History Enthusiasts’ Guide to the 10 Best US Destinations
Discover the Most Famous Historical Landmarks in the USA
Embark on a journey through the best historical travel destinations across the USA, where each city lets you experience a part of the nation’s past. Imagine strolling along cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old architecture, each corner bustling with stories of revolution and resilience.
As you wander through atmospheric streets, iconic landmarks reveal the tales of pivotal moments that shaped the nation. Let each city whisper its rich history and uncover the best of America’s heritage. Read on to discover where these fascinating stories come to life.
1. Washington, D.C.
The epicenter of American democracy and national memory
Good for: History, Families, Photo
With iconic landmarks and rich political heritage, American history is etched into every corner of Washington, D.C. The National Mall, a 1-mile stretch, is the heart of the city, showcasing must-sees like the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the towering Washington Monument, and the majestic U.S. Capitol Building. Nearby, the Library of Congress impresses with its stunning architecture and vast collection of historical artifacts, making it the largest library in the world.
Consider staying at The Willard InterContinental, where echoes of presidential discussions and civil rights debates linger in its elegantly appointed halls.
Washington, D.C.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Birthplace of American independence and constitutional legacy
Good for: History, Food, Families
Discover Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of American independence, where history is alive at every turn. Explore Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, symbols of freedom and democracy, and wander the charming cobblestone streets of Old City. Delve deeper with a visit to Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the USA.
Savor the famous Philly cheesesteak and other local flavors at Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest markets in America. For an authentic experience in this historic city, book a stay in Society Hill, an area filled with colonial-era homes and tree-lined streets.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3. Boston, Massachusetts
The cradle of the American Revolution and colonial heritage
Good for: History, Families, Couples
Boston, Massachusetts, is a city rich with history, inviting you to explore eras from the American Revolution to the Prohibition Era. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, where cobblestone paths lead you through 16 nationally significant sites, including museums, meeting houses, and even a battleship.
At the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, feel the past come alive as you toss tea into the very waters that fueled a revolution. Wander through Beacon Hill’s enchanting gaslit streets and Federal-style rowhouses. For a unique stay, book a room at The Liberty Hotel, a former jail turned luxury escape.
Boston, Massachusetts
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Gateway to Southern heritage and antebellum history
Good for: History, Photo
Venture into Charleston, South Carolina, a city of antebellum charm and well-preserved history. This city of Southern charm invites you to stroll through its historic district, where Rainbow Row’s pastel Georgian houses and The Battery’s elegant mansions paint a vivid picture of the past.
Meander along cobblestone streets and discover hidden gardens echoing with stories of yesteryear. Fort Sumter offers a poignant glimpse into the Civil War’s beginnings, while the Old Slave Mart Museum provides a profound and emotional journey into African American history. Stay in the French Quarter, where historic buildings and cobblestone streets offer a piece of history.
Charleston, South Carolina
5. Savannah, Georgia
A treasure trove of Southern charm and Civil War-era architecture
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
In Savannah, Georgia, moss-draped oaks and historic squares create a picturesque setting for history buffs. Wander through Forsyth Park and explore the Gothic Revival architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. To uncover Savannah’s eerie tales and Civil War history, venture on a ghost tour.
Consider staying in the Historic District, where you can find charming inns and beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century homes. If you dare, stay at The Marshall House, built in 1851, reputed as one of the most haunted hotels in the country.
Savannah, Georgia
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Crossroads of Creole culture and colonial legacy
Good for: History, Adventure
In New Orleans, Louisiana, the French Quarter beckons history enthusiasts with its vibrant streets filled with soulful jazz and 18th-century buildings. Explore landmarks like the Cabildo, site of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase signing, and the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the USA.
Wander the Garden District’s charming streets, where ancient oaks shade antebellum mansions. Ride the New Orleans Streetcar, one of the oldest transportation systems in the USA, offering a scenic tour through storied neighborhoods. Stay in the French Quarter, where colorful Creole buildings create a sensory-rich haven for history lovers.
New Orleans, Louisiana
7. St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the USA
Good for: History, Families
In St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the USA, history whispers through cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture. The Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone fortress, stands as a testament to Spanish colonial life, offering breathtaking coastal views and a peek into the past.
Wander down St. George Street, where quaint shops and historic homes invite exploration, and visit the Lightner Museum, housed in the opulent former Alcazar Hotel, to experience Gilded Age splendor. For a cozy retreat steeped in history, stay in one of the charming bed and breakfasts in the historic district.
St. Augustine, Florida
8. San Antonio, Texas
Frontier of Spanish missions and the spirit of the Alamo
Good for: History, Families, Couples
San Antonio, Texas, offers an authentic glimpse into early Spanish colonial life in the Southwest. The Alamo, a symbol of courage and sacrifice, stands as the city’s crown jewel. This historic mission marks the site of a pivotal battle for Texas independence. Nearby, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites exploration of 4 Spanish colonial missions.
Experience the vibrant local atmosphere with a leisurely stroll along the River Walk, lined with inviting cafes and boutiques. Consider staying at Omni La Mansión del Rio in downtown San Antonio, where Old World charm meets contemporary elegance.
San Antonio, Texas
9. Richmond, Virginia
The heart of Confederate history and Civil War remembrance
Good for: History, Photo, Couples
Richmond, Virginia, is a history lover’s haven, where the echoes of pivotal events, Civil War battlegrounds, and significant historical moments resonate through its streets. Walk the Civil War Trails to experience the lives of soldiers, citizens, and African Americans during the war, or visit the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar for a comprehensive look at this pivotal period.
For something different, visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, dedicated to the renowned author’s early years in Richmond. Consider staying at The Jefferson Hotel, a 1895 Beaux-Arts gem known for luxury, history, and hosting presidents and celebrities.
Richmond, Virginia
10. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Fusion of Native American roots and Spanish colonial heritage
Good for: History, Families, Couples
The oldest capital city in the USA, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a city of Pueblo-style architecture and rich cultural history, with its roots in Native American and Spanish traditions. The historic Santa Fe Plaza serves as the heart of the city, surrounded by galleries and museums like the Palace of the Governors.
Don’t miss the Loretto Chapel and its miraculous spiral staircase, a marvel of craftsmanship with two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support. Opt for a cozy pueblo-style bed-and-breakfast or indulge in a luxury hotel, each promising a distinct Southwestern experience.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
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