Introduction
If you’re like me—someone who thrives on discovering unexpected gems—then a day (or weekend) in Camden, New Jersey, might just surprise you. I recently spent a few hours exploring the city across the Delaware River from Philadelphia and found that Camden offers a fascinating mix of waterfront views, history, culture, and family‑friendly fun. Here are 12 of the best and most fun things to do in Camden, NJ, each woven with a personal touch and tips to help you make the most of your visit.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Camden, NJ (2026)
1. Explore the Waterfront & Skyline Views
My first stop was simply strolling along the waterfront in Camden. The views across the Delaware River to the Philadelphia skyline were even better than I expected. The website for the area outlines the waterfront as a “mixed‑use community … helping to revitalize the city.”
Tip: Go during golden hour (about an hour before sunset) and pick a spot along Riverside Drive or at Wiggins Park to soak in the reflection of the city lights. Bring a jacket—it can get breezy by the water.
See Also: 19 Best & Fun Things To Do In Catskill, NY
2. Visit the Adventure Aquarium
If you’re with kids—or just love marine life—you’ll appreciate the Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront. With thousands of aquatic species, including sharks, this is one of the biggest draws in the area.
Tip: Buy tickets in advance and arrive early. Look out for the hippo exhibit—yes, hippos at an aquarium! Bring a camera for the shark tunnel and let younger kids stop at the touch exhibits.
3. Tour the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial
One of the most memorable experiences: boarding the Battleship New Jersey, America’s most decorated battleship, now a museum in Camden.
Tip: Allocate at least 1.5‑2 hours. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate stairs and narrow passages. The views from the deck are fantastic, especially of the river and city.
4. Wander Through the Camden Children’s Garden
For a lighter, whimsical stop, I visited the Camden Children’s Garden—designed for families, with gardens, rides, and a butterfly house.
Tip: Ideal for younger children or for adults who just want a break from more intense sightseeing. Bring a picnic or stop at nearby food options.
5. Walk or Bike the Gateway Park Trail
For a dose of nature and fitness, I took a gentle stroll along the trail at Gateway Park, along the Cooper River. It’s calming, green, and away from the busier tourist stops.
Tip: Wear walking shoes. Try to go early in the morning for fewer people and cooler air. If you’re biking, this is a great alternative to downtown chaos.
6. Step Into Literary History at the Walt Whitman House
As a lover of literature, visiting the Walt Whitman House in Camden felt like a meaningful pause. Whitman lived here in his later years and the site is both historic and humble.
Tip: Tours are by reservation—call ahead. Spend at least 30‑45 minutes and be sure to appreciate how the house reflects the poet’s character and era.
7. Catch a Concert or Show at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
If your trip aligns with a live event, the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion at the waterfront is a stellar venue. The best part? You’re by the river and skyline while enjoying music or a show.
Tip: Check the event calendar in advance. Bring earplugs if you plan to stand up close, and arrive early for better parking or ferry access (see item #10 below).
8. Take the Scenic RiverLink Ferry Across to Philadelphia
Here’s a fun little adventure: take the RiverLink Ferry from Camden to Philadelphia and back. The boat ride gives a unique river‑front view and sweetens your itinerary.
Tip: Round‑trip fares are indicated in advance (check schedule ahead). Bring a jacket for the breeze. It’s a great way to break up the day and get a different perspective.
9. Discover Local Flavours: Eat & Relax
One of my favorite parts of any visit is finding a great meal. Camden offers notable local eats—like the iconic Donkey’s Place cheesesteak, which was even featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show.
Tip: For lunch, aim for something casual and local. For dinner, choose a restaurant with a waterfront view. Save room for dessert or a local craft brew afterwards.
10. Visit the Camden Shipyard & Maritime Museum
To dive into Camden’s industrial legacy, the Shipyard & Maritime Museum offers exhibits on shipbuilding and the region’s maritime heritage.
Tip: This stop might take less time than others (about an hour), so it fits well into an afternoon. Combine it with a nearby trail walk or coffee break.
11. Tap Into Arts & Culture: Galleries, Murals & Historic Sites
I discovered art‑filled corners and interesting galleries around Camden. The city encourages cultural events and walking tours. According to sources, there’s a thriving arts scene — “live music, historic sites, and more.”
Tip: Check for local “art crawl” events, look for murals in downtown areas, and stop into any open gallery you find. An hour here adds texture to your trip.
12. Enjoy an Evening Walk Along the Promenade & Reflections
As my final stop for the day, I took a quiet walk along the riverside promenade after dusk. With the city lights reflecting and the water gently moving, it’s a perfect moment of reflection and closure.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and a jacket. If you have time, pause on a bench with a view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge or Philadelphia skyline, and just take it in.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Camden, NJ, reminded me of something important: great travel experiences don’t always come from the known “tourist” places alone. Camden surprised me. It offered waterfront serenity, compelling history, family fun, and local authenticity — all within reach of Philadelphia but with its own distinct identity.
Here are a few personal take‑aways:
- Balance high energy + calm: The aquarium and battleship were exhilarating; the waterfront walks and historic house offered slower, meaningful moments.
- Local flavours matter: A cheesesteak or a quiet cafe stop became as memorable as a big attraction.
- Plan but leave space: I had a list of stops, but the best moments were unplanned walks and conversations with locals.
- Perspective changes everything: Seeing the Philadelphia skyline from Camden gave me a new angle I wouldn’t have expected.
- Time your visit well: Mornings are great for quiet walks; evenings bring beauty and reflection by the river.