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2025-12-30T16:18:12Z

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{{Infobox Park
| name = Race Street Pier
| image =
| image_caption = Race Street Pier extending into the Delaware River
| type = Waterfront park / Pier
| location = Delaware River waterfront
| coordinates = 39.9530,-75.1390
| area = 1.7 acres
| established = 2011
| operated_by = Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
| features = River views, lawn, swings, Ben Franklin Bridge views
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| transit = Walk from Old City; SEPTA bus 25
| website = https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
}}

'''Race Street Pier''' is a 1.7-acre public park extending into the [[Delaware River]] in [[Philadelphia]], offering unobstructed views of the water, the [[Benjamin Franklin Bridge]], and the New Jersey shoreline. The minimalist, beautifully designed pier provides a peaceful escape from the city and has become one of Philadelphia's most photogenic locations.<ref name="race">{{cite web |url=https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/race-street-pier |title=Race Street Pier |publisher=Delaware River Waterfront Corporation |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The pier demonstrates how Philadelphia is reclaiming its Delaware River waterfront for public enjoyment.

== Design ==

=== Landscape Architecture ===

The pier was designed by '''James Corner Field Operations'''—the same firm that designed New York's High Line:
* Clean, contemporary design
* Graduated lawn sloping toward the river
* Integration with existing pier structure
* Sustainable materials

=== Features ===

* '''Lawn:''' Tiered grass areas for lounging
* '''Swings:''' Popular bench swings
* '''Lighting:''' Evening illumination
* '''Railings:''' Clean metal railings at water's edge
* '''Trees:''' Shade plantings

== Views ==

Race Street Pier offers exceptional '''views''':

=== Benjamin Franklin Bridge ===
* Dramatic views of the suspension bridge
* Excellent photography spot
* Bridge lighting at night

=== Delaware River ===
* Wide river views
* Boat traffic
* Camden shoreline across the water
* Sunrise and sunset views

=== Philadelphia Skyline ===
* City buildings from the water
* Center City towers

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Dawn to dusk daily
* Free admission

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Delaware River waterfront at Race Street

'''By Public Transit:'''
* Walk east from Old City
* SEPTA Bus 25 to Columbus Boulevard
* Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street, then walk

'''By Car:'''
* Columbus Boulevard parking lots
* Penn's Landing parking

'''By Bicycle:'''
* Delaware River Trail access
* Bike racks at the pier

=== Tips ===

* Sunrise is spectacular here
* The swings are popular—arrive early to get one
* Bring a blanket for the lawn
* Little shade—bring sun protection
* Combine with other waterfront attractions

== Activities ==

* Relaxation on the lawn
* Photography (especially golden hour)
* Picnicking
* Watching boats
* Quiet contemplation
* Exercise (yoga, etc.)

== Events ==

The pier occasionally hosts:
* Fitness classes
* Small performances
* Community events

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Cherry Street Pier]]''' — North along waterfront (arts and food)
* '''[[Penn's Landing]]''' — South along waterfront
* '''[[Spruce Street Harbor Park]]''' — Further south (seasonal)
* '''[[Old City]]''' — Short walk west
* '''[[Independence Hall]]''' — Walk through Old City

== See Also ==

* [[Delaware River]]
* [[Penn's Landing]]
* [[Cherry Street Pier]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Bridge]]
* [[Old City]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/race-street-pier Delaware River Waterfront - Race Street Pier]

{{#seo:
|title=Race Street Pier Philadelphia - Delaware River Park with Bridge Views
|description=Guide to Race Street Pier, Philadelphia's minimalist waterfront park with Delaware River views, lawn seating, swings, and Benjamin Franklin Bridge vistas.
|keywords=Race Street Pier Philadelphia, Delaware River waterfront, Philadelphia parks, Benjamin Franklin Bridge views, Philadelphia waterfront, Old City parks
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Delaware River]]
[[Category:Architecture]]
[[Category:Photography]]

Race Street Pier - Revision history

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