Senior Discounts In Philadelphia

With the leisure time that retirement affords, many mature travelers are in a unique position to spend long periods of time traveling for pleasure. Those visiting Philadelphia from within the region or as guests can experience the wide array of historic and cultural activities, some of the nation’s best restaurants and shops and do so at a discounted rate. Here’s a look:

Tours

Classic Victorian-style trolleys provide an all-inclusive tour of the city with a 24-hour pass that allows visitors to see the sights with unlimited hop-on/hop-off privileges. Ages 55+ ride for $23. (215) 389-TOUR

The Phlash Downtown Loop is the quick and easy transportation connection between Penn’s Landing and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with stops at 16 key destinations. Ages 55+ ride free except Monday through Friday, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (215) 389-TOUR

Ride the Ducks, the popular amphibious sightseeing tour, provides an entertaining tour of historic Philadelphia and the waterfront by land and sea. $23 for ages 55+. (877) 887-8225

The Spirit of Philadelphia serves up meals, drinks and live entertainment while passengers gaze at the Philadelphia skyline from the Delaware River. Prices for ages 55+ range from $29 to $36 for lunch cruises and $56 to $69 for dinner cruises. Pier 3, Columbus Boulevard, (215) 923-4354

Historical & Cultural Attractions

The Brandywine River Museum collects and preserves American art with primary emphasis on the art history of the Brandywine Valley, American landscape, still-life painting and illustration. $5 for ages 65+. U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-2700

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is designed to inspire children and adults to marvel at the wonders of science and technology. It houses Philadelphia’s only planetarium and IMAX Theater. $11 general admission for ages 62+. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200

Independence Seaport Museum invites boat lovers to explore the history and science behind floating vessels. $8 for ages 65+. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 925-5439

Inside the Fonthill Museum are carefully preserved vestiges of life inside this castle inhabited by archeologist and craftsman Henry Mercer in the early 20th century. $8 for ages 62+. E. Court Street, Doylestown, (215) 348-9461

The only sound-and-light show of its kind in the United States, the Lights of Liberty tells the story of the American Revolution as it happened where it happened. $16.50 for ages 65+. 6th & Chestnut Streets, (877) 462-1776

Mercer Museum & Spruance Library houses dramatic displays of the implements, folk art and furnishings of early America before mechanization. $7 for ages 62+. 84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, (215) 345-0210

The National Constitution Center uses interactive exhibitions to tell the story of the U.S. Constitution’s past, present and future. $7 for ages 62+. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6600

The National Liberty Museum highlights contributions made to American society by a wide variety of heroes. The museum also contains a notable glass artwork collection. $4 for ages 55+. 321 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-2800.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts contains an impressive collection of American fine art. $6 for ages 62+. 118 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600

The Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts one of the finest collections of art in the world and delights Philadelphia visitors with its grand neo-classical architecture. $9 for ages 62+. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100

The Woodmere Art Museum highlights painting, sculpture, photography and drawings made by Philadelphia artists. $3 for ages 65+. 9201 Germantown Avenue, (215) 247-0476

Lodging

AARP members receive a 15% discount at Best Western. 127 S. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, (610) 265-4500

Hampton Inns across the region offer a 10% discount to AARP members. Seniors visiting Valley Forge National Historical Park and the King of Prussia Mall can stay at the Hampton Inn Philadelphia/King of Prussia. 530 W. Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, (610) 962-8111

If you know of any other great senior discounts in the Greater Philadelphia / South Jersey area, drop me a note at philadelphia.guide@about.com so that we can add it to our list.