en plein air.
In addition to the fantastic biking/running/walking paths that are the Schuylkill River Trail and the newly expanded Delaware River Trail, you can also find the occasional fall fitness class offered alongside the Schuylkill: Check out BodyRock Bootcamp’s various and sundry al fresco bootcamps that take place on the Schuylkill River Banks through the fall. Yoga more your jam? Look for the giant crowd of yogis enjoying the weekly Yoga on the Banks or Omm Yoga Studio sessions that run on the river banks throughout the fall months.

Photo of Yoga on the Banks by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia®

 

Enjoy some waterfront dining.
The historic neighborhood surrounding our boutique Philadelphia hotel has no shortage of great restaurants—but there’s also nothing quite like waterfront dining, and the Delaware River offers a range of awesome options. Consider: There’s the stunning La Peg across from Race Street Pier, with beautiful views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, regional American cuisine and great craft beer list; there’s tiny (but storied) sandwich joint, Shank’s, for cheesesteaks, hoagies and roast pork sammies; there’s Moshulu, the boat (docked boat, that is) on Penn’s Landing with indoor and outdoor seating, stunning river views, and a menu full of crowd-pleasers; there’s Morgan’s Pier, the massive and casual beer garden that’s well-suited to families and happy hour crowds alike; and there’s the brand new Liberty Point, currently Philly’s biggest restaurant, with three levels, five bars, seven event spaces, live music and a panoramic view of the surrounding waterfront.

Photo of Liberty Point by Daniel Knoll for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

 

Take in the views.
For the best riverfront views—maybe even the best Philadelphia views—the bridges are where it’s at. On the Schuylkill, try the South Street Bridge, from which you can take in the beautiful Schuylkill River Banks, the river, and the city skyline. On the Delaware? Well … there’s a reason the view from the Ben Franklin Bridge is one of the most Instagrammed Philly shots: It’s simply breathtaking. And with the bridge’s popular pedestrian footpath (accessible at 5th and Race Streets), it’s safe and easy to hop onto.

Photo of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge by Elevated Angles for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

 

See a show.
Just across the street from Race Street Pier is the FringeArts Theater (which shares its beautiful space with La Peg restaurant, mentioned above!), and the biggest time of year for FringeArts is actually from September 8 through October 2, when the gorgeous theater hosts a series of performances as part of Philly’ famed Fringe Festival, “a city-wide celebration of innovation and creativity in contemporary performance.” It’s a great place to get a drink, catch a show and take in the rare beauty and unique culture Philly has to offer.

Photo of the Louis Bluver Outdoor Movie Series at FringeArts by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia®

 

Go fishing.
Pier 68, at the southern end of the Delaware River Trail, is a haven for fishermen (excuse us, for people who fish, not just men!), even if it is just steps away from the hustle and bustle of South Philly. The pier is open dawn to dusk, year-round, and there’s picnic benches and tables for eating, and a lawn to relax on. Meantime, on the west side of town, the Schuylkill offers loads of spots, and also loads of fish—more than 40 species, according to the Schuylkill Banks website, including perch, catfish, carp, bass and more. You can cast your line in several different spots all along the river. Heads up: At both locations, you’ll need your Pennsylvania fishing license.

Photo of Pier 68 by Matt Stanley, for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

 

Rent a surrey.
Yes, you’ve biked along Boathouse Row. But have you surreyed? The fall colors along Kelly Drive are really a sight to behold, and taking it from a slow-moving surrey or a slower-moving double surrey is a fun, funny, social way to go. (Bonus: It’s really, truly good exercise – those things are no joke when it comes to pedaling!) Rent surries, coupes and more at Wheel Fun, located next to Lloyd Hall.

Photo of Kelly Drive by R. Kennedy for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

 

Want to book a room or suite at Guild House, a historic Philadelphia hotel in the heart of the city? Click here to plan your stay!