Tour operators and tourism boards are gearing up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding in 2026, with a wide array of trips and events focused on historical significance and inspiration.
This milestone is expected to draw significant crowds, particularly along the Eastern Seaboard, where narratives surrounding the nation’s inception will be at the forefront of celebrations. Both tour operators and destination management organizations are optimistic that these stories of resilience will promote a sense of unity among all visitors.
“There’s no greater story than this one about our country… and there’s no bigger time than right now to tell and understand the story and for us all to embrace it,” noted Steve Born, Chief Marketing Officer for the Globus family of brands.
Globus has announced its Celebrating America: 250 Years Strong tour, a comprehensive 10-day journey from Boston to Washington, D.C. This tour will explore some of the nation’s most historic cities while providing context to significant events. Born emphasized that this package aims to deliver more than just sightseeing; it’s about highlighting how historical events continue to influence the nation today.
Collette is offering an itinerary to celebrate the semiquincentennial, including a visit to Mount Vernon in Virginia. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Collette
Collette is launching a nine-day Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary itinerary, departing from Boston and concluding in Washington, D.C. Diana Ditto, Collette’s Vice President of Product Marketing and Growth Strategy, articulated that the trip aims to immerse travelers in history from the cradle of the American Revolution to the nation’s capital. She remarked, “Our travelers enjoy being inside the story, inside history,” highlighting a demographic keen on experiencing significant historical sites first-hand.
Some dates for these excursions are already sold out, reflecting the heightened interest, as noted by Ditto and Born.
American Cruise Lines also shared plans for an enticing itinerary to ring in America’s milestone birthday, featuring a 52-day voyage from Oregon to Boston, complete with three cruise segments culminating in a New England sail during Independence Day celebrations. They will also host a 32-day Revolutionary War trip that initiates in Albany, NY, and wraps in Washington.
Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Visit Philadelphia is projecting increased visitor spend for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Photo Credit: J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Celebration Across Cities
These itineraries prominently feature cities integral to the nation’s history, including where pivotal events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence took place. Tourism boards are stretching these celebrations across the entirety of 2026, incorporating various sporting events, art exhibits, and festivals.
New York City plans to kick off early celebrations by marking the 400th anniversary of its founding in 2025 as a precursor to the 250th anniversary. In collaboration with the city, the NYC Tourism + Conventions has launched a campaign titled “Founded By NYC,” emphasizing not only the city’s past but also its present and future.
“This is an opportunity to spotlight the resilience and creativity of our city and its people,” shared Julie Coker, CEO of the Destination Management Organization. “We’ll be creating itineraries to showcase stories travelers may not know.”
Destination DC is preparing for a record influx of visitors during 2026, with CEO Elliott Ferguson noting that events will also be promoted to international visitors attending the FIFA World Cup. This anniversary will highlight lesser-known stories of American history, through tours led by organizations like 51 Steps to Freedom that explore hidden narratives around civil rights and lesser-known historical landmarks.
Visit Philadelphia aims to capitalize on its significant role in the signing of the Declaration of Independence, predicting major crowds at its events linked to the 250th anniversary. CEO Angela Val mentioned expectations of visitor spending reaching up to $1.6 billion in 2026, buoyed by events such as World Cup matches scheduled in the city, including a notable game on the Fourth of July.
Val emphasized the importance of the semiquincentennial to unify Americans and attract international visitors. “Philadelphia embodies brotherly love and is a welcoming place, being America’s birthplace,” she stated. “This is an opportunity for visitors to feel a sense of belonging and connection.”
