June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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This July marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence — the birth of our nation. Planning trips this year to historical sites at the center of the Revolution is a great way to celebrate the 250th, also known as the Semiquincentennial.
Here are our recommendations of top destinations in the U.S. to visit to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. this year.
As the state that is the birthplace of the most U.S. presidents, Virginia’s official slogan is “Mother of Presidents.” You can tour many of the homes of these eight presidents, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Virginia is also the home of the “Historic Triangle” — Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown — cities central to the history of U.S. settlement and the Revolution.
Be sure to pick up a Virginia 250th Passport, available at 20 historic sites across the state. Receive stamps at each site you visit to mark your trip in this keepsake. The pass also grants discount admission.
To truly understand the impact Virginia has had on our nation’s history, spend three to five days visiting The Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. If you want discounted, bundled admission, consider purchasing the America’s Historic Triangle Ticket.
1. Jamestown
It all began at Jamestown in 1607, which was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The Historic Jamestowne National Park Service site features living history exhibitions, artifacts, a museum and more.
2. Williamsburg
If you really love watching history come to life, you will want to budget more time for strolling through Colonial Williamsburg. Including nearly 90 original buildings and many reconstructions of the former Virginia capital, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living museum in the world.
3. Yorktown
Learn about the Battle of Yorktown, the decisive engagement that marked the end of the American Revolution. Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown to learn more about the nation’s founding, including stories of lesser-known figures such as Billy Flora, a free Black man who was a celebrated veteran from Portsmouth.
What better way to celebrate the birthday of our nation than a visit to the capital? Dozens of events are being held throughout the city showcasing the culture, history and art of the U.S. We’ve highlighted a few from the many at Washington DC 250.
A must-do is a visit to the National Archives Museum, which houses the original Declaration of Independence.
The city’s iconic cherry blossoms bloom along the Tidal Basin of the Potomac River. Japan has gifted the U.S. 250 more in celebration of the nation’s anniversary.
“From “Give me liberty or give me death” to “Yankee Doodle;” from “Ask not what your country can do for you” to “Black Lives Matter,” words have given voice to the spirit, priorities and struggles of Americans in every generation since the nation’s founding. Through a compelling series of programs, explore how slogans, speeches, lyrics and more have shaped and reflected the American story,” writes Washington DC 250.
National Museum of Women in the Arts (Continuing through Oct. 11)
The exhibition features still lifes, portraits and landscapes spanning the 18th to 20th centuries by 10 American women artists.
National Mall (Aug. 3—8)
Held during National Farmers Market Week, the Great American Farmers Market will showcase the produce of American farmers, alongside themed programming and music.
National Mall (July 4)
“With the Great American State Fair setting the tone on the Mall by day, the landmark fireworks event by night will feature spectacular flyovers, headline performances and a breathtaking fireworks finale,” writes Washington D.C. 250th.
Known as “the cradle of liberty” Boston was a hotbed of the Revolution. The capital city was the site of the infamous Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party three years later. Much of the drama and intrigue of the Revolution occurred in Boston.
Purchase the Boston 250th Pass for discounted admission to five of Boston’s most pivotal historic sites, all of which are on the city’s Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House (1680), Old State House (1713), Old North Church (1723), Old South Meeting House (1729), and King's Chapel (1754).
Throughout 2026, Boston is hosting numerous events celebrating the 250th and the city’s connection to our nation’s history. We’ve highlighted a few but here’s a full list from Meet Boston including exhibitions and tours.
1. Patriots’ Day Weekend (April 12, 16 — 18)
Watch the reenactments of the dawn battles at Lexington and Concord. Boston celebrates Patriots’ Weekend, which coincides with the Boston Marathon, every year. The festivities are especially meaningful this year.
2. Sail250 (July 11 — 16)
Watch historic international tall ships and naval vessels sail into the Boston Harbor and tour the ship for free.
3. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (July 4)
Hosted by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this incredible fireworks and music display will take place on the Charles River Esplanade.
As the home of the Second Continental Congress, the official government of the Thirteen Colonies during the Revolution, Philadelphia had a huge role in the nation’s founding. The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.
Philadelphia is full of must-visit sites central to the revolution — here’s just a few:
1. Independence Hall: Site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
2. The Liberty Bell Center: Home of the iconic Liberty Bell, which rang to mark the start of the American Revolution.
3. Museum of the American Revolution: Extensive exhibitions and collections that explore the stories and people behind the founding of the U.S.
4. Graff House: The reconstructed historic site where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence
5. Franklin Court: Benjamin Franklin’s residence and print shop.
Check out these key living history events, museum exhibitions and more marking the 250th in Philadelphia. Visit Philadelphia has a full list of events.
1. Native North America Gallery at the Penn Museum
Curated in close collaboration with several Indigenous consulting curators, the new gallery explores “the political, religious, linguistic and artistic self-determination” of America’s Indigenous peoples,” writes Visit Philadelphia.
2. 250th Anniversary Exhibitions at the Mütter Museum
Part of Philadelphia’s oldest medical society, The Mütter Museum will host exhibitions showcasing medical innovations throughout the last 250 years. Exhibitions include Revolutionary Botany, Philly’s headline-grabbing outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease and Creating a City of Medicine.
3. Valley Forge National Historical Park Birthday (July 3 — 5)
“At Valley Forge National Historical Park, located about a 35-minute drive northwest of Center City Philadelphia, visitors travel back in time to the harrowing 1777-1778 winter encampment of George Washington’s Continental Army,” writes Visit Philadelphia. Celebrate the historic park’s birthday in July.
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