Among the many attractions along the Delaware riverfront, you can explore Olympia, the country’s oldest floating steel warship, at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. Or climb aboard the RiverLink Ferry to cross over from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. Once on the New Jersey side, you can visit the nearby Adventure Aquarium or the Battleship New Jersey. North of Trenton, explore Washington Crossing State Park, a 3,575-acre (1,446-hectare) park in the US National Historic Landmark area. It contains a range of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more.
Washington Crossing State Park is partially accessible for persons with disabilities.
There can be limited mobile reception near the base of the river.
The Upper Delaware is known for its whitewater, while the middle section of that river is ideal for beginners looking to develop their paddling skills. In the summer, the Lower Delaware can be crowded with river tubers.
The Delaware River forms the eastern border of both the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia, with Camden, New Jersey, on the opposite side from Philly. The Independence Seaport Museum is a 12-minute walk from Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, and Morgan’s Pier is just north along the waterfront from the museum. The Delaware River waterfront is also a stop on the hop-on, hop-off bus tours in Philly.
To make the most out of the activities along the Delaware River, plan to visit the region in the spring, summer, or fall—think April through October—when the weather is the most pleasant. Local adventure operators are busiest on the weekends and holidays, including Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
Located along the Delaware waterfront in Philadelphia, the Independence Seaport Museum is home to interactive exhibits, the oldest floating steel warship in the world, and a World War II-era submarine. Here, you can learn about the city’s rich maritime history and the importance of the region’s waterways. Plus, watch boat-making in action.
