250 Years in the Making: The Can’t-Miss Travel Spots for the U.S.A.’s Big Birthday
OKLAHOMA CITY – April 7, 2026 – Happy Birthday America – it’s a big one this year!
The United States will mark its 250th anniversary this July, offering travelers a unique opportunity to explore historic sites and participate in events honoring the people, places, and moments that shaped the nation.
America 250 (officially the United States Semiquincentennial) is the massive, year-long celebration in marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While celebrations around July 4 are the main event, there are many ongoing exhibitions, celebrations and special events in cities and states across the country allowing visitors to reflect on and commemorate the American Experience.
“Washington D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, Mount Rushmore, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and many other places will be all decked out in the red, white and blue for this historic year,” said Shawn Steward, public and government affairs manager for AAA Oklahoma. “Travelers won’t have to go far to find an event or celebration and may want to incorporate some of them into their vacation planning as either a destination or maybe a stop along the way on a trip.”
Among some of the bigger events for America 250:
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Washington, DC is hosting the Smithsonian Festival Spirit of Independence Great American State Fair on the National Mall from June 18 through July 12. On July 4th, visitors will be treated to musical performances, flyovers and a fireworks finale. In August, the Freedom 250 Indycar Grand Prix race will roll into the nation’s capital. Drivers will race past city landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Capitol and The Smithsonian.
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Philadelphia is hosting the Wawa Welcome America Festival which includes a 16-day lineup of events and parades including six nights of fireworks between June 19th and July 4th
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New York City – tourists may be doing a double take in Times Square as the New Year’s Eve ball will drop for a second time this year on July 3 in honor of the landmark year.
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Mount Rushmore in South Dakota will commemorate America 250 with a robust schedule of celebratory events, including a special fireworks display.
The National Park Service is also joining in on the celebrations with special events like heritage hikes, guest speakers and historical reenactments at sites around the country.
Looking for inspiration for a 250th focused trip? Check out these articles from our “The Extra Mile” team on vacation ideas.
Many states have their own America 250 travel planning sites highlighting their state events in celebration of the semiquincentennial. Travelers are encouraged to book early as many of these popular tourist sites are expected to be very busy this summer, especially around Independence Day. Travel Oklahoma features a special America 250 website, with a statewide lineup of special events and experiences throughout the Sooner State to commemorate America’s 250th birthday: https://www.travelok.com/ok-250.
Considering all the special events happening around the country, road trips are expected to be very popular this spring and summer. They are an economical way, especially for families, to see several cities and attractions along the way.
Route 66 Centennial
The U.S. isn’t alone in celebrating a big birthday, the iconic Route 66 is also celebrating its centennial this year. The Mother Road’s kickoff celebration is happening April 30 in Springfield, Missouri. The Route 66 Road Fest, presented by AAA, takes place Saturday June 27-28 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
AAA’s Five Most Important Car Care Recommendations for Roadtrippers
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Check Battery – Automotive batteries typically last between three and five years, with summer heat often pushing many batteries that are on the cusp over the edge. To avoid an unexpected battery failure, AAA recommends drivers have their vehicle’s battery tested when it reaches three years of age and on an annual basis thereafter.
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Check Tires – According to the Department of Transportation, there are more than 1.2 million weather-related crashes on U.S. roadways each year. As summer approaches, AAA reminds drivers that worn tires can increase stopping distance and the risk of a crash, especially on wet roadways. AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively and adjust tire pressure for warmer temperatures.
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Check Engine – System failures, such as the radiator, thermostat or water pump, or failure of engine parts, such as the timing belt, are most prominent in vehicles age 10 years and older.
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Check Fluids – Incorrect fluid levels can cause breakdowns or even serious damage. Check all fluids regularly to ensure proper vehicle function and longevity.
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Check Belts and Hoses – Belts and hoses are often neglected, but if they break, your trip will be interrupted. Make sure they are closely inspected and replaced if need be.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
AAA recommends that drivers create a warm weather/severe weather emergency kit to carry in their cars. The kit should include items such as nonperishable food/snacks and water, tool kit, flashlight, hand-crank or battery-powered radio, extra batteries, cell phone and charger, first-aid supplies, flares or reflectors, rain coat or poncho, a towel or blanket, and rain boots or an extra pair of shoes.
Outside of the 250th celebrations, AAA has seen a lot of interest in domestic travel in general recently.
“Popular destinations like NYC, Las Vegas, Napa, along with Alaska and Hawaii offer a wide variety of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences for every traveler,” said AAA’s Steward.
Hopping aboard to see the U.S. by train is another unique route that travelers can take to experience the country and its history from a different vantage point.
As the nation prepares for a year of unprecedented celebration, AAA encourages travelers to make the most of this historic moment by planning early, staying informed, and ensuring their vehicles are ready for the road. With major events, record visitation, and renewed interest in America’s iconic destinations, thoughtful preparation will help travelers enjoy a smooth and memorable experience.
AAA remains committed to supporting every journey with trusted expertise, comprehensive travel resources, and reliable roadside assistance, helping Americans celebrate 250 years of exploration, discovery, and the freedom of the open road.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and more than 450,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
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