places to visit for american history

Sign Up Today

Start your 14 day free trial today

History Hit Story of England: Making of a Nation

• United States

30 of the Best Historic Sites in the United States

Discover some of the best historic sites in the united states, from iconic sites like the white house, statue of liberty, and mount rushmore, to the more hidden historical gems like historic jamestowne, taos pueblo, and the freedom trail in boston..

Lily Johnson

19 aug 2021.

The United States is home to an array of fascinating historic sites, from the battlefields of the American Civil War to the iconic Statue of Liberty. Traversing its Native American origins all the way up to the 20th century, exploring the history of the USA is an intriguing and worthwhile pursuit.

For this world superpower, we have compiled a list of the best sites to visit, featuring a range of the USA’s most famous attractions alongside its lesser-known gems.

1. The White House

The White House has been the seat of the US government and home of Presidents of the United States of America for over 200 years.

Original construction of the White House began in October 1792 after President George Washington chose what is now 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as the location for the new home of the federal government. The White House was not yet completed when, in 1800, it housed its first ‘first family’ President John Adams and First Lady, Abigail Adams.

The White House Visitors Centre is also a source of White House history, including details of the building’s architecture and history. A tour of the visitors centre should take between 20 minutes and an hour.

2. Gettysburg Battlefield

Gettysburg National Military Park is brimming with approximately 1,328 monuments, markers and memorials relating to the American Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg raged from 1 to 3 July 1863, resulting in over 51,000 casualties and victory for the Unionists. It marked a significant turning point in the war, followed twenty one months later by the surrender of the Confederacy.

Visitors can follow the route of Battle of Gettysburg, from Seminary Ridge and Culp’s Hill to Cemetery Ridge and Devils Den as well as visiting David Wills’ house, a museum about the town. The National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center is a good place to start as it contains a wide range of Civil War related information as well as a plethora of guided tours and exhibitions.

3. Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a Greek style monument in Washington DC’s West Potomac Park. The Lincoln Memorial was designed by the architect, Henry Bacon, who also sculpted the statue of Lincoln which visitors can see within its walls.

As the site of many important political speeches and events, Lincoln Memorial has a history of its own, independent from its original purpose. In particular, it was the site where Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech on 28 August 1963.

4. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a breathtaking Native American site dotted with over 4,000 archaeological treasures, including 600 exceptionally well preserved cliff dwellings dating back to 600 AD. Mesa Verde National Park was once the home of the Pueblos, a Native American people who lived there for over 700 years before migrating to New Mexico and Arizona.

Some of the sites, such as the Cliff Palace and Balcony House with its over 150 rooms can only be viewed as part of a ranger tour, for which you can buy tickets at Far View Visitor Center before attending the sites. It’s also well worth viewing the large collection of artefacts on display.

5. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic copper and steel statue in the entrance to New York Habour and an enduring symbol of freedom and independence. The Statue of Liberty’s total height from ground to torch is a staggering 92.99 metres. Originally built in France in 1884, it arrived in New York in June 1885 and was dedicated on 28 October 1886.

Situated on Liberty Island, there are numerous exhibits and tours available both inside and outside the Statue of Liberty. Upon reaching Liberty Island, visitors can go to the information station to watch a short film about the statue’s history and check the schedule of events for one of 45 minute long ranger tours, which start at the Liberty Island Flagpole.

6. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island was the site of a notoriously harsh prison based off the coast of San Francisco, California, this isolated position earning it the name of “The Rock”.

Alcatraz Island is today managed by the National Parks Service and offers tours of the old prison. An eerie yet fascinating journey into the workings of this famous site, visitors to Alcatraz Island can make use of audio guides which chronicle its history (45 minutes). The visit usually lasts 2-3 hours.

7. Independence Hall - Philadelphia

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is one of the most important landmarks in US history, being the site where the nation declared independence from Great Britain on 4 July 1776. The hall is now part of Independence National Historical Park, which also encompasses a myriad of important sites such as Congress Hall and Liberty Bell Centre sprawled over 55 acres within the City of Philadelphia.

Visitors can choose from a variety of ranger guided walking tours as well as various indoor and outdoor activities. Across the road is the Liberty Bell Centre, housing the famous Liberty Bell, one of the most significant symbols of the American Civil War and formerly hung in Independence Hall’s tower. Congress Hall is next door to Independence Hall.

8. Historic Jamestowne

It was in Historic Jamestowne in 1607 that the English established their first successful colony in America. Previous attempts, notably that of Roanoke in 1587, had been made, but the colony the English formed in Jamestowne was the root of what was to eventually become America.

Today, Jamestowne forms part of Colonial National Park, a historic site which encompasses York Town Battlefield, Colonial Parkway and the Cape Henry Memorial. Visitors can explore the history of the site and that of the country as a whole. Amongst its many attractions, it is worth seeing the Jamestown Glasshouse, a recreation of the first industrial building of the Virginia Company, the London-based company that founded the colony.

9. The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail takes visitors to Boston through a tour of sixteen sites in the city which were of importance before and during the American Revolution against British rule in the 18th century.

Boston played a central role in igniting the American Revolution, also known as the American War of Independence, and the Freedom Trail contains the sites which tell its story.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile trip which visitors can either follow independently using the red pavement markings around the city or join one of the selections of guided tours, which last around an hour and a half.

10. September 11 Memorial

The World Trade Centre was a complex of seven buildings in Manhattan in New York, which was destroyed by terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 in a devastating event known as 9/11.

Today, visitors can see the site where the attacks took place, with the World Trade Centre Memorial and Museum on the site where the Twin Towers once stood.

11. Martin Luther King Jr National Site

The Martin Luther King Jr National Site in Atlanta, Georgia is dedicated to commemorating the life of the leader of the African-American civil rights movement and chronicling his campaign for racial equality.

Visitors to the Martin Luther King Jr Historic Site can visit Dr and Mr’s King’s crypt at the King Centre, view his birthplace and see exhibitions and films about Dr King’s life and the civil rights movement. There are also exhibits about Gandhi , who inspired Dr King and about Rosa Parks , whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus was an iconic event of the movement.

12. Ellis Island

Ellis Island was the entry point into the United States of America for over twelve million immigrants between 1892 and 1954.

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers a detailed insight into the island’s history, its role in the country’s immigration procedures and the stories of the immigrants. It is a celebration of immigration, including a wall of honour and many exhibits and artefacts.

13. Montezuma Castle

Montezuma Castle in Arizona is a cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua Indians in around 1100 AD, and occupied until approximately 1425 AD. Occupying an area of around 4,000 square feet, Montezuma Castle is an eminently impressive five storey limestone and mud structure demonstrating the ingenuity of the Sinagua people.

Unfortunately, the public cannot actually enter Montezuma Castle and have not been able to do so since 1951. Those interested in its history and excavation can visit the onsite museum.

14. Ford Theatre

It was in Ford Theatre on the night of 14 April 1865 that well-known actor John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln was the first American President to be assassinated .

Ford Theatre is now an operating theatre house as well as a museum showcasing a variety of historical artifacts related to Lincoln’s presidency, his assassination and his life in Washington. Ford Theatre also stands across the street from Petersen House, where the President was taken following the shooting and where he subsequently died.

15. Little Bighorn Battlefield

Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana played an important role in the Great Sioux War, a conflict between the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne Native Americans and the US government and which was part of an era known as the American-Indian Wars.

Now a National Park, the battlefield is dedicated to commemorating the events of the battle and the conflict of which it formed part. It includes an Indian Memorial, the Custer National Cemetery and offers guided talks exploring the conflict.

16. The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument was designed by architect Robert Mills, made out of marble, granite, and sandstone and completed on 6 December 1884, almost thirty years after Mills’ death.

The Washington Monument was constructed in honour of the first president of the United States of America, George Washington, who was considered to be the “Father of the Country”. Washington led the USA to independence from the British and commanded great respect from his countrymen.

The Washington Monument is now part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, with visitors able to ride the elevator to its observation deck, from which the views of the city are spectacular and run for thirty miles.

17. Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is a Native American settlement in New Mexico’s Rio Grande, USA.

The Pueblo community in Taos Pueblo is known to date back to the fourteenth century, although some archeologists think it was established as far back as the 1st century AD. The Pueblo tribe is one of the most secretive and enigmatic of the Native American communities, meaning that little is known about their culture, however around 150 Pueblos still live in Taos Pueblo.

Visits can be somewhat restrictive, particularly as regards Taos Pueblo’s beautiful church, but tours are available offering an insight into the Pueblo culture.

18. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is one of the most famous art museums in the world, exhibiting pieces spanning over eight thousand years of history.

From prehistoric art and that of the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to medieval works, Asian art and art of the Americas, the Metropolitan Museum of Art explores ancient and historical cultures through their artwork.

Containing an incredibly diverse and comprehensive collection, the best way to tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art is probably with one of their guided tours, especially if you’re not sure what you want to see or want an overview of the museum or one of its collections. Tours are included in the admission price.

19. Yorktown Battlefield

Yorktown battlefield in Virginia is the location of the final battle of the American Revolution.

It was at Yorktown battlefield that, on 19 October 1781, the British surrendered to the combined forces of the French and American armies, under the command of General Washington. This dramatic action marked the end of the war and was the point at which the Americans attained independence.

Today, Yorktown battlefield forms part of Colonial National Park which encompasses Historic Jamestown, Colonial Parkway and the Cape Henry Memorial. Visitors to Yorktown Battlefield can learn about the history of the site and the end of the American Revolution with tours and exhibitions including visiting Moore House, where the terms of surrender were agreed.

20. The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is one of the most important symbols of freedom and liberty in the US. Cast in London’s East End, the Liberty Bell arrived at Independence Hall – then called the Pennsylvania State House – in 1753 where it was hung. There it cracked on its very first toll.

The Liberty Bell has always embodied ideas of freedom and democracy. For example, it was engraved with the quote “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof” from Leviticus 25:10. This extract inspired a group of slave abolitionists to first name it the Liberty Bell, making it an emblem of their movement.

Today, the bell is on show in the Liberty Bell Center, part of the Independence National Historical Park.

21. Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, Illinois, is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States of America.

Abraham Lincoln, born 12 April 1809, was the country’s first Republican president and led the Union during the American Civil War. His Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 resulted in the abolition of slavery . His term as president ran from March 1861 until 14 April 1865, when he died after being shot at Ford Theatre.

Abraham Lincoln is buried at Lincoln Tomb, which is now also the resting place of his wife and three of his four sons. Visitors to Lincoln Tomb can enter the 117-foot brick and granite structure and learn about Lincoln through his own speeches, which are displayed throughout.

22. The US Capitol

The US Capitol is the seat of the United States Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and, with its famous neoclassical facade and dramatic dome, is an iconic building in its own right.

Construction of the first incarnation of The US Capitol began in 1793 and the US Congress first met there – in what would be its north wing – in November 1800. Since then, The US Capitol has been the setting for many important national events such as presidential inaugurations.

Today, The US Capitol is both the home of the US legislature and a museum of American history and art. Free tours of the Capitol building itself are available, but must be booked in advance, and there is also a new visitor centre with exhibits about the US Capitol and its history.

23. The Anasazi Heritage Center

The Anasazi Heritage Center in Southwest Colorado is an archaeological museum which explores the culture and history of the Ancestral Puebloan people, also known as the Anasazi.

The Anasazi were Native Americans who lived and farmed in an area known as the “Four Corners”, made up of southwest Colorado, northeast Arizona, northwest New Mexico, and southeast Utah from as early as 1500 BC to around the fourteenth century. They were the ancestors of the modern Pueblos.

The Anasazi Heritage Center works to explore their culture through finds from excavations of archaeological sites. Two such twelfth century sites can also be found nearby and the museum is a good starting point for exploring the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument which contains a wealth of historical sites.

24. Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is a historic site in Virginia made up of an entire town restored to its colonial state.

From homes to public buildings and shops, Colonial Williamsburg takes visitors back to the time when Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia – between 1699 and 1780. Later, during the American War of Independence, the capital of Virginia was moved to Richmond.

25. The Pacific Aviation Museum

The Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island in Hawaii is dedicated to telling the story of US aviation in the Pacific during World War II .

The museum is located on the historic Ford Island, a 441-acre island in the middle of Pearl Harbour . The museum thus focuses on the fateful day – 7 December 1941 – which effectively forced America to join World War II , when Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the US military base.

Visitors begin by viewing a film about the attack on Pearl Harbour , before seeing a series of exhibitions ranging from photographs and dioramas to aircrafts. The Pacific Aviation Museum houses numerous aircrafts including light civilian planes, a B-25B Mitchell, a P-40 fighter, and a SBD Dauntless dive bomber.

26. The Alamo

The Alamo is an iconic historic site in downtown San Antonio that remains a symbol of Texan heroism. It has been immortalised in popular culture for the events that unfolded during the famous Battle of The Alamo , which took place on the 6th March 1836.

Today the Alamo is one of Texas’ most popular tourist destinations. The complex is made up of a number of buildings, including the barracks, and hosts several exhibits about the battle and the history of the war. Tour guides are also on hand to guide visitors around the complex.

27. Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is a granite mountain in Keystone, South Dakota carved with the heads of four of the Presidents of the USA.

Begun in 1927, the work to create Mount Rushmore was carried out by 400 sculptors. It was intended that each figure be shown from the waist upwards, but the project ended prematurely in 1941 when funds ran out.

There are guided tours of Mount Rushmore (30 mins) or visitors can rent an audio guide (30-120 mins). A trip to Mount Rushmore usually lasts around 2 hours.

28. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is both a military burial site and an iconic monument to fallen soldiers. Initially, the site of Arlington Cemetery began as a house – Arlington House – built in memory of President George Washington. The house, which still stands today, then became the property of Mary and Robert E. Lee.

Over the years, Arlington National Cemetery has come to represent a memorial to all US soldiers who have died for their country and is still an active cemetery. In fact, there are approximately 300,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery, neatly aligned and each with a white headstone.

Many famous Americans are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, from military heroes to astronauts and leaders such as President John F Kennedy. Those visiting Arlington National Cemetery can start at the visitor centre, where there are guide books, maps and exhibits. Arlington House itself is also open to the public, with a museum and guides chronicling this building’s unique history.

29. Dealey Plaza

Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas was the site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated at 12:30pm (CST) on 22 November 1963. Kennedy was the thirty-fifth President of the United States of America and served during the Cold War , his premiership encompassing events such as the Invasion of the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the building of the Berlin Wall .

Dealey Plaza has changed little from the day of Kennedy’s assassination, however there are several nearby monuments such as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. There is also a small museum, known as the Sixth Floor Museum, in the adjacent Texas School Book Depository where Oswald is alleged to have hidden. This chronicles the life of John F Kennedy. The museum also offers audio guides to Dealey Plaza and nearby sites, which is included in the entry fee.

30. National Museum of American History

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History offers a diverse exploration of the nation’s history, its collections ranging from public lives, to major national events and cultural elements such as areas of advertising and the cinema.

With over three million artifacts, the National Museum of American History covers everything from popular culture and entertainment to technology, military history and politics.

Some of the highlights of its exhibits include the actual Star Spangled Banner, Lincoln’s iconic top hat and, depending on your area of interest, the original Kermit the Frog Puppet.

Protect Your Trip »

Best historical cities to visit in the usa.

Use this list to plan your next getaway to a destination that's rich with history. To determine the best historical cities to visit in the USA, U.S. News considered the storied pasts, preserved landmarks, notable monuments and tourist-friendly services in each city – as well as votes from users. Vote on your top picks for history lovers to help us determine next year's list. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia, williamsburg, charleston, sc, new orleans.

America's capital is brimming with affordable things to do. The Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial anchor the National Mall, while the Tidal Basin boasts three of its own memorials dedicated to history-making figures. Various outfitters offer history tours that focus on showcasing the city's past through the eyes of everyone from specific presidents to notable women. What's more, exploring the Smithsonian museums, filled with art and science history, won't cost you a dime.

Boston is a city of American firsts. The country's first public library, first subway system, first public school and first public park belong to Boston. Here, you can stroll the same cobblestone streets as the Puritans and revolutionaries. Kick off your city tour on the Freedom Trail, which guides visitors past 16 of the city's most historic sites. A few must-see historical attractions include Faneuil Hall Marketplace (built in 1742), the Paul Revere House (built around 1680), the Old North Church (built in 1723) and the Fenway Park baseball stadium (opened in 1912).

Gettysburg Battlefield, the 6,000-acre Civil War military park that witnessed the momentous clash of Union and Confederate forces in 1863, is the star of any visit to this Pennsylvania town. Gettysburg also played a part in the Cold War, which you'll learn about next door to the famous battlefield at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. To better understand the town's role in these historic events and more, speak with the knowledgeable curators and peruse the 4,000-plus historical artifacts on display at the Gettysburg Museum of History.

You'll see Benjamin Franklin's name and influence across the United States' first capital city. Visit Independence Hall, where Ben and company signed the Declaration of Independence. Then, pay homage to the famously cracked Liberty Bell. And for a bit of cinematic history, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to snap a picture of the famous "Rocky Steps." When you get hungry, visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in America, to sample everything from ice cream and pastries to cheesesteaks and barbecue.

With its preserved Colonial sites and costumed interpreters, Williamsburg, Virginia, is the definition of a living history museum. Your first stop should be Colonial Williamsburg, where you'll be greeted by the "residents" who once called this revolutionary town home. Visitors have no shortage of learning opportunities: Williamsburg offers more than 20 guided and self-guided daily tours, ranging from ghost tours to garden tours – all included with your admission ticket. Round out your Williamsburg visit with a stop at the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War.

If you're visiting Williamsburg, you'll likely also make a stop at Jamestown, where English settlers established the first American Colony in 1607. Similar to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement acts a living history museum, with costumed interpreters telling the story of life in 17th-century Virginia. You'll even get the chance to climb aboard replicas of the three ships that first brought colonists to Virginia. To learn more about the Paspahegh Indian Tribe, the Powhatan tribal group closest to Jamestown, plan to stop by Paspahegh Town.

Walking around the Battery with Fort Sumter in the distance may make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Should you wish to catch a glimpse of former 19th-century Southern high society, tour Middleton Place, the Aiken-Rhett House Museum or the Nathaniel Russell House Museum. Another great way to get to know this South Carolina city is on a historical walking tour. Or, simply relax on the wraparound porch of your historic bed-and-breakfast.

This coastal city southeast of Boston boasts its fair share of historic homes, museums and monuments dedicated to the Wampanoag Indian Tribe and the men and women who founded the first New England Colony. But Plymouth, Massachusetts, is also home to a bit of 21st-century history: Visitors will find the city's 9/11 Memorial just north of Plymouth Rock. What's more, lodging options range from historic hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

Many come to New Orleans to party hard on Bourbon Street, but history lovers will delight in admiring sights like the French Quarter, the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral. If you need a break from the crowds, head to the Garden District or Chalmette Battlefield, or escape the heat at the popular National WWII Museum. If you don't mind a bit of ghost lore mixed in with your history lesson, you'll also want to sign up for one of the city's cemetery tours.

Luring travelers interested in learning about everything from witches and pirates to Colonial and maritime history, Salem was founded in 1626. This town situated on the northern coast of Massachusetts is best known for its ties to the Salem witch trials, which curious visitors can get an overview of at the Salem Witch Museum. Other popular historical attractions to visit include The Witch House, the New England Pirate Museum and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

St. Augustine

Charlottesville

New York City

San Antonio

San Francisco

You May Be Interested In

Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S. for 2023

Best Family Vacations in the USA for 2024

Best U.S. Beaches for 2024

Best U.S. National Parks for 2024

Top 19 Cheap Family Vacations

Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

23 Must-See Historic Landmarks in the U.S.

From sea to shining sea, we're sharing America's best landmarks.

From Black-owned plantations to the very rooms where our Declaration of Independence was signed, these 24 landmarks are just some of the must-see sights that help us appreciate America's beauty and resiliency while reconciling its past and honoring those who lived here before the New World was built. Be sure to book a stay at a nearby B&B to get the full local, often historic, experience.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone was established as the world's first National Park in 1872, but it has been used for thousands of years as a place for tribes, bands, animals, and vegetation to flourish and call home. This magnificent park is home to world-famous sites like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring , and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (shown here).

Harriet Tubman National Historic Park

Located in Auburn, New York, Harriet Tubman National Historic Park is an excellent place to learn more about the incredible woman behind the Underground Railroad that rescued and emancipated hundreds of enslaved Black people—and her lesser-known role in aiding the Union Army in rescuing emancipated enslaved people during the Civil War. This site includes a group of insightful historical landmarks: The Harriet Tubman Visitor Center, the Tubman Home for the Aged, the Harriet Tubman Residence, and the Thompson Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

Brooklyn Bridge

It takes a lot for a landmark to be considered "iconic" within the boroughs of New York City, but the Brooklyn Bridge has certainly emerged as one of the most renowned. Designed by Prussian immigrant John A. Roebling, this world-famous bridges features Gothic double arches, criss-crossed steel cables, and plenty of room for cyclists and pedestrians alike. The bridge was considered the world's largest suspension bridge upon its completion in 1883, connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan (which were considered two separate cities for 15 more years after), and still serves as a picture-perfect way to get from one borough to the other.

Alcatraz Island

Less than two miles from San Francisco lies the infamous Alcatraz Island, which was home to a Civil War fortress, military prison, bird sanctuary, the first lighthouse on the West Coast, birthplace of the Native American Red Power movement, and, most famously, a federal prison. A quick ferry ride from Fisherman's Wharf will take you to this well-preserved, historically rich landmark that's full of fascinating tales of crime, conspiracy, and more.

Colonial Williamsburg

This living history museum offers some of the most hands-on insight into what Colonial America was like during the 18th century. From exploring the historic trades that established America's commerce and admiring the country's premiere collection of American folk art to conversing with a "founding father" in town, every minute on this site is a learning experience. Plus, there are some incredible hotel and dining options on site if you're looking to to get the most of out of your time.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon became a national park after multiple attempts in 1919, spanning nearly 2,000 square miles of majestic rock, river, and wildlife. The canyon is also home to five Native American tribes: The Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Paiute, and Hualapai. Whether you're looking for a gorgeous overlook for fabulous picnicking views or an intense overnight hike through the canyon, there's an activity for everyone at this national treasure.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is widely considered one of the most famous—and fabulous—homes in American history, and it doesn't take long to see why. This historic estate holds 250,000 acres of gardens, pools, immaculate residences, and more. The campsite-turned-castle also features more than 25,000 artifacts from across the globe, be it an Italian Renaissance sculpture or Tiffany & Co.'s 1889 Orchid Vase.

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is one of New Orleans's many historic landmarks, situated at the heart of the French Quarter. Designed in 1721 by French architect Louis Pilié to emulate Paris's Place des Vosges, this gorgeous locale has served as a site for battles and executions, weddings and entertainment, and today, as a space for local artists to share their works and talent as you enjoy world-famous beignets from Cafe du Monde.

Mesa Verde National Park

This Colorado landmark served as a home for the Ancestral Pueblo people for more than 700 years, and a national park was established in 1906 to preserve the area. The park protects 5,000 archeological sites and 600 cliff dwellings. Cliff Palace is the most famous, shown here, offering valuable insights into what early American life looked like as early as the 14th century.

Independence Hall

The City of Brotherly Love is home to all sorts of historic landmarks, and Independence Hall is one of the most prominent. This colonial structure was the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the United States Constitution was created and signed in 1787. It also formerly housed all three branches of Pennsylvania's state government.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite weaves the visual storytelling of California history with 1,200 square miles of ancient giant sequoias, former mining land that drew people in droves to California in the 19th century, and, of course, natural beauty at every turn. Whether you're looking to climb El Capitan or visit Nevada Falls, visiting this landmark is worth more than just a few hours of your time.

Fredrick Douglass National Historic Site

This Washington, D.C., landmark pays tribute to the inspiring enslaved-man-turned-federal-appointee who helped propel the American and European abolitionist efforts. The site preserves Douglass's Cedar Hill estate, where he resided from 1877 until his death in 1895 and features insight into his life, accomplishments, and bodies of work.

Ellis Island

Approximately 12 million immigrants from around the world took their first steps on American soil at Ellis Island, and the island serves as a visual symbol of the American dream since the 1890s. Discover where you and your family fit into this story, along with artifacts and exhibits depicting the immigrant experience to New York between 1892 and 1954.

National Civil Rights Musuem

The National Civil Rights Museum is aptly housed in Memphis's Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968. Visitors can learn about Black history, from African enslaved people arriving in the U.S. in the 17th century to the Black Power Movement and all the major civil rights milestones in between.

National Mall

The National Mall houses some of America's most iconic landmarks all in one place. One thousand acres of parkland, 14 individual units of the National Parks system, and more than 100 distinct monuments and memorials make this place a must-see for history buffs. The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument are just a few of the amazing landmarks to visit at this mall.

Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo was founded as a Native American community nearly 1,000 years ago, and 150 people still live there full time. These adobe residences are a beautiful tribute to the Native American peoples' resourcefulness, tradition, and relationship with nature and offer a glimpse into early American life long before European ships landed ashore or Lewis and Clark headed west.

One World Observatory and National September 11 Memorial & Museum

These hallowed grounds honor the innocent lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks—and the brave men and women who came to their rescue (many of whom also lost their lives in the process). This beautiful memorial, museum, and next-generation of the World Trade Center reminds us of the resiliency of this country and its people.

Whitney Plantation

Whitney Plantation isn't just another white-columned antebellum home, it's the only plantation in Louisiana with an extensive focus on the lives and legacies of those enslaved on its property. It's also a Black-owned plantation. This site offers a unique, detailed perspective on what it was really like to live as an enslaved person in America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Gettysburg National Park

Gettysburg National Military Park honors a true turning point in our nation's Civil War, its bloodiest battle, and the inspiration behind Abraham Lincoln's eponymous address. Whether you prefer living history demonstrations or perusing the historic halls of the home where the Gettysburg Address was completed, this park is full of rich history about a place that quickly turned from a symbol of devastation to rebirth.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

If you're fortunate enough to make it to the Hawaiian island of Oahu, visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a must. The memorial preserves, interprets, and commemorates America's involvement in WWII, beginning with the fateful event here on December 7, 1941, that started it all.

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

An Insider’s Guide to Italy’s Aeolian Islands

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Casablanca

The 18 Best Beaches in Hawaii

13 Renowned Paris Historical Landmarks

The 31 Most Haunted Places in America

11 Best Beaches in Maine

The 25 Most Beautiful Places in Europe

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Amsterdam

The 11 Best Islands in Greece to Visit

Stunning Vintage Photos of Montauk

Why Lodi Might Just Be the New Napa

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

13 Time Travel Vacation Ideas in the U.S.

Alene Laney

Alene Laney is a freelance writer covering real estate, personal finance, and travel. She lives in the Southwest with her husband, four boys, and German Shepherd.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Some places offer an incredible glimpse into history. If you want to feel like a time traveler, put one of these unforgettable places in the U.S. on your bucket list. 

66 Million Years Ago: Dinosaur National Monument, Utah & Colorado

Want to go back to the time of the dinosaurs? Dinosaur National Monument is absolutely worth the trip. The fossils are so well-preserved and you’ll be able to see dinosaur tracks. The Quarry Exhibit Hall is a new visitor’s center that was built around a rock embedded with over 1,500 dinosaur bones. There’s even a place where you can touch a 149-million-year-old dinosaur fossil. 

13 Best Dinosaur Vacation Spots for Kids

1,400 Years Ago: Bluff, Utah 

The coolest thing about the area surrounding Bluff, Utah, is the feeling of discovery when you come across petroglyphs, dwellings, and artifacts of the Ancestral Puebloan people. The raw, authentic experience you’ll have in this under-the-radar destination makes you feel like you found something very few others have, much like Mesa Verde before paved roads brought tourists in. With the designation of Bears Ears National Monument , the secret’s out, so you’ll want to visit before the crowds come. 

1,000 Years Ago: Taos, New Mexico

The Taos Pueblo of Taos, New Mexico will take you back nearly 1,000 years. The multi-storied adobe dwellings tell the story of Native Americans whom Spanish explorers encountered in 1540. They believed Pueblo was one of the mythical golden cities of Cibola. The dwellings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark. The city is also known for the Historic Taos Plaza and San Francisco de Asis Church.

1521: San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you want to go back to the time of the Spanish Empire, Puerto Rico should be on your list. The oldest city under United States sovereignty, San Juan served as an important port city along trade routes between the new and old worlds after its establishment in 1521. The Spanish protected it with imposing military fortifications, including the massive fort, Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro). The Spanish Colonial architecture and cobblestone streets are great for exploring, photographing, and soaking in the history.

1699: Williamsburg & Jamestown, Virginia

The greater Williamsburg area will transport you back to the 17th century. You can visit the Jamestown Settlement and see where American Independence was won at the Yorktown Battlefield. Guided tours tell the stories of the people who lived hundreds of years ago and historic restaurants serve popular foods from colonial times.  

1700s/1800s: Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s zeal for historic preservation is evident throughout the city. Its past stretches back to 1669 , and buildings from architectural styles from every century survive. It’s an incredible city to explore on foot. There are also an abundance of excellent tours that tell the story of this beautiful city.

The 17 Best East Coast Family Vacations

1870s: De Smet, South Dakota 

Have you ever wondered what homesteader life was like? You can jump right into the novel, “Little House on the Prairie” in the small town of De Smet, South Dakota . You can camp in a covered wagon, grind wheat, make rope, attend a one-room schoolhouse, ride on a wagon or even attend the Laura Ingalls Wilder pageant in July. 

1876: Deadwood, South Dakota

Want to experience the history of a gold rush? An old mining town in the Black Hills of South Dakota called Deadwood has preserved its gold rush roots and mining town vibe. Theatre troupe characters from the Wild West roam the streets and produce reenactments from historical events. The shops lining the street maintain a historical feel. In fact, the entire town of Deadwood, South Dakota is a National Historic Landmark. 

1879: Tombstone, Arizona

There’s no better place to travel back to the American Old West than Tombstone , Arizona. The main drag is still a dusty street flanked by two-story, western-style buildings housing saloons, shops, and other entertainment venues. Re-enactments, celebrations, and historical sites depict life in the mining town during the 1800s. You’ll want to take a ride in stagecoach and watch a reenactment of the famous gunfight between Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holliday at the O.K. Corral. This gunfight was the basis for the “Tombstone” movie. 

1900: Kennecott, Alaska

Trek on over to the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark , one of the best preserved relics in mining history, to experience mining life on the frontiers of Alaska. The distinctive, rust-red buildings are carved into the steep mountainside. The National Park Service has stabilized many of them, including a post office, general store, schoolhouse, recreation hall, railroad depot, residential cottages, and more. You can also go inside the tunnels, tramways, and trails of the mining operations. 

The 7 Least-Visited National Parks

19th Century: Mackinac Island, Michigan 

If you want a glimpse into the Victorian era, Mackinac Island in Michigan will steal your heart. There are no cars on the island and being transported by horse-drawn carriage only adds to the charm. Victorian homes with wraparound porches invite lazy afternoons with a classic book. You may also want to take a fudge-making class downtown. 

20th Century: Cumberland Island, Georgia

Cumberland Island will take you back to the turn of the 20th century when the Carnegies took ownership of the island. The Carnegies used the island as a winter retreat and built mansions for members of their family. Their private ownership of the island also meant the island escaped commercial development. Now a national park with over 9,800 acres of congressionally-designated wilderness and a limit of 300 visitors admitted per day, Cumberland Island’s pristine beaches and mystical forests will make you feel as if you’re in a new land.

1960: Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs has been called a mecca for mid-century modern architecture and design. The popularity of the city as a getaway for the rich and famous coincided with the rise of this distinctive style in the 1950s and 60s. As a resort town rising in the post-war era, many of the city’s residents were willing to take risks building second homes with the new building methods and materials of mid-century modern style. Recent, surging interest in the architectural style has resulted in restorations that bring the style (and the past it represents) back to life.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Germany: 8-Night Christmas Markets Tour w/Daily...

TripCompanion Tours

Poconos: 2-Nt, All-Incl. Stay at Upscale...

ResortsAndLodges.com

Amsterdam to Copenhagen: Luxe, 18-Night Northern...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Trending on SmarterTravel

Explore the history of the nation: 10 most storied places in the US to visit in 2022

Jun 28, 2022 • 5 min read

Few places are as tied to the Revolutionary War as Boston and its Freedom Trail; Faneuil Hall © zrfphoto / Getty Images

A lot of people think of the United States as a young country with little in the way of history.

Sure, the country’s only been a country since 1776, but before that, there was the colonial period and before that, there were centuries of Native American cultures. And, of course, there's its more modern history.

Together they have all left fascinating glimpses into the past. Here’s our chronological top ten.

Mesa Verde, Colorado

The Ancestral Puebloans (also known as Anasazi) were a Native American civilization in the southwest whose most famous ruins mix history with mystery in Mesa Verde, Colorado . It was here, in the late 1100s, that they built a spectacular cliff-side city, only to abandon it a century later for reasons still not completely understood, though environmental changes are thought to have played a role.

8 places to honor Native American heritage in the US

Cahokia, Illinois

You’re more likely to associate pyramids with Egypt than Illinois , but this Midwest state has not one but dozens of pyramids, clustered together in a site known as Cahokia Mounds . This now-grassy spot was previously the largest city of the Mississippian culture which flourished across a huge swath of what is now the central and southern US, reaching its peak (literally) around 1200. Manmade mounds were the civilization’s signature building and Monk’s Mound at Cahokia is one of the biggest examples.

Finding Indigenous America in US national parks this summer 2022

St Augustine, Florida

In 1565 it wasn’t the British who were coming, but the Spanish, who founded the USA’s oldest city, St Augustine , in Florida that year. Stand where Ponce de León landed, sip from the legendary ‘fountain of youth’ (spoiler: it doesn’t work), explore a three-hundred-year-old fort or just stroll the cobbled streets, soaking up the genuinely historical atmosphere.

Introducing Florida's national parks

Jamestown, Virginia

As far as the history of the United States goes, it all started with a small English colony founded in 1607:  Jamestown . From precarious beginnings (starvation was a constant threat) and the legendary tales of Captain Smith and Pocahontas, the settlement eventually grew and thrived, paving the way for further (13 in total) British colonies along the Atlantic Coast. The original site has a few remains from the early seventeenth century, and nearby Jamestown Settlement is a living-history museum giving further insights into early colonial life.

Virginia's best national parks are steeped in American history

Boston, Massachusetts

No place in the country is more connected to the War of Independence than Boston . It was here that the first stirrings of revolt were felt, where the tea was thrown off the ships and where the first battle was fought in the war that led to the United States. There’s no better way to learn more about the nation-creating events than by following the Freedom Trail through the city, stopping off to enjoy the bars and restaurants of modern Boston along the way.

The best city parks in Boston

Missions, California

While the British were busy over in the east, the Spanish were setting up churches, known as missions, out west in California. The first were founded by Franciscans in what is now Mexico’s Baja California, but soon they spread north to a few places you might have heard of: San Francisco , Santa Barbara and San Diego , to name but three. Cities grew around them and California changed hands (it became a US state in 1850), but the chain of 21 churches is still there and well worth a visit.

The best places to visit in California from surf spots to mountain tops

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Four score and seven years after breaking with Britain, the United States was in the middle of another existential crisis – the Civil War. When states began seceding from the Union in 1861 it was the catalyst for a conflict that ultimately claimed over 600,000 lives. One of the bloodiest battles was fought over three days near the Pennsylvanian town of Gettysburg  when Confederate forces invaded the North but were defeated by Federal troops. Lincoln’s speech, made a few months later at the dedication of the war cemetery on the battlefield, is one of the greatest in American history.

The 6 best hikes in the Poconos to experience history, changing leaves and waterfalls

‘Iolani Palace, Hawaii

Built for the Hawaiian royal family and finished in 1882, just over a decade before the monarchy was overthrown, ‘Iolani Palace is an opulent reminder of Hawaii’s unique past and the US’ soft imperialism in the late nineteenth century – what King David Kalakaua commissioned as a suitably regal residence would soon become the capital of the republic, the territory and, finally, the state of Hawaii . Today it’s open for visits Monday to Saturday.

How to choose the best Hawaiian island for your trip

Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas

Dealey Plaza would be little more than an easily overlooked part of downtown Dallas were it not for the momentous events that took place here on November 22 1963. The assassination of President Kennedy shook America, and the images captured that day have become so iconic that any visit here is an experience in déjà-vu. Stand on the grassy knoll and visit the Sixth Floor Museum (the former book depository from where Oswald fired on the motorcade) to understand the significance of this site in the American psyche.

Welcome to the West: discovering Texas' best national parks and reserves

National September 11 Memorial & Museum, New York

No other event in recent history has affected and shaped the US like the terrorist attacks on September 11 2001. The destruction of the Twin Towers, as well as the attack on the Pentagon and the downing of Flight 93, are all remembered in the understated pools of water that outline the footprint of the towers and in the museum which does an excellent and moving job of describing what happened that day.

How this remnant of the World Trade Center became a symbol of NYC's resilience

This article was first published Jul 1, 2019 and updated Jun 28, 2022.

Explore related stories

Aug 5, 2024 • 7 min read

The Gullah Geechee communities of the Southeastern US brim with history and tradition. At these 18 sites, you can explore this uniquely American culture.

May 20, 2024 • 4 min read

Apr 10, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Sep 2, 2022 • 5 min read

Jun 14, 2022 • 8 min read

May 13, 2022 • 8 min read

Mar 8, 2022 • 7 min read

Dec 9, 2021 • 5 min read

History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

30 of the Best Historic Towns in America for a Charming Getaway

Last Updated on: 18th March 2023, 11:07 pm

Interested in a summer vacation or quick getaway that explores a bit of American history with a side of small-town charm? Here are the best historic towns in the US to add to your upcoming travel plans!

Read Next:  30 Historic Cities in the US to Explore on Your Next US Getaway

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2024

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

The Best Historic Towns in the US

From the east coast to the west coast, from north to south, here are the best historic towns in America. Which one will you visit next?

Annapolis Maryland 

Annapolis, MD is the perfect getaway for history buffs, especially those who like military history.

Although Annapolis was long inhabited by Native Americans, it was first settled by the colonists in 1651. It became the capital of Maryland in 1695 and was briefly the capital of the United States from 1783 to 1784.

The Maryland State House, one of many historic attractions in Annapolis, was the site of two very important events in American history: George Washington’s resignation as the Commander in Chief of the Continental army in 1783 and ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, in 1784.

Another important military site in Annapolis is the United States Naval Academy. Founded in 1845, it prepares officers for the Navy and Marine Corps. The Academy’s immaculate campus sits on the Severn River at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and is open to visitors during the day. Take a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

Annapolis also has a number of historic sites dedicated to African American heritage. Annapolis Harbor was the arrival point for dozens of slave ships coming from western Africa. One of the most famous sites is at the Annapolis City Dock, where you can see the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial. Alex Haley was the author of the book Roots, which recounted the story of Kunta Kinte, who was sold into slavery from Annapolis Harbor in 1767.

Visit Annapolis to see these and dozens of other sites that played an important part in American history!

Contributed by Stephanie from Poppin’ Smoke.

Bodie, California

Bodie State Historic Park in California is not a functional town anymore, however, it’s a historical gold-mining ghost town. It’s an interesting place, where you can walk down the deserted streets of a town that once had a population of nearly 10,000 people. You can feel a true atmosphere from wild-west movies.

The first gold mining camp in Bodie was established in 1859. In 1876 was discovered a profitable deposit of gold-bearing ore, which transformed Bodie from a small mining camp to a boomtown. In 1879, Bodie had around 2,000 buildings and a population of 5,000–7,000 people. The gold mining in Bodie was profitable until the beginning of the 20 th century. The decline started around the year 1912. The last mine was closed in 1942.

Bodie is 2 hours and 45 minutes’ drive from Yosemite and 2 hours and 15 minutes’ drive from Lake Tahoe. Beware that the last 3 miles are on a dirt road and can be tough to ride during bad weather conditions.

You will see many interesting historical buildings from the gold rush times including a bank, museum, stamp mill, graveyard, post office, church, and various abandoned cars, and machinery. You will experience the true wild-west gold rush atmosphere as seen in many famous movies. All the buildings are in walkable distance. You can buy a map for $2 at the entrance.

Contributed by Matěj Halouska from Czech the World.

Brenham, Texas

Brenham is a small town just an hour northwest of Houston, making it the perfect day trip for those looking to  escape  the big city and experience a piece of rural Texas history.

One of the best things to do in Brenham is to visit Washington-on-the-Brazos, the birthplace of Texas. This is the spot where a group of delegates met on March 2, 1836, to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico, sealing the state’s fate. They drew up a constitution and established a national government to rule the nation of Texas (that remained an independent country for 9 years).

Washington-on-the-Brazos remains a popular museum. Visitors can visit a recreation of the building where the declaration was signed as well as the Barrington Living History Farm to experience life in the 1800s. It’s the perfect family activity but it is interesting for all ages.  

Every Fourth of July there is a celebration here with fireworks and locally made Blue Bell Ice Cream served. Visiting on March 2 (which remains officially Texas’ Independence Day) is also a great way to experience Texas history where it happened. 

When in town, one must visit the Historic Downtown. Historic buildings now house bed and breakfasts, antique shops, and restaurants. Adjacent to downtown is the Brenham Heritage Museum offering rotating exhibits focused on local history.

Whether for a day trip or a weekend, a visit to Brenham is to walk through the history of Texas.

Contributed by Erin  Mushaway  from Sol Salute  

Cripple Creek, Colorado 

Cripple Creek is a small town in central Colorado known for gambling and gold. The town became a hotspot in October 1890 when Bob Womack discovered an ore deposit and set off the last great gold rush in the state.

Thousands of hopefuls flocked to the area, dreaming of striking it rich, increasing the population from 500 to over 10,000 in just three years. Disaster struck in 1896 when half the town was destroyed in a fire….with the other half being destroyed in another fire just four days later.

Unwilling to give up, residents rebuilt the town and became a substantial mining community that yielded over $500 million worth of gold before the bust hit in 1918. Residents began leaving due to the unprofitability of mining until the population reached a low of 425 in the 1970s. 

Now, the population has climbed back up around 1,000 and the town has become famous for its ghost towns, gold mines, filming locations, and festivals. When visiting, one should buy a ticket on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, a sightseeing train ride that takes visitors on a ride through Cripple Creek’s history, passing abandoned gold mines, mining sites, and ghost towns.

Visitors can tour the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine to see the inner workings of a live and active mining operation. Also, make sure to visit the Cripple Creek Heritage Center to see the state of the art historic displays and films about the history of the area.

Contributed by Erin Tracy from Traveling Thru History .  

DeSmet, South Dakota

DeSmet, South Dakota, is located in the eastern part of the state a couple of hours’ drive from Sioux Falls. If you’re a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder from the Little House on the Prairie series of books and the tv show, it’s an area you’ll want to see as you make your way to some of the popular destinations in the state like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.

DeSmet is a small town of around 1,100 people and a former home to the Ingalls family. The city was founded in 1883, though the Ingalls moved there in 1879 lured by the Homestead Act and the opportunity for their own land. 

Tour the Ingalls Homestead, where you can see two homes where the family once lived and you can even take a horse-drawn carriage ride to a one-room schoolhouse and see what it was like in class. Not far from the homestead is DeSmet cemetery where the family is buried.

Next, visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society where you can see the one-room schoolhouse where Laura and Carrie went to school. You can also see the Surveyor’s house where the family once lived and visit a small museum packed full of pictures and memorabilia once owned by the family. Tour the nearby Ingalls’ family home in town that Pa built after Laura and Almonzo moved into a home of their own. 

There are a lot of precious Ingalls family memories in DeSmet . It has a quaint small-town feel and it is worth a stop when you visit South Dakota.

Contributed by Sam Glauser of My Flying Leap

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Contributed by Shoba from Martha’s Vineyard Tourist

Galveston, Texas

A barrier island measuring 210 square miles and just about 50 miles south of Houston, Galveston has lots of history to share with its visitors. Its first signs of settlement are dated to 1528 by European pirates but it wasn’t until the early 1800s that the Europeans started to colonize Galveston. 

By the mid-1800s the city expansion brought many firsts to the state of Texas, Post Office, Naval Base, Hospital, Opera House, Country Club to name a few. This catapulted Galveston to become the largest city in Texas.

Then in 1900, a hurricane called The Great Storm devastated the city and between six thousand and eight thousand people we lost. The number is unknown due to so many people drowning and never showing up. That were so many victims that the authorities were not able to give them a proper burial. Some of them were buried at sea but the tide would bring the bodies back to shore so the bodies were burned. There are lots of stories around the storm and many believe that some of the buildings and streets are hunted.

With 60 Structures on the National Register of Historic Places, Galveston’s architecture is rich in history and beauty. The variety of attractions would delight anyone.

The Strand District was also known as the Wall Street of the South and it’s located between 20th and 25th street in downtown, this is where some original European architecture buildings were transformed into restaurants and boutique shops.

The Bishop Palace is another must-see, home of one of the most affluent families in Galveston this magnificent structure serves as a museum and is in the National Register of Historic Places.

Tall Ship Elissa is the oldest ship of its kind sailing, built-in 1877 this barque serves as a museum and it offers sunset trips some parts of the year.

Patricia Martin from Travel Fam Life 

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The gateway to visiting Smoky Mountains National Park , Gatlinburg is a mountain resort town in eastern Tennessee. The town is located along the historic Indian Gap Trail, which Cherokee and other Native American hunters used to traverse the area for centuries.

A white South Carolinian settler named Ogle and Cherokee workers started to clear land for the town in the early 1800s, but Ogle died. Martha, his widow, brought their extended family to the area and began the construction of the first building in the town in 1806. Many of the first settlers to move into the town were veterans of the War of 1812.

Today the town is one of the best getaways in the South. Make sure to visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift and the Ole Smoky Whisky Distillery.

Editor’s Choice

Independence, Oregon 

Contributed by Michelle C. from IntentionalTravelers.com .

Jacksonville, Oregon 

Jacksonville is a historic Gold Rush town dating back to the 1850s.  Originally known at Table Rock City, it is located in the foothills of the Siskyou Mountains along the Rogue River Valley in Southern Oregon . 

In the 1880s Jacksonville was one of Oregon’s major cities.  However, just a few years later in 1884 a more efficient railroad was built that bypassed the town, favoring nearby Medford instead.  This ended the gold mining boom and caused Jacksonville to lapse into a financial depression.

But all was not lost as the city became frozen in time.  This was eventually its savior when in 1962 the entire town was designated a National Historic Landmark as an intact example of a late 19 th century Gold rush town.

Today, it is a thriving, cultural town to explore, with no franchises or chains.  Only independently owned businesses are found here amongst authentic historical buildings, maintaining that personal small-town charm.

Built between 1870 and 1876 by Cornelius C. Beekman for his family, who were the only family to ever reside here and lived here until post World War 2.  The house still remains entirely furnished with family artifacts, demonstrating the family’s Victorian-era lifestyle.

Dating back to 1863, Beekman Bank has survived numerous fires over the years.  During the prime gold boom years, approximately $40 million in gold passed through the counters of this bank, worth around $1 billion today. 

To discover more about Jacksonville’s interesting history, take a historical tour.  During the day there are regular narrated trolley tours of the city.  Or for a spookier experience, in the evening you can join a Haunted History Walking Tour with costumed tour guides.

Contributed by Sophie from We Dream of Travel

Jekyll Island, Georgia 

Participating in the first transcontinental phone call (along with San Francisco and New York) and the secret meetings to form the Federal Reserve were two examples of the power and history of the Jekyll Island Club.

Today, a 240-acre site with 34 historic structures occupy the former club grounds. The Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark, one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States, keeps these winter mansions, aka cottages, preserved for the public.

Visitors can dine in the Grand Dining room of the Club House, stay in the San Souci cottage (the first condo in America), or take a guided tour of the entire site from the Jekyll Island Museum.

Entry to the island is $8/car, which you access to the historic district. However, a trip to Jekyll Island can be so much more. Other historic sites on Jekyll Island include the Wanderer memorial, the last major slave ship to land in America, and the ruins of the colonial Horton House.

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

One of the most l ovely towns in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina, Kitty Hawk is famed as the site of the Wright Brother’s first flight. However, that technically took place in neighboring Kill Devil Hills. The Wright Brothers sent their telegram letting the world know the flight had taken place from Kitty Hawk since it was the nearest settlement. Kill Devil Hills would be incorporated fifty years later.

Make sure to visit the historic Kitty Hawk pier, visit nearby Nags Head to see the wild horses, and of course make a stop in Kill Devil Hills at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. You can also visit several important historic lighthouses in the area. 

Lexington, Massachusetts 

One of the best historic towns in the USA is Lexington, Massachusetts, a must-see for any American history buff.  It’s where the first shots were fired to start the American Revolutionary War, in the Battle of Lexington, on April 19, 1775. This is also known as the “shot heard around the world.” 

The battle and then war led to America separating from England and becoming its own country, so Lexington’s place is in history is significant. 

Paul Revere and William Dawes also rode the famous ride from Boston to Lexington to alert colonists that the British were coming, made famous by a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.   

In addition to the town’s historical significance, it is also one of the most quintessentially picturesque New England towns in the area.  

About 10 miles from Boston, Lexington’s top spots to visit are the Battle Green in the town center, the Old Burying Ground, and the Hancock-Clarke house, which includes period furnishings and portraits.  On Patriot’s Day in Massachusetts, the third Monday of April each year, the Battle of Lexington is reenacted on the town green. It’s a great time to visit Boston, as it is also the same day as the Boston Marathon.

Lexington has a visitor’s center with a complete listing of all there is to see in Lexington and the neighboring town Concord, which also has a host of historically significant sites. But the best way to see it all is with a ride on the Liberty Ride Trolly Tour. 

The 90-minute driving and light walking tour, led by a guide in costume, takes you through the history of Lexington and Concord. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor’s Center in town.  

For a lovely meal or even to spend a night or two in Lexington, the Inn at Hastings Park is a fantastic spot to stay and dine right off the green. For more American Revolution history, the Freedom Trail Walking Tour in Boston is the perfect add on to any stay or visit to Lexington.

Contributed by Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids.

Medicine Park, Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s first resort town, Medicine Park was founded just a year after Oklahoma became a state. Many of the buildings in the town are made from locally sourced cobblestone and date back to the town’s founding. Of course, there’s a lot of fun, modern kitsch to explore as well. 

One of the best weekend getaways in Oklahoma, make sure to stop by the waterfall,  visit the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge,  and the Holy City of the Wichitas.

Mystic, Connecticut

Famous for more than just its pizza, Mystic is a gorgeous town on the water complete with a vintage seafaring history that would make Herman Melville proud.

To learn about the town’s nautical history dating back to the late 1700s, including the shipbuilding industry that was vital to the town’s success, head to the Mystic Seaport Museum. There are several important historic spots in the town to visit as well, most of which are actually historic boats docked in the port!

Natchitoches, Louisiana 

Tourists interested in history can visit the old French fort, Fort St. Jean Baptiste, located along the barely-moving Cane River. There are several beautiful panations in the area that welcome visitors. Downtown Natchitoches is built in the Louisiana French style with old buildings, stately southern homes, beautiful churches, and plenty of wrought iron surrounded by centuries-old live oaks.

The Natchitoches meat pie is the famous creation of Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen. This restaurant has been a staple of the city for decades, and the famous meat pies attract thousands of tourists on their own. Meat pies are a necessity for a true visit to Natchitoches. Dirty rice and potato salad perfect pairs, and strawberry shortcake or bread pudding is the best way to cap off a visit to Lasyone’s.

For history, great food, and a healthy serving of old Louisiana culture in a picturesque setting, Natchitoches is one of the best historic towns to visit in the USA. 

Oak Ridge Tennessee 

Oak Ridge, Tennessee is so different from other historic American towns because in terms of “history” it’s fairly young. Also known as Atomic City and the Secret City, Oak Ridge is also referred to as the “birthplace of the atomic bomb.” It was in Oak Ridge in the 1940s that key components of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan were manufactured. 

The town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee was established in 1942 specifically as part of the Manhattan Project. It was a full-scale city built from scratch in the middle of nowhere under complete and total secrecy. Only the 75,000 resident employees knew it existed and no one there even knew the full purpose of his/her job–to produce the world’s first atomic bomb.

After the war, though Oak Ridge’s purpose had been fulfilled, residents remained and the city was officially founded in 1959. 

Today, visiting Oak Ridge, Tennessee is a must for any history enthusiast. There are still a number of Manhattan Project sites to visit in Oak Ridge –nuclear reactors, uranium processing plants, and a captivating bus tour led by the United States Department of Energy, to name just a few maintained as part of the National Park Service.

You can tour the Museum of Science and Energy and check out modern-day memorials to Oak Ridge’s atomic history such as the Secret City Commemorative Walk and the International Friendship Bell, a gift from Japan to Oak Ridge to symbolize peace. 

Oatman, Arizona

Oatman, Arizona, was founded in 1906 and was a thriving gold mine town until 1942 when the last mines closed down. Although most residents moved out of the town after the last mines closed, one particular type of resident decided to stay: the burros. The burros that were brought to the town by early prospectors continue to live there today. They roam the streets freely and have become the town’s main tourist attraction. 

The burros aren’t the only attraction in Oatman, though. While you’ll probably want to spend some time photographing these cheeky locals, there are other things you shouldn’t miss.

Perhaps the most popular – and most entertaining – is the wild west show, which takes place at 1.30 PM and 3.30 PM every day. If, like us, you’re using Oatman as a stopping point on a road trip from California to Arizona , try to time your stop here with the first show. If you do, you’ll also be able to grab lunch at The Durlin Hotel, the only historic two-story adobe building in Mohave County.

If you have time, head upstairs and stop by the Oatman Gold Museum. This unique museum showcases the story of Oatman, how it became a thriving gold town, and, finally,  how it went from that to the ‘ghost town’ it is today.

Contributed by Jodie from Ala Jode.

Ouray, Colorado

Located in Colorado , Ouray is a mountain town with a rich mining history and stunning natural beauty. Ouray was named after the Ute Native American chief of the same name who was a prominent figure in the community during the arrival of miners in the late 1800s.

They came to the area to mine silver which had been recently discovered. There were other towns in the area which also accommodated miners but Ouray became an epicenter for cultural and social activities. Partly because it is sheltered from the elements by the surrounding mountains. Thus many buildings were erected to facilitate the flourishing town – many of which still stand today.

As mining ebbed and flowed over the years Ouray secured itself as a destination in and of itself for its picturesque setting and historical charm. It has even been nicknamed the Switzerland of America.

Today, you can explore the history of Ouray by visiting the Ouray County Museum where you will find architects for local native groups and the mining era. Otherwise, a historical walking tour is a great way to gain insight into the town’s colorful past. 

The Million Dollar Highway which stretches between Ouray and Silverton is one of the most scenic in the nation. It got its name because of its hefty price tag at the time of its creation during the mining era. It’s a beautiful scenic ride that’s well worth the trip!

Contributed by Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel

Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola was established in 1559 by Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna but due to several factors the first settlers were forced to leave the area and it wouldn’t be resettled until the late 17th century.

The “City of Five Flags” is often is considered to be the first multi-year European settlement in the contiguous United States. Residents are so proud that you’ll even see a welcome sign in downtown Pensacola that cites the city as “America’s 1st Settlement.”

While Pensacola is known as a resort destination, downtown is the place you should visit if you want to explore 450 years of history behind the city. Pensacola Historic District is filled with the kind of quaint, charming buildings including Weaver’s Cottage, Old Christ Church, and Charles Lavalle House.

Since five different and distinct cultures influenced everything in the area, visiting it is one of the best ways to better understand how they co-existed and borrowed from each other.

You may start at Plaza de Luna with the waterfront monument and explore the heart of Downtown Pensacola along Palafox Street. Also, make sure to spend some time at Ferdinand Plaza where Spain formally transferred Florida to the United States in 1821.

No trip to Pensacola is complete without visiting Fort Barrancas that once guarded the entry to Pensacola Bay. Here you can go on a self-guided tour or opt for a ranger-led tour. Aside from historical immersion, there is a hiking, a picnic area, and an onsite bookstore.

Another great attraction just a stone’s throw from Fort Barrancas is the National Naval Aviation Museum. Stationed next to the Naval Air Station, it’s one of the best places to catch the Blue Angels practicing their aerobatic performances.

While the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, come early if you want to catch a glimpse of the Blue Angels. The museum itself is free and features more than 150 historic aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Contributed by Ivan from Mind The Travel

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Santa Fe, New Mexico is the oldest state capital in the US.  Santa Fe was established in 1610 making it the second oldest city in the US.  Based in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it is also the highest capital in the US at 7,000 feet.

Dale Ball Trail Network is a series of trails that can be picked up from downtown Santa Fe.  The trails are extensive and connected so you can do one or several at a time.  The North Loop is a 4.4-mile easy trail where you can take your dog.  The South Loop is a bit harder and hilly and is about a 5-mile loop.  

St. Augustine, Florida 

Tarpon Springs, Florida 

If it’s a unique culture you’re looking for, history lovers will be surprised and delighted with the unexpected Greek sponge-diving culture they’ll find in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Situated on a quiet part of central Florida’s Gulf Coast, there is no other place like this in Florida, or in the US. The town’s Greek heritage dates back to the 1800s when heavy metal dive helmets, lead-weighted boots, and hand-driven air pumps were the technology of the day.

Contributed by Lori from Travlinmad.

Temecula, California 

Originally inhabited by Indians, Temecula became a mission outpost in April 1859, establishing it as a center of commerce. This area of cattle ranches and granite mines became a booming town by the late 1800s, as a stop on the rail line that connected San Diego to San Bernardino.

Today, Temecula stands as a vision of the Old West. Some of the buildings in Old Town are historic while others were part of a development plan in the 1980s. Old materials were sourced from around the U.S. to carefully curate period-appropriate architecture. This successful venture made Old Town Temecula the charming place it is today and a great USA trip idea .

Situated around a historic square, points of interest include the First National Bank of Temecula on the corner of Main and Front Streets. It opened for business in 1914, served as a bank until 1943, and now houses a Mexican restaurant. The Mercantile Building, built by Philip Pohlman around 1890 on a lot he won in a raffle, was constructed of bricks from an abandoned brickyard and mail-ordered storefronts!

You can experience history by staying in Hotel Temecula. Originally built as the Welty Hotel in 1891 to accommodate weary travelers, it has been a schoolhouse, post office, general store, and United States border patrol office over the years. Today, Hotel Temecula has been lovingly restored and welcomes guests into antique-filled rooms. After you’re done visiting Old Town, don’t forget to go wine tasting.

Contributed by Jenifer Byington of The Evolista

Titusville, Florida 

Originally named Sand Point, Titusville was founded in 1867 by Confederate Colonel Henry Theodore Titus. He and his wife planned to build the town on land that they owned. They built a store, hotel, and laid out many of the town’s streets. In 1873, the name of the town was changed to Titusville, supposedly after Titus won a domino game against Captain Clark Rice.

Titusville grew over the years, especially after it was connected to other major cities by railroad. World War II also affected the city; after enemy ships were sunk off the nearby beaches a boat construction company built hundreds of landing craft. The 1960s perhaps created the biggest changes when Kennedy Space Center was built to join the “Space Race.”

To learn more about the native people of the area, we recommend visiting Seminole Rest on Canaveral National Seashore. The historic site was once inhabited by the Timucuan Indians and they left a large mound of clam and oyster shells behind, as well as other daily items.

We also recommend visiting the Pritchard House Museum in downtown Titusville. This historic home was built in 1891 and had a member of the Pritchard family living in it until 2005 when the county purchased the home for historic preservation. You can tour the home which has many original pieces and really get a feel for how life in Titusville once was.

Of course, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center is a must. Get there early because you will be there all day. There are a ton of buildings and areas that tell the history of space exploration and pay homage to the many involved in early space programs.

Contributed by Vicky Sosa from Buddy the Traveling Monkey.

Traverse City, Michigan 

Founded in 1852, Traverse City was once only accessible by water. Today, though, you can easily get into the quaint historic town by road (as well as by sea if that still takes your fancy) and explore its present-day draws as well as it’s significant history.

Sixth street, in the Central Neighborhood of the city, is where the Perry Hannah House can be found,. This massive and intricate house was built by the founder of the city in the late 1800s. While the Hannah family was obviously quite well off, not everyone at the time was.

Over in what is known as Slab Town you can still find Sleder’s Family Tavern which once provided entertainment and lifeblood to the working-class people of the city. And still can provide plenty of enjoyment today.

Outside of town, but only a short drive up the spit of land Traverse City sits below, is the Mission Point Lighthouse. As one might expect from a city that could once only be accessed by boat, this lighthouse was an integral part of early life in Traverse City and was built shortly after the city’s founding.

As you’re in the car, you might also take a drive around the wineries of the region. Though not quite as old as Traverse City itself, the region has been producing wine for nearly a century and is a welcome addition to a warm day by the lake.

Contributed by Caitlin Boylan from  The Country Jumper

Virgin City, Nevada 

Williamsburg, Virginia

If you had to think of the most important British colony in America, you would probably think of Jamestown. Founded in 1607, Jamestown was the first permanent Engish speaking colony in the “New World”. However, that is where most history books stop. We never hear about what happened after Jamestown, the first capital of the Virginia Assembly.

In 1699, Williamsburg was founded as the capital of the Virginia colony. The colonial leaders decided to move the capital from Jamestown to a place that was called the Middle Plantation, five miles inland between the York and James Rivers. The new capital was renamed to Williamsburg to honor England’s reigning monarch, King William III.

With careful planning, Williamsburg became one of the most important cities in the British colonies of America. Not only was it a center of political, religious, economic, and social life in Virginia, but it also became one of the best places for education.

The famous College of William and Mary was founded in 1693, and have educated influential leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe. In 1780, the capital was moved to Richmond, which continues to be the capital of Virginia. Williamsburg reverted to a quiet college town with only around 15,000 residents today.

If you visit Williamsburg today, there are several attractions you cannot miss. First, it is the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, a place that features interesting historical facts and evidence of the colonial era. The second place is the Governor’s Palace, the official residence of the Royal Governor of the colony of Virginia. 

Contributed by Sean from  Living Out Lau

Woodstock, New York

One of the cutest historic towns in New York,  its namesake music festival isn’t the only history tiny Woodstock boasts, though you can certainly indulge in it while you’re here! Outside of town, you can visit the field where the festival was held as well as visiting the Museum at Bethel Woods. 

Even if you aren’t interested in music history, you can (and should!) enjoy a few days in town. There’s a lovely charming-meets-hippy vibe with lots of local shops to peruse as you walk around and explore.

Make sure to check out Wagwear, the second location of this local NY upscale dog clothing boutique. It’s one of my favorite  New York souvenirs!

More USA Travel Resources

Thinking about exploring the US this year? For trip ideas, check out the best historic cities in the US and the best scenic drives in the US  for great road trip ideas. 

If you want to base your trip on great cultural activities, check out the  best museums in the US  and the best American living history museums.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for your trip make sure you have a valid  Travel  Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road. I pay for  World Nomads,  and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging out in cities where tourists can be the victims of pickpockets or if you’ll be doing exciting outdoor activities. 

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for two years, and I happily recommend them.  If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Pin this Guide to Visiting the Best Historic American Towns for Your Travels!

In this Article:

6 thoughts on “30 of the Best Historic Towns in America for a Charming Getaway”

Such a great post! I am pretty much pleased with your good post. You put really very helpful information.

Awe thank you! Glad you enjoy historic American cities!

We are visiting Amelia Island, FL now and its a fantastic old town with beautiful Victorian houses.

Yess!!! I went in May but haven’t written about it yet! It’s a fabulous place!

My family and I are traveling to Jekyll Island. Thanks for the recommendation!

You’re welcome! Have a great trip!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

12 Must-See Historic Cities in the U.S.

You’ll find a list of some of the most interesting and historic cities in the U.S. in this article! Keep reading to learn all about them!

When you think about historic cities in the U.S. versus the rest of the world, often the first ones that pop into your mind may be Rome, Athens, or London. While many people flock to Europe to see historic cities and archaeological sites, we have plenty of great places to explore right here in America! 

Here at Let’s Roam, we love learning about the past and how it shapes our present. We really adore exploring all of the historic cities in our very own backyard! To help you figure out the best places to go in the United States, we’ve compiled a list of the most historic cities in the U.S. American history buffs won’t want to miss these fascinating cities where the past seems to come back to life!

Explore the history of the United States with Let’s Roam .

With hundreds of fascinating scavenger hunts in historic cities in the U.S., Let’s Roam is the perfect one-stop-shop for things to do around the country! All of our hunts are designed to take you to the best parts of the city! They are a great introduction to a city and give you the perfect opportunity to make great new memories with friends and family that are sure to last a lifetime!

The Best Historic Cities in the U.S. for True History Lovers

Below you will find a list of the most historic cities in the United States.  These are perfect for anyone who has a penchant for history and simply can’t get enough of historic sites and cobblestone streets!

1. Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania 

The City of Brotherly Love has played an incredibly important role in shaping the United States. As the nation’s birthplace and the former capital of the country, it probably comes as no surprise that the city is full of some of the country’s most important historic attractions. Strangely, Philadelphia is often passed by as people whiz from New York City to Washington D.C. but this is a bit of a shame as the city has so much cool stuff to offer!

One of the best places to start exploring the city’s past is at Independence National Historical Park where you can see Independence Hall. This is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. The Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention were also both held here between 1775 and 1783. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can join one of the free walking tours that leave every 15 minutes. It can get very, very crowded so make sure that you book your tickets in advance. 

Elsewhere in the park, you can view the cracked Liberty Bell, the Congress Hall where George Washington was inaugurated, and the Old City Hall which served as a courtroom for the United States Supreme Court at the end of the 18th century. 

Other nearby must-sees include the Franklin Court and the Benjamin Franklin Museum, and the Betsy Ross house.  Don’t forget to take the time to simply stroll up and down the old cobblestone streets, taking in the beautifully preserved colonial-era townhouses and the federal-style mansions that have been witnesses to so many important events in American (and world) history. 

If you want to take a look at the 20th-century history of Philadelphia, make your way to the Eastern State Penitentiary. Opened in 1829, this prison was designed to reform criminals through isolation and would later become a model for the U.S. prison system. Its beautiful Gothic architecture made it one of the most expensive construction projects in the U.S. when it was built, and it would go on to house infamous criminals like Al Capone. It finally closed its doors in 1971 and is still considered one of the most famous prisons in the world. You can then take in some of the art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the filming location of Rocky’s legendary run up the stairs, and then finish the day with a filling Philly cheesesteak. 

To get your trip to Philadelphia started off on the right foot, make sure to download Let’s Roam’s Homegrown Freedom Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt . This hunt will take you to sites like Independence Hall and the Masonic Temple. It serves as a great introduction to Philadelphia’s historic district and can help you discover all the great places you will want to go back to later! Philly is truly one of the most historic cities in the U.S.!

2. Boston, Massachusetts 

In the history of many countries, there comes a turning point where things will never be the same again. Often, there is more than one. In the United States, the Boston Tea Party in 1773 set the stage for a war between jaded colonists and an endlessly opportunistic empire which eventually led to a war that changed the way that Americans saw themselves and how the world saw the British. The New England city of Boston has changed a lot since those early days as one of America’s founding cities, but it remains an important center of business, education, and entertainment. It is also one of the most historic cities in the country!

One of the best ways to see the many historic buildings of Boston is by embarking on the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile-long path takes you to 16 must-see attractions for all history lovers including churches, museums, meeting houses, parks, burial grounds, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and its aftermath. You can either explore the trail on your own self-guided tour or you can join one of the many guide-led tours that visit the sites.

From there, you can go over to Boston Common, the oldest public park in the country. In the course of its long life, it has been a cow pasture, a camp during the Revolutionary War, and a popular site for demonstrations and protests. The Freedom Trail begins at one end of the park and is ideal to combine the two attractions into one fun-filled day!

Don’t forget to stop by the Boston Tea Party Ships and the adjacent museum. This is one of the best museums in the city, and here, you can see replicas of historic ships and even taste one of the teas that was thrown overboard. The museum really puts the importance of the event into a new perspective. We guarantee that you will never think of the words tea party in the same way again!

Once you have had your fill of Revolutionary War history, you can take a stroll through the upscale neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and Back Bay which have rows of federal-style houses and gas-lit street lamps as well as some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. While you are there, you can do one of Let’s Roam’s Boston Scavenger Hunts to learn more about the neighborhood and surrounding areas. 

If you are in the mood for more historic sites, you can easily reach the small city of Salem in just under 45 minutes from Boston. Founded in 1626, Salem quickly became a popular spot for Puritans and was the location of the infamous Salem Witch Trials where a bunch of crazy religious people decided to execute a bunch of women and an old man. Beyond the many sites associated with this dark time in history, the town retains many of its 18th and 19th-century buildings which give an interesting look into what life was like centuries ago. 

3. Washington D.C.

Founded in 1790 to be the new capital of the United States, Washington D.C . can easily be considered one of the first planned national capitals—it truly is a super historic city in the U.S.! It was created to be a separate entity from the existing states. Since then, the city has grown to represent the strength and power of the United States and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the country. 

The first thing that any history lover should do when visiting Washington D.C. is to take a stroll down the National Mall. This two-mile green space is often referred to as the Nation’s Front Lawn and just happens to be the location of some of the most famous attractions in the city! This is where you will find the Washington National Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and many of the Smithsonian Museums. Best of all, all of the monuments on the National Mall are free to enter. 

You can also check out the White House which is just a few blocks away from the National Mall. As the most famous residence in the world, the White House needs no introduction. Constructed between 1792 and 1800, this palatial building has a whopping 132 rooms. The West Wing of it can be visited as part of a guided tour that must be reserved well in advance. If this is something that you want to do, it is a good idea to check out the White House’s official website to see how you can reserve your spot!

While you are near the Mall, you should also see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a touching tribute to the men and women that died there, and the National Archives which is home to the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights as well as a Magna Carta dating from 1297.

Over on Capitol Hill, the U.S. Capitol Building is the epicenter of the American government. Home to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the U.S. Capitol building can be visited on a 90-minute guided walking tour which takes you to the Capitol Rotunda and the mural-covered Capitol Dome. Keep in mind that the tour doesn’t go to the House and Senate galleries as access to this needs to be requested through your congressman. 

4. New York City,  New York

New York City is known for many, many things. The Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps, the Greatest City in the World—just to name a few. However, New York City is much more than these nicknames can ever possibly convey. This city of steel and concrete has made an incredible impact on both U.S. and world history. Exploring the city of New York is like a crazy mixture of walking back in time while simultaneously walking onto your favorite movie or film set.

The oldest section of New York lies in the Financial District at the southern tip of Manhattan, an area that was once known as New Amsterdam before becoming New York. Unsurprisingly, Wall Street refers to the location of the old city walls and a visit to Battery Park gives you the chance to see the old waterfront fortifications that were built to protect the city. This is the area where you will find many of New York City’s pre-20th-century sites.

While Washington D.C. exudes power, New York exudes money and old wealth. As you head further uptown, you will get into some of Manhattan’s ritziest residential neighborhoods including Greenwich Village before reaching Midtown. The main attractions here for many first-time visitors are the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, the New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, and, of course, Times Square. Most of these buildings were constructed at the start of the 20th century and show the sheer amount of wealth that was flooding into the city at the time. As you continue even further north towards the Upper East Side, you can see the former homes of some of America’s most powerful families including the Rockefellers and the Carnegies. NY is another one of those historic cities in the U.S. that is also a massive, exciting, modern hub.

5. Williamsburg, Virginia 

The capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was one of the first planned cities in the U.S. and although the capital was eventually moved to Richmond, many of the historic buildings of Williamsburg were preserved so you can get a really good taste of what a thriving city was like in the early 18th century. It feels a bit like stepping into a time capsule and should be at the top of every early American history buff’s wishlist. 

Some of the best sites in Colonial Williamsburg include the early 18th century Royal Governor’s Palace, where you can experience the life of grandeur of the colonial government, and the Capitol which witnessed Virginia’s transition from Colony to Commonwealth. The Royal Governor’s Palace was once the home of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Sadly, both buildings were destroyed by fire so what you are seeing are actually replicas but they are still incredibly interesting. 

Another great place to visit is the College of William & Mary. Founded in 1693, it is the second-oldest institution for higher education in America and the ninth-oldest in the English-speaking world. Thomas Jefferson, John Tyler, and James Monroe all went to school here. You can see many of the late 17th and early 18th-century buildings that may have been their former stomping grounds. 

The most famous building on campus is the Christopher Wren Building. Featuring a brick facade with Flemish and English bonds and named after an English guy who never even visited America, this is the oldest academic building in continuous use in the U.S. You can visit the first and second floors whenever classes are in session. 

Williamsburg is part of the storied Historic Triangle which includes Jamestown and Yorktown. Founded in 1607, Jamestown was the first permanent British settlement in North America and the first capital of the Virginia Colony before being replaced by Williamsburg. Meanwhile, Yorktown was the site of the British surrender to George Washington which ended the Revolutionary War. Today, you can visit the battlefield and walk in the footsteps of the men that changed the course of history. 

6. Charleston, South Carolina

Founded in 1670, Charleston is adored by history buffs and culture vultures alike thanks to its cobblestone streets and pre-Civil War buildings. The main thoroughfare of the historic area is King Street and this is the prime place to start your Charleston adventure. This beautiful avenue is lined with restaurants and bars as well as architectural delights. 

Located just south of downtown, the French Quarter was located inside the original city walls and is one of the oldest parts of the city. It was once home to local tradesmen and merchants and it is now home to museums, art galleries, and interesting boutiques. From there, it is just a short stroll to the battery, a fortified seawall, and a promenade that was built in the early 19th century to replace older fortifications. From there, you can view Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse. 

If you are feeling brave, you can pop across the street to the White Point Gardens. These gorgeous gardens are full of enormous oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. This beautiful site has a sordid past and was once the execution ground for 49 pirates. As you would probably expect, ghost stories abound and people have reported seeing the ghosts of the long-dead pirates roaming the gardens at night. To experience even more ghostly encounters, purchase the Charleston Ghost Tour Scavenger Hunt.  This will take you to the city’s oldest and most haunted sites. Don’t forget to keep your camera ready—you never know what you will see!

From the downtown area, you can also easily reach a handful of islands, including Fort Sumter. Construction of this massive fort started during the War of 1812 and it was designed to protect the U.S. from a British invasion. Unfortunately (fortunately?), the fort wasn’t finished until 1861 so it never saw any action until the Civil War when the Union Army was able to use it as a garrison. As the Confederate Army fired at the fort, the local people of Charleston cheered proudly, completely oblivious to the death and destruction that would follow within the next four years. 

If you want to gain even more insight into the Antebellum South, you can also visit some of the remaining plantations that still dot the surrounding landscape. Many of the plantations can be explored via public tours which cover the history of both the wealthy families who lived there and the African Americans who were enslaved there. These give a fascinating look at how the plantations operated and are a sad reminder of our not-so-distant, yet incredibly racist, past. As you can tell, Charleston is an incredibly historic city in the U.S.

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

Although New Orleans has seemed to have made a name for itself as a major party destination, it is, without a doubt, still one of the best examples of southern charm and European elegance in the country! Established in 1718, this magnificent city has changed hands many times throughout history and it is easy to see vestiges of its former lives as Spanish, French, and English possessions.   As you walk through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter or admire the majestic homes and endless boulevards of the Garden District, you are constantly reminded of the city’s long history. 

The French Quarter has become a colorful neighborhood of diverse architectural styles, and Jackson Square still stands proudly at the heart of the quarter. This is where the Louisiana Purchase basically doubled the size of the United States. Nearby, the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest church structure in the United States, stands head and shoulders over the surrounding buildings.

Meanwhile, the Garden District is one of the fanciest parts of town full of opulent mansions. Unlike the French Quarter which was founded by French immigrants, this area was developed by English-speaking Americans who wanted to create their non-Francophone neighborhood. While the Garden District doesn’t have as many historic attractions to discover as the French Quarter, it is one of the most pleasant places in the city to simply get lost among the city streets, imagining what it must have been like decades, or even centuries, ago.

Surrounding these areas, you can also find a slew of interesting neighborhoods like Fauborg Marigny, the Bywater, and the Warehouse District which all have their own unique character and history. We highly recommend giving yourself time to see all of the different neighborhoods if you really want to get a feel of the city. Plus, this gives you the chance to eat as much Cajun food as possible!

8. St. Augustine, Florida

As North America’s oldest “European” settlement, the city of St. Augustine was founded as a Spanish settlement in 1565. Thanks to the long history of the city, visitors have a ton of historic sites to choose from including world-class museums and architectural gems. One of the best places to begin your adventure here is the 144-block National Historical Landmark District. 

The oldest parts of the district are the Mission de Nombre de Dios and the nearby 17th-century fort of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Constructed in 1672, the fort is one of the oldest masonry forts in the United States and you can still see the fort’s casements and watch cannons being fired while you were there. 

The main thoroughfare running through the historic district is St. George Street. The street is completely pedestrianized and is lined with restaurants, craft stores, and ice cream shops as well as the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the United States. Built in 1763, this old-school school is held together with handmade nails and wooden pegs despite being nearly 250 years old. 

During the late 1800s, the city was revitalized by Henry Flagler who had earned his fortune as a co-founder of Standard Oil, alongside John. D. Rockefeller. He developed the Ponce de Leon Hotel, now part of Flager College, bought the Casa Monica Hotel, and even started his own railroad to bring visitors to St. Augustine. Known as the Father of Modern Florida, he had an incredible impact on the state and its relationship to tourism. A stop by one of his creations is a must-do for fans of old hotels!

9. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio was founded in 1718 around the Alamo, one of many Spanish missions built in the area, and grew to be the most important city in Spanish Mexico. The Alamo and the other nearby missions now form the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like much of the southwestern part of the U.S., the region of San Antonio was part of Mexico from 1821 to 1836 before eventually becoming part of the United States. 

Other historic sites that are worth visiting are the Spanish Governor’s Palace and the San Fernando Cathedral. While you are there, you should also leave time to visit the many museums nearby and take a walk or have dinner at one of the restaurants located along the River Walk, one of San Antonio’s most popular attractions. 

If all of the excitement of the Alamo has put you in the mood for a drink, the Buckhorn Saloon is there to keep the historical vibe going. The Saloon is where Teddy Roosevelt went to recruit his motley crew of Rough Riders and is rumored to be the place where Pancho Villa planned the Mexican revolution. The focal point of the bar is the original marble and cherry-wood bar and the adjacent museum gives an interesting look into the history of the Texas Rangers and the original owner’s unique collection of oddities. It is a fun and informative museum and is particularly great after a drink or two!

10. Savannah, Georgia  

Founded in 1733, Savannah has served as a key seaport in both the American Revolution and the Civil War and continues to be an important port city. It is the oldest city in Georgia and still maintains much of its original urban planning, including 22 of its original 24 cobblestone squares. It has one of the biggest National Historic Landmark Districts in the country with a gorgeous mixture of Federal, Gothic Revival, Victorian Regency, Greek, and Italianate architectural styles.  

One of the best things to do here is simply wander around the city streets, admire the beautiful buildings, and relax in the parks. As you explore, you may feel like things look a bit familiar. And you may be right! Scenes from the movies Forrest Gump and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil were filmed here. Make sure to go to a few of the house museums. Located in 19th-century homes, these museums allow you to peek inside some of the antebellum mansions of Savannah and as an added bonus, you can look at some great collections of art and historical artifacts!

Nestled on the edge of the Savannah River near the border of South Carolina, the city is located just a four drive from the southwestern hub of Atlanta, making it very easy to get to.

11. San Francisco, California

With its hilly landscape, beautiful harbor, and brightly painted “ladies,” San Francisco is as beautiful as it is historic! It was founded in 1776 when settlers from New Spain established the Presidio of San Francisco there. It was eventually conquered by the United States in 1846 and became a popular spot for gold prospectors which helped turn the city into a cosmopolitan metropolis. Sadly, much of the city was destroyed in 1906, but San Fran came back bigger and stronger. 

While the city has no shortage of tourist attractions, very little remains of its pre-20th-century buildings. Instead, tourists flock to see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge built in 1937 and the haunting Alcatraz Prison where many of the country’s most notorious criminals spent time behind bars. The Palace of Fine Arts should also be high on the list for history lovers. It was originally built for the 1915 Panamca-Pacific International Exposition and features Greco-Roman colonnades and a massive rotunda that makes you feel a bit like you are in Ancient Rome. 

San Francisco is also home to one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns and the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. The neighborhood was given the nickname way back in 1853, and by the 1880s, there were more than 7,500 Chinese laundries based here as well as merchants selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It almost feels like being in a market in China, but this time, you don’t need a visa or a passport!

12. Santa Fe, New Mexico

With its unique adobe architecture, laid-back vibe, and a plethora of historic sites from its time as a Spanish settlement, the city of Santa Fe has a lot to offer visitors. Established in 1607, Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States and is home to the country’s first public building. During a visit, you can easily glimpse vestiges of the city’s 400-year history at the San Miguel Chapel, and the Santa Fe Plaza and Palace of the Governors located right in the heart of downtown, 

Today, you can not only explore the unique architecture left behind by the Spanish but also the artifacts and artwork associated with the Native American communities that once thrived here. The city hosts an incredible array of museums including the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. 

Located just a 90-minute short drive from Santa Fe, Taos is one of New Mexico’s most colorful and historic cities. The adjacent Taos Pueblo is one of the United State’s oldest Native American communities and has lived here continuously for more than 1,000 years. You can visit the village and learn more about the ancient traditions and heritage of the region’s original inhabitants.

Ready to roam?

We hope that this list has inspired you to go out and explore some of the amazing historic sites that we have here in the United States. As always, please let us know if there are any places that we may have missed that should be on this list!  

If you would like to learn more about any of these cities, make sure to head over to the Let’s Roam Explorer blog . This blog is full of hundreds of travel guides, must-see lists, and blog posts that can help you plan the perfect getaway! You can also download the Let’s Roam app which gives you access to not only all of our fun-filled scavenger hunts but also a wealth of user-generated information for destinations around the world!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you love historic cities in the U.S. , you may want to head to Williamsburg , St. Augustine , and Philadelphia . These are some of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the country!

If you’re traveling through the southeastern U.S., look no further than the breathtaking cities of Savannah or Charleston ! Both of these historic cities manage to combine southern charm with Old World architecture.

Founded by the Spanish in 1566, St. Augustine was the first European settlement in the United States making it one of the country’s most historic cities . 

If you love history but are traveling on a budget, you may want to consider going to Washington D.C . Although room rates can be expensive, most of the attractions are free to enter.

If you want to travel to historic cities like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, or New York, why not download a fun-filled, app-based scavenger hunt ? These hunts can take you to some of the best places in a city!

Featured Products & Activities

Home » Historic Getaways » 50 Historical Sites For The American History Buff

50 Historical Sites For The American History Buff

As the region that saw the first European settlers, the Northeast US holds many of the most fascinating historical sites in America.

Colonial era, Revolutionary War, Civil War, Victorian and Gilded Age: much of what shaped our country happened on the Eastern Seaboard.  Choose one or more of the following 50 escapes to be immersed in American History.

Click on each town to find the best attractions, restaurants and inns for educational and enlightening getaways, Virginia to Maine.

Table of Contents

Historic Sites In Connecticut

New London CT

New London, a shipbuilding port during the American Revolution, was burned down by the Brits in 1781. It’s also home to the oldest continuously operating Customs House in the nation, where The Amistad was towed to after being found off the coast of Long Island, NY.

You’ll find the country’s last remaining Whaling Ship, the Charles Morgan, at Mystic Seaport.

Hartford CT

Discover why Connecticut is considered The Constitution State. The Fundamental Orders, adopted by the Connecticut Council on January 15, 1639 are considered by some to be the basis of the US Constitution.

Historical Sites In Delaware

Wilmington DE

It’s all about the DuPonts here. Improving on gunpowder in the late 1700’s, this French expat family established the chemical company that still bears their name. Its dynasty of wealth still supports hospitals and cultural programs.

The “First State” to ratify the US Constitution,  home of the only Founding Father to abstain from signing the Declaration of Independence, and site of Dover Air Force Base, Delaware’s Capital City has a cornucopia of historic attractions.  

Historic Sites In Maryland

St. Mary’s County MD

Deeply historic, St. Mary’s County drew early European settlers, most notably, a group of Catholics escaping persecution and execution in Protestant England. As Catholics were being slaughtered in England, 140 faithful arrived here in 1634. Finally free to worship as they chose, they built the first Catholic Church and settlement in Colonial America. Historic St. Mary’ City grew for sixty years, then vanished into the cornfields and was lost for 200 years. It is now one of the most exciting archeological digs in the US.

Dorchester County MD  

Birthplace of Harriet Tubman and site of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor’s Center.

Washington County MD  

Antietam Battlefield. Bloodiest one day battle of the Civil War.

Annapolis MD

This “oldest in the nation” State House is where George Washington tendered his resignation as Commander In Chief of the US Army. Also, tour the US Naval Academy! 

St. Michaels MD

The excellent Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum tells the story of this bountiful body of water.

Baltimore MD

Oh Say Can You See? Yes, you can see where our National Anthem was written.  The flag that served as muse to Francis Scott Key flew from Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

Historic Sites In Massachusetts

Provincetown MA

The Pilgrim Monument stands in commemoration of the Mayflower passengers who made the voyage from England to this Land’s End community. While they didn’t settle here, some of the “Strangers and Saints” set foot first on land here to search for a water source. Finding none, they sailed on to the more protected Plymouth.

Plymouth MA

Plymouth Rock is just the beginning. 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s landing.

One if by land, two if by sea …..Paul Revere,The Old State House celebrated its 300th year anniversary in 2013. Walk the Freedom Trail to discover our country’s revolutionary stirrings.

Lexington  –  Concord MA

The “Shot Heard Around the World” in Concord, and the accidental battle that preceded it by a few hours in Lexington.

Learn about “Mill Girls,” immigrant workers, and the forces of the Industrial Revolution in America. A monument to American Industry and Ingenuity, Lowell National Historical Park, in Lowell MA, 30 miles from Boston, is unlike any other U.S. National Park in that it takes up sections of a still thriving (or, as the case may be, reviving) city.

Deerfield MA

This tiny prep-school burg fleshes out stories of Colonial New England life on the fringes of civilization in the 17th and 18th centuries. 

Springfield MA

The Springfield Armory commissioned by President George Washington is a National Historic Site open for tours. Springfield is also hometown to Dr. Seuss and where the game of Basketball was invented.

Fall River MA

Battleship Cove comprises the largest collection of WWII warships in the world. It’s also where Lizzy Borden was arrested for, but never convicted of, whacking her parents with an ax.

Known primarily for the Witch Trials, Salem is also home to the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest and best all-encompassing museums in the country.

Historic Sites In New Hampshire

One of the many misconceptions about the  Declaration of Independence and US Constitution is that they emerged from the minds of our Founding Fathers fully-fledged. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Both were works in progress, with many reworked drafts. The American Independence Museum illuminates this better than any other historical museum.

Portsmouth NH

The Strawbery Banke Living History Museum showcases Coastal New Hampshire history. With costumed docents, it’s one of the best of its kind in the country.

As Primary Central, Concord crawls with every Presidential hopeful every four years.

Historic Sites In New Jersey

Morris County NJ

George Washington was headquartered here. And it’s where Alexander Hamilton fell in love. Plus you can explore the laboratory where Thomas Edison invented modern America at the national historical park.

Princeton NJ

Albert Einstein escaped Germany with a $5000 Nazi bounty on his head. He lived in Princeton from 1933 until his death in 1955.

Historic Sites In New York

The Million Dollar Staircase, Modernist Empire State Plaza, and Alexander Hamilton history are huge draws to New York State’s Capital City. 

Chautauqua Institution NY

Founded by the father in law of Thomas Edison in 1874, Chautauqua continues to be a summer camp for the intellectually curious. 

Seneca Falls NY

In the mid-1800’s, Seneca Falls NY was drawing Abolitionists, Suffragists, proponents of Temperance, and other agitators. This whirlwind of evangelical fervor was so hot, this corner of Northwestern NY was known as “The burned over District.” Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman all lived in the area. And they spurred on movements that gained national attention. 

Hyde Park NY

Home to Franklin D. and Eleanore Roosevelt and Culinary Institute of America. See the bed FDR was born in and the wheelchair that the public never saw – plus a terrific new multi million dollar museum.

West Point NY

The Military Academy was established by Thomas Jefferson in 1802 at West Point. And yes, you can take a sanctioned bus tour. And even stay in a luxury hotel on campus.

Explore significant stops on the Underground Railroad.

Historical Attractions In Pennsylvania

Harrisburg PA

Pennsylvania arguably has the most spectacular Capitol Building in the USA. The Harrisburg-set National Civil War Museum is a can’t miss.

Find the bloody flag that cradled Abe Lincoln’s head after he was shot in this unlikely place. Milford PA was also home of Gifford Pinchot – “Father of the National Forest Service.” 

Bradford PA

The “PA Wilds” encompassed the country’s first “Billion Dollar Oil Field.” It’s also where Zippo Lighters were invented and still made.

Johnstown PA

Site of the most deadly flood in American history. (And fourth deadliest natural disaster of all time). Two museums interpret the event: a National Memorial at the site. And another in town.

For Railroad History fans and trainspotters – site of the engineering marvel, Horseshoe Curve.

Carlisle PA

Where the controversial Indian Industrial School was located, and the current must-see Army Heritage Center.

Bucks County PA

Where George Washington crossed the Delaware on that fateful Christmas Day 1776. See Washington Crossing Historic Park.

Gettysburg PA

Battlefield, Town, Eisenhower’s only home.

Philadelphia PA

Philly is “philled” with historic attractions. Museum of the U.S. Constitution. Liberty Bell. Grave of Benjamin Franklin. Museum of the American Revolution. With over eighteen historic sites, Philly is the best city for learning about our country’s origins.

Historical Sites In Rhode Island

History of the Gilded Age in full force. Also – home to the Touro Synagogue, the country’s oldest, established in 1763.

Providence RI

Roger Williams, founder of the Rhode Island colony, defected from the Puritans, sanctioning freedom of conscience and religion. See the original State Charter in the Capitol building.

This small bucolic peninsula town has some dark Slave Trade history.

Historic Sites In Virginia

Orange County VA

What world events influenced the Architect of the U.S. Constitution, James Madison? This Founding Father lived in Orange VA, and his home is a revelation. 

Yorktown VA

The fledgling US Army effectively won the Revolutionary War when Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. The Yorktown’s Victory Center is among America’s best Living History Museums.

Southwestern VA

Birthplace of Country Music with the “Bristol Sessions.” Clog with other dancers at the Carter Family Fold.

Charlottesville VA

Don’t miss Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

Winchester VA

During the Civil War,  town allegiance to Union and Confederate sides changed a whopping 72 times. The Old Courthouse served as a Civil War prison where you can see anti-Jefferson Davis graffiti.

Richmond VA

Patrick Henry bellowed the immortal “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Edgar Alan Poe also lived here.

Newport News VA

Another best of its kind in the USA, the Mariners Museum is a can’t miss attraction. The $30 Million Monitor Center highlights Civil War Ironclad warships.

First slaves brought to US here in 1619. Hampton is also home to one of country’s first African American colleges. Langly AFB was site of NASA Mercury Project.

Arlington VA

Cemetery, Pentagon and yes, a DEA Museum showcasing the history of Drug Enforcement in the USA.

Williamsburg VA

The entire town lives and breathes the colonial era, joining with Jamestown and Yorktown to form the “Historic Triangle.”

Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

1 thought on “50 Historical Sites For The American History Buff”

This is a great round-up of locations in the USA! Visiting the home of the US Naval Academy would be neat.

Comments are closed.

Site Navigation

Latest stories, the 12 best u.s. cities to visit for history buffs, anyone who appreciates the past will find something to love in these destinations..

The incentive to travel can come from an infinite number of places, whether it's seeking out the best new food scenes or a desire to reconnect with nature . But for others, taking a trip can be the best way to connect with the past. After all, the most important part about getting out into the world is that it provides the experience that books cannot. If you're dreaming of making your way down the cobblestone streets or stepping into the rooms where significant events happened, experts suggest that these are the best cities to visit in the U.S. for history buffs.

READ THIS NEXT: The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Visit If You Love Old Houses .

1 | Williamsburg, Virginia

Taking a step back into the past becomes a lot easier when your destination has devoted itself to helping you experience it from top to bottom. And one place in particular stands out as a must-see for history lovers.

"Williamsburg, Virginia, is probably the closest you'll ever get to time travel," says travel expert and history buff Leslie Carbone of Sancerres at Sunset. "Colonial Williamsburg features a recreated 18th-century capital city where you can chat with simple tradesmen or George Washington , Thomas Jefferson , and Patrick Henry , dine at taverns, and even participate in reenacted court trials."

2 | Salem, Massachusetts

Some historically significant destinations can make it difficult to focus on feeling connected to the topic at hand. But in Massachusetts, one city continues to educate visitors on a significant moment from centuries ago that still gets studied today as a tragic lesson.

"When it comes to history, Salem offers a lot of layers to peel back around the Witch Trials and early American life," Kara Harms , travel expert at WhimsySoul.com, tells Best Life . "Of course, we now know the Salem Witch Trials didn't involve any real witches or people who practiced witchcraft or paganism. However, the tragedy that occurred there in 1692 marked the place with a mystical history that still draws in history buffs and the supernaturally curious today—so much it's often referred to as the witchcraft capital of America."

"There is a beautiful memorial to the 19 men and women who were hanged for witchcraft during the infamous proceedings," Harms says. "There are also a number of historic cemeteries to visit, as well as the Witch House, a museum dedicated to showing what life was like in Salem in the 17th century."

If you're looking to go beyond that one infamous incident, the city has more to offer than just witch-related sites. Visitors can also immerse themselves in literary history with a visit to the Nathaniel Hawthorne House, a preserved historic home and museum that was the birthplace of The Scarlet Letter author. They can also visit the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses 1.3 million pieces of artwork from throughout history, including one of the largest collections of Asian art in the United States.

For more travel advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

3 | San Antonio, Texas

It doesn't take long for visitors to realize there's no shortage of local pride in Texas. And when it comes to state history, it's hard to top San Antonio and its significance.

"In addition to the widely-known Alamo, the city is also home to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which includes four historic missions built in the 18th century," Steve Morrow , travel expert and founder of Paddle About, tells Best Life . "Visitors can also take a river cruise on the San Antonio River, which passes by several historic landmarks."

4 | Seneca Falls, New York

It's an understatement to say that progress has not come at a small price in America, which is why certain historically-driven trips can be especially important to take.

"Located in the Finger Lakes region, Seneca Falls is a must-visit place for history buffs, especially for those that are interested in learning more about the birthplace of the women's rights movement, which took place at the Wesleyan Chapel in 1848," travel expert Sarah Tai says.

Visitors should be sure to stop by the National Women's Hall of Fame, which is the first and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the achievements of American women housed in the Seneca Knitting Mill dating back to 1844. Inductees include Maya Angelou , Lucille Ball , Susan B. Anthony , and Aretha Franklin .

The town is also home to the Women's Rights National Historical Park (NHP), considered by many to be the epicenter of women's history in America. It's here that the first Women's Rights Convention took place on July 19 and 20, 1848, as people gathered to sign the "Declaration of Sentiments."

5 | Boston, Massachusetts

Anyone who's visited Boston knows it's a city whose modern charms fold seamlessly into its historical ones. The Hub makes it easy to take in some of the most significant sites of the American Revolution and beyond in one trip.

"As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston is an essential destination for all history fanatics," Xanthe Steer , travel blogger and owner of Places Unpacked, tells Best Life . "Offering an abundance of monuments and museums, its rich history and culture have been carefully preserved for visitors to learn from and appreciate. Start with the Freedom Trail, a conveniently marked route enabling self-guided exploration of 16 key historic sites, then head to one of the 58 museums to further supplement your knowledge. Your itinerary won't dwindle as you learn about key events from the Puritans to the Boston Tea Party and better understand the significance of this city in U.S. history."

Others point out that it's an excellent destination for taking in on foot. "Whenever I go to Boston, I feel immersed in history, from the brick homes in Beacon Hill to Boston Common, to the Freedom Trail and the King's Chapel Burying Ground," says travel expert Becca Siegel from Halfhalftravel.com. "You can find historical facts on so many street corners in downtown Boston that it makes walking around worth it."

6 | Macon, Georgia

History is more than just the important battles and political events that happen in a given place—it's also the culturally pivotal moments that can make certain places more important than a history textbook could ever convey. And in Georgia, one small city is steeped in its own legends.

"Macon is perhaps most well known for its music history. Otis Redding , Little Richard , and the Allman Brothers all got their start in the city, and their tales are still passed down through family members and museums dedicated in their honor," travel expert Taryn Scher tells Best Life .

"Must stops include the Big House, where Dickey Betts wrote 'Blue Sky' in the living room and 'Ramblin' Man' in the kitchen. Now a museum, it became the house where members of the Allman Brothers Band, their roadies, friends, and families lived until 1973. It was the focal point of gathering in those early years when the magic that is the Allman Brothers Band was just taking shape and radiating from this historic Southern town," Scher says.

Other stops include the Douglass Theater, where Otis Redding started competing in talent shows as a teenager and James Brown and Little Richard once delighted audiences on the stage and established Macon as a music town; and the Otis Redding Museum, which was started by the musicians family and is full of original lyrics, phone messages, photos and more from their personal collection.

But the town also contains important history that goes back even further. "The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park is home to 12,000 years of continuous human habitation. The well-preserved prehistoric American Indian site and the ancestral homeland of the Muscogee People were first occupied during the Paleo-Indian period when hunters tracked Ice Age mammals. Visitors can walk in the 1000-year-old earth lodge, where carbon dating has placed its floors at around 1015," Scher says.

READ THIS NEXT: 10 Small Towns in the U.S. That Feel Like the Wild West .

7 | St. Augustine, Florida

If you're looking to step back really far in time, one place can boast a history that goes back further than most others.

"The city of St. Augustine in northern Florida was founded in the year 1565 by Spain and quickly became a defensive station against Britain," Erin Moreland , travel blogger at Super Simple Salty Life, tells Best Life . "Parts of the historic fortress still remain and are explored by over 650,000 visitors each year. The Lightner Museum and Flagler College are also popular among history buffs, known to be some of the very first buildings with electricity as well as the first large multistory concrete buildings in the U.S."

Looking to really dive into the destination ? "Castillo de San Marcos is one of the most intriguing early forts in America," Carbone tells Best Life . "And if you're curious about the super-macabre, the Medieval Torture Museum is one of the most unique you'll encounter."

8 | Washington, D.C.

At its very core, Washington, D.C., is a city that was built to be historic, rising up from the swamp as the designated capital of the U.S. But experts point out that the city also makes it easy to take in bits of the past from all over.

"Washington, D.C., teems with monuments. Classics include the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, and the World War II Memorial is a stand-out, more recent addition," Carbone says.

"A visit to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is like poking through the country's attic. You can see a show at Ford's Theatre or simply tour its museum with artifacts from the Lincoln assassination," she adds.

9 | Charleston, South Carolina

Cities have a habit of changing over time, but few have preserved their charm and authenticity as well as Charleston, South Carolina. Besides its thriving local culinary scene, the coastal gem is one that provides non-stop historical architecture and easy access to the sites of major events.

"This city blends 18th- and 19th-century history," Carbone says. "The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of the best quirky museums in America. Upstairs, South Carolina ratified the Constitution and George Washington was fêted during his 1791 Southern Tour. Meanwhile, below is the creepy dungeon used as a prison."

"You can also take a short ferry ride to Fort Sumter, where the first shots were fired in the Civil War," she suggests.

READ THIS NEXT: The 5 Newest National Parks You Need to Add to Your Bucket List .

10 | Skagway, Alaska

Those looking to get in a bit of nature along with their history may want to consider one of Alaska's most well-preserved gems. Experts say that while it may be remote, it provides an experience unlike anywhere else.

"There's no better place to feel like you've stepped back into the Klondike Gold Rush era than Skagway," travel expert , historian, and born-and-raised Alaska resident Sara Bornstein tells Best Life . "During the summer tourist season, several of the local pubs and museums have historical re-enactors, and there is even a brothel museum!"

"For those that are familiar with the story of Soapy Smith , history buffs can see the building that was used as his fake 'telegraph office' and visit his grave," she adds. "And for those that want to see the scenery through which all the Klondike prospectors had to pass through on their way to the gold, there's the White Pass Railway ride. Skagway has something for all levels of interest in its history, from the serious museums to the hokey, but entertaining historical re-enactments."

11 | New Orleans, Louisiana

When you're looking for a vibrant city that has a rich historical background, adding the Big Easy to your travel bucket list is a must.

New Orleans has a wide array of cultures and architecture as well as unique traditions and celebrations. "One of the places you should not miss is the Chalmette Battlefield where the Battle of New Orleans, the battle between the United States and Great Britain took place," Becky Moore , founder of Global Grasshopper , told Best Life .

You can also venture to the National WWII Museum for that extra bit of history, but Moore mentions that if you're looking for an extraordinary experience, you need to visit the Old Jail. "As the name suggests, it was originally built as a jail and police station in 1902, but was transformed into a library and later on, a community center."

12 | Sacramento, California

A trip to the Golden Coast can round out your historical travel endeavors and Sacramento is a fun-filled way to experience some of California's past.

"Sacramento played a significant role in the California Gold Rush, and the spirit of that era is alive and well in Old Sacramento," says Bryn Culbert , travel expert at Wanderu . "This historic district features gold rush-era buildings, museums, and monuments, while the California State Capitol Museum also provides a fascinating view of the state’s history."

Sacramento is also home to the California State Railroad Museum , one of the largest railroad destinations in the country. "It features a wide range of exhibits and displays, including historic locomotives, railroad cars, and other artifacts, as well as interactive displays and hands-on activities," says Culbert,

Speaking of railroads, if you're visiting Sacramento, Culbert recommends taking the train there as you'll get to sightsee along the journey.

United Economy vs. Basic Economy

8 best all-inclusive cruises, 35 essential items for your next road trip, airlines with the best first-class amenities.

10 BEST Historical Places to Visit in the USA

• Post author By Guest Contributor
• No Comments on 10 BEST Historical Places to Visit in the USA

The United States is a relatively young country, but there are plenty of historical places in America where you can learn about and experience the past. The USA is less than 250 years old, but in that short time, the country has rapidly changed and grown into one of the strongest nations in the world.

For history lovers, there are so many historical places to visit in the USA and so much to learn about the red, white and blue – from sea to shining sea. 

This travel guide to the best historical places to visit in the USA includes a list of the best states and districts to visit and what to see in each of them to feel immersed in the history and culture of the United States. 

Top 10 Historical Places to visit in the USA

Each corner of the country has something unique to offer history buffs. From the stunning national parks to cities that have been around since before the USA was founded, there are some incredible historic places to visit in the United States.

So, which states offer the best historical experiences? Here are the 10 best states and places in the USA for history enthusiasts to visit.

1. Washington, D.C.

While technically not a state, Washington, D.C. is unquestionably one of the best places to visit for American history.

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. is teeming with some of the best history museums, monuments, and historic sites in the United States. And the best part is, many of them are free to visit! 

The District of Columbia is only 68.35 square miles, but there are hundreds of historic landmarks and places to explore. In fact, one of the best things about Washington, D.C. is that history happens daily in the halls of Congress and the West Wing.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the US capital to learn more about the country’s history and government, here are the best places for history in Washington, D.C. to take your family.

The White House 

No trip to Washington, D.C. is complete without a visit to the White House. The White House is where the magic happens.

Every president since John Adams has lived in the building, and it’s where the leaders of the free world have made crucial decisions regarding the country’s fate.

While you cannot just walk into the White House, tours of this famous landmark in the United States are possible. To do so, you’ll have to contact your congressional representative’s office to schedule a reservation and free tour.

During the tours, you’ll see the State Dining Room, the White House Family Theater, and much more. 

But even if you don’t schedule a tour, it is still fun to walk by the front of this historic home and government building where so much of US history has taken place.

The Smithsonian 

Washington, D.C. is excellent for families because most historic sites and museums are free to enter, including the Smithsonian buildings. The Smithsonian comprises 21 museums , most of which are in the city.

You can visit the American History Museum where the original Star-Spangled Banner is on display. 

Other incredible museums within the Smithsonian include the African American Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of Natural History, which is often a favorite for kids. The multitude of free museums makes Washington, D.C. one of the most affordable spring break destinations in the US .

National Mall

The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is home to numerous memorials dedicated to the nation’s former presidents as well as war veterans and those who lost their lives in battle. 

Spend a day walking the national mall and admiring the many monuments, from the iconic Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, to the monuments for World War II, and the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 

The memorials are outside and open 24 hours per day, so you can visit anytime without thinking about tickets. 

2. Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia is just south of Washington, D.C. and is full of additional historical sites dedicated to American history.

Many of the historic sites in Virginia offer visitors a glimpse into the past in a hands-on and unique way. 

One of the original 13 states in the United States, Virginia was founded in 1607 and was home to the first original English settlement in the New World. It also served as a battleground and the homeplace of many important events during the birth and shaping of the USA.

You can easily visit Virginia and Washington, DC on the same history trip in the United States. And, if doing so, here are some of the most important places to visit for US history in Virginia. 

Arlington National Cemetery

If you’re in D.C., cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge, starting at the Lincoln Memorial, and head to Arlington National Cemetery. Here, you can see over 400,000 graves of military men and women who died in major wars or those who have served in the US military.

Stay long enough to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which happens at least every hour. 

Also, plan to visit the grave of John F. Kennedy, one of only two US presidents buried in the national cemetery. 

Virginia Historic Triangle

From Northern Virginia, head about three hours south of Washington, DC to see the Historic Triangle of Virginia. The triangle consists of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, three cities that all have great historical significance.

Begin your visit at the first English settlement in what would become the United States. Historic Jamestowne is often referred to as the birthplace of America.

Jamestown was the first permanent settlement established in the U.S., and incidentally happens to be where the United States first celebrated Independence Day with the nation’s first firework display . 

In Jamestown, you can also visit the Jamestown Settlement and Museum, a living history museum with replica ships and historic reenactments of daily settlement life.

Colonial Williamsburg is another one of the best historical places to visit in the United States. As the largest living history museum in the world, Colonial Williamsburg features dozens of preserved colonial buildings spanning 301 acres.

Visiting this fascinating historical site is one of the best things to do in Williamsburg with kids .

Families can learn about early colonial life and trades through hands-on activities. There are also historic interpreters dressed in period costumes who interact and engage with guests as they tour the different buildings in the museum town.

Finally, Yorktown, the third town that makes up the Historic Triangle, is also worth a visit. It is home to the American Revolution Museum and the Yorktown Battlefield, where the British soldiers surrendered, thus ending the war and creating a new nation.

Historic Jamestowne and The Yorktown Battlefield are both part of the National Park Service.

3. Massachusetts

One reason the U.S. has its history is because of the Revolutionary War. It was, after all, how the United States became a country after declaring independence from England. And 

Massachusetts is one of the best historical places in America to learn about the revolution. 

Massachusetts played a major role in the American Revolution. The Battle of Lexington and Concord, which took place in 1775, is considered to be the first battle of the war.

The state’s capital city, Boston, was also the site of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party – which further fueled and ignited the desire to separate from England. 

A great state to explore for history buffs, here are some of the top historical places to visit in the USA that are located in Massachusetts.

Boston’s Freedom Trail

Boston is without question one of the most historical cities in the United States. And the best place to soak in the experiences of the past is the Freedom Trail and Boston National Historical Park.

At the National Historic Park you’ll see many historic sites like the Paul Revere House, the Bunker Hill Monument, the Old North Church, as well as other important locations of the American Revolution.

The trail is about 2.5 miles long , and you can go on a guided tour at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. 

Additionally, the Boston Tea Party Museum is a great place to visit in Massachusetts with kids . 

Boston is also a terrific place for music lovers.

The Boston Pops Orchestra has been around since 1885 and still produces incredible performances today. The best time to see a show is Independence Day. You’ll hear “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and see a spectacular fireworks display following the concert. 

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Of course, all Americans remember learning about the pilgrims who founded the Plymouth Colony so many centuries ago. For this reason, Plymouth, Massachusetts is an exceptional place to visit for history buffs in the United States. 

The first English settlers arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. On their journey to their new home, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, which is considered to be the first written constitution of a self-governing colony in North America.

Plymouth is a popular tourist destination, with many historical sites and attractions. Some of the most popular attractions include Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, and the Plimoth Patuxet. 

4. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is another state with a rich history. In fact, the Declaration of Independence was signed in this historic state.

Its capital city of Philadelphia, also served as the temporary capital of the United States for about 10 years before permanently moving to Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1682 by William Penn, a Quaker who wanted to create a colony where people could practice their religion freely, Pennsylvania has both important religious and political significance in the United States. 

And while it is a home to some of the largest cities in the United States (as well as some of the most under-rated ), there are communities in Pennsylvania where a simple life without technology or modern advancements are still the way of life.

So, if you want to check out some of the United States’ historic places in Pennsylvania, here’s where to go.

Philadelphia’s Historic District

Philadelphia’s Historic District contains iconic sites and famous landmarks like the Liberty Bell.

Across the street is Independence Hall, where the first continental congress convened and the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and created the Constitution. 

The Betsy Ross House is another popular historic site to visit in Philadelphia’s Historic District where it is said that the seamstress sewed the first US flag. 

If visiting Pennsylvania with kids , Philadelphia is an incredible and historic city to explore.

Gettysburg National Military Park and Battlefield

While Pennsylvania holds a lot of early US history, it is also a key state for Civil War history. 

Outside Philly, you can see numerous historical sites from the Civil War. The most notable may be the Gettysburg National Military Park and Battlefield. It’s located about 140 miles west of Philadelphia near the Maryland border.

In Gettysburg you’ll see and learn about the turning point of the Civil War. Around 50,000 soldiers were injured or killed here , making it a sobering monument and experience. 

Gettysburg is also the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. 

5. New York

You may know New York City for its bright lights, sports teams and celebrities, but the Big Apple – and the entire state of New York – is terrific for history buffs.

Another one of the original 13 colonies, the state’s Ellis Island was often the first stop for immigrants to the United States. It is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the entire country – if not the world. 

With famous places like the Statue of Liberty, Time Square and the Empire State Building, New York is a must-visit for history lovers.

Statue of Liberty

A historical visit to New York should start at the Statue of Liberty. This gift from France has stood tall in the New York Harbor since 1886 and is one of the first things you see when arriving in New York City by boat.

The statue holds a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other which bears the date of the Declaration of Independence. 

Every year, millions of people visit Lady Liberty, which has become a worldwide symbol of freedom and democracy.

9.11 Memorial and Museum

Another worthy site to see in New York is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. This exhibit shows that significant events don’t just happen in the distant past — they often occur in our lifetimes. 

At Ground Zero, you can see reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood before September 11, 2001. Along the sides of the memorial, you’ll find the names of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the terrorist attacks in 2001.  

Franklin D Roosevelt Presidential Library

You can see US historic sites outside Manhattan, as well. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library is just one of the historic places in the United States you’ll find in other parts of New York. 

The library and museum are in Hyde Park, New York about 100 miles north of NYC.

There, you can learn about the life of President Roosevelt, who led the country during critical times like the Great Depression and World War II, and is widely considered one of the most influential presidents in American history.

6. California

The East Coast contains much of America’s early history, but there’s still plenty to see on the West Coast. California is a popular tourist destination because of Disneyland , Legoland and the beaches in family-friendly Southern California .

But history buffs will appreciate San Francisco because of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other historical places you can visit in San Francisco with kids .

Additionally, California’s history was very much shaped by westward expansion and the Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. 

Plus, you can go any time of the year because of San Francisco’s mild climate , even in the summer and winter. 

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island features one of the most famous prisons in the world. This penitentiary, which was considered very difficult to escape from, once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone.

The prison closed in 1963, and today the island is a popular tourist destination. You can tour the cells at Alcatraz and learn about the history of the prison once called “The Rock”.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is a popular backdrop for screensavers and postcards because it’s so majestic and iconic.

The famous suspension bridge is internationally recognized and tells the story of the United State’s transition in the 1900s into an engineering and industrial country. 

Besides the bridge, there’s a whole park, Golden Gate Park, for your family to explore. It features a Japanese Tea Garden, the California Academy of Sciences, and more. 

The Deep South has numerous historical locations for your family to visit, starting in Florida. 

While many people think of Disney World, Universal Studios, and the state’s many popular beaches when they think of Florida. 

The state also plays a significant historical role. It is home to one of the oldest cities in the Americas and the nation’s oldest continuously occupied city , St. Augustine. It also was settled by the Spanish long before England colonizers settled in what is now New England.

Here are a couple of the must-visit historical places in the United States that are found in Florida.

JFK Space Center

Space lovers will enjoy the John F. Kennedy Space Center, home to NASA, on Merritt Island. Your family can tour the center and see attractions like the Rocket Garden. Your space cadets can also participate in astronaut training simulators. 

It is a great place to learn about the history of space exploration and the role the United States has played in the discovery and exploration of the final frontier.

St. Augustine

Jamestown may have been the first English settlement, but European settlers came from Spain long before the British did. The Spanish settled the town of St. Augustine in 1565.

The town has a complicated and messy history, like many of the other settlements in North America, where colonizers clashed with the original indigenous tribes already occupying the area. 

The area which was the town’s first settlement is now the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Within the park, there are excavations, blacksmith exhibits, Spanish lookout towers and more. 

While the town is one of the best places to visit for history, it is also one of the best Christmas destinations in the United States , as well.

Texas is rich in history because it used to be its own country, the Republic of Texas, for about 10 years. During this time, Texas fought a war of independence against Mexico and won. Ultimately, the United States annexed Texas in 1845, expanding the size of the country significantly.

Today, Texas is one of the most populous and most diverse states in the nation, and it’s a wonderful place to learn about history.

If you’re interested in visiting Texas for its unique historic places of US significance, here are a few places to explore. 

The Alamo, San Antonio

Texas broke away from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution and historical battles like the Battle of the Alamo.

Nowadays, you can visit the Alamo and remember its importance by taking a guided tour of the small church and the battlefield located in the heart of San Antonio. Visiting the Alamo is a Texas bucket list must!

Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site

If you love presidential history, travel an hour north of Dallas to see the birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower was born in the small town of Denison, just south of the Oklahoma border and an hour north of Denton . 

Visit the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site and take a self-guided tour of his childhood home. You can explore Eisenhower’s most significant accomplishments as a World War II commander and president. 

Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth

Another unique and historic place to visit in Texas, the Fort Worth Stockyards is a National Historic District located just north of downtown Fort Worth – a sister city with Dallas .  

Here you can learn about the history of Fort Worth and how the city developed as a final stop along the Chisholm Trail, which was used by cowhands driving cattle from Texas to Kansas.

A visit to the Stockyards to see a live cattle drive through the streets is one of the best free things to do in Fort Worth . It is also one of the best places to buy gifts and souvenirs from Texas , like cowboy hats and boots. 

9. Tennessee

Tennessee is a terrific place to visit for US history because it has a more recent and contemporary history your parents and grandparents will remember.

The state is considered the birthplace of country music and it is where numerous musicians have gotten their start. 

Of much greater importance though, Tennessee played a significant role in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Here are a few places to visit in Tennessee that have historic significance to the United States.

Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum. Here, you can learn about the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr., Rosa Parks, the Freedom Riders and many more.

The museum takes you on a journey starting in 1619, when the first enslaved Africans arrived in the American colonies.

The exhibits show the battles Black people have overcome in the past 400 years to gain freedom and equality.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis. The Lorraine Motel, where he was shot, is now part of the museum.   

Just outside of Memphis, you can tour Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley. The mansion has a museum dedicated to the king of rock ‘n’ roll and live concerts to this day. You can send a love letter to Elvis and see the iconic outfits he wore in his performances, as well. 

Many credit Presley as inventing rock ‘n’ roll and pushing the envelope when it came to performance, dance, and music. 

10. Georgia

Georgia is just south of Tennessee, and is another one of the pivotal states when it comes to civil rights and the fight for racial equality in the United States.

The Peach State has a ugly history rooted in slavery and slave trade.

While you can still find historic plantations where kidnapped and enslaved people were forced into hard and intense labor, you can also find the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. and museums and monuments dedicated to the civil rights leader and his important contributions to society.

Like Tennessee, Georgia also has a museum dedicated to the civil rights movement with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 

Atlanta is admittedly one of the most underrated cities in the United States . It is the birthplace of MLK and home to the national park with his namesake.

Here, you can learn about Dr. King, see where he grew up and visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached, among many other fascinating attractions.

Warm Springs

FDR was born in New York and spent his presidency in D.C., but he had a home in Warm Springs, Georgia, called the Little White House. Here, you can see his vacation getaway. 

You can take a guided tour and explore his life and presidency at the FDR Memorial Museum.

If your family enjoys camping, spend time at the F.D. Roosevelt State Park, about 20 minutes west of Warm Springs. 

Finally, spend some time exploring the beautiful southern city of Savannah. There are so many things to do in Savannah centered around the historic events that have taken place there.

The port city was a major hub for the slave trade in the early days of the United States. Visit the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters to see the stark contrast of life for the enslaved versus the slave-owners.  

Given its dark history, Savannah is often considered one of the most haunted places in the country, and ghost tours are a great way to learn about the history in an engaging way.

A Young Country Filled With History

The U.S. is relatively young, but every state has numerous historical sites that are significant to the United States.

Beyond the history of European colonization in North America, you’ll find many fascinating states like New Mexico and Oklahoma , where the history of the Indigenous Americans plays a key role. 

Additionally, the geological history of America is proudly on display in the country’s many national parks.

From the first national park of Yellowstone , to the Grand Canyon, Zion , and Mesa Verde, there is so much history and culture which can be explored in the United States’ park system. 

However, for those most interested in how the United States came to be, these 10 states above are some of the best historical places in America for your family of history buffs to visit. There’s something for everyone, whether you enjoy studying presidents, wars, space exploration, or the Civil Rights Movement. 

Immerse yourself in history throughout the United States to appreciate the past and make memories in the present.

Like this list of historic places in America? Pin it to save it for later!

Have a question or suggestion for any of these historical places to visit in the USA? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Sharing is caring!

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign me up for the newsletter!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Twitter!
• Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram!
• 1 Subscribe to stay up to date!

15 Best Historic U.S. Sites for Kids

Feb 17, 2011

See recent posts by Karon Warren

Consider taking your youngsters to one of these historical sites, where they’ll not only learn about America’s history, but they’ll also become a part of it.

Written by Karon Warren

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - Cincinnati

Tenement Museum - New York City

Washington, D.C.

Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg, Va.

Philadelphia

Pearl Harbor

Manhattan Project - Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Gettysburg, Pa.

Plimoth Plantation - Plymouth, Mass.

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail - Southeast

Space Center - Houston

Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site - Atlanta

Presidential Libraries

The Freedom Trail - Boston

Monticello - Charlottesville, Va.

Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission.

Related Articles

10 Best Winter Mittens for Toddlers (That Will Actually Stay On)

The Best Family Pajamas for 2023

5 Best Fitness Trackers for Kids

10 Best Waterproof Winter Boots for Kids

Your personal family vacation planning starts now.

Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round!

Get family travel & tips from our experts

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Thanks for signing up!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

15 Inspiring Places in the U.S. to Learn About Black History

From Memphis to Boston, uncover important monuments, museums, and historical sites.

Parks, monuments, and historic homes throughout the U.S. bear witness to the lasting cultural and historic achievements of Black residents over the centuries.

The legacy of Black Americans is often overlooked by the country at large, and it wasn't until November 2016 that the Smithsonian dedicated a national museum to African American history and culture . But traces from some of the country's most influential musicians, politicians, writers, and Civil Rights leaders can be found in just about every state.

Travelers may not have noticed some of the historic sites in their own cities and towns, such as the lunch counters where young people fought against segregation laws, or the African Meeting House in Boston, which is the oldest Black church in the country. Consider making a trip to one of these sites — only a small selection of the hundreds of locations where travelers can learn about Black heritage in the U.S.

Civil Rights Trail

This national trail includes over 100 locations across 15 states , educating visitors about the long and ongoing struggle of Black people to achieve equal rights. Locations include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the location of a police confrontation during the Selma, Alabama marches.

National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, D.C.

Inaugurated in November 2016, this Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C. is the "only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture," according to its website . Objects on display include Chuck Berry's Cadillac, Harriet Tubman's prayer shawl, and protest signs from the Black Lives Matter movement. The Sweet Home Café in the museum showcases some of the stories and themes of the rest of the museum, giving visitors a taste of traditional meals from the diaspora. Taste spicy oxtail pepperpot or savor sweet potato pie.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History, Mississippi

These two museums attempt to take a critical look at the state's controversial history, particularly during the height of Jim Crow segregation laws in the 20th century.

The Civil Rights Museum, in particular, explores how Mississippi often served as a prime organizing ground for the movement in the 1960s. Protests such as the Freedom Rides and other forms of resistance against segregation often started in Mississippi, given its fierce segregation.

"These museums are telling the stories of Mississippi history in all of their complexity," said Katie Blount, director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which operates the two new museums, in a statement. "We are shying away from nothing. Understanding where we are today is shaped in every way by where we have come from in our past."

Beale Street Historic District, Memphis, Tennessee

This neighborhood in Memphis served as the incubator for some of the best early jazz, blues, and R&B music. Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters all played in this district's famed clubs, and Elvis spent a lot of time there as a teenager, listening to the blues music that would influence his rockabilly style.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, Missouri

Local historians and former baseball players helped create this Missouri museum , founded in 1990. The museum now occupies 10,000 square feet of space in a building shared with the American Jazz Museum. Visitors can explore photographs and interactive exhibits chronicling some of the most well-known Black baseball players, including Jackie Robinson and Buck O'Neil.

African Meeting House, Boston, Massachusetts

Built in the early 1800s, this small place of worship in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston is one of the oldest historically Black churches in the country. The location served as a church, school, and meeting house where members of Boston's Black community organized, particularly during the push for the abolition of slavery in the 19th century.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Washington, D.C.

Visitors can tour Douglass' historic house to learn about his lifetime of activism and writing. A leader in both the abolition and suffragette movements, Douglass fought for equal rights after escaping from slavery, going on to pen an autobiography about his experiences.

Museum of the African Diaspora, San Francisco, California

This San Francisco museum showcases contemporary art from across the African diaspora. Exhibits explore everything from slave narratives to the celebrations of Carnival in the Caribbean islands .

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, Church Creek, Maryland

A former enslaved person who went on to become a leader of the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman is one of the most iconic women in history. The land encompassing her home in upstate New York was named a national park in 2017 , ensuring its legacy.

"What makes her so incredibly striking is that she went back several times after her own escape to freedom to help others," Debra Michals , Ph.D. and director of women and gender studies at Merrimack College, told Travel + Leisure . "I don't think most people today could comprehend what kind of inner fortitude and dedication to the larger cause of freedom that that must have taken."

Colored Musicians Club, Buffalo, New York

The Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo, New York, is the only operating African American jazz club in the United States. Established in 1917, the historic club became a place for Black musicians to socialize, play music, and rehearse. It has hosted the likes of musical legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. In 1999, the CMC was designated a historical preservation site, and the first floor of the building now serves as a multimedia museum for guests to listen to jazz and enjoy historic memorabilia.

National Museum of African American Music, Nashville, Tennessee

The National Museum of African American Music serves as an opportunity to honor and preserve the vast and innumerable contributions that the African American community has provided to the music industry, as well as celebrate the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music. The first and only U.S. museum of its kind, the innovate space "will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to honor Black musical heroes of the past and the present," according to a press release .

National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, Selma, Alabama

Located near the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute chronicles, preserves, and honors the activists who participated in the events leading up to and during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and the passing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Exhibits, including the "Women's Suffrage" and "Selma" galleries, commemorate and honor the strength of these freedom fighters as they strove to ensure the right to vote for all African Americans.

Whitney Plantation, Wallace, Louisiana

The Whitney Plantation , located on the grounds of a mid-1700s sugar, rice, and indigo plantation, is now a museum dedicated to educating the public on the history of slavery. Visitors are able to tour the grounds, which include original slave cabins, a freedmen's church, a detached kitchen, and an owner's house built in 1790. The museum also holds a number of memories for the people who were enslaved on the plantation.

Studio Museum, Harlem, New York

The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, is devoted to showcasing the works of artists of African descent. The museum's permanent collections and traveling exhibitions highlight African and African American history, culture, and identity. The space also hosts community events (both online and in person) and an artists-in-residence program. The museum is temporarily closed, but you can check out the collection online .

First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia

First Landing State Park, located on Cape Henry in Virginia Beach, is the most-visited state park in Virginia. It was built by an all-African American regiment, Company 1371, in the 1930s and is now a registered National Natural Landmark. Part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established by former president Franklin Roosevelt, Company 1371 constructed more than 20 miles of trails, drained the marsh, and planted a wide variety of trees and shrubs to create Seashore State Park, which was later renamed First Landing State Park. Today, visitors can hike, camp, bird watch and more at this historic state park.

Related Articles

• 7 Best Small Towns in Maine to Visit in 2024

Maine is the most northerly U.S . state on the East Coast. It shares a border with Canada to the north and west, New Hampshire to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. It is an ideal location for anyone looking for a weekend trip in the autumn of 2024 since the state has some of the most stunning landscapes and changing foliage. While most think of Vermont and Massachusetts when considering viewing fall colors, Maine has just as much to offer and a more remote environment in which to appreciate it.

Maine is home to a national park and 32 state parks. All of these parks mean that much of the state is under some form of government protection and preservation that is available to be viewed and experienced by tourists and locals. From Katahdin Woods to Acadia National Park and Waters National Monument to Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, guests will never run out of sites to visit while traveling through Maine. But nature isn’t all this state has to offer since it is also home to several small towns with welcoming locals, excellent food, and so much more.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport has a reputation for being one of the most unique and historically rich towns in the state of Maine. As the furthest northern state on the East Coast, Maine has rather mild summers and slightly more intense winters than most of the eastern states. But Kennebunkport’s location on the Atlantic Ocean gives it a slightly more moderate winter, with average temperatures hovering around 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit. The town’s history goes back almost 11,000 years, with native tribes hunting and traveling the land for ages and European trappers and fishers arriving in or around the area sometime in the 1600s.

Beaver Pond and Little River are two of the loveliest locations in Kennebunkport, with access to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean not far away. These spots are also pretty close to Goose Rocks Beach. This beach is a favorite spot for vacationers and residents alike to soak up the sun and play on the pristine shorelines. A few minutes away is Sandy Pines Campground, which is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend in the woods. They offer more luxurious camping experiences with their glamping tents and more secluded options with their hideaway huts.

Anyone who enjoys exploring small islands is sure to love this place, too. There are several small islands off Kennebunkport’s coast, with the southern area having the best options for visitors. Stage Island Preserve is a lovely place to visit for a day, being a small half-mile island best known for its soft sand. Cape Porpoise Lobster Company serves fresh seafood dishes just a few minutes away from the islands, so anyone out exploring all that Kennebunkport’s nature has to offer is sure to enjoy a finely cooked meal at the end of their travels. For anyone traveling to Kennebunkport in 2024, the Summer Concert Series is offering live music at the local library until September.

Boats anchored in Rockport Harbor, Maine. Editorial credit: James Dalrymple / Shutterstock.com

Rockport is another beautiful coastal town in Maine, about two hours north of Kennebunkport. Although it was officially incorporated in 1891, European settlers arrived as early as 1769 and established a presence in the area. The region was well-known as a major producer of lime and even supplied more of the material to aid in rebuilding the White House after the War of 1812. Perhaps most notable, though, is its reputation as ranking as one of Forbes's most beautiful US towns back in 2008, which is something that stands true to this day.

One of the community’s most famous cultural icons was Andre the Seal. In 1961, Harry Goodridge adopted a young Harbor Seal and named him Andre. He quickly became a town favorite and people from out of town soon started visiting just to see the guy. Today, there’s a statue of him in the town harbor, and several forms of media, including a book and movie, have been written about his story. The statue is definitely a site worth visiting to get a full appreciation of the community’s culture.

In 2024, Rockport will host its Rockport Garden Club Holly Berry Fair on December 7th and 8th. In previous years, the festival was a place to sell and buy novelty items such as scarves, mittens, and other adorable items. The Aldermere Farm Ocean Trail is the perfect nature path that is just under a mile long and offers exquisite views of the coast. Not far from the trail is American Flatbread, a wonderful restaurant that offers great, healthy flatbreads, including cheese and herbs and the medicine wheel.

Stonington is yet another coastal town on Maine’s East Coast, approximately two hours east of Rockport. It is the smaller of two areas on one of Maine’s most beautiful islands, Deer Isle, just a few miles from shore. Today, the small island is home to several smaller islands, including the Deer Isle Thorofare Lighthouse. However, some 5,000 years ago, native tribes like the Maliseet and Passamaquoddy called them their home and sustained themselves largely by fishing and trapping sea creatures.

Stonington prides itself in being a working community on a small island paradise that values its community and cherishes artistic expression. Visitors can get a taste of this amazing artistic beauty by checking out the town’s Deet Isle Artisan Market on August 22nd, 2024, and the Special Exhibit: Perfect Pairings - Artists in Collaboration, held until September 1st, 2024. It’s important to note that Deer Isle and Stonington share these events, but just keep in mind that the details of each event can be found by visiting the DIAA Gallery at 15 Main Street in Deer Isle Village.

For those planning to spend a day or two, which is certainly recommended, the Aragosta at Goose Cove is the place to stay. It is a charming spot that overlooks the sea and Barred Island to the east and offers a luxurious experience immersed in 21 acres of Maine’s natural beauty. Guests should plan a trip to the nearby Mark Island, a small island that’s home to plenty of wilderness scenery, and The Mark Island Light, also known as the Deer Isle Thorofare Lighthouse. The Island Heritage Trust works hard to preserve this site and even has records of different lighthouse keepers and some old photographs.

Closeup of a seaplane on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine.

Around three hours northwest of Stonington and Deer Isle is the inland town of Greenville. This town is one of the largest communities on the shores of Moosehead Lake, a large lake in central Maine. Moosehead Lake is certainly the main attraction, with most tourists choosing to stay in Greenville while checking out the area, thanks to its convenient location right along the coast of the lake and its size, being the largest town along the lake.

August and September 2024 are busy months for this small town, with the Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum hosting several cruises and historical tours. The cruise will take guests on tours of the lake, with the Sugar Island tours being particularly famous. The Katahdin, also known as the Kate, is a historic steamboat that was later converted to diesel fuel and stands as one of the most important parts of the town’s history. This lovely white and green wooden ship only costs around $50.00 to ride for a three-hour tour and is perfect for families who want to immerse themselves in small-town history.

Moosehead Lake is by far the largest and most popular spot, but Lower Wilson Pond is another fun place to visit while in the neighborhood. For anyone who enjoys a day out fishing, Lower Wilson Pond has a large variety of fish, including Brook Trout, Salmon, and several other types. Anyone who enjoys boating on the water should book a trip with Allagash Canoe Trips. They host several trips per year, with the last trip of 2024 scheduled for September 15-21. It begins on Eagle Lake and traverses other naturally stunning locations, like Allagash Falls.

Damariscotta

Downtown scene in Damariscotta, Maine, USA. Editorial credit: Pictures by Gerald / Shutterstock.com

Damariscotta is a lovely little town approximately two and a half hours south of Greenville and just a few minutes from the seashore. The Damariscotta River flows along the town’s border to the west, and Pemaquid Pond sits to the east, making it a city rich in natural beauty. The region was once home to the Wawenock Abenaki native tribe, who lived there for thousands of years before Europeans arrived in the 1600s. In 1631, the neighboring community of Pemaquid was granted as part of the Plymouth colony, and settlers later moved to the modern location of Damariscotta around 1640.

One of the most unique features of the town is the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site. This 11-acre state park offers excellent hiking trails, like access to the main trailhead that takes travelers along the coast of Damariscotta River. It also grants access to Round Top Farm, which is the headquarters for Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust and a popular spot for music and the arts. It was once a dairy farm, which explains not only the name but its naturally stunning beauty. Perhaps the most important part of this gorgeous park is impressively large oyster shell piles, also known as middens. These middens date back to when the native tribes lived and hunted in the region and left these shells behind, with some of the middens dating back 2,500 years.

Moving across town to Pemaquid Pond is the Doyle Preserve. The trails at this park are typically accessible for folks of all ages and fitness levels and afford some stunning views of Maine’s wildlife. This includes local foxes, woodpeckers, and red squirrels. A few miles south of this nature preserve is the Lake Pemaquid Campground, which is perfect for outdoor lovers hoping to spend a few days in town. They have tent campgrounds but also welcome RV campers and have amazing activities, including fishing and boating. Anyone looking for a hearty breakfast at a small-town diner should start their day at the Barn Door Baking Company.

View of the waterfront in Castine, Maine. By DrStew82, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Castine is a charming little town about two hours northeast of Damariscotta and sits along the coast of Penobscot Bay and Bagaduce River. Castine’s history consists of diverse people groups, including the Tarrantine native tribe, the Dutch, the French, and later the British. The French were the first Europeans to settle in the area in the early 1600s. Later, the Dutch came to the region in 1674-1676, but the British later took over, and by 1713, Castine was a member of the British Empire.

As a historically significant town in Maine, it has many historic landmarks that are definitely worth visiting. The best places to see and experience the town's history are the Wilson Museum and John Perkins House. The John Perkins House is actually the first European home built in town and dates all the way back to 1763. It is still in excellent shape thanks to the care given to preserve it. However, the site also has a blacksmith shop, a pump house, and the town’s museum with all kinds of historical items from the town’s past. The pump house is home to the community’s old fire department, and the blacksmith shop is a unique immersive experience in the past.

The Starr and Virginia Lampson Preserve is a lovely nature site that has wonderful trails and is ideal for a bike ride or simple hike in Maine’s local nature. However, it is not the only nature trail in town. The Witherle Woods and Hatch Cove are great natural locations with trails, forests, and flowers. In particular, the Hatch Cove has some amazing flower beds and wonderful picnic areas. Dennett’s at the Warf is a great spot for fresh food, including a lobster roll, and for those hoping to spend the week, Castine Cottages is the best option in town by far.

Boothbay Harbor

Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Editorial credit: Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com

Just over two hours south of Castine is the gorgeous community of Boothbay Harbor. Boothbay Harbor is more properly known as the Boothbay Harbor Region and traces its early European history to 1622 when some Plymouth Pilgrims traveled to the area to get more supplies. Later, more permanent settlers arrived in the form of Scotch-Irish, who mainly existed on subsistence farming. In later years, the town became a hub for shipbuilding and even served as a primary source of vessels for the navy during World War I and World War II.

Guests can enjoy Boothbay Harbor's stunning history on one of the trips organized by Red Cloak Tours. These beautiful tours include immersion into the town’s culture, education for visitors and locals on the town’s history, and sharing of some local legends and ghost stories. Those planning a trip to Boothbay Harbor in 2024 should consider visiting on or around October 12th so they can enjoy the Fall Foliage Festival. This is the 56th annual festival for the community and only costs $5.00 per person, so it is pretty accessible. And for those traveling with children under five, the event is free.

Those traveling with children should also check out The Maine State Aquarium, run by the Department of Marine Resources. This aquarium offers visitors an opportunity to explore the Gulf of Maine, which is home to over 3,000 different species of marine life and covers over 7,500 square miles of shoreline. Of course, the aquarium can’t house all of these fantastic creatures, but they do offer hands-on touch tanks and other exhibits that help guests learn all about the amazing wildlife of Maine. If tourists hope to stay a few days, Sprue Point Inn is an excellent option in town, offering luxurious rooms, a spa, and incredible dining experiences.

Experience Maine's Charm in 2024

Visiting Maine in 2024 is a wonderful choice, especially for those who enjoy lovely fall foliage. The coastal towns of Maine afford stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky shoreline. The people of Maine are known for their rugged lifestyle and independent nature, as well as their desire to preserve and maintain their culture and history. As such, guests can count on seeing plenty of open spaces of wilderness, historic landmarks, and more when visiting the most northerly state on the US East Coast.

Tourists won’t have to worry that their trip will be too rough, though, since many small towns offer welcoming spas and luxurious accommodations that are immersed in the surrounding natural beauty. Whether travelers hope to spend a few nights outdoors in the woods and mountains camping under the stars or hope to indulge in a romantic weekend away from all the noise of the city, Maine has a lot to offer.

More in Places

10 Towns in Mid-South that Were Ranked Among US Favorites

8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Indiana

9 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Ohio

9 Best Small Towns in Victoria for a Weekend Retreat

7 Most Historic Illinois Towns to Visit in 2024

8 Oldest Founded Georgia Towns to Visit in Georgia in 2024

7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Iowa

8 Darling Small Towns In West Virginia

PLeASE VISIT THE EVENT's WEBSITE TO CONFIRM EVENT STATUS & SAFETY GUIDELINES.

Top Annual Events

You’re invited to Arizona’s best events. Any day, all year long, you’ll find exciting events and extraordinary experiences throughout the state.

Whether you’re jumping aboard the magical Polar Express train to visit Santa, taking part in local traditions, eating (or drinking) your fill at a festival, or strutting your stuff at the world’s oldest continuous rodeo, there’s always something entertaining to see in Arizona.

Search Filters

• American Indian Culture
• Art, Culture & Performances
• Cowboy, Rodeo & Western
• Fairs & Festivals
• Food, Wine & Beer
• History & Heritage
• Nature & Science
• Professional Sports
• Races & Spectator Sports
• Shows and Expos

Search Results

No results were found matching your criteria

• Link to site translated for China
• Link to site translated for Japan
• Link to site translated for France
• Link to site translated for Germany
• Link to site translated for Mexico
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Facebook page Facebook
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Instagram Instagram
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Twitter Twitter
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Pinterest Pinterest
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official YouTube channel YouTube
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official TikTok TikTok

Most Searched Stories

Request Your Copy

Official State Travel Guide

Sustainability

Appreciate AZ

Travel Inspiration

Plan Your Trip

Cities & regions.

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

Sweeping Raids, Giant Camps and Mass Deportations: Inside Trump’s 2025 Immigration Plans

If he regains power, Donald Trump wants not only to revive some of the immigration policies criticized as draconian during his presidency, but expand and toughen them.

Donald Trump wants to reimpose a Covid 19-era policy of refusing asylum claims — this time basing that refusal on assertions that migrants carry other infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Credit... Doug Mills/The New York Times

Supported by

• Share full article

By Charlie Savage Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan

• Nov. 11, 2023

Former President Donald J. Trump is planning an extreme expansion of his first-term crackdown on immigration if he returns to power in 2025 — including preparing to round up undocumented people already in the United States on a vast scale and detain them in sprawling camps while they wait to be expelled.

The plans would sharply restrict both legal and illegal immigration in a multitude of ways.

Mr. Trump wants to revive his first-term border policies, including banning entry by people from certain Muslim-majority nations and reimposing a Covid 19-era policy of refusing asylum claims — though this time he would base that refusal on assertions that migrants carry other infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

He plans to scour the country for unauthorized immigrants and deport people by the millions per year.

To help speed mass deportations, Mr. Trump is preparing an enormous expansion of a form of removal that does not require due process hearings. To help Immigration and Customs Enforcement carry out sweeping raids, he plans to reassign other federal agents and deputize local police officers and National Guard soldiers voluntarily contributed by Republican-run states.

To ease the strain on ICE detention facilities, Mr. Trump wants to build huge camps to detain people while their cases are processed and they await deportation flights. And to get around any refusal by Congress to appropriate the necessary funds, Mr. Trump would redirect money in the military budget, as he did in his first term to spend more on a border wall than Congress had authorized.

In a public reference to his plans, Mr. Trump told a crowd in Iowa in September: “Following the Eisenhower model, we will carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” The reference was to a 1954 campaign to round up and expel Mexican immigrants that was named for an ethnic slur — “ Operation Wetback .”

The constellation of Mr. Trump’s 2025 plans amounts to an assault on immigration on a scale unseen in modern American history. Millions of undocumented immigrants would be barred from the country or uprooted from it years or even decades after settling here.

Such a scale of planned removals would raise logistical, financial and diplomatic challenges and would be vigorously challenged in court. But there is no mistaking the breadth and ambition of the shift Mr. Trump is eyeing.

In a second Trump presidency, the visas of foreign students who participated in anti-Israel or pro-Palestinian protests would be canceled. U.S. consular officials abroad will be directed to expand ideological screening of visa applicants to block people the Trump administration considers to have undesirable attitudes. People who were granted temporary protected status because they are from certain countries deemed unsafe, allowing them to lawfully live and work in the United States, would have that status revoked.

Similarly, numerous people who have been allowed to live in the country temporarily for humanitarian reasons would also lose that status and be kicked out, including tens of thousands of the Afghans who were evacuated amid the 2021 Taliban takeover and allowed to enter the United States. Afghans holding special visas granted to people who helped U.S. forces would be revetted to see if they really did.

And Mr. Trump would try to end birthright citizenship for babies born in the United States to undocumented parents — by proclaiming that policy to be the new position of the government and by ordering agencies to cease issuing citizenship-affirming documents like Social Security cards and passports to them. That policy’s legal legitimacy, like nearly all of Mr. Trump’s plans, would be virtually certain to end up before the Supreme Court.

In interviews with The New York Times, several Trump advisers gave the most expansive and detailed description yet of Mr. Trump’s immigration agenda in a potential second term. In particular, Mr. Trump’s campaign referred questions for this article to Stephen Miller, an architect of Mr. Trump’s first-term immigration policies who remains close to him and is expected to serve in a senior role in a second administration.

All of the steps Trump advisers are preparing, Mr. Miller contended in a wide-ranging interview, rely on existing statutes; while the Trump team would likely seek a revamp of immigration laws, the plan was crafted to need no new substantive legislation. And while acknowledging that lawsuits would arise to challenge nearly every one of them, he portrayed the Trump team’s daunting array of tactics as a “blitz” designed to overwhelm immigrant-rights lawyers.

“Any activists who doubt President Trump’s resolve in the slightest are making a drastic error: Trump will unleash the vast arsenal of federal powers to implement the most spectacular migration crackdown,” Mr. Miller said, adding, “The immigration legal activists won’t know what’s happening.”

Todd Schulte, the president of FWD.us, an immigration and criminal justice advocacy group that repeatedly fought the Trump administration, said the Trump team’s plans relied on “xenophobic demagoguery” that appeals to his hardest-core political base.

“Americans should understand these policy proposals are an authoritarian, often illegal, agenda that would rip apart nearly every aspect of American life — tanking the economy, violating the basic civil rights of millions of immigrants and native-born Americans alike,” Mr. Schulte said.

‘Poisoning the Blood’

Since Mr. Trump left office, the political environment on immigration has moved in his direction. He is also more capable now of exploiting that environment if he is re-elected than he was when he first won election as an outsider.

The ebbing of the Covid-19 pandemic and resumption of travel flows have helped stir a global migrant crisis, with millions of Venezuelans and Central Americans fleeing turmoil and Africans arriving in Latin American countries before continuing their journey north . Amid the record numbers of migrants at the southern border and beyond it in cities like New York and Chicago, voters are frustrated and even some Democrats are calling for tougher action against immigrants and pressuring the White House to better manage the crisis.

Mr. Trump and his advisers see the opening, and now know better how to seize it. The aides Mr. Trump relied upon in the chaotic early days of his first term were sometimes at odds and lacked experience in how to manipulate the levers of federal power. By the end of his first term, cabinet officials and lawyers who sought to restrain some of his actions — like his Homeland Security secretary and chief of staff, John F. Kelly — had been fired, and those who stuck with him had learned much.

In a second term, Mr. Trump plans to install a team that will not restrain him.

Since much of Mr. Trump’s first-term immigration crackdown was tied up in the courts, the legal environment has tilted in his favor: His four years of judicial appointments left behind federal appellate courts and a Supreme Court that are far more conservative than the courts that heard challenges to his first-term policies.

The fight over Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals provides an illustration.

DACA is an Obama-era program that shields from deportation and grants work permits to people who were brought unlawfully to the United States as children. Mr. Trump tried to end it, but the Supreme Court blocked him on procedural grounds in June 2020.

Mr. Miller said Mr. Trump would try again to end DACA. And the 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court that blocked the last attempt no longer exists: A few months after the DACA ruling, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died and Mr. Trump replaced her with a sixth conservative, Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Mr. Trump’s rhetoric has more than kept up with his increasingly extreme agenda on immigration.

His stoking of fear and anger toward immigrants — pushing for a border wall and calling Mexicans rapists — fueled his 2016 takeover of the Republican Party. As president, he privately mused about developing a militarized border like Israel’s, asked whether migrants crossing the border could be shot in the legs and wanted a proposed border wall topped with flesh-piercing spikes and painted black to burn migrants’ skin.

As he has campaigned for the party’s third straight presidential nomination, his anti-immigrant tone has only grown harsher. In a recent interview with a right-wing website , Mr. Trump claimed without evidence that foreign leaders were deliberately emptying their “insane asylums” to send the patients across America’s southern border as migrants. He said migrants were “ poisoning the blood of our country .” And at a rally on Wednesday in Florida , he compared them to the fictional serial killer and cannibal Hannibal Lecter, saying, “That’s what’s coming into our country right now.”

Mr. Trump had similarly vowed to carry out mass deportations when running for office in 2016, but the government only managed several hundred thousand removals per year under his presidency, on par with other recent administrations. If they get another opportunity, Mr. Trump and his team are determined to achieve annual numbers in the millions.

Keeping People Out

Mr. Trump’s immigration plan is to pick up where he left off and then go much farther. He would not only revive some of the policies that were criticized as draconian during his presidency, many of which the Biden White House ended, but also expand and toughen them.

One example centers on expanding first-term policies aimed at keeping people out of the country. Mr. Trump plans to suspend the nation’s refugee program and once again categorically bar visitors from troubled countries, reinstating a version of his ban on travel from several mostly Muslim-majority countries, which President Biden called discriminatory and ended on his first day in office .

Mr. Trump would also use coercive diplomacy to induce other nations to help, including by making cooperation a condition of any other bilateral engagement, Mr. Miller said. For example, a second Trump administration would seek to re-establish an agreement with Mexico that asylum seekers remain there while their claims are processed. (It is not clear that Mexico would agree ; a Mexican court has said that deal violated human rights .)

Mr. Trump would also push to revive “safe third country” agreements with several nations in Central America, and try to expand them to Africa, Asia and South America. Under such deals, countries agree to take would-be asylum seekers from specific other nations and let them apply for asylum there instead.

While such arrangements have traditionally only covered migrants who had previously passed through a third country, federal law does not require that limit and a second Trump administration would seek to make those deals without it, in part as a deterrent to migrants making what the Trump team views as illegitimate asylum claims.

At the same time, Mr. Miller said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would invoke the public health emergency powers law known as Title 42 to again refuse to hear any asylum claims by people arriving at the southern border. The Trump administration had internally discussed that idea early in Mr. Trump’s term, but some cabinet secretaries pushed back, arguing that there was no public health emergency that would legally justify it. The administration ultimately implemented it during the coronavirus pandemic.

Saying the idea has since gained acceptance in practice — Mr. Biden initially kept the policy — Mr. Miller said Mr. Trump would invoke Title 42, citing “severe strains of the flu, tuberculosis, scabies, other respiratory illnesses like R.S.V. and so on, or just a general issue of mass migration being a public health threat and conveying a variety of communicable diseases.”

Mr. Trump and his aides have not yet said whether they would re-enact one of the most contentious deterrents to unauthorized immigration that he pursued as president: separating children from their parents , which led to trauma among migrants and difficulties in reuniting families. When pressed, Mr. Trump has repeatedly declined to rule out reviving the policy . After an outcry over the practice, Mr. Trump ended it in 2018 and a judge later blocked the government from putting it back into effect.

Mass Deportations

Soon after Mr. Trump announced his 2024 campaign for president last November, he met with Tom Homan, who ran ICE for the first year and a half of the Trump administration and was an early proponent of separating families to deter migrants.

In an interview, Mr. Homan recalled that in that meeting, he “agreed to come back” in a second term and would “help to organize and run the largest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.”

Trump advisers’ vision of abrupt mass deportations would be a recipe for social and economic turmoil, disrupting the housing market and major industries including agriculture and the service sector.

Mr. Miller cast such disruption in a favorable light.

“Mass deportation will be a labor-market disruption celebrated by American workers, who will now be offered higher wages with better benefits to fill these jobs,” he said. “Americans will also celebrate the fact that our nation’s laws are now being applied equally, and that one select group is no longer magically exempt.”

One planned step to overcome the legal and logistical hurdles would be to significantly expand a form of fast-track deportations known as “expedited removal.” It denies undocumented immigrants the usual hearings and opportunity to file appeals, which can take months or years — especially when people are not in custody — and has led to a large backlog. A 1996 law says people can be subject to expedited removal for up to two years after arriving, but to date the executive branch has used it more cautiously, swiftly expelling people picked up near the border soon after crossing.

The Trump administration tried to expand the use of expedited removal , but a court blocked it and then the Biden team canceled the expansion. It remains unclear whether the Supreme Court will rule that it is constitutional to use the law against people who have been living for a significant period in the United States and express fear of persecution if sent home.

Mr. Trump has also said he would invoke an archaic law, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 , to expel suspected members of drug cartels and criminal gangs without due process. That law allows for summary deportation of people from countries with which the United States is at war, that have invaded the United States or that have engaged in “predatory incursions.”

The Supreme Court has upheld past uses of that law in wartime. But its text seems to require a link to the actions of a foreign government , so it is not clear whether the justices will allow a president to stretch it to encompass drug cartel activity.

More broadly, Mr. Miller said a new Trump administration would shift from the ICE practice of arresting specific people to carrying out workplace raids and other sweeps in public places aimed at arresting scores of unauthorized immigrants at once.

To make the process of finding and deporting undocumented immigrants already living inside the country “radically more quick and efficient,” he said, the Trump team would bring in “ the right kinds of attorneys and the right kinds of policy thinkers” willing to carry out such ideas.

And because of the magnitude of arrests and deportations being contemplated, they plan to build “vast holding facilities that would function as staging centers” for immigrants as their cases progress and they wait to be flown to other countries.

Mr. Miller said the new camps would likely be built “on open land in Texas near the border.”

He said the military would construct them under the authority and control of the Department of Homeland Security. While he cautioned that there were no specific blueprints yet, he said the camps would look professional and similar to other facilities for migrants that have been built near the border .

Such camps could also enable the government to speed up the pace and volume of deportations of undocumented people who have lived in the United States for years and so are not subject to fast-track removal. If pursuing a long-shot effort to win permission to remain in the country would mean staying locked up in the interim, some may give up and voluntarily accept removal without going through the full process.

The use of these camps, Mr. Miller said, would likely be focused more on single adults because the government cannot indefinitely hold children under a longstanding court order known as the Flores settlement. So any families brought to the facilities would have to be moved in and out more quickly, he said.

The Trump administration tried to overturn the Flores settlement, but the Supreme Court did not resolve the matter before Mr. Trump’s term ended. Mr. Miller said the Trump team would try again.

To increase the number of agents available for ICE sweeps, Mr. Miller said, officials from other federal law enforcement agencies would be temporarily reassigned, and state National Guard troops and local police officers, at least from willing Republican-led states, would be deputized for immigration control efforts.

While a law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally forbids the use of the armed forces for law enforcement purposes, another law called the Insurrection Act creates an exception. Mr. Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act at the border, enabling the use of federal troops to apprehend migrants, Mr. Miller said.

“Bottom line,” he said, “President Trump will do whatever it takes.”

Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Eileen Sullivan contributed reporting. Kitty Bennett contributed research.

Charlie Savage writes about national security and legal policy. He has been a journalist for more than two decades. More about Charlie Savage

Maggie Haberman is a senior political correspondent and the author of “Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America.” She was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for reporting on President Trump’s advisers and their connections to Russia. More about Maggie Haberman

Jonathan Swan is a political reporter who focuses on campaigns and Congress. As a reporter for Axios, he won an Emmy Award for his 2020 interview of then-President Donald J. Trump, and the White House Correspondents’ Association’s Aldo Beckman Award for “overall excellence in White House coverage” in 2022. More about Jonathan Swan

Advertisement