If you Missed America’s 250th Birthday, these American History Cities and Destinations Are Still Worth Visiting.
While America’s 250th anniversary generated enormous interest in historic destinations, these American history cities remain worth visiting long after the celebrations end.
- Philadelphia Beyond America 250
- Boston Beyond America 250
- Charleston Beyond America 250
- Washington, DC, Beyond America 250
American history isn’t confined to a single city.
From the Revolutionary War battlefields of Massachusetts to the founding documents in Philadelphia, the Civil War sites of the South, and the frontier history of the American West, the United States offers thousands of places where visitors can experience history firsthand.
Whether you’re interested in the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers, the Civil War, Colonial America, or presidential history, these destinations help bring the nation’s story to life.
At Should I Travel To …, we evaluate historical destinations using a consistent framework to help you judge where to travel to next.
3 Pros. 3 Cons. You Decide.
Destinations
Featured American History Destinations
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Highlights:
- Independence Hall
- Liberty Bell
- Museum of the American Revolution
Best For: Founding documents and early American history.
Read: Should I Travel To … Philadelphia?
Boston, Massachusetts
The city where the American Revolution began.
Highlights:
- Freedom Trail
- Boston Tea Party Sites
- Paul Revere’s House
Best For: Revolutionary War history.
Read: Should I Travel To … Boston?
Washington, DC
America’s capital and home to the nation’s most important museums and monuments.
Highlights:
- National Mall
- Smithsonian Museums
- Lincoln Memorial
Best For: Presidential and national history.
Read: Should I Travel To … Washington, DC?
Browse By Historical Theme
If you’re interested in visiting specific eras of American history, you can browse by Revolutionary War Destinations, Founding Fathers, and Colonial America, and more.
Revolutionary War Destinations
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- Lexington & Concord
- Yorktown
- Charleston
Travelers can visit several sites where events leading up to the American Revolution occurred, especially in Boston.
Founding Fathers Destinations
- Philadelphia
- Boston
- Washington, DC
- Charlottesville
One way to understand American history is to experience it through the eyes of the Founding Fathers. Philadelphia is essentially Ben Franklin territory, while Thomas Jefferson left behind several artifacts in Charlottesville.
Colonial America
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- Williamsburg
- Charleston
The historic colonial-era American cities provide windows into the past and into why they sought their freedom.
American History Destinations Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best city for American history?
Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, DC are generally considered the top three for best cities for American history.
Is Boston or Philadelphia better for history?
Boston and Philadelphia tell different parts of American history. They’re not competitors. Instead, they complement each other.
Read: Boston vs. Philadelphia
What are the best Revolutionary War destinations?
The best Revolutionary War destinations are Boston, Philadelphia, Lexington & Concord, Yorktown, and Charleston.
Is Washington, DC, worth visiting for history?
Yes, Washington, DC, is worth visiting for American history. It focuses more on national history than Revolutionary history, but as America’s capital, it also serves as a repository for the nation’s history, landmarks, monuments, and artifacts.