2026 brings the United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. And according to a Longwoods International survey, it’s driving 61 percent of Americans aware of the historical moment to consider a trip tied to the country’s anniversary.
“With America250, the Route 66 Centennial, and the FIFA World Cup all converging in 2026, the United States is entering a once-in-a-generation moment. From major openings to historic milestones, destinations across the country are giving travelers more reasons than ever to explore what makes this nation unique,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.
“There is strong early demand for Americans to participate and travel next year as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” adds Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International. “And we expect interest in America250 events to only grow from here, as more details about the various celebrations taking place across the country become known.”
Celebrate this landmark year and explore America’s story by booking one of these cruises, tours, or a dedicated trip to iconic destinations.
Visit Multiple Destinations On One Trip
To commemorate America250, the largest international flotilla of tall ships ever assembled will anchor in New York Harbor from July 3 to 9. This historic celebration will also include fireworks, culinary festivals, a Blue Angels flyover, and an amplified Fleet Week.
Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 vessel will take center stage with an exclusive front row seat for the International Parade of Sail. At night, Queen Mary 2 will turn in New York Harbor to offer guests unrivaled views of the official Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. The 7-night cruise will then continue with calls in Newport, Rhode Island, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, before returning to New York.
Holland America Line’s seven-day America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage parks cruisers underneath the Boston July 4th fireworks. It will then sail to New York City, Norfolk, and Saint John and return to Boston, the epicenter of the American Revolution. Excursions include visits to Virginia’s Historic Triangle and a special call at Norfolk, Virginia, with access to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and we’re excited to mark this historic occasion with a cruise that brings our guests closer to the places where our nation was born,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey through American history. And with special events planned to celebrate the Fourth of July in true patriotic style, it promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone on board.”
Worldwide leader in expert-crafted tours, Globus is offering a 10-day “Celebrating America’ tour with dates from May to October. A vacation easy button, start in Boston and end in Washington, D.C., and see history come to life with no logistical planning needed. Experience Connecticut’s maritime harbors, take a bite out of the Big Apple in New York City, discover the proud heritage of the City of Brotherly Love in Philadelphia, and walk in the footsteps of freedom fighters in Washington, DC, all while staying in top accommodations.
Philadelphia
“Whether it’s your first visit to Philadelphia or your fiftieth, 2026 is the year to experience our city,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “We’re inviting the nation to join us for 52 weeks of celebrations, from new exhibitions and neighborhood festivals to major sporting events, while reminding our residents that this milestone is theirs to celebrate too. There’s no better place to mark the nation’s 250th than right here in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy.”
Philadelphia’s Historic District will extend hours at its iconic sites, giving visitors more time to explore landmarks such as Independence Hall, the nation’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the founding documents were signed. The Museum of the American Revolution unveils “The Declaration’s Journey,” tracking its global impact across centuries, and the John Middleton Family collaborates with two city museums to showcase 1,000 works in the largest American art exhibition ever assembled.
In 2026, Philadelphia will also host a World Cup match, the PGA Championship, the MLB All-Star Game, the NCAA Championships, and mark the 50th anniversary of the movie “Rocky.”
Washington, D.C.
“In addition to being home to so many iconic monuments and museums, we are also home to generations of Washingtonians who have helped shape the American story,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. We’re proud of our story, we’re proud to be the seat of the federal government, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the nation and around the world during next year’s America 250 celebrations.”
Conrad Washington DC, ideally located steps from the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the National Mall’s renowned memorials and museums, is rolling out the red, white, and blue carpet with its“1776 to 2026” Celebration Package. Blending history and hospitality for the ultimate Independence Day getaway, it includes luxury accommodations, hard-to-get tickets to significant events, and other perks.
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria played a major role in the nation’s history and remains beloved by travelers today for its colonial architecture, waterfront location, walkability, and proximity to Washington, D.C. Voted one of the top cities in the country by Travel + Leisure readers, it is older than America itself.
From June 12-14, 2026, Alexandria will host tall ships as part of Sail250 Virginia, the largest public anniversary event in the Commonwealth state. It will highlight Alexandria’s role in laying the foundation of the revolution and feature music, family activities, exhibits, public art, tours, and more.
Additionally, George Washington’s Mount Vernon will host events that share the legacy of the founding era. Visitors are encouraged to walk through Patriots Path, a Revolutionary War encampment, and to visit the brand-new exhibit on the life of George Washington.
