How to Plan a Military Museum and Memorial Road Trip

Article overview

Learn how to honor America's heroes with a road trip to the nation's most iconic military landmarks. Here's what you'll find inside:

• Top destinations: Walk the National Mall in Washington D.C., tour historic warships in Florida & Michigan and explore Civil War battlegrounds in Shiloh, TN & Charleston, SC

• Member savings: Enjoy discounts on hotels, Hertz rental cars, attractions, museums and dining along the way

• Travel made easy: Access free trip-planning tools, travel insurance options and 24/7 roadside assistance with AAA

Whether standing high on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, being submerged in a submarine that once patrolled the depths or paying your respects on hallowed ground, America's military sites all have one thing in common: you have to be there to experience it.

Honor the stories that shaped the United States by planning a road trip to military sites across the nation, celebrating 250 years of American history at sites where service men and women are honored and commemorated.

Thankfully, AAA's trip-planning tools and member savings on hotels, travel and museum tickets make exploring America's nationwide network of military heritage sites easier and more rewarding than ever. 

As the America 250 celebration continues, there's never been a better time to connect with the nation's military history and pay tribute to the men and women who have served and continue to serve. Here's insider tips and tricks on how AAA can help you plan unforgettable road trips to some of America's most significant military landmarks and historic sites.

Connecting national parks with military history

America’s National Parks preserve more than breathtaking landscapes; they also protect the places where the nation’s military history unfolded. From battlefields to sites that commemorate those who served, these U.S. National Park sites offer a powerful way to connect and commemorate the chapters of military history as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. Here are some of the notable military history U.S. National Park Sites to Rediscover America, one historic road trip at a time.

Washington, D.C. 

National World War II Memorial: Located on the National Mall, the sweeping memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served and more than 400,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice in WWII.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: One of the most visited memorials in the nation’s capital, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a striking black granite wall engraved with the names of more than 58,000 service members who died or went missing during the Vietnam War. 

Korean War Veterans Memorial: Known as the “Forgotten War,” the Korean War is remembered at this moving memorial located near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. The memorial’s 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers on patrol through a field capture the hardship, sacrifice and service of the more than 1.7 million Americans who served during the Korean War. 

Arlington, Virginia

United States Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial): Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., the US Marine Corps War Memorial is one of the world's most recognizable military sculptures. The monument depicts the iconic flag-raising at Iwo Jima, inspired by the famous 1945 Mount Suribachi photograph. 

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Michigan’s Own Military and Space Heroes Museum: Celebrating Michigan’s most decorated veterans and astronauts, this museum showcases an impressive collection of medals, portraits and personal stories. Located in the charming small town of Frankenmuth, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in military and space history.

Muskegon, Michigan

USS Silversides Submarine Museum: Step into history aboard one of the most decorated WWII submarines still in existence. Docked on the shores of Lake Michigan, the USS Silversides offers a thrilling and educational experience for families, immersing visitors in the life of a submarine crew during the war.

Tampa, Florida

American Victory Ship and Museum: Step aboard a piece of living history with a tour of the USS American Victory, one of only four fully operational WWII-era cargo attack ships still afloat in the United States. Walk the same decks that once carried vital supplies across war-torn seas, and experience firsthand the courage and determination of the men and women who served aboard her.

Pensacola, Florida

National Naval Aviation Museum: A tribute to the daring men and women who took to the skies in defense of their country, this sprawling museum is one of the largest naval aviation museums in the world. Homebase to the legendary Blue Angels, it houses over 150 beautifully restored aircraft that tell the story of naval aviation from its earliest days to the present. Best of all, admission is free, making it an unforgettable stop for the whole family.

 Shiloh, Tennessee

Shiloh National Military Park: Shiloh National Military Park is one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battlegrounds, telling the story of an 1862 battle that changed the course of the conflict. It’s estimated that more than 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or went missing during two days of fighting. Today, the U.S. National Park Service offers insightful and illuminating programming on this pivotal moment in American history.

Charleston, South Carolina

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park: Discover the history of America’s coastal defenses and how these forts played a key role in defending waterways from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. It’s here where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861, beginning one of the nation’s most defining conflicts.

Explore more national parks worth the journey

From the historic significance of Civil War battlefields to breathtaking natural landscapes, America's National Parks offer something for every traveler. Whether you're drawn to sweeping mountain vistas, dramatic coastlines or lush forests, there's always more to discover. 

Check out some of the most beautiful U.S. National Parks for your next adventure. Planning to bring your furry companion along? We've also rounded up the best pet-friendly National Parks so your four-legged explorer doesn't have to miss out on the fun. 

Let AAA get you there with ease

Whether you're visiting a historic battlefield, touring a legendary ship or paying tribute at a national memorial, AAA helps you experience America's military heritage with ease and convenience. 

Start your military road trip planning by browsing AAA Trip Canvas for destination inspiration and then use AAA TripTik® Travel Planner to create a personalized itinerary with routes, stops and travel details. Plus, AAA Members enjoy savings on hotels and rental cars.

Along the way, AAA can help unlock road trip savings on dining, while the AAA Mobile App, travel insurance options with special AAA benefits and gold-standard 24/7 AAA Roadside Assistance provide support wherever the road takes you. With AAA, your road trip honoring America's history is easier to plan and more memorable to experience.