Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of America, so it seems only fitting that this city is one of the best destinations in the United States where visitors can spend Memorial Day. As the meeting place for the 1st Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, Philadelphia was also the country’s first capital. With a rich history and numerous important landmarks—including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall—Memorial Day celebrations to honor fallen servicemen and women are significant events in the City of Brotherly Love. Traveling by boat is the ideal way to spend the holiday weekend to witness the spectacular city views from the Delaware River courtesy of City Cruises. There are several excellent attractions on land to visit, too. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to provide helpful intel on each type of experience.
Hit the Water on the Delaware River in Philadelphia
When it comes to the packages City Cruises for Memorial Day and/or Memorial Day Weekend, we have several exciting options to choose. From brunch to lunch to dinner, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from our vessels—plus plenty of amenities.
A Beautiful Brunch Cruise in Philadelphia
Starting with the Philadelphia Signature Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise, guests can indulge in a delectable, chef-prepared buffet with fresh entrees, salads, and desserts, as well as unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water. Those 21 and over can indulge in unlimited mimosas as they set their sights on the city’s stunning landscape, complete with Philadelphia’s impressive architecture and several famous landmarks such as the Ben Franklin Bridge. The afternoon can be enjoyed from comfy, climate-controlled interiors and open-air exterior roof decks. This casual affair spans 2 hours and features live DJ entertainment, games, and a well-stocked bar onboard. Dining and dancing are encouraged. Plus, you’re guaranteed a table for your party size, and additional upgrades can be made to customize the experience.
You’ll Love this Memorial Day Weekend Lunch Cruise
Next up is the Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise. This 2-hour, mid-afternoon affair is casual in attire but upscale in amenities. Set against the city’s scenic skyline, guests can dine and dance on the Delaware River as they indulge in a chef-prepared buffet of fresh entrees, salads, and desserts while live music from the DJ sets the festive scene. Spirits will flow from the well-stocked bar, which features innovative cocktails, wine, and beer for purchase; breathtaking views of famous local landmarks like the Ben Franklin Bridge serve as a beautiful backdrop for sipping and celebrating. Whether guests opt for our cozy, climate-controlled interior decks or open-air exterior roof ones, this one-of-a-kind lunch cruise experience will be one to remember. An added benefit? We’ll guarantee a table for your party size, and additional upgrades can be made to customize the event.
A Delicious Dinner on the Water
Rounding out the day is the Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise. Once the sun goes down, the festivities begin as guests are welcomed onboard for dining and dancing with the brilliant lights of the city’s skyline, serving as the evening’s backdrop. Embarking from Penn’s Landing and traveling along the Delaware River, this cruise showcases Philadelphia’s historic waterfront in the most magical and memorable way. During this special evening, fresh, chef-prepared entrees, salads, and desserts are paired with creative cocktails, wine, and beer from the well-stocked cash bar, while live DJ entertainment is the soundtrack for celebrating. Over the course of 2.5 – 3 hours, couples, families, friends, or a combination of all three will enjoy a casual affair they’ll never forget.
Memorial Day Fun on Land in Philadelphia
Since Philadelphia is home to so much American history, it’s no surprise that there are lots of landmarks to visit during Memorial Day, as well as annual events that attract many visitors to the city. Let’s start with the yearly Memorial Day parade that draws big crowds along its route of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Marching bands, military units, and veterans floats are all part of the extravaganza that begins at the acclaimed Philadelphia Museum of Art—another must-see point of interest. While the parade is one way to mark the day, visiting the Museum of the American Revolution is another. As one of the city’s top museums, it offers a deep dive into U.S. history, and on Memorial Day, special exhibits devoted to service people throughout history are featured along with the museum’s standing installations.
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed), two of the most significant landmarks in the city. Meanwhile, nature lovers will fall for the vast and beautiful Fairmount Park; science geeks will get their fix at The Franklin Institute Science Museum; and shoppers will make a beeline for the Fashion District, which also offers cultural experiences, dining, and entertainment.
For foodies, a Philly cheesesteak is a rite of passage and one of the country’s oldest and largest public markets—the Reading Terminal Market—provides plenty of choices along with local and global produce, meats, poultry, and seafood, plus baked goods and cheeses. One last place on our list is the Delaware River waterfront, where amazing parks like Race Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park are found, along with outdoor venues for concerts, festivals, and assorted events. It boasts some pretty stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, too.
Celebrate Memorial Day 2025 in Philadelphia with City Cruises!
Whether on the water or off—but ideally a combination of both!—Philadelphia offers the ideal experience for celebrating Memorial Day. Booking a package with City Cruises is the best way to begin, so you can get the lay of the land while comfortably immersing yourself in the surroundings.