Pennsport is a lot of things. On one side of I-95, it’s a neighborhood filled with rowhome-lined residential streets and the center of Philadelphia’s Mummer culture, and on the other, it houses big-box shopping centers and the southernmost section of the Delaware River Trail.
Originally part of the colonial-era Southwark District, Pennsport includes the area between 4th Street, Washington Avenue, Snyder Avenue, and the Delaware River.
How can you spend a day in this South Philly neighborhood? Here are some starting points.
Special thanks to Hey Philly reader Caitlin L. and Laura Benshoff, former executive producer of City Cast Philly, for providing numerous recommendations for this piece!
🌳 Enjoy the Outdoors
Pennsport has some nice pockets of green space, excellent for spending a nice day outdoors.
Dickinson Square Park offers shaded benches, a playground, a basketball court, and lots of goings-on (you can keep track of them in the Friends of Dickinson Square Park Facebook group), including a weekly farmers market. Jefferson Square Park also has a park friends group on Facebook where you can keep up with its happenings. Toward the edge of the neighborhood, Washington Avenue Pier offers a nice riverside getaway.
✨ Learn About Mummery
Pennsport is the hub for Philly’s Mummer clubs, the groups that dress up in elaborate, sequined outfits to perform and march in the city’s New Year’s Day parade — a long-held tradition.
On South 2nd Street (known in the neighborhood simply as “Two Street”), you can pass by the buildings where these clubs are based. The Mummers Museum at 2nd and Washington has artifacts and exhibits on the tradition’s history.
The exterior of the Mummers Museum at 2nd and Washington. (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)
☕ Sip and Relax
Get yourself a little treat and enjoy some rest on the folding chairs outside Herman’s, a neighborhood favorite coffee shop and specialty market. If you prefer to drink your coffee indoors or at the park, try dropping by Rebel & Wolf Cafe, where you can also get a delicious döner-inspired sandwich featuring fresh veggies and a mixture of four different flavorful sauces.
If you are seeking a variety of bottled sauces and a cup of coffee, Herman’s is the place to go. (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)
🍽️ Grab A Bite
Craving a sandwich? You can get yourself a hoagie from Dolores’, or one of Philly’s best cheesesteaks from John’s Roast Pork.
Plenty of other fare is scattered around the neighborhood. A sample platter of options:
- Caitlin recommends Moonshine Philly for bar food and Tuesday night Quizzo.
- Little Sicily II gets the stamp of approval from Laura, who swears by the Indian-style pizza topped with paneer. (Yes, you read that right!)
- Speaking of Indian food, Taste of Punjab is also a local favorite.
📍 Getting There
SEPTA bus routes 25, 29, 57, 64, and 79 serve the Pennsport area. You can also access the neighborhood via the Delaware River Trail and I-95.
This article was originally published in April 2024. It was updated in September 2024.
