Camden Attractions, Philadelphia

A stunning aquarium across the river from Philly. The huge tank contains gigantic turtles and tiger sharks among other stunning fishes. Also has a tucan exhibit, and watching these birds is a lot of fun. There is also an air carrier there.

WARNING: you may take the NJ subway line and walk to the aquarium, which is what I did, but I would not recommend it. Camden is UGLY, DIRTY and the parts of the Bronx that I have seen (granted, I have not seen many) appears to be a lot safer... Take a river taxi or a normal taxi instead.

Venture over to Camden NJ, which is directly across the Delaware river from Philadephia. It is has a lot of attractions and also provides a great view of Philadelphia and the Delaware waterfront.

It is a great place to take a walk alone or with someone :) Occasionally, they have jazz bands play at an outdoor stage which is nice. But, other times, you may hear the music coming from major concerts at the Ecentre which is a large indoor/outdoor concert complex.

Also, there is the NJ Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey to see. But the views are what I go there for... love seeing the sunsets :)

Another view of the Battleship New Jersey..

NEW JERSEY was decommissioned for the last time on February 8,1991 at Bremerton, Washington where she resided until heading home to New Jersey. She was officially stricken from the Navy list on February 12,1995 but was then ordered reinstated by an order of congress as a mobilization asset under Bill 1024 section 1011. On January 4, 1999 NEW JERSEY was again stricken from the Navy list and IOWA replaced her as a mobilization asset. On September 12, 1999 NEW JERSEY began her Final Voyage home from Bremerton, where she had rested in mothballs for the last 8 years. On November 11th, she arrived at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Since that time, she has been restored, opened and established as an educational museum and a tribute to the brave sailors who served on her during her long and distinguished career. The Battleship New Jersey opened as a Museum and Memorial in October 2001.

Hours may change due to the season:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cost: $8.00 - $12.50

The Battleship USS New Jersey is the Navy's most decorated warship earning 19 campaign and battle stars for serive in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and the Middle East. The battleship offers guided tours through simulated operations areas spanning five deck levels.

Hours may change due to the season:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cost: $8.00 - $12.50

The Aquarium is on the Camden side of the Delaware water front and you can get there from the Ben Franklin Bridge or using the River link ferry from Penn's Landing.

The aquarium is ok as aquariums go. There are much better ones in the U.S. but it is still a nice place to take the kids and explore nature. They have a great outdoor park with a merry go-round and a small train plus a butterfly flower park which is nice for small children.

If you have been to Baltimore's Aquarium or others, you may be disappointed in this one. But, it still is nice for a get away with the family.

Admission
Adults $13.95
Children (3-11)$10.95
Children (2 & under)FREE
Students (w/ ID)$11.95
Seniors (65+) $11.95

The hours of operation change during the summer and winter seasons.. check their website for the hours.

Well, besides the crack dealers on many streetcorners, Camden does have some interesting things to see, mostly along the riverfront.

The New Jersey State Aquarium is located just north of the Tweeter Center along the river (www.njaquarium.org).

You'll also find Campbell's Field, a great baseball stadium and home of the Camden Riversharks right at the Jersey side of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

For all you photo buffs out there, you might just want to cross the bridge to get some great shots of Philadelphia from across the river.

There is also the Walt Whitman House located between 3rd and 4th Streets at 328 Mickle Boulevard. This was the home of the great American poet until his death in 1892 (for information call 856.964.5383).

Near the campus of Rutgers, you'll find this interesting building, but I don't recall exactly what's significant about it.