Kayaking might not be the first thing you think of for an outdoor activity in the heart of the city, but Philadelphia has two rivers, the Delaware and the Schuylkill that parallel center city from north to south. The Schuylkill is the more placid of the two, which makes it the better choice for kayakers of all levels of experience. Hidden River Outfitters has several options for seeing all the river has to offer.
The most popular tour is the basic kayak tour which starts at the Walnut Street Dock and rows past the beautiful Fairmount Water Works. My wife, who is not a big fan of challenging outdoor experiences (do not bring up the LaJolla debacle!) took the tour with a group of friends and found it both relaxing and informative. The tour takes 90 minutes including 30 minutes of instruction, so don’t worry if you have never kayaked before.
They also have moonlight tours and one where they finish with an outdoor movie on the banks of the Schuylkill. You also get a great perspective of the buildings that line the river both in the center city district and University City. Penn’s Franklin Field and 30th Street Station are two other iconic landmarks you will see on the tour. So, for a quick respite from pounding the pavements, check out the Hidden River Outfitters kayak tour.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...
by
"Stina Pizzeria" in Philadelphia offers an enticing blend of pizza but also the best spanakopita I've ever tasted and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes...
by
"The Modern Republic" in Philadelphia is a midcentury modern home decor shop that is colorful, ebullient, high-ceilinged, and tastefully curated!
by
"Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood" in Philadelphia is 36-feet-large and portrays the early 21st-century LGBTQ+ icon that's conquered the world...
by
When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.
by
"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...
by
Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).
by
These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
by
"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...
by
My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...
by
"Sally" in Philadelphia is a casual and friendly restaurant that's also been named the Best New Restaurant of 2021...
by
"Chris Jazz Cafe" in Philadelphia has been keeping the jazz flames alive in Center City for over 30 years. A night here is an absolute event...
by
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips