Your first clue that Philadelphia was once a significant maritime city is the first stop on the tour. Revolutionary-era Fort Mifflin is strategically located where the Schuylkill meets the Delaware River and was meant to protect Philadelphia from foreign marauders. The fort is accessible by land from South Philadelphia via Penrose Avenue (291) and the George C. Platt Bridge, or from I-95 south to Exit 13 (Enterprise and Island Avenue). From I-95 north take Exit 10.

Located near the intersection of Island Avenue and Hog Island Road, Fort Mifflin on the Delaware is one of Philadelphia’s best kept secrets. The well-preserved 18th century fort is tucked away among the noisy runways of Philadelphia International Airport, industrial warehouses, and the expansive wetlands of Mud Island, not an actual island. The fort itself is an impressive masonry structure that dates from 1772 to 1798. Special features of the complex include the Northeast Bastion, offering a spectacular view of Philadelphia and the Delaware; the arsenal, with four-foot thick walls that originally housed a prison; soldiers barracks; officers quarters; blacksmith shop; and casements, vaulted bombproof enclosures used to shelter troops under attack.

During the Revolutionary War, colonial rebels took the fort and inflicted severe casualties on the British during “the mightiest bombardment of the 18th century in North America." Although known for its historical role in the American Revolution, Fort Mifflin also boasts a recreational area with 30 acres of preserved wetlands and trails and a riverside picnic area. From here you can watch the planes take off overhead from Philadelphia International Airport.

Follow Hog Island Road through tall grasslands, to the intersection with Penrose Ferry Road. At crossroads bear right to discover community gardens. This eclectic area is subdivided into lots of various sizes, very european, with vegetables and vineyards. Respect the gates and buy some fresh honey across the road. There is a ring road here along the Schuylkill River, at the base of an open tract of land with an amazing view of the city and Navy Yard.

Take Penrose Avenue and turn right onto Pattison Avenue. Pattison Avenue skirts a large city recreational area known as Roosevelt Park. Take a right onto Broad Street from Pattison Avenue. The base lies at the southern terminus of Broad Street. It is a reminder of Philadelphia's 300-year maritime heritage.