All Eyes on US
As America prepares to celebrate two epic events in 2026, the group travel industry is set to shine
The United States will host two high-profile global events next year: the Semiquincentennial of the nation’s founding—known as America250—and the FIFA World Cup. Together, they offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design unforgettable experiences that blend history, sports, and culture. For motorcoach operators and group travel planners, it’s time to think big.
“There’s so much buzz about this in the transportation and tourism industries,” says Sandy Borowsky, owner of Starr Bus Charter and Tours. “We’ve been preparing for this since they announced the events.”
From fanfare events in Massachusetts and Philadelphia, to tall ships in New York Harbor and Virginia, to rare exhibits in Washington, D.C., America’s cities are getting ready. Group travel planners are encouraged to work ahead—and break the mold of traditional tour design.
Massachusetts: Heritage Sites and Game-Day Vibes
Groups can take a guided walking tour of The Freedom Trail with stops at historical sites in Boston that tell the story of the American Revolution.
Battleship Cove is a living museum where visitors can explore five National Historic Landmark U.S. Naval ships and other craft. Take a behind-the-scenes tour for an immersive look at our nation’s military heritage.
A stop on The Freedom Trail, Old State House was witness to the Boston Massacre, a pivotal moment on America’s road to Revolution. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony.
As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Massachusetts is going big for America250—with plenty to offer motorcoach groups looking for immersive, history-rich itineraries.
Boston Harbor will be a major draw July 11-16 when Sail Boston welcomes a magnificent fleet of tall ships and military ships as part of the Sail250 maritime celebration in 2026. Many of the vessels will offer hop-on, hop-off access and educational, private group tours led by cadets and crew members from all over the world.
But that’s just part of the story. In March, a dual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day will take over the city with parades and festivities. Throughout the year, historic sites like the Old North Church, Paul Revere House, and Old State House will offer America250-themed exhibits and tours.
Sail250 is a signature series of tall ship festivals that will be held in five select U.S. ports as part of America250. Learn more about Sail250 New Orleans, Baltimore, Boston, Norfolk, and Sail4th 250 (Port of New York and New Jersey) and how each is honoring America’s maritime heritage and global alliances by visiting sail250.org.
“Boston belongs on every 2026 itinerary as the city where America’s story began, and where it will be powerfully celebrated,” says Kate Fox, executive director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “From tall ships in the harbor to curated events at historic landmarks, Boston offers visitors a front-row seat to the nation’s 250th birthday.”
Outside the city, Massachusetts will commemorate the re-creation of the Henry Knox Trail, with live demonstrations of horse-drawn artillery at stops across the state. “Massachusetts stands as the iconic and revolutionary heart of American history, the birthplace of bold ideas, courageous acts, and the enduring fight for liberty,” says Fox. “Public events like the Henry Knox Trail reenactment and Mass Humanities’ statewide Museum on Main Street project, ‘Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,’ serve as powerful reminders of how our communities continue to shape and reflect the nation’s democratic legacy.”
Soccer fans will head to Foxborough in 2026 for FIFA World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium—but Massachusetts wants them to stay for more, which is why the state is planning regional programming that combines the energy of match day with America250-themed events and historic experiences.
Sandy Borowsky of Starr Bus Charter and Tours explains how early planning, flexibility, and creative itineraries are key for operators in a high=stakes travel year.
“Massachusetts is ready to welcome the world in 2026,” says Fox. “As soccer fans gather for FIFA World Cup matches, we invite them to go beyond the game, exploring 250th anniversary events and places that tell the story of America’s founding.”
For groups arriving later in the year, Oct. 31 will bring a historic twist on college football when Gillette Stadium hosts the Navy–Notre Dame game—the first time this legendary rivalry will be played in New England. Expect high energy, patriotic pride, and an unforgettable fall football experience for groups seeking something distinctly American.
Massachusetts is poised to be a top-tier destination for 2026. Whether your groups are drawn by sailboats, soccer, or stories of the Revolution, they’ll find plenty to engage, educate, and entertain in the Bay State. For a list of attractions and special events that showcase Massachusetts’ revolutionary history, visit massachusetts250.org.
FIFA Travel Tip
Consider basing your group outside of Boston—for example, in Worcester, Springfield, or along the North Shore—where prices are more favorable and coach access is easier. These areas offer strong heritage attractions and easy day-trip access to both Boston and Gillette Stadium.
Lower Manhattan: A Global Stage in 1 Square Mile
Trinity Church in Manhattan has been a house of worship for over 300 years. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Elizabeth, are buried here.
Soak in the historic charm of Stone Street during one of its themed festivals in 2026. As one of New York’s oldest streets, the pedestrian-only district was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1999.
If you’re looking to celebrate America250 in one compact area, consider Lower Manhattan. “We like to say Lower Manhattan is ‘the world in one square mile,’” says Jessica Lappin, president of the Alliance for Downtown New York. “And that rings true with all of the historical and cultural sites throughout the neighborhood that relate to all different periods of American history.” With 44 hotels also packed into this walkable neighborhood, Lower Manhattan offers a strategic hub for group travel.
Lower Manhattan’s America250 plans include the self-guided NYC Revolutionary Trail—created by the Alliance for Downtown New York with the Gotham Center for New York City History—which spotlights 16 pivotal sites from the revolutionary era. The trail includes everything from protest sites to historic churches, with an optional app offering audio narration and rare archival insights.
Avoid the 2026 crowds with these lesser-known destinations perfect for groups seeking deeper stories beyond major event hubs.
From July 3-8, groups will experience a maritime spectacle complete with parades, fireworks, free public tours, and more during the Sail4th 250 Fourth of July celebration at the port of New York and New Jersey. The largest international assembly of tall ships and naval vessels in U.S. history will sail into New York Harbor, salute the Statue of Liberty, and dock across downtown sites that include The Battery, South Street Seaport, and Governors Island. Pair this six-day event with visits to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum for a rich educational experience as well as a cultural one.
Besides iconic landmarks, the neighborhood offers opportunities for tailored group experiences—from walking tours and arts programming to civic-focused museum talks. As the Downtown Alliance notes, Lower Manhattan is fertile ground for custom storytelling that connects past and present.
FIFA Travel Tip
Lower Manhattan offers multimodal access to MetLife Stadium, a FIFA host venue. Book parking and coach permits well ahead of match dates.
Lower Manhattan will also play a central role in one of the biggest global sporting events of the decade. Eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—including the final match—will take place at the MetLife Stadium just across the river. The region expects more than a million visitors to stream in for the games and surrounding festivities. Operators can also take advantage of ferry access to Liberty State Park, site of the official FIFA Fan Festival, which will run the full 39 days of the World Cup.
For operators planning for 2026 and beyond, this is the moment to think big. Despite its size, Lower Manhattan shouldn’t be just a stop on the itinerary—it’s a dense concentration of landmarks, history, and group-tour hubs for celebrating America’s 250th. Commemorate America250 in New York by visiting iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/america-250.
Philadelphia: Storytelling With Soul
Guides take groups on a stroll through Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, pointing out the collection of early American houses along the way.
The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood brings our nation’s history to life with immersive exhibits and living history demonstrations.
During the two weeks of Wawa Welcome America summer festival, many of Philadelphia’s museums are free.
In 2026, every day will be Independence Day in Philadelphia, the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed and American democracy was born.
“Philadelphia is ready and excited to welcome all visitors next year, whether for FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th, or the other countless reasons to visit the City of Brotherly Love,” says Annie Jirapatnakul, global tourism sales and services manager at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.
FIFA Travel Tip
Philadelphia will host six FIFA matches, including a round of 16 on the Fourth of July. Use the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau group services to coordinate lodging and connect with trusted partners for group-friendly tours, museums, and attractions.
To mark the Semiquincentennial, the city will host “52 Weeks of Firsts,” a yearlong series of events spotlighting Philadelphia’s many historic firsts. One major highlight: The National Constitution Center will debut two new exhibits. Opening in February, “America’s Founding” will showcase the only signed, handwritten, publicly displayed copy of the U.S. Constitution, along with a rare copy of the Bill of Rights. A second exhibit in May will explore how the three branches of government divide and share power.
Groups visiting in summer can also catch the expanded Wawa Welcome America festival, which runs from Juneteenth through the Fourth of July. With concerts, cultural events, and fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the festival is expected to be even more spectacular for the 250th. Operators should plan ahead for high-demand events like the July 4th concert finale and can coordinate with the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau to identify group-friendly options.
Historic sites across Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood—including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and Elfreth’s Alley—remain must-sees for their symbolic resonance in 2026. Key institutions such as the Museum of the American Revolution and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History will also offer Semiquincentennial exhibits and programming throughout the year.
This milestone moment is a powerful opportunity to showcase the value of group travel and the unique role ABA members play in connecting people to purpose.
— Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO, Destination DC
Even better for group tour organizers, Philadelphia is a Certified Welcoming city, which means stronger support for inclusive travel experiences—especially for multilingual and international visitors. The city’s compact, walkable layout also makes it easy to combine historic stops with FIFA fan events.
With 2026 bringing an expected half-million FIFA visitors and dozens of America250 events, tour operators who plan early will have the best chance at premium lodging, timed-entry access, and high-demand programming. As Jirapatnakul notes, “There’s nowhere more meaningful to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.”
Learn more at discoverphl.com.
Virginia: Layered History, Lasting Impact
Need a quick pick-me-up while touring Yorktown Battlefield? Enjoy an espresso at the charming Mobjack Coffee Roasters, located in the heart of Historic Yorktown Village.
Step aboard one of the three ships at Jamestown Settlement and imagine the four-month voyage that carried the first English colonists to Virginia.
From the shores of Jamestown to the streets of Norfolk, Virginia will offer a sweeping journey through American history. The Commonwealth is using America250 to spotlight not just textbook history, but also overlooked stories of Native Americans, African Americans, and our evolving ideas of freedom. “We want to give visitors a deeper, more meaningful connection to Virginia’s past,” says Joni Johnson, director of domestic sales and marketing at Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Group-friendly sites across the Historic Triangle are marking the milestone by offering a variety of unique new experiences in 2025 and 2026. At Colonial Williamsburg, the foundation’s 100th anniversary in 2026 will bring expanded programming and new exhibits, including the spring debut of the Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center—a facility that will offer behind-the-scenes views into ongoing excavations. Nearby, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown will debut major exhibitions in late 2025 into 2026. Finally, Yorktown will host the Yorktown Tall Ships Festival June 12-15 before the Sail250 Virginia fleet docks in Norfolk on June 19.
DC: A Capital Way to Celebrate
Just across the Potomac, the nation’s capital is pulling out all the stops for America250. In 2026, groups can expect:
- A new immersive museum under the Lincoln Memorial opening in July that explores the history of President Abraham Lincoln and the memorial that honors him.
- An expanded Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
- A 250th-themed National Cherry Blossom Festival.
- The Smithsonian 250th Festival, a month-long event on the National Mall.
- 51 Steps to Freedom, a new augmented-reality walking tour exploring the city’s civic history.
“As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, Washington, DC, emerges as a focal point of national reflection,” says Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “ABA members play a vital role in welcoming visitors to this historic setting. With opportunities to explore rare exhibitions, historic landmarks, and citywide cultural programming, motorcoach and tour professionals can deliver meaningful experiences. Whether it’s a day trip or an extended tour, this milestone moment is a powerful opportunity to showcase the value of group travel and the unique role ABA members play in connecting people to purpose.”
For a list of all events, suggested itineraries, and exhibits, visit dc250.us.
Groups visiting DC in 2026 can see the Declaration of Independence on display at the National Archives, as well as monuments, memorials, museums, and cultural events along the National Mall and throughout the city.
Farther southeast along the coast, Norfolk will host two major events designed with group travelers in mind. First, the 2026 Virginia International Tattoo will kick off the commemorative season in April with a spectacular display of military pageantry, cultural performances, and music. Then from June 19-23, Norfolk will serve as the official Sail250 Virginia host port. “We’re excited to welcome a majestic fleet of more than 60 international tall ships and naval vessels representing 20 nations to our waterfront in June 2026,” says Melissa Hopper, associate director of tour and travel at VisitNorfolk.
Both events offer immersive, shared experiences. VisitNorfolk is also providing logistical support for motorcoach groups, including assistance with itineraries, accommodations, and access to historic attractions like the MacArthur Memorial.
Johnson notes that Virginia’s history and geography make it easy to build multi-site itineraries. “Operators can pair iconic revolutionary sites with African American heritage trails, add in local culinary experiences, and end the day along a scenic waterfront,” she says. Williamsburg and Norfolk also pair well with nearby destinations like Richmond or the Eastern Shore.
Thinking about a group tour? Johnson emphasizes the importance of working with local DMOs when planning visits—especially during special events. “From parking logistics to scheduling to insider tips, advance coordination with DMOs can make all the difference in creating a seamless, memorable visit for your group,” she says.
Visit va250.org for a detailed list of historic sites, museums, and signature events and virginia.org/groups/va250 for group-friendly itineraries.
FIFA Travel Tip
Virginia makes a strong add-on for groups traveling to FIFA matches in D.C., Philadelphia, or New York.
Mark the Moment
Banner years are opportunities to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and imagine what comes next. As America marks 250 years, group travel has the power to deepen those experiences.
Linda Formichelli has been a freelance writer since 1997. She lives in Raleigh, N.C.
Photo Credits: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism; Mark Weinberg; Alliance for Downtown New York; PHLCVB; Washington.org; Virginia Tourism Corporation.
