Hidden Philadelphia: Graffiti Pier {Guest Post by Expedition Jojo}
I love an off-the-beaten-path location (like these spooky church ruins near Charleston, South Carolina), and I’m always excited to find new, funky, and strange places to visit.
This guide showcases a gritty but beautiful part the City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia's Graffiti Pier.
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Graffiti Pier is an abandoned coal mining pier right on the Delaware River. Back when it was less popular, you had to scan through articles to try and figure out the location of the pier.
You could even try to message people who have been there on Instagram hoping for a reply with a hint of the location but that is unlikely as there is an unspoken rule about never giving out the location.
Now, you can just type it into Google maps.
Although it takes away from the thrill of the hunt, the pier is just as interesting.
When you arrive, you will see a car barrier on your left, this is where you will enter after you have parked.
You can also bike here but it is not advised as there is broken glass everywhere.
Walk up to the barrier and either duck under or leap over. After that, all your have to do is follow the path and you will see the pier.
At the entrance, there are usually bigger pieces of graffiti.
These do not change as often as the smaller ones inside the pier. If you are lucky, you may run into artists putting up a new piece of work and can chat with them about their vision.
Rule: If you take their picture, do not take a picture of their face. Graffiti, side angles and backs only! Respect the community rules.
Graffiti artist's supplies
The many pillars and walls along the pier allow many artists to showcase their work in this ever changing environment.
You can visit the pier one day and in a couple of week the graffiti can be completely different. So if you like something, take a picture of it while you are there!
As you move closer to the middle, there will be a split in the route you can take to continue, make sure you check out both side to not miss anything.
You also get a nice view of the Philadelphia skyline to your right as you get closer to the end of the pier.
In the summers, there are occasionally kids and families jumping into the river to cool off. As with any hidden location, caution when visiting is advised! Because of the popularity of photographers visiting this location, there has been recent reports of robbery and assaults.
However, if you travel smart, you should be fine. Travel with a group of at least 5 people when visiting a pier and do not go when it is dark.
Other useful tips include wearing closed toe shoes because of the trash everywhere and do not come after a rainy day, especially in the summer or you will be eaten alive! I learned this the hard way.
Interested in learning more about the unique street art that Philadelphia is known for? Take the street art walking tour through the heart of the city to see sculptures, learn about the artists, of course, see creative graffiti.
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Dig deeper into your own community and find those hidden spots. What's your favorite thing to do in your hometown that most people don't know about?
