A Year Worth Traveling For: America’s Big Celebrations & Milestone Anniversaries in 2026

A Year Worth Traveling For: America’s Big Celebrations & Milestone Anniversaries in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most celebration-packed travel years in modern history. From coast to coast, the United States will mark landmark anniversaries tied to history, culture, hospitality, and travel itself—making this an ideal year for meaningful trips, nostalgia travel, and once-in-a-generation experiences.

At the heart of it all is America’s 250th anniversary, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But the national spotlight doesn’t stop there. Cities, historic routes, iconic hotels, festivals, and cruise lines are all celebrating major milestones of their own in 2026.

Here’s a curated look at the destinations and experiences making 2026 a must-travel year.

Route 66: 100 Years of the Mother Road

One of America’s most legendary highways reaches a monumental milestone in 2026—the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66.

Stretching roughly 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica and crossing eight states, Route 66 is the ultimate symbol of classic Americana. Celebrations will unfold all year long, including:

Springfield, Missouri, the birthplace of Route 66, hosting festivals and parades capped by the iconic Telegraph Ball

Tulsa, Oklahoma, aiming to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD with its Capital Cruise Classic Car Centennial Parade

Amarillo, Texas, celebrating with Cadillac Ranch and marking the 140th anniversary of the State Fair of Texas

Santa Monica, California, honoring both Route 66’s centennial and the city’s 150th anniversary, featuring exhibits like “Our Pier: Moments from a Century”

Finger Lakes, New York: Culture Meets Celebration

New York’s Finger Lakes region shines in 2026 with several cultural milestones:

The Rockwell Museum celebrates 50 years

The Corning Museum of Glass marks its 75th anniversary

Corning Incorporated reaches an impressive 175 years

It’s a perfect blend of art, innovation, and scenic beauty.

Las Vegas: Iconic Milestones on the Strip

Las Vegas proves it’s not just flashy—it’s historic.

The Flamingo Las Vegas, the oldest continuously operating hotel on the Strip, celebrates 80 years

Caesars Palace turns 60

Golden Gate Hotel & Casino marks 120 years

The city also honors Elvis Presley’s 1956 debut and Binion’s Horseshoe’s 75th anniversary

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: America at 250

As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia takes center stage in 2026 with year-long celebrations honoring history, culture, and pop culture:

50th anniversaries for the Rocky film, Valley Forge Historical Park, and Please Touch Museum

Special access to Memorial Hall, built for the 1876 Centennial World’s Fair

More Cities Worth Celebrating

Richmond, Virginia celebrates Maymont’s 100 years, Richmond Raceway’s 80th, and the Black History Museum & Cultural Center’s 40th anniversary

Columbus, Ohio marks 150 years of its beloved North Market, a hub of food and community

Historic Hotels Reaching Milestone Moments

Travelers can stay where history happened:

InterContinental New York Barclay celebrates 100 years with a decade-themed guest experience

The Boca Raton marks its centennial with immersive resort programming

Mohonk Mountain House celebrates 50 years of its famous Murder Mystery weekends

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa and Fairmont Breakers Long Beach both turn 100

Festivals Worth the Trip

National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan celebrates its 100th year

Jamboozie Festival in Laredo, Texas marks 25 vibrant years of music and culture

Cruise Lines Marking Major Anniversaries

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises celebrates 50 years of luxury river cruising

Aurora Expeditions marks 35 years of adventure travel with special expeditions and offer

Why 2026 Is the Perfect Year to Travel

Anniversary years bring:

Limited-time events

Exclusive experiences

Enhanced celebrations

A deeper emotional connection to destinations

If you’ve ever wanted to combine travel with history, storytelling, and celebration, 2026 is your year.