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8 Historic Vacation Destinations To Visit (And What To Do)

8 Historic Vacation Destinations To Visit (And What To Do)

Plan your next getaway at one of these historic vacation destinations and figure out what to do while you’re there.

This list consists of eight destinations in the U.S. that are frequently visited by history buffs and tourists each year. A few things you might see besides a storied past are historic landmarks, preserved monuments and some of the beaten path adventures that can take you back in time.

Here is our list of 8 historic vacation destinations in the U.S.

1. Pearl Harbor – Oahu, Hawaii
While you can’t exactly take a road trip to Pearl Harbor, every American should have this historic destination on their vacation bucket list. Pearl Harbor marks the spot where America was attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941 – and forced the American entry into World War II.

There’s plenty of things to do in Oahu if you make the trek to Hawaii, and there’s a few things to know when visiting Pearl Harbor. But if you’re really looking for a unique historic experience, look no further than a Pearl Harbor tour with Pearl Harbor Warbirds, providers of the finest flight adventure tour in Oahu.

Pearl Harbor Warbirds begins it’s customized tour by immersing you in the details of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. Then, you’ll step aboard an authentic World War II aircraft and soar above the important sites that played a part in the “Day of Infamy.” Relive history as you retrace the steps of the Army and Navy airmen in the days following the bombing. Fly on some of the same routes the Japanese attackers used into the airfields at Wheeler, Kāne‘ohe and Bellows. There are many air tours in Hawai‘i, but only one warbird airplane flight. Located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i Pearl Harbor Warbirds provides a personal historical experience making it one of the best O‘ahu attractions.

Learn more about the Admiral’s Warbird Adventure.

2. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a historic hub for all things Americana – baseball, brownstones and battles. Boston also lays claim to America’s first large free municipal public library, the first subway system, the first public school and the first public park. Boston is about as historic as an American city can get.

The number one historic thing to do in Boston would be to take a walk along the “Freedom Trail.” Stretching across two and a half miles, Boston’s Freedom Trail has stops for 16 historical sites, including Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and Bunker Hill Monument, the site of the Boston Massacre.

3. Willamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg has been described as a Disneyland for history buffs. The home of the most historic battle of the Revolutionary War, today’s Williamsburg is a historical town filled with theatrical stages. Tourists arriving in the town will find numerous refurbished buildings and a legion of period actors.

Popular stops for history buffs include the Governor’s Palace, the Magazine (home of the colony’s weaponry and ammunition), the old-time church, tavern and theater, and the period homes.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What’s more historic than the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed? Visiting Philadelphia is a must for those who love American history. Philly not only has the cheesesteaks, it also has Independence Hall – where Ben Franklin and the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence – as well as the famously cracked Liberty Bell.

5. San Francisco, California

Home of the gold rush, San Francisco’s innovative history has spectacular things to see and visit. Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is like walking across a truly great human accomplishment. Taking a ferry out to Alcatraz takes you back to a time where the most dangerous men in the world were locked away. Just breathing in the fresh air of the city by the bay takes you back to one of the most historic cities on the West Coast.

6. Los Angeles, California

Veering away from American war history for a moment, Los Angeles is the epicenter of historic entertainment. A walk down Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame is a testament to all the entertainers who have helped Americans experience a wide range of emotions. The restaurants, the hotels, the streets – all of them have stories you’d enjoy learning about if you decide to pay the city a visit.

7. New York, New York
Ellis Island in New York was the place where people immigrated into America. Visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are reminders of America’s freedom and how the country has been assembled. Besides the ferry ride you’ll take in NYC to visit these two historic destinations, New York itself is filled with history from top to bottom. There’s no shortage of historic entertainment you’ll find at every corner of the city.

8. Washington D.C.
Our nation’s capital, home to where the most important decisions impacted America have been made. Visiting the monuments, seeing the White House, and just walking the streets (while looking over your shoulder for secret agents) is about historic as things can get.

What historic vacation destinations in America have you been (or want to go?)?

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