With America’s 250th anniversary approaching this July, destinations nationwide are preparing to mark the historic milestone with major cultural programming, citywide celebrations, and elevated Fourth of July festivities tied to the America250 movement.
For those looking to celebrating our nation’s birthday in style, read on for a curated roundup of standout celebrations and activations that highlight how travelers and locals alike can commemorate America250.
Washington, D.C.: Celebrate 250 Years in the Nation’s Capital
Washington, D.C., is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary with a multi-year commemoration featuring new Smithsonian exhibitions, National Archives programming, citywide festivals, and public events across the National Mall and surrounding neighborhoods. Arlo Washington DC is steps from many of the capital’s landmark institutions, including Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter and Judiciary Square. Its rooftop lounge, ART DC, offers sweeping views and a prime Fourth of July fireworks vantage point. The hotel also hosts year-round cultural programming, including jazz brunches featuring local musicians and partnerships with D.C.-based artists.
Sandestin, Florida
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is inviting travelers to be part of the America250 celebration with The Great American Getaway Fourth of July package. Plus, the annual Red, White & Baytowne event returns alongside Sandestin’s popular Thursdaze Lights Show that illuminates the sky with a choreographed drone display. For an elevated experience, guests can take in the fireworks from Ara Rooftop & Lounge.
Greater Miami
Miami-Dade 250 is a yearlong commemoration across Greater Miami that reflects on the nation’s founding while elevating the diverse voices and stories that define the community. Highlights include cultural installations like America250: Celebrating American Innovation at the Frost Science Museum, historic exhibitions like the Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation at HistoryMiami Museum, and a USA 250th Celebration at loanDepot Park, pairing America250 festivities with Major League Baseball. At the center of all the action is The Elser Hotel & Residences, which boasts a 19,000-square-foot rooftop and event lawn with views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami, ideal for watching the Fourth of July fireworks. Finally, Brightline’s Freedom Express, a 10-coach train wrapped in a patriotic design, will travel across Florida as part of the celebration.
Miami Beach
As part of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s yearlong semiquincentennial programming, Miami Beach will host events that blend patriotic commemorations with its signature arts, design and coastal lifestyle. Highlights include Memorial Day Weekend’s Hyundai Air & Sea Show and the annual July 4th fireworks spectacular, along with waterfront performances, beachfront parades, and public art and community celebrations aligned with national America250 initiatives. The Betsy – South Beach offers a cultural home base with jazz performances nine times a week, major art exhibitions and dining at LT South Beach by globally renowned Chef Laurent Tourondel.
Myrtle Beach
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, Tapestry by Hilton will host the All-American Beach Bash, featuring two days of red, white and beachside blue across the resort. Festivities begin July 3 with a Fishing Rodeo at Springmaid Pier. On July 4, the celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. with the Campground Golf Cart Parade, where creatively decorated carts roll through the property in spirited, star-spangled style. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy lawn games, inflatables, cookouts, food stations, beer vendors, and live entertainment across four main activation areas. Families can join foam parties and kid-friendly activities at The Ellie Pool Deck, while adults enjoy DJ sets, cabana experiences and curated menus at the Adult Pool. In the evening, the oceanfront transforms for the America 250 Concert featuring Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach, a 30-40 piece patriotic brass ensemble performing iconic American favorites. The concert and the majority of resort experiences are complimentary for registered guests. The evening continues with an exclusive, ticketed adults-only Pier Party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring live DJs, glow experiences, multiple bars and late-night bites.
