Independence Seaport Museum
Explore Philadelphia's maritime history through engaging exhibits and tours of historic ships like the USS Olympia and USS Becuna.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities and lively atmosphere
Independence Seaport Museum
Best Time
More activities and lively atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Philadelphia's maritime history through engaging exhibits and tours of historic ships like the USS Olympia and USS Becuna.
"By far the best museum I have been to. Definitely do the submarine tour."
🎯 Book Ship Tours Early
Submarine and ship tours are popular; book Independence Seaport Museum tickets in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring on the ships and museum. Wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

USS Becuna Submarine Tour
Penn's Landing
Step inside a WWII submarine and experience life at sea. Surprisingly spacious and well-preserved for visitors of all sizes.

USS Olympia
Penn's Landing
Explore America's oldest surviving steel warship, a Spanish-American War veteran. A truly impressive piece of naval history.

Interactive Maritime Exhibits
Museum Interior
Engaging displays and models bring Philadelphia's rich seafaring past to life for all ages. Great for families!

Paddle Penn's Landing
Penn's Landing Waterfront
Enjoy a fun outing on the water with swan boats or larger paddle boats. Perfect for families and couples.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Ship Tours
Embrace the Waterfront
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ship Tours Early
Submarine and ship tours are popular; book Independence Seaport Museum tickets in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring on the ships and museum. Wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Prepare for Heat
The USS Becuna is not air-conditioned. Fans help, but it can get warm in summer.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Guaranteed
Interactive exhibits make it a hit with kids. A wonderful family experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ship Tours Early
Submarine and ship tours are popular; book Independence Seaport Museum tickets in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring on the ships and museum. Wear comfy shoes!
☀️ Prepare for Heat
The USS Becuna is not air-conditioned. Fans help, but it can get warm in summer.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Guaranteed
Interactive exhibits make it a hit with kids. A wonderful family experience!
🌊 Waterfront Activities
Combine your visit with kayaking or paddle boating on Penn's Landing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Independence Seaport Museum for its engaging exhibits and the unique experience of touring the historic USS Olympia and USS Becuna. The waterfront location and family-friendly atmosphere are also frequently highlighted as major positives. Some visitors note that the USS Becuna can get warm in summer as it's not air-conditioned, but this is generally seen as a minor inconvenience compared to the overall historical immersion.
"I really enjoyed myself. As a plus size woman I always get a little nervous if I will fit comfortably throughout a submarine. I definitely did. I had plenty of room and felt very comfortable. Our tour guide was great. We went in July so it was hot. Oh yeah it's not air conditioned. They have fans going in the sub it was totally doable. Everything else had air conditioning."
Jennifer Winthurst
"A Wonderful Family Experience at Independence Seaport Museum – July 13, 2025
We had a fantastic time visiting the Independence Seaport Museum on July 13th, 2025! It’s a wonderful place for the whole family, with something for everyone to enjoy. The interactive exhibits for kids were a big hit — our little ones were fully engaged and had so much fun learning about maritime history through hands-on activities.
The museum does a great job of making history come alive, and the staff were friendly and informative. The setting by the water adds to the charm, and exploring the historic ships was a memorable experience for all of us.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting Philadelphia, this is definitely a must-visit spot for families. Educational, entertaining, and very well-maintained — we highly recommend it!"
Deepnath Das
"By far the best museum I have been to. Definitely do the submarine tour. That's the best part. It's very informative with small parties going into the sub. The museum that they have by the Hilton where the gift shop is also pretty spectacular. If you're in Philly definitely go here."
Melissa Witt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. It's accessible by public transportation, including SEPTA buses and the Market-Frankford Line. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby.
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots near Penn's Landing. Seaport Museum parking rates can vary, so it's good to check ahead.
While there isn't a direct ferry to the museum itself, Penn's Landing is a waterfront destination, and you might see ferry services operating in the Delaware River.
Penn's Landing is easily reachable by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. Public transport options like buses and the subway are also convenient.
Absolutely! Several SEPTA bus routes stop near Penn's Landing, and the 5th Street/Independence Hall station on the Market-Frankford Line is a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but you can find current Independence Seaport Museum admission costs on their official website. Look out for free museum days!
It's highly recommended, especially for tours of the USS Olympia and USS Becuna, as they can sell out. Booking Independence Seaport Museum tickets online is the easiest way.
Museum hours can change seasonally. It's best to check the official phillyseaport.org website for the most up-to-date Independence Seaport Museum hours before your visit.
Yes, keep an eye out for special promotions, free museum days, or group rates. Checking their website or social media is a good strategy.
Typically, access to the USS Olympia and USS Becuna is included with your Independence Seaport Museum admission, but specific tour times may require advance booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore maritime history exhibits, tour the historic USS Olympia and USS Becuna, and enjoy waterfront activities like kayaking.
The Becuna tour is generally accessible, but it involves tight spaces and ladders. It's surprisingly comfortable even for larger individuals.
The USS Becuna is not air-conditioned, but fans are used. The museum exhibits are air-conditioned.
Visitors often rave about the USS Olympia and the USS Becuna submarine tours. The interactive exhibits are also a hit with families.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Check for any specific restrictions within certain exhibits or on the ships.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe or snack bar. For more extensive dining, numerous restaurants are available along Penn's Landing and in the surrounding Old City area.
Outside food and drinks are usually not permitted inside the museum galleries. There might be designated areas for picnics on the grounds.
Penn's Landing offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, with cuisines catering to diverse tastes.
No, the ships are historic vessels and do not have dining facilities. Food is available in the museum's cafe or nearby establishments.
It's best to check with the museum's cafe directly for their current menu offerings, as options can vary.
📸 📸 Photography
The decks of the USS Olympia and USS Becuna offer fantastic maritime photo opportunities. The waterfront views from Penn's Landing are also picturesque.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public areas and near historic sites. It's advisable to check with the museum and local regulations before flying a drone.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but flash photography might be prohibited in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always look for signage.
A versatile camera that handles both indoor and outdoor lighting well is ideal. A smartphone camera is also great for capturing memories.
You can find many Independence Seaport Museum photos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as well as on travel blogs and the museum's own website.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Ships: USS Olympia & USS Becuna
The USS Becuna is a Balao-class submarine that served in World War II and the Cold War. Touring this submarine provides a unique perspective on the cramped and challenging conditions submariners endured. Despite its compact nature, visitors have noted it's surprisingly comfortable to navigate, even for larger individuals. Remember that the Becuna is not air-conditioned, so be prepared for warmer temperatures during summer visits, though fans are provided.
These ship tours are often highlighted as the premier experience at the museum. It's highly recommended to book your tickets for these tours in advance, as they are popular and can fill up quickly, ensuring you don't miss out on this immersive historical adventure.
Waterfront Activities at Penn's Landing
These water-based activities provide a different perspective on the maritime heritage that the museum celebrates. It’s a chance to actively engage with the water, much like the sailors and mariners of Philadelphia's past. Combining a museum visit with a paddle boat excursion offers a well-rounded day of historical exploration and recreational enjoyment right on the waterfront.
When planning your visit, consider allocating time for these outdoor attractions. They are a great way to experience the spirit of Philadelphia's connection to the sea and add an element of adventure to your trip.
Family Fun and Educational Value
From exploring the decks of historic ships to discovering the stories of Philadelphia's seafaring past, the museum offers a rich educational environment. The staff are often noted as being friendly and informative, further enhancing the learning experience for younger visitors. The combination of engaging content and the picturesque waterfront setting makes it a highly recommended destination for families visiting Philadelphia.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit