The Ultimate Destination to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary in 2026 | ShermansTravel
The Ultimate Destination to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary in 2026
Jessica Mlinaric | January 15, 2026
Visit Williamsburg
It's not often that you get to celebrate a 250th birthday, and America's Semiquincentennial is gearing up to be the party of the year in 2026. This historic milestone invites travelers to explore America's story from coast to coast, through the iconic landmarks that have defined its past and the people shaping its future.
"Nowhere tells America's story quite like Virginia's Historic Triangle," said Edward Harris, President & CEO of Visit Williamsburg. "This is where our nation's journey began, and as we approach America's 250th anniversary, visitors can walk the very streets where independence was forged and still find vibrant experiences for every generation." Located in southeastern Virginia near the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia's Historic Triangle includes Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
In just this one region, you can travel back in time to the continent's first permanent English settlement, experience life in the colonial period, and visit the site where America won its freedom. After a day of discovery, soak in the Southern food, wine, and wellness offerings that make the area as relaxing as it is rich in history.
Jamestown
Credit: Visit Williamsburg
Start your journey at Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum that brings America's first permanent English colony to life. Indoor exhibits and artifacts tell the story of the Paspahegh tribe who lived here, the English settlers who arrived in 1607, and the enslaved West Central African people who were brought to Jamestown in 1619.
Walk in their footsteps in the outdoor living history exhibits. Paspahegh Town recreates an indigenous village, from reed-covered houses to demonstrations of traditional activities like weaving and tool-making. Follow the path to the James River, where you can board replicas of the three ships that carried Jamestown's settlers to Virginia and learn about their voyage. Imagine daily life in a recreated colonial fort representing the years 1610-14. Smell bread baking in the kitchen, hear the clang of the blacksmith's anvil, and watch as woodwork takes shape in the hands of reenactors.
After learning about life in Jamestown, visit the actual site of the settlement about a mile away at Historic Jamestowne. This isn't the staid school trip you remember — it's an active archeological dig site whose discoveries evolve our understanding of the settlers' experiences and rewrite history. Since 1994, archeologists have uncovered the original fort's location and more than three million artifacts, many of which are on display in the archeology museum. Visit ongoing excavations with an expert on the "Archaeology Tour" or hear about diverse perspectives on tours like "Women of Jamestown" and "The Powhatan Indians."
Where to Eat
Both historic attractions offer an on-site café: the Dale House Café at Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Café at Jamestown Settlement. A short drive away, you can order up diner classics like biscuits and gravy or fluffy pancakes at Five Forks Café. Enjoy a craft beer and local bites from a food truck at Frothy Moon Brewhouse or Billsburg Brewery.
Where to Stay
While there aren't any hotels in Jamestown, it's just five miles from the heart of Williamsburg. Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast is a charming option nearby: the four-room property was built in the 1960s using bricks from a 1700s-era courthouse.
Williamsburg
Credit: Visit Williamsburg
Williamsburg is best known for preserving its colonial past, but its contemporary charms make it a perfect home base for exploring Virginia's Historic Triangle.
During its time as Virginia's capital, Williamsburg was the setting for tensions with the British government and debates among the Founding Fathers. The city idled when the capital moved to Richmond in 1780, yet this lack of development preserved many of its historic structures.
Today, visitors travel to Colonial Williamsburg to immerse themselves in the era at the world's largest living history museum. Choose your own adventure as you wander Duke of Gloucester Street and chat with costumed reenactors or admire 89 restored buildings like the Governor's Palace and the Power Magazine. Shops lining the street demonstrate historic trades using 18th-century methods such as bookbinding, engraving, and wig making. If you are a fan of the "American Girl" series, don't miss a replica of Felicity Merriman's dress at the Milliner's shop.
However, Colonial Williamsburg isn't stuck in the past. In 2025, it opened the Williamsburg Bray School, the country's oldest educational institution for Black children. The building was hidden in plain sight on the nearby College of William & Mary campus before being moved back to Colonial Williamsburg and restored. In 2026, Colonial Williamsburg will open a new archeology center as well as the African Baptist Meeting House and Burial Ground. The latter is the site where the First Baptist Church first met, whose congregation is also celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026. The church will be a stop on Williamsburg's 2.5-mile African American Heritage Trail, launching in 2026.
One Semiquincentennial tribute stitches together submissions from around the nation: The Great American Birthday Quilt invited people to design a quilt square illustrating what they love most about America. It will be unveiled in Williamsburg in 2026 and then be on display at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center.
On July 4, 2026, Colonial Williamsburg will mark America's 250th anniversary with free admission to its historic area and art museums. Expect live reenactments, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a concert, and a fireworks celebration on the Palace Green.
Where to Eat
George Washington was a fan of the seafood at Christiana Campbell's Tavern. Today, you can still dine on seafood pie and crab cakes inspired by colonial-era recipes while enjoying 18th-century entertainment, such as live music and traditional colonial songs.
While not colonial, the Cheese Shop has been a Williamsburg favorite for more than 50 years. Enjoy cheese and charcuterie on the patio or pick up a sandwich for a picnic lunch.
Where to Stay
Credit: Courtesy of Wedmore Place
Unwind with a tasting of award-winning wines at the 400-acre Williamsburg Winery, and spend the night at the property's European-style country hotel, Wedmore Place. Each of its 28 rooms is named for a different province of Europe and decorated with antiques and paintings reflective of that region.
For the finest in Southern hospitality, stay at the Williamsburg Inn, which twice hosted Queen Elizabeth II despite America's triumph over England 250 years ago. Enjoy a spa treatment inspired by 17th-, 18th-, 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century wellness practices at the property's Spa of Colonial Williamsburg. Nearby, the Williamsburg Salt Spa offers a relaxing salt cave to recline in a mineral-rich environment.
Yorktown
Credit: Jessica Mlinaric
America's Semiquincentennial marks the Declaration of Independence, but Yorktown is where independence was won. Trace the fight for freedom at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, where exhibits and historical artifacts bring the people involved in the American Revolution to life. Transport yourself to the action with "The Siege of Yorktown," an immersive film featuring a 180-degree surround screen and special effects.
Outside, you can relive a Revolutionary War soldier's daily life at the replica Continental Army Encampment. Muster with troops during military drills and hear the crash of musket fire during an artillery demonstration. A Revolution-era farm explores colonial life on the home front, where costumed interpreters work the crops and cook over an open hearth while hens and cats roam. A small dwelling and garden represent the experience of enslaved people who worked on the farm.
Conclude your trek through early American history at the Yorktown Battlefield. Rangers lead tours of the historic town and battlefield, recounting Yorktown's pivotal story through its earthworks, fields, and siege lines. You can also take a self-guided driving tour using a free app from the Battlefield Trust. The Red Route covers the battlefield, and the Yellow Route guides you through the Allied Encampment. Patriot Tours & Provisions offers bicycle rentals and guided Segway and walking tours of the waterfront, historic buildings, and Yorktown Victory Monument.
To reflect on Yorktown's story from the water, set sail on the York River aboard a recreated colonial ship with Yorktown Sailing Charters. From June 12–14, 2026, a fleet of international tall ships and military vessels will assemble on the Yorktown Waterfront as part of the Sail 250 maritime celebration.
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, with a parade, free concert, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a dazzling fireworks show.
Where to Eat
Coastal Thirst Beach Deli leans into its beachside location on the York River with a menu inspired by coastal living. Stop by for breakfast or lunch favorites like raw juice, avocado toast, and fresh salads.
After a day of exploring, enjoy dinner with a sunset view on the York River at Riverwalk Restaurant. Chef Anthony Rodriguez delivers a contemporary take on seafood, serving locally sourced oysters, pan-seared rockfish, and more.
Where to Stay
Hornsby House Inn invites you to spend the night in an elegant 1933 family home turned luxury B&B. Located on Historic Main Street, the five-bedroom property offers some rooms with views of the waterfront.
The Yorktown Beach Hotel is the only hotel overlooking the York River. Each of its 57 rooms has a waterfront view, and most include a private balcony or veranda.
Know Before You Go
If you plan to visit all five historic sites, consider purchasing the America's Historic Triangle Ticket. This option offers unlimited admission for up to seven days at a discounted rate.
How to Get There
Most visitors will arrive at either Norfolk International Airport or Richmond International Airport, which are both 46 miles from downtown Williamsburg. The closest airport is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, but its flights are limited.
