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Planning to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026? This travel guide highlights the best places and experiences across the country for the America 250 Semiquincentennial celebration.
Inside this guide you’ll discover:
Find the hottest travel experiences handpicked by AAA experts. From trending destinations to limited-time offers and exclusive member-only deals, these are the must-see trips you won’t want to miss.
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Two hundred and fifty years. A quarter millennium. It’s a staggering number, especially when you consider the remarkable history of the United States. Across the country, landmarks, battlefields and town squares still stand where the nation’s history unfolded, waiting to be explored.
In 2026, the United States will mark its Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, with the largest national celebration since the United States Bicentennial in 1976. That year, Americans gathered in Philadelphia, sailed tall ships into New York Harbor and lit fireworks coast to coast.
The Semiquincentennial promises to be even grander. America 250 will be a yearlong celebration stretching from Boston’s cobblestone streets to the red rock canyons of the Southwest. Let this America 250 travel guide show you how to experience the best of it all as you walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers, stand where history unfolded and explore the landscapes that shaped the nation.
What began with the original 13 colonies declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776 is now a celebration of the entire nation and its 50 states, from coast to coast, including Alaska and Hawaii. Here are some of the best places to celebrate America 250.
Washington, D.C., will be a centerpiece of America 250 celebrations, offering iconic landmarks and immersive programming for visitors. The National Mall will serve as the hub of events, with patriotic concerts, public exhibitions and large-scale anniversary celebrations throughout 2026.
America 250 highlights include a special Independence Day fireworks display beneath the dome of the U.S. Capitol, along with performances and ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian museums. Yearlong programming will feature lectures, public art installations and interactive experiences that bring the city’s revolutionary and civic history to life.
With its monumental architecture, educational experiences and patriotic celebrations, Washington, D.C., offers travelers a dynamic way to connect with the nation’s history, witness America in action and celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary.
As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia is the perfect place to begin your America 250 journey. Start at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed, then visit the Liberty Bell, whose iconic crack symbolizes the nation’s birth.
Throughout 2026, the city will host historical reenactments, lectures, museum exhibitions, public art, and family-friendly events. Highlights include Red, White, & Blue To‑Do, featuring decorated wagons, live music, and cultural performances and the Wawa Welcome America festival, culminating on July Fourth with concerts along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Visitors can also explore Independence National Historical Park, including the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Court, and Congress Hall or enjoy parades and tall ships in the harbor. With its mix of landmarks, immersive programs, and patriotic celebrations, Philadelphia is at the heart of America 250.
Boston, the cradle of the American Revolution, is the perfect city to experience America 250. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, connecting 16 historic landmarks including the Old North Church, Paul Revere House, Boston Common and Faneuil Hall. Guided tours, museum exhibits and interactive programming throughout 2026 bring the city’s revolutionary history to life.
The city’s Harborfest on the Fourth of July anchors the celebrations with historical reenactments, period music, tall ships in the harbor, and fireworks over Boston Harbor. Sail Boston 2026 adds to the excitement with the Grand Parade of Sail, public ship boardings and special events.
With iconic landmarks, immersive events and vibrant celebrations throughout the year, Boston offers travelers a dynamic way to trace the footsteps of patriots and celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Elegant and historic, Charleston played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, including the 1780 Siege of Charleston, one of the war’s largest Southern engagements. During America 250, the city becomes a living history destination, offering events and experiences that bring Revolutionary-era stories to life.
Visitors can explore Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter, where costumed interpreters present musket and artillery demonstrations, and take walking tours along cobblestone streets lined with historic homes and churches. Special exhibitions, like “Ringleaders of Rebellion,” highlight Charleston’s role in early resistance, while commemorative events such as Carolina Day 250 and Revolutionary Victory Day feature reenactments and patriotic ceremonies.
With its mix of historic landmarks and immersive programming, Charleston is a must-visit for America 250. From tracing the steps of patriots to attending signature anniversary events, the city offers a dynamic way to experience the nation’s 250-year journey.
San Antonio offers a southwestern perspective on America 250, celebrating the nation’s multicultural roots and frontier history. At its heart stands The Alamo, an enduring symbol of the Texas Revolution and the independent spirit that shaped the American Southwest.
Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, tour historic neighborhoods and attend commemorative programming highlighting Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo contributions. Special events at The Alamo include living history demonstrations, guided tours and interpretive programs connecting Texas history to the broader story of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
With its iconic landmarks and immersive history, San Antonio is a standout America 250 destination. From tracing the steps of revolutionaries to joining educational programs and community celebrations, the city offers a unique way to experience the nation’s milestone anniversary.
Celebrate America 250 on the open road. Hit the highway with your family and explore scenic routes, historic stops and iconic destinations from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia and beyond.
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Take to America’s highways and byways in 2026 to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary by visiting the landscapes that define it. National parks across the country will host special programs, events and interpretive experiences highlighting history, culture and conservation.
The iconic symbol of freedom, democracy, and hope, the Statue of Liberty will host several commemorative events, including lighting displays, guided tours and educational programs.
The colossal 60-foot faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in South Dakota’s Black Hills will be illuminated for patriotic celebrations, including a fireworks display on July 3.
As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park will highlight America’s conservation legacy during the anniversary year. Ranger-led programs, special exhibits and interpretive talks will celebrate the role of the National Park Service in protecting the nation’s natural treasures.
Travelers can experience the full scope of America 250 without planning every detail themselves. Guided journeys and themed trips bring visitors directly to the heart of the celebrations.
Experience America’s landscapes from the comfort of a train as you travel between historic cities, national parks and scenic regions. Themed itineraries such as the Amtrak Vacations Stars and Stripes Collection combine rail travel with guided sightseeing, offering a relaxing way to explore iconic landmarks and celebrate America 250. Members receive exclusive benefits when booking rail travel through AAA.
Guided tour operators such as AAA Travel partner Trafalgar, Members Choice Vacations and other brands are offering immersive itineraries focused on Revolutionary history, national parks and landmarks and anniversary celebrations.
Sail the storied waterways that helped shape the nation. River cruises along the Mississippi River and the Columbia River and Snake River provide a relaxed and scenic way to explore the country’s past from the water. Knowledgeable AAA Travel Agents can help you choose the ideal cruise itinerary while maximizing in-market offers and exclusive member benefits.
Planning an America 250 road trip is an adventure—starting with the right vehicle. Whether you dream of cruising in a convertible or need a midsize SUV for extra luggage, renting a car gives you flexibility and keeps your own vehicle protected.
AAA Members booking with Hertz can enjoy perks like up to 20% off the base rate, 10% off prepaid fuel, free additional drivers and complimentary child safety seats—helping your road trip budget go further.
At AAA.com/Travel, tools like the TripTik® Travel Planner and AAA Mobile App let you map your route, book AAA Diamond-designated hotels and find can’t-miss attractions. Everything you need for your America 250 journey is in one place, making it easy to plan, navigate and hit the road with confidence.
America 250 will mark one of the most significant travel years in U.S. history. Planning ahead helps secure accommodations, tours, and tickets to the most anticipated events and celebrations.
Working with a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent gives you expert guidance, plus exclusive member savings and perks that enhance any anniversary experience. Trusted by millions of members, AAA is your ultimate companion for exploring the country and its rich history.
America 250 isn’t just another holiday—it’s a once-in-a-generation milestone, a chance to experience the places and stories that shaped the nation. Don’t just wave the flag—follow it. Plan a patriotic journey and be part of history in the making.
Explore, discover, wander...
Explore America’s 250th! Visit historic cities, iconic landmarks, scenic national parks and family-friendly routes. Plan your once-in-a-generation trip with a AAA Travel Agent for expert guidance and worry-free planning, exclusive deals and unforgettable experiences.
