Are you or is someone in your family a history buff? America is filled with historical cities, towns, and other sites that preserve important elements of our nation’s past, going back to times predating the arrival of European explorers and settlers. If historical destinations are places you like, you won’t want to miss the ones on this list.
Boston, Massachusetts
History here is on a small scale such as being home to the nation’s first public school, library, and park. It’s on a grand scale as well with all the Colonial and Revolutionary War history that took place here.
Key West, Florida
You might think of beaches, fishing, and bars when you think of Key West, but it’s also rich in history. The Old Town takes you back to the days of pirates and rum runners, and the Key West Shipwreck Treasure museum has a fascinating collection of items recovered from the many shipwrecks that have occurred in these waters.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is known as Music City and the capital of country music, but it has great historical value as well. Plantations evoke the Old South and make you reflect on that time, and there are a lot of historical venues and attractions that preserve and document the area’s musical history.
San Antonio, Texas
Of course, San Antonio is famous for the Alamo, which has been restored and preserved here. It’s also packed with historical buildings and streets that take you for a stroll back into the past.
Savannah, Georgia
Because Savannah didn’t have much strategic value in the Civil War, Union forces spared it the destruction that cities like Atlanta underwent. Today, much of the city doesn’t look much different than it did back when it was a hub for the elite of antebellum society.
St. Augustine, Florida
The oldest city in the country, St. Augustine is filled with culture and history. Among the many historical attractions are the nation’s oldest schoolhouse, oldest fort, and a lighthouse built in the 1500s.
Washington, D.C.
There’s arguably no other city in the country that is as steeped in history as this one is. One way to experience it is through an abundance of world-class museums and monuments. Along the way, view and tour the government buildings where history has been made daily for more than 200 years. Don’t forget a trip across the river to Arlington National Cemetery.
Charleston, South Carolina
Like Savannah, Charleston is another city deeply steeped in the architecture and culture of the Old South, and it’s just a short drive up the coast. It’s also the site of Fort Sumter, where the Civil War officially got its start.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The epic battle at Gettysburg wasn’t the decisive one of the Civil War, but it was a major turning point, and after it, the South was mostly in retreat for the rest of the war. Gettysburg was also, of course, the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s legendary Gettysburg Address.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is an awesome historical destination for two main reasons. First, you can learn about the native culture that predated the United States for centuries. It’s also the location of Pearl Harbor, where a surprise attack by Japan drew us into World War II on December 7, 1941.
New Orleans, Louisiana
In the French Quarter, decades upon decades of history are on display among the buildings, streets, and museums. The French influence here also blends with that of the Old South and the Cajun and Creole cultures.
New York, New York
Historic buildings and museums are virtually everywhere. You also have the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Tragic modern history is commemorated at the September 11 Memorial. Culture of all varieties is everywhere, too.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In the City of Brotherly Love, you can see, among other things, the original Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center. While you’re at it, grab an authentic Philly cheesesteak, legendary and historic in its own right.
San Francisco, California
Visit the iconic Haight-Ashbury district and Chinatown. Tour Alcatraz Island and see the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf. Learn about the 1960s counterculture movement and ride one of the famous street cars.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum. If you’re taking the family, all I’ll say is this: set aside a day or two so the kids can enjoy the rides at Busch Gardens. In 4th grade, that’s where I wanted to go for my birthday, and we did, but my mom also made us go to Colonial Williamsburg since Virginia’s 4th grade social studies curriculum focused on Virginia’s colonial history. My brothers and I were bored to tears even if my parents were really interested. Keep the kids in mind!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the oldest city in the United States that is a state capitol. The adobe architecture there is a reminder of the Spanish influence in the region, and the city is also a launching point for exploring ancient Native American culture at sites like Taos Pueblo and others.
Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, California
Chavez and his family lost their farm in the Great Depression and had to become migrant workers. He would come to be a leader in the fight for better pay and living and working conditions. This site in Keene honors the life and work of Chavez.
Fort McHenry National Monument, Maryland
During the War of 1812, American forces raised Old Glory above this battlefield in Baltimore. The sight of this inspired Francis Scott Key to pen The Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
View and tour ancient cliff dwellings such as the famous Cliff Palace that Native Americans made their homes in centuries ago. Mesa Verde is also within a day’s drive of many other ancient Native American sites such as Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.
Deadwood, South Dakota
The discovery of gold in the Black Hills during the latter half of the 1800s created a rush to the region, and Deadwood sprang up and became the center of it all. Legendary Old West figures who passed through here or made this Wild West town their home include Wild Bill Hickok, Lewis and Clark, Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp, George Armstrong Custer, and the Sundance Kid. Long before that, the region was home to the Sioux, and the influx of gold-seekers forever changed their land and their culture, and you can learn about that as well in the region.
19 Incredible Places To Visit Within a Few Hours of Denver
There’s a lot to do in the Denver region, and much of it is within 3-4 hours of the city. Whether you’re hiking in secluded mountains or exploring historical towns, these destinations provide memorable experiences just a drive away. Here are 19 of them—note they’re not all in Colorado!
19 Incredible Places To Visit Within a Few Hours of Denver
20 Incredible Places To Visit Within a Few Hours of Austin
These destinations provide a perfect getaway for travelers looking to uncover the authentic adventures that lie just outside Austin’s city buzz. Let’s look at some you won’t want to miss.
20 Incredible Places To Visit Within a Few Hours of Austin
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.
