With 2026 around the corner, you need destinations that are actually worthwhile to visit next year.
We’ve got some top U.S. destinations keying into the Route 66 centenary and nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, as well as international destinations that should be beeping on your radar.
While the nation celebrates 250 years, The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House celebrates its own 100 year anniversary. The Baltimore museum commemorates the history of the U.S. flag. The museum preserves the historic 1793 structure and interprets the life of Mary Young Pickersgill, a 19th century female entrepreneur and the craftswoman of the flag which flew over Fort McHenry and inspired the National Anthem. Baltimore’s African American Festival, AFRAM, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, and is one of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast. Hosted in Baltimore City’s Druid Hill Park, this 745-acre urban oasis draws crowds of over 150,000 each day of the festival.
Baltimore highlights its iconic harbor in 2026 when the Sail250® Maryland & Air Show takes over next summer during the nation’s 250th birthday. This week-long event will transform the Inner Harbor and its surrounding areas into a breathtaking showcase of maritime and aviation wonders. The festival is free to attend and will feature international tall ships, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, and an airshow by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Additionally, the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament will return to Baltimore at the end of February and will continue annually through 2029. This premier collegiate basketball event will highlight the city, providing visitors with a unique destination experience.
Why go to Barbados in 2026? It’s booming, big time, and visitors who want to experience it before the masses get wise to the island’s charm will want to visit now. Barbados is on the rise, with new hospitality investments totaling $1.7 billion investment projected to add 1,493 rooms and 3,550 jobs by 2026.
Among the investments, the new Royalton CHIC Barbados, an all-inclusive, adults-only resort from Blue Diamond Resorts, will welcome visitors in Barbados in 2026. The resort, which is part of the Autograph Collection, is set to open in early 2026. This is Blue Diamond’s first resort in Barbados, expanding their portfolio of properties across the Caribbean. The luxury boutique brand Pendry is opening its first Caribbean resort in Barbados in 2026. The hotel will be an 80-room retreat with a marina, restaurants, a spa, and a residential component. It will be a rebrand of the former Port Ferdinand residential resort.
Chattanooga, was named North America’s first and only National Park City, will begin a multi-million-dollar riverfront revitalization beginning in 2026. The redesign will include immersive green spaces, a cafe on the pier, play areas for children and flexible gathering zones. In 2026, the historic Walnut Street Bridge, which opened in 1890 and connects the north shore to downtown, will reopen after an 18-month restoration. Touted as one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges, the architectural marvel will receive a new coat of signature blue paint, structural and electrical upgrades, new decking and state-of-the-art LED lighting.
The Chattanooga Lookouts, the minor league team that feeds into the Cincinnati Reds, will move into its brand-new stadium at the start of next season. Erlanger Park is replacing the long-standing AT&T Field on Hawk Hill where the team has played for the last few decades. The new ballpark will feature a historic building restoration, including a 1936 pattern shop, a spacious climate-controlled event venue, a focus of culinary arts and game day experiences. Opening Day is April 14, 2026, against the Montgomery Biscuits.
In addition, Chattanooga is actively enhancing its sports infrastructure to attract larger regional and national tournaments. In addition to hosting such time-honored events, such as the Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon and Head of The Hooch, one of the premier rowing regattas, the city will welcome the TSSAA tennis championships next year.
Big events make Chile a magnet for travelers in 2026. Valdivia will become the first city in Chile to host a full-distance IRONMAN triathlon in November. Chile welcomes the legendary Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar in February at the iconic Quinta Vergara amphitheater. International stars will perform in front of thousands of fans known as the notorious “monstruo” audience. A few weeks later, Lollapalooza Chile will set Santiago ablaze with a three-day showcase of global pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic talent at Parque O’Higgins from March 13 to 15.
DGTL Santiago will be held on May 9 at Espacio Riesco. This acclaimed electronic music festival promises to immerse attendees in the latest techno beats, vibrant visual art, and immersive stage experiences—if the 2026 edition is anything like its successful predecessors. For those visiting during winter, the Winter Carnival and Fireworks in Punta Arenas will brighten up Patagonia with vibrant festivities, dazzling fireworks, and family-friendly activities on July 21 and 22 (don’t forget Chile is in the Southern Hemisphere!).
The region is getting a glow up! After a $264 million revamp, the Duke Energy Convention Center will reopen in January 2026. It features a striking design, new outdoor park space, energy-efficient systems and a rooftop terrace. Margaritaville Resort, Newport, Kentucky also opens in 2026. This $134 million resort located on the Newport riverfront will become a new hub for leisure and convention travel.
Spanning over 30 city blocks and on the banks of both sides of the Ohio River, BLINK returns October 8-11 (the festival happens every other year) and is the largest light and art festival. Home to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Black Music Walk of Fame, Cincinnati is also welcoming the new opera Lalovavi, an Afrofuturist adventure set 400 years in the future, is scheduled to premiere summer 2026 adding a bold and creative element to the city’s diverse cultural experiences.
Kentucky Barrels Arena Football will welcome a new professional arena football team, the Kentucky Barrels, that start playing in 2026 at Truist Arena in Highland Heights. As part of the Arena Football One league, the team brings fast-paced sports entertainment and fresh regional pride to the Greater Cincinnati area. Cincinnati Open Campus opens after $260 million transformation, featuring indoor courts, a clubhouse with restaurant and function rooms, fan-friendly amenities, and community programming. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati celebrates its 50th Anniversary (September 2026), marking a golden milestone. This is the largest Oktoberfest in America and is a solid reason to visit next fall.
Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation (The Ozarks, MO)
A significant new fly-fishing gallery from the American Museum of Fly Fishing will open inside Wonders of Wildlife in 2026. The expertly curated and designed gallery tells fly-fishing’s greatest stories, including its journey to become one of the world’s most fascinating and beloved sports. The 2,300 square foot space displays treasures from AMFF’s permanent collection, features historic and contemporary fly tyers and also highlights the evolution of modern fly-fishing film.
As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of our founding, the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum will serve as a destination dupe for the Smithsonian as it houses one of the largest private collections of Native American, Early American and Civil War artifacts. Among the many treasures are a lock of George Washington’s hair, Sitting Bull’s War Vest and a flag that once cloaked the coffin of Abraham Lincoln. The Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation is a nonprofit organization promoting wildlife conservation to ensure that future generations can experience the beauty of our natural environment.
Just when you thought there were no themes left for a theme park, visitors to Kissimmee are treated to yet another! The new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando, which is set to open in 2026, offering themed accommodations and entertainment. It marks the return of Nickelodeon to Kissimmee after the previous resort closed back in 2016.
And over at Disney World, a new dining plan option rolling out in 2026 is aiming to help families stretch their money by letting kids eat for free. The new offer for those booking stays at Disney Resorts Collection hotels includes complimentary meals for children ages 3 to 9. While it seems like small news, it’s actually big for the families looking to save money without sacrificing experiences in today’s wavering economic climate.
Morven Park, former home and museum of early 20th-century Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis, has partnered with the Town of Leesburg and the Thomas Balch Library to create the “246 Years Project.” This initiative is the first-ever genealogical searchable database of enslaved individuals in America. Utilizing digitized copies of historic records, the project aims to document and honor millions of enslaved people through a free, online, custom-built database.
In 2026, visitors can look forward to new hotels, including the stylish boutique Hotel Burg, Leesburg’s most anticipated boutique hotel. This 39-room property spans three architecturally distinct buildings and is inspired by Ralph Lauren’s classic Americana. Guests can unwind with MICHELIN-starred dining at The Huntōn, sip cocktails in the moody Diana Lounge, or take in panoramic views from the Rooftop Bar.
Loudoun County has formed a partnership with Uruguay, focusing on a shared passion for Tannat, Uruguay’s signature grape, which is being increasingly cultivated in Loudoun. This fall, local wineries will host visiting Uruguayan winemakers during the harvest season, creating a unique collaboration that blends cultures and flavors that will be bottled and ready for travelers visiting in 2026.
2026 is all about new museums and cultural experiences in Louisville. Slated to open on July 4, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Education Center and museum will include interactive galleries leading visitors on a journey that spans the entire American Revolution. SAR is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history.
The Dot Experience at the American Printing House (APH) aims to be the “most accessible museum in the world” and will house the largest repository of Helen Keller archives, provide factory tours to see how braille books are made, and have hands-on opportunities to learn about the history of education people who are visually impaired. Through first-person accounts from people who are blind or have low vision, The Dot Experience will change perspectives about blindness and the human experience.
Opening in 2026, Adventure House of You (AHOY) is a new children’s museum that will transform a Victorian house into an immersive children’s space and include indoor and outdoor play areas. AHOY begins as a portal (or “PORTL”) through a wall of the existing Portland Museum building, taking young visitors through a mysterious tunnel before exploding into the natural light of a glass atrium. The atrium contains a large staircase and an elevator for wheelchair access, physically connecting to the Adventure House of You: A renovated 19th-century farmhouse where local heritage meets surrealism.
It’s rumored Monaco will be the backdrop for much of the newest season of The White Lotus—but travelers should visit in 2026 before all set jetting travelers do! The Monaco Grand Prix in 2026 is scheduled for June 5-7. This marks a change from the traditional May date, as the race will now take place on the first weekend of June. The event will span a long weekend, with activities beginning on Friday, June 5. The change is part of a new, longer-term contract between Formula 1 and the Automobile Club of Monaco, which will keep the race on the calendar until at least 2031. This shift to June aims to enhance the Grand Prix’s visibility and accessibility, aligning with the start of Monaco’s high season.
Following its first major renovation in two decades, Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo is entering a striking new chapter in 2026. While its iconic Belle Époque lobby remains gloriously intact, the hotel has undergone an elegant transformation, reaffirming its place as one of the Riviera’s most refined addresses. A major highlight of the refresh is the debut of the Spa Métropole by Guerlain, a serene, design-forward wellness haven conceived by Samy Itani of the Itani & Courtois agency. On the culinary front, Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac has retained its two Michelin stars and remains a must-visit for elevated Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel’s celebrated Lobby Bar and Japanese restaurant Yoshi (also Michelin-starred) have also reopened, continuing to attract a discerning international crowd.
Monaco will host the start of the 2026 Tour of Spain (Vuelta a España) in August. This follows its role as the final stage host of the 2024 Tour de France, further establishing the Principality’s presence in professional cycling. The first stage of the 2026 Vuelta is expected to explore Monaco’s surrounding hinterland, featuring mountain passes with views of the Mediterranean. While full details have yet to be confirmed, organizers are reportedly planning a time trial for the opening stage.
In 2026, the city budget will allot millions of dollars to connect to Chicago via a passenger train, making it the first time in more than 40 years that trains have rolled into Rockford. That means more visitors from the Windy City will crowd the streets, which will undoubtedly boost the city’s tourism industry, dining scene, shopping, and more. This is the last chance to get ahead of the curve and help visitors see Rockford before everyone starts flocking to it.
Sports fans will also want to flock to Rockford in 2026 for a host of major events including the IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois triathlon on June 14, 2026, and the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage. The city will also host the 2026 USA Ultimate Division I College Championships in late May. In February, Rockford takes the national stage as host of the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic (Feb. 10–11) at the BMO Center. Just weeks later, the arena roars back to life with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire (Mar. 6–8). Spring brings a taste of local flair with the Cinco de Mayo Jeeps & Tacos Fest, while the Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s 2025/26 season continues to fill the city with music through spring.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark is situated along the Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City. This $400 million tourist destination is designed to continue the momentum of economic development in the up-and-coming Horizons District. The OKANA Resort includes a riverfront hotel featuring 11 stories and over 400 rooms, resort day spa, outdoor adventure lagoon, amphitheater, indoor waterpark, over 12 food and bar outlets and retail outlets. Opened in spring 2025.
The new First Americans Museum Landing for Oklahoma River Cruises, which will be the sixth ferry stop on the river when it opens in spring 2026, will extend EMBARK’s ferry service to the First Americans Museum and OKANA Resort & Waterpark while enhancing connectivity to downtown.
The “Live the Code” capital campaign is an initiative to raise $40 million to modernize the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s guest experiences and infrastructure. The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey, set to open Nov. 1, 2025, will be a 360° Cinematic Experience which will transport guests to a place where rich Western history comes alive. Updates have already begun, and the entirety of the project is scheduled to be completed mid-2027.
And in 2026, Oklahoma Contemporary will bring a piece of London to OKC through a landmark partnership with Tate Modern, presenting Anthony McCall: Solid Light and further cementing Oklahoma City’s place on the international arts stage.
One of the coolest reasons to visit San Antonio in 2026 affects any families with members with physical or cognitive disabilities. Morgan’s Wonderland, the only theme park designed for mobility-challenged and neurodivergent guests, is adding a new hotel in 2026. Morgan’s Hotel will be among the first designed with universal accessibility at its core—ideal for families and visitors of all abilities.
The Alamo City will also put the finishing touches on its $550 million Alamo Plan. This ongoing effort to restore dignity and reverence to the sacred historic site includes preserving the 300-year-old church and long barrack, recapturing the original mission site and battlefield footprint and creating a world-class visitor center and museum that tells the full story of the site. Many elements have been unveiled, such as the Mission Gate and Lunette. Plans for the opening of the state-of-the-art Alamo Visitor Center and Museum remain on track for 2027.
The San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum will move into its new home in 2026 at the historic Kress-Grant Building adjacent to the Alamo. The new space will provide ample square footage for event space, exhibits, a research library and a recreated lunch counter that signals a nod to the 1960s sit-ins that took place at the original lunch counter in this very building.
The final touches are being put on the new Monarch San Antonio Hotel. The 200-room, 17-story boutique resort, inspired by the Monarch butterfly migration, is located on the edge of Hemisfair Park.
St. Louis invites visitors to experience the Route 66 100th Anniversary Festival at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park in 2026. This week-long festival will feature a variety of activities, including concerts, car displays, a 6.6-mile bike ride, documentary screenings, and family-friendly events. 2026 is also Forest Park’s 150th Anniversary. This 1,300-acre urban oasis, which is larger than New York City’s Central Park, houses the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Saint Louis Science Center.
Tulsa is set to take center stage in 2026 with the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Officially trademarked as the “Capital of Route 66,” Tulsa boasts 28 consecutive miles of this iconic highway. The city launched a Neon Sign Grant Program, supporting local businesses in restoring and installing vintage-style neon signs that recreate retro roadside charm. The Route 66 Centennial Commission was established by Congress to study and recommend how to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Mother Road. A proposed statewide parade featuring thousands of classic cars to set a Guinness World Record could cost $1 million, but city leaders are evaluating priorities before finalizing plans. Plans for a Route 66 hotel at Riverside Drive are also advancing. In June, The Route 66 Road Fest, presented by AAA, will be a one-of-a-kind celebration giving you the chance to take your own journey through the history, attractions, characters, and fun of one of America’s most enduring treasures. Held annually in June.
In addition to the Route 66 celebrations, 2026 will mark the reopening of the Gilcrease Museum, home to the world’s most significant Native American art collection, and the highly anticipated launch of the OKPOP Museum, dedicated to Oklahoma’s influence on music, film, and pop culture.
Southwest Airlines is set to begin service to Cyril E. King International Airport in early 2026, marking the first time the carrier serves the U.S. Virgin Islands. The destination has some significant new hotels making it more enticing than ever.
The Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas officially opened its doors on August 13, 2025, marking the brand’s debut in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the first newbuild hotel in St. Thomas in decades! The 126-room hotel, located near the Havensight Mall and facing Long Bay, offers amenities such as a pool, bar and lounge, and the brand’s signature complimentary hot breakfast. The Saint is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ newest oasis of adult-only luxury and wellness, nestled just steps from Cruz Bay yet quietly tucked away to feel exclusive. The resort offers elevated dining at Aerial, perched above the pool with sweeping sunset views, plus energizing live performances from fire dancers and a soothing floating sound-bath class.
Opening in summer 2026 on the secluded western tip of St. Thomas, The Botany will be an intimate luxury resort set above the pristine sands of Botany Bay. Designed for discerning travelers seeking privacy and personalization, the property will feature 23 private villas ranging from one to three bedrooms, each blending barefoot luxury with panoramic views of where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. Beyond its refined accommodations, The Botany will offer a tranquil spa, two serene pools, a fine-dining restaurant, a casual beach bar and café, and access to lush hillsides and beaches for hiking and exploration. The resort will also cater to full-property buyouts for weddings, retreats, and milestone gatherings.
Meanwhile, Buoy Haus Beach Resort St. Thomas will soon unveil a new beach club, introducing an elevated oceanfront experience with sweeping views of turquoise waters, Caribbean-inspired cuisine, thoughtfully curated beverages, and a rotating lineup of vibrant programming. The versatile space will also serve as a dynamic private event venue, perfect for distinctive group gatherings and social celebrations.
The Vienna Rainbow Ball on January 25 is one of the most popular and successful ball events in Austria. This event uniquely combines traditional Viennese ball culture with a celebration of sexual and gender diversity, creating a successful concept that resonates beyond Austria’s borders. The event has become a cherished occasion for the LGBTIQ+ community within the classic Viennese ball scene, and it takes place at the Parkhotel Schönbrunn.
In May 2026, the VieVinum International Wine Festival will take over the historic Hofburg Palace. This biennial event, widely regarded as Austria’s largest wine gathering, will feature around 550 exhibitors, including top wine producers, importers, and distributors. The festival highlights Austrian wines, particularly those from the Vienna region, alongside a curated selection of international offerings, making it a must-visit for both wine enthusiasts and casual wine lovers. And in June, “Cavalluna – Gateway to the Otherworld,” Europe’s largest horse show, takes place at the Vienna Stadthalle. The show weaves a magical tale about Meerin, a young seer on a fantastical journey of self-discovery and heroic adventure, blending equestrian artistry with theatrical storytelling.
