Pennsville Travel Guide

Discover the culture, history, natural beauty, local cuisine, and transportation options of Pennsville in New Jersey, USA. Plan your trip with our detailed itinerary and tips.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Pennsville

Welcome to Pennsville! This charming town nestled in Salem County, in Delaware River Region, New Jersey, is brimming with history, culture, and nature. Whether you want to explore scenic views, discover museums and historical sites, savor local cuisine, or simply relax in a cozy guesthouse, Pennsville has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the top attractions, activities, and logistics of Pennsville. Let’s get started!

List of Places to Visit in Pennsville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pennsville Historical Society Museum: Dive into the fascinating history of Pennsville at this local museum, which showcases artifacts and photos from the town’s past.
  • Finn’s Point National Cemetery: Pay homage to the fallen heroes of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars at this beautiful cemetery, which has panoramic views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline.
  • Fort Mott State Park: Explore the remnants of a 19th-century coastal defense fort, walk through scenic trails, and enjoy picnics and barbecues at this popular park.

Natural Attractions of Pennsville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Deepwater Boat Ramp: Launch your boat into the Delaware River and enjoy fishing, kayaking, or watching the sunset from the water.
  • Riverview Beach Park: Bask in the sunshine, stroll along the river, or sip lemonade at this scenic park, which has splash pads, playgrounds, pavilions, and concerts.
  • Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Observe diverse wildlife such as bald eagles, migratory birds, and butterflies at this serene refuge, which has hiking trails and guided tours.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pennsville

Pennsville offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to hike or bike through the town’s scenic countryside. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Pennsville Rail-Trail: Pedal or walk along this converted railroad line, which runs for 1.5 miles from Lighthouse Road to Riverview Beach Park.
  • Finn’s Point Loop: This 3.1-mile loop offers stunning views of the Delaware River, as well as historical landmarks such as Finn’s Point National Cemetery and Fort Mott State Park.
  • Supawna Meadows Trail: This 3-mile trail meanders through the marshes, meadows, and forests of Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, offering a prime opportunity to observe wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Pennsville: Activities and Tours

  • Pennsville Antiques & Thrift Shop: Browse through vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture, and other knick-knacks at this quirky shop, which also hosts events and workshops.
  • Pennsville Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio: Get creative and paint your own ceramic masterpiece at this fun and family-friendly studio, which offers a wide range of pottery shapes and colors.
  • Delaware River Cruise: Experience the beauty of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline from a unique perspective on a sunset or dinner cruise, which depart from Pennsville’s Deepwater Marina.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pennsville

Day 1: Explore Pennsville Historical Society Museum and Riverview Beach Park, and dine at Pennsville Diner.

Day 2: Hike Finn’s Point Loop, visit Finn’s Point National Cemetery and Fort Mott State Park, and have a picnic at Fort Mott.

Day 3: Rent a bike from Trailside Bicycles and ride the Pennsville Rail-Trail, then visit Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and have lunch at Salem Oak Vineyards.

Day 4: Take a Delaware River Cruise from Deepwater Marina, then visit Twin Moons Alpaca Farm and sample their alpaca wool products.

Day 5: Play golf at Town & Country Golf Links, then have lunch at the Green Olive Restaurant.

Day 6: Shop at Pennsville Antiques & Thrift Shop, make pottery at Pennsville Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio, and have dinner at J.G. Cook’s Riverview Inn.

Day 7: Relax at your guesthouse or go fishing at the Deepwater Boat Ramp.

Food and Drink Scene of Pennsville

Must-Try Dishes

Pennsville’s cuisine is a fusion of classic American comfort food, fresh seafood, and international flavors. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

  • Crab cakes: Sample the town’s famous crab cakes, which are made with fresh and savory crab meat.
  • Pork roll sandwiches: Savor a classic New Jersey sandwich made with pork roll, egg, and cheese on a bagel or English muffin.
  • Italian hoagies: Dig into a hearty sandwich filled with Italian meats, cheeses, and veggies on a crispy roll.

Local Beverages

  • Salem Oak Vineyards: Sip award-winning wines made from locally grown grapes, and enjoy live music and picnics at this charming vineyard.
  • Ship Inn Brewery & Restaurant: Toast with handcrafted ales, lagers, and stouts, and feast on savory pub fare at this English-style brewery and restaurant.

Where to Stay in Pennsville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Comfort Inn & Suites: This cozy hotel offers spacious rooms, free breakfast, fitness center, and pool, as well as easy access to Pennsville’s attractions.
  • The Inn at Salem Country Club: Stay in a charming guesthouse overlooking the greens of the Salem Country Club, and enjoy gourmet breakfasts and scenic views.
  • Airbnb: Rent a private room or an entire house through Airbnb, and experience the welcoming hospitality and local charm of Pennsville.

What to Buy in Pennsville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Crab-themed souvenirs: Pick up a crab plushie, keychain, mug, or T-shirt as a fun reminder of Pennsville.
  • Salem Oak wines: Bring home a bottle of locally made wines from Salem Oak Vineyards, and impress your friends with your wine-tasting skills.
  • Pottery: Create your own pottery at Pennsville Paint-Your-Own Pottery Studio, or buy a handcrafted vase, dish, or figurine as a unique gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Pennsville

Pennsville’s culture is deeply rooted in its history and landscape. The town’s friendly and welcoming locals enjoy traditional values such as community, family, and patriotism. It’s common to see American flags, pumpkin patches, and harvest festivals in the fall, as well as holiday lights and carolers in the winter.

Best Time to Visit Pennsville

Pennsville’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is sunny and warm, and the town’s parks and gardens are in full bloom. Spring and fall are also pleasant times to visit, with colorful foliage and seasonal events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pennsville

Do:

  • Do explore the town’s rich history and culture through its museums, parks, and landmarks.
  • Do try the local cuisine, especially crab cakes, pork roll sandwiches, and Italian hoagies.
  • Do say hello to the friendly locals, and ask for their recommendations on attractions and events.
  • Do enjoy the natural beauty of Pennsville through hiking, biking, fishing, or boating.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in the parks or on the streets, and respect the environment and wildlife.
  • Don’t forget to tip your servers and service providers, as tipping is customary in the US.
  • Don’t speed or drink and drive, as traffic laws and safety are strictly enforced in Pennsville.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pennsville

Pennsville is a safe and peaceful town, with low crime rates and friendly neighbors. However, as with any place, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions such as locking your doors and securing your valuables. In case of emergency, dial 911.

Health in Pennsville

Pennsville has access to quality healthcare through Salem Medical Center and other nearby hospitals and clinics. It’s recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation.

Getting to Pennsville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pennsville

The closest airport to Pennsville is Philadelphia International Airport, which is about 25 miles away. Other nearby airports include Atlantic City International Airport (60 miles) and Newark Liberty International Airport (105 miles).

Bus Stations Near Pennsville

Greyhound and Peter Pan bus companies have stations in nearby Wilmington, Delaware (16 miles) and Salem, New Jersey (6 miles), which offer connections to other US cities.

Other Options

Pennsville is easily accessible by car, as it’s located off the I-295 highway and Route 49. Amtrak and NJ Transit trains also stop at nearby stations in Wilmington, Newark, and Penns Grove.

How to Get Around in Pennsville

Renting a car is the most convenient option for traveling around Pennsville and the surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available, but they may be limited or more expensive in rural areas.

Where to Go Next from Pennsville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Pennsville is ideally located near many fascinating destinations in the Mid-Atlantic region. Here are some of the top excursions:

  • Philadelphia: Visit the Birthplace of America and explore its rich history, world-class museums, and vibrant food and arts scenes.
  • Atlantic City: Indulge in some seaside fun at this famous entertainment and gaming hub, which offers beaches, boardwalks, casinos, and concerts.
  • Cape May: Immerse yourself in Victorian charm at this picturesque seaside town, which boasts historic homes, lighthouses, and bird-watching trails.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our comprehensive travel guide to Pennsville, and that it inspires you to plan a memorable trip to this hidden gem of New Jersey. From history and nature to cuisine and culture, Pennsville has a lot to offer, no matter what your tastes or interests are. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the best of Pennsville!