In some sections, Philadelphia's Delaware riverfront is still a confusing tangle of highways, abandoned industrial facilities and warehouses, and rail lines that weave in and out of waterfront piers. Vestiges of the maritime and industrial development that made Philadelphia great are still to be found between these older networks and newer commercial and residential development.

There is a treasure trove of Philadelphia history to uncover for the visitor willing to venture away from the well-known hot spots and explore less traveled routes along the river.

The tour along the Delaware riverfront is approximately twenty miles and three centuries long. It will include the 17th-century church where Betsy Ross was married, a Revolutionary War fort, and an elegant Victorian estate. We’ll throw in a little shipbuilding history and recreational pit stops along the way. Budget two days to navigate Delaware River roads, especially if traveling on bike. Warning: safe bike routes are few and road shoulders are narrow, and some of the terrain on the smaller secondary roads is quite rough.