America turns 250 on the Fourth of July, and communities across the country are marking the milestone with a yearlong lineup of concerts, fireworks, festivals and historical events.From California to Boston, destinations are building special travel experiences around the Semiquincentennial, making this a memorable time to hit the road.We rounded up eight destinations worth adding to your itinerary for America's 250th anniversary, including iconic historical landmarks and a few lesser-known stops.
Read on to start planning your trip, and the gear we recommend you take with you along the way. READ MORE: America 250 is coming: What to know and the best commemorative gear to buyThe birthplace of independence is the epicenter of the 250th party.(Visit Philadelphia)No destination is more closely tied to America's 250th anniversary than Philadelphia.
The city is marking the milestone with the Wawa Welcome America Festival, a multi-day celebration running June 19 through July 4 that includes six days of fireworks and culminates in a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, The Roots and more.Visitors can also explore the First Bank of the United States, which reopens to the public July 1 for the first time in decades.Pop in for an aperitif at the bar.
(Booking.com)Penn's View Hotel is an Italian American family-owned boutique property housed in an 1828 brick building in Philadelphia’s Old City.Guest rooms blend historic character with modern comforts, and many feature fireplaces and views of the Delaware River.
The hotel also sits within walking distance of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other major historic sites.For a quieter stay outside the city, consider the Hotel Warner in nearby West Chester.But in general, if you're planning a trip around the anniversary celebrations, book early, as Philadelphia hotels are expected to fill quickly.Tall ships will be stationed in the harbor for several days for Sail Bos...