A fun Memorial weekend in Philadelphia, Six Flags & Rehoboth Beach
Taking advantage of the Memorial long weekend, I went on a road trip with some friends from Washington DC. We spent three days visiting Philadelphia, having fun at the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park and sunbathing in Rehoboth Beach. If you want to learn more about what to do in all these places, stay tuned, grab a cup of coffee and keep reading.
As you may know, Memorial Day is celebrated in the USA the last Monday of May in order to remember the American soldiers killed in combat. This long weekend also marks the unofficial start of the summer season.
During our three-day itinerary we explored the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Philadelphia
What to know about Philadelphia
Philadelphia, colloquially known as Philly, is the largest city in the US state of Pennsylvania and one of the oldest municipalities in the country.
William Penn, an English Quaker, founded the city in 1682 to serve as capital of the Pennsylvania Colony. Philadelphia played an instrumental role in the American Revolution as a meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the United States, who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 at the Second Continental Congress, and the Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. Several other key events occurred in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War including the First Continental Congress and the preservation of the Liberty Bell. The city was also one of the nation’s capitals during the revolution, serving as temporary US capital while Washington DC was under construction.
For more information you can browse Visit Philadelphia, the official website for things to do, events, food and drink or hotels in the city.
What to see in Philadelphia
Philadelphia was the first stop of our road trip. We spent a day there at my friend Maider’s, who lives in town. Given its importance in US history, Philadelphia features various locations you should visit during your stay:
- Liberty Bell
- Independence Hall
- Elfreth’s Alley
- Betsy Ross House
- Downtown Philly
- The Rocky steps and the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Liberty Bell
Start your Philly tour at the Independence National Historical Park that preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation’s founding history.
One of the highlights here is the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, freedom and justice. This historic bell bears a timeless message: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”, which has inspired abolitionists, women’s suffrage advocates and Civil Rights leaders over the years. Recognizable for its crack, the Liberty Bell rang in the tower of today’s Independence Hall.
Plan your visit to the Liberty Bell Center to allow time to view the exhibits, see the film, and gaze upon the famous cracked bell. No tickets are required and hours vary seasonally.
Independence Hall
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Independence Hall is of the utmost historical importance given the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were both debated and signed within its premises.
Elfreth’s Alley
This is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the USA. Dating back to 1703, the 32 houses on Elfreth’s Alley were built between 1703 and 1836 for the artisans and tradespeople who lived here at the time. Named for blacksmith and property owner Jeremiah Elfreth, this cobblestone alley reminiscing of early America is a designated National Historic Landmark and houses a Museum. Visitors can explore the historic alleyway on their own or join a 45-minute guided tour.
Betsy Ross House
A few streets away lies another historical location worth stopping by when visiting Philly: the Betsy Ross House. This 18th-century house pays tribute to Betsy Ross, who is credited with embroidering the first American flag.
Downtown Philly
After stepping back in time and learning about American history, we headed to the modern area of Philly. Two spots stand out here:
- Philadelphia City Hall: this large and ornate municipal building from 1901 features a clock tower as well as a statue of William Penn, founder of the city.
- Love Park: it’s a lively urban plaza with a geyser fountain and Robert Indiana’s iconic “Love” sculpture. Many people take a picture here so don’t miss out!
The Rocky steps and the Philadelphia Museum of Art
From Love Park, walk down the long Benjamin Franklin Parkway surrounded by various museums such as the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute, the Barnes Foundation or the Rodin Museum. At the end of this avenue you will find the famous Rocky steps, which were featured in the iconic movie Rocky and offer a popular place for photos and views of the city.
Going up the stairs, you can explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art. a majestic space with a famous entrance staircase, special exhibits and Renaissance classics.
Other attractions in Philly that we didn’t have the time to visit include the Eastern State Penitentiary, the Barnes Foundation or the Penn campus. By the way, during your visit to Philadelphia you might notice that Benjamin Franklin is quite a prominent figure in town. Indeed, this prolific American scientist, inventor and politician left his mark on the city and there are several museums and institutions such as the Benjamin Franklin Museum or the Franklin Court Printing Office named after him.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Just over an hour away from Philadelphia lies the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park. Located in New Jersey (you’ll pass Princeton University on the way), this amusement park is known for its modern roller coasters and wildlife areas. Nearby you can also find the Six Flags Wild Safari Animal Park and the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park.
We spent a fun Sunday here so if your schedule allows, go check it out!
Rehoboth Beach
Memorial Day was beach day for us in Rehoboth Beach.
This coastal city in Delaware is known for its warm sunshine, sandy beaches and ocean breezes.
Besides, walking on the charming mile long boardwalk is a must!
By the way, while you’re in Delaware, enjoy its tax-free conditions by eating out (we had ribs and burgers at Obie’s By the Sea) or shopping at any of the outlets located in the state.
For more information on what to do in the larger Rehoboth Beach/Delaware area, feel free to visit:
On our way back to Washington DC, we crossed the William Preston Jr Lane Memorial Bridge (also known as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge), which connects Delaware with Maryland. What a beautiful way to bring an end to our road trip!
Have you already visited any of these destinations? How was your Memorial weekend? Let me know in the comments below.
