While major 2026 events like tall ships in Boston or the FIFA final in New York will draw global attention, not every group wants to be in the middle of the biggest crowds. These destinations offer layered history, cultural insight, and itinerary-friendly flexibility—ideal for enriching any America250 or World Cup trip.
Virginia: Small Sites With Big Stories
Virginia’s 250th commemorations will spotlight powerful stories in many places throughout the state. In Richmond, for example, groups can explore themes of African American self-determination at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia or take a guided walk through Jackson Ward. Once dubbed the “Harlem of the South,” this historic neighborhood celebrates a legacy of Black entrepreneurship, arts, and activism.
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
Historic Jackson Ward in Richmond, Va.
Historic Jackson Ward in Richmond, Va.
Historic Jackson Ward in Richmond, Va.
Historic Jackson Ward in Richmond, Va.
Hippodrome Theater in Richmond, Virginia’s Jackson Ward district.
Historic Jackson Ward in Richmond, Va.
New York City: History Across the Boroughs
Lower Manhattan may take center stage in 2026, but the city’s other boroughs are preparing thoughtful, immersive experiences of their own. In Brooklyn, for example, Weeksville Heritage Center—an intentional free Black community established in the 1830s—is planning group programming for 2026. And the Bronx’s Van Cortlandt House Museum, set within a peaceful park, offers a Revolutionary-era perspective away from Manhattan’s intensity. These experiences are ideal for groups looking to see New York through a wider lens.
Massachusetts: Field Trip Favorites for All Ages
While Boston’s harbor will be buzzing, other cities are planning programs for America’s 250th that will give groups even more ways to experience history. Lowell National Historical Park, for example, will collaborate with Massachusetts 250 to highlight how textile mill workers shaped American democracy. In Fall River, Battleship Cove—a floating naval museum—is honoring military service with new exhibits. These stops are particularly rewarding for student and multigenerational groups seeking immersive, people-powered history.
Lowell National Historical Park in Lowell, Mass.
Lowell National Historical Park in Lowell, Mass.
Battleship Cove in Fall River, Mass.
Philadelphia: Historic Finds Outside the Square Mile
While Independence Mall will anchor Philly’s 250th programming, neighborhoods like West Philadelphia and South Street are stepping into the spotlight too. Group itineraries might include the Paul Robeson House and Museum or America250 tie-ins from community-based organizations like the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra. The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau is encouraging “neighborhood-based tourism” by connecting planners with local guides who can offer fresh insights into the city’s culture and creativity.
Washington, D.C.: Civic Stories Off the Mall
The National Mall will host headline events, but other parts of the area are ready to welcome group travelers with distinctive, place-based programming as well. Across the Anacostia River, the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum will explore justice and neighborhood resilience through America250-themed exhibits. For outdoor learning, the Fort Circle Parks—sites of Civil War-era defenses—are being reframed with new signage and interpretive walking trails. Destination DC notes that all eight wards are developing hyperlocal events that reflect the city’s full, evolving identity.
By going beyond the obvious stops, partnering with local DMOs, and tapping into community-based institutions, group planners can offer travelers a broader, more meaningful view of America’s past and present—without sacrificing access or comfort.
Photo credits: Virginia Tourism Corporation; Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.
From historic tributes to global games, 2026 offers a rare chance to craft bold, meaningful itineraries.
In the September/October Destinations cover story, “All Eyes on US,” you’ll hear from some ABA member destinations who know a thing or two about providing unforgettable group travel experiences. Get ready for a revolutionary ride with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Alliance for Downtown New York, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism; and Destination DC.
