Philadelphia played a significant role in America’s development, and when you visit the City of Brotherly Love, you’ll have a chance to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and other historic sites. The city is also known for its culinary delights and museums, so your two days in Philadelphia can be packed with interesting activities.
It’s a smart move to rent an RV for your trip to Philadelphia. An RV gives you the freedom to come and go as you please, makes it easy to pack food and drinks, and gives you a comfortable place to call home for a few days.
Search RV rentals in the Philadelphia area.
Preparing for Your Philadelphia RV Trip
When getting ready to rent an RV in Philadelphia, think about whether you’d prefer to drive an RV or tow a trailer behind your truck or SUV. Additionally, consider how much space you’ll need and whether you’d like a full kitchen or other amenities. Some vehicles, like Class B campervans, are easier to maneuver, but Class A and Class C motorhomes offer much more space plus desirable interior features.
For more information, read our guides covering various aspects of renting an RV.
• Steps to renting an RV
• How to choose the right RV size
• Learn about having a rental RV delivered
During the planning process, envision the perfect campground for your two days in Philadelphia. Many campgrounds offer pools and/or are close to the water, and they can feature playgrounds, laundry facilities, and showers. The Warwick Woods Campground has a pond on-site, and at the Lazy K Campground, you’ll find a creek and a stocked pond.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Philadelphia.
Day 1: A Look Back in Time
Morning: Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
Start your day with a visit to the Liberty Bell. It was rung in the Pennsylvania State House and became a symbol of freedom. After you view the bell, take a short walk down the street to visit Independence Hall, where the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Lunch: Grab a Cheesesteak
Make your way to Sonny’s Famous Cheesesteaks + Burgers for a delicious lunch. The restaurant serves Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, fries, onion rings, and grilled cheese sandwiches. If you order a cheesesteak, you can pick your favorite cheese.
Afternoon: Museum of the American Revolution
Visit the Museum of the American Revolution to learn about how the United States became a country. This museum opened in 2017 and displays manuscripts, artwork, weapons, and other artifacts.
Setting Up Camp
After a busy day exploring some of the city’s main attractions, head over to your Philadelphia campground. Check in with a staff member, find your campsite, and start setting everything up. Depending on what kind of RV you have, you may need to stabilize your vehicle, connect hookups, chock your wheels, and unfurl awnings. Does that sound like too much? Filter your search for delivery options if you’d like the owner to bring the RV to your campsite and handle the setup process.
Dinner: Pick Up Food From Reading Terminal Market
Stop by Reading Terminal Market for dinner. In addition to merchants that sell flowers, gifts, and household items, the market hosts vendors that sell produce, meat, baked goods, and seafood. It could be fun to pick up ingredients to whip up a yummy meal at your campground. Or, order prepared dishes and either eat at the market or take your food back to your RV.
Day 2: Cultural Attractions
Morning: The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Snap a few pictures of the Rocky statue, located next to the steps that lead to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Run up the steps and pose with your arms in the air, just like Sylvester Stallone did in the 1976 movie “Rocky.” Then, enjoy the museum, which has a range of pieces, including American art, contemporary art, sculptures, and textiles.
Lunch: Get Wilder!
The menu at Wilder includes sandwiches, pizza, salads, and pasta. The restaurant also offers some seafood items, and its beverage list is quite lengthy.
Afternoon: Change Your Perspective on Science
At The Franklin Institute, you’ll be pushed to think about things in different ways. Exhibits are designed to enlighten visitors about various aspects of science and technology. The museum was founded in honor of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most notable scientists and inventors.
Evening: LOVE Park
Visit John F. Kennedy Plaza, also known as LOVE Park, to take a picture with the famous LOVE sculpture that Robert Indiana created for Philadelphia’s Bicentennial in 1976. Its red letters stand out, and its simple design has become iconic. Spending the evening at LOVE Park gives you time to appreciate the beauty of the park’s fountain and the surrounding architecture. You can find many restaurants and shops in the vicinity of the park, just in case you’re hungry or need to stock up on supplies.
Day 3 and Beyond in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia area offers so much you might consider extending your trip. If you do, you can check out more museums and cultural sites and venture outside the city limits.
• The Barnes Foundation: This museum is home to European paintings, African art, Greek antiquities, Native American artifacts, and more. Albert Barnes, a scientist born in 1872, collected many pieces after his great success in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Longwood Gardens: Stroll the grounds of Longwood Gardens, taking in the beauty of well-manicured lawns and horticultural displays. It has thousands of species of plants in its outdoor and indoor gardens.
Summer Activities
During the summer, the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest comes alive. You can participate in boardwalk games, skate on the rink, ride the Ferris wheel, play mini golf, and enjoy snacks and drinks. Another summer event is the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square. It features live performances, dining opportunities, and illuminated decorations.
Indoor Activities
If you prefer to spend time indoors, plan a trip to Adventure Aquarium or the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. At the aquarium, you can see sharks, penguins, and other beautiful sea creatures. The automotive museum has over 75 historic cars, including ones made by Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Porsche. The oldest ones were manufactured in the early 1900s.
Philadelphia is a vibrant city with so many places to visit. Choose an RV to rent, reserve a campground, book tickets early if you’d like to reserve your spot, and get ready for an exciting adventure.
