10 of the Best Travel Destinations in the United States for History Buffs

Some of the most visited cities and locations in the United States also have some of the most history to discover. While some visitors are delighted to learn more about the region by stumbling upon historic sites and landmarks, this article is dedicated to those of you who are self-proclaimed history buffs. You know who you are! If you stop and read all of the informational plaques around town, and you’re more interested in what guided tours you’ll be going on than what restaurants you have reservations for, this guide was made with you in mind.

St. Augustine, FL

Located on Florida’s Historic Coast, St. Augustine is known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States with European origins. Predating Jamestown colony and Plymouth Rock, this city has not forgotten its Spanish settlers by any means, and visitors today can walk its cobblestone streets to learn more about its past.

An easy drive from Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, and even Orlando, St. Augustine makes for a great day trip, weekend getaway, and week-long stay. The unique blend of old and new makes it a great travel destination for all types of travelers. From the beautiful beaches to delicious dining experiences, and to other fun activities your whole group will love, St. Augustine has a way of transporting visitors back in time and learn about the region’s past.

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Williamsburg, VA

You might’ve heard of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, a connection between Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. This region is a must on many history buff’s vacation bucket lists, but if you only have time to explore one of these towns or historic sites, we’d recommend Williamsburg. Of course, if you have a car during your stay, make it a point to visit Jamestown’s fort and the charming town of Yorktown.

Williamsburg, Virginia, is unique in the fact that it is home to the largest living museum in the world. Travel back in time to Colonial Williamsburg where you get to wander freely, visit restored 18^th-century buildings, and meet costumed interpreters along the way. A fun way for families to learn about the Colonial Capital throughout the year, the beauty of the region is enhanced with every season, especially in fall colors and holiday light displays.

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Philadelphia, PA

Known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia is also frequently called, “The Birthplace of America.” This city was the country’s first capital before Washington D.C., and it’s where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. And if you think that’s all the history that Philadelphia holds, you’d be very mistaken. Philly is one of those cities (similar to the other locations mentioned on this list) that has history around every corner. To fully explore the historic sites alone, you’ll definitely need more time than a weekend getaway.

Philadelphia’s location between New York City and Washington D.C. allows for easy travel whether it’s by plane, car, or even train. It’s also an extremely walkable city, so you’ll definitely need to bring along those sneakers—especially if you’re planning on retracing Rocky’s steps up the Philadelphia Museum of Art! You’ll have a wide array of museums and historic sites to discover, but don’t forget to grab an iconic cheesesteak before you leave!

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Boston, MA

Where American history is found behind every corner, and the skyline is a combination of charming, historic buildings and sleek, modern skyscrapers, Boston, Massachusetts, is a vacation destination that allows visitors to explore at their own pace and soak in the fascinating blend between the old and new. The city doesn’t cater to just one type of traveler, as Boston truly has something for everyone throughout the year. Sports fans will also love touring a stadium or visiting a sports museum.

This city is also extremely walkable, and we’d recommend exploring by foot, bike, and trolley tour before seeing the sights by car. Of course, Boston does make a great starting point for day trips to nearby locations, so having a car is handy in those cases, but overall, it is unnecessary when just visiting the city itself. Guided tours are a great way to see the sights and gain background knowledge as you go, but it’s also just as fun to explore on your own!

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New Orleans, LA

A travel destination like no other, there are plenty of reasons that visitors from all over the globe travel to New Orleans, and the history of the city and region is only one of them. The Big Easy is so distinctly itself, which is kind of funny since the city has been a melting pot of customs and architectural styles throughout history that ultimately produced what we know and love today.

There, the soul of the city speaks volumes, and visitors can learn more about the local music and cuisine alongside historic events and being able to walk through the streets and districts full of history like the Garden District and French Quarter.

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Savannah, GA

About an hour’s drive from Hilton Head Island, this beautiful travel destination makes a great day trip but is also worth an extended weekend getaway and longer. For Palmera Vacation Members, it’s easy to take an afternoon or a day out of your time on the island to visit Savannah, but it’s also easy to book an entire trip to the Hostess City with your access to Quest Travel Club. Exploring Savannah just fits another few pieces into the puzzle when trying to get the full story of the greater Lowcountry region, from General James Oglethorpe’s landing to the Golden Age of Piracy, and more!

Savannah is the United States’ first planned city, and you’ll be able to see most of the city’s original layout as you walk through the squares that were meant as meeting places and for business. The city’s focus on preserving its history by maintaining its architecture, ironwork, and squares is evident, and you’ll feel as though you’ve gone back in time walking the cobblestone streets and climbing the historic—and very steep—“Stone Stairs of Death”. Don’t worry, they’re not that bad, but just hold on to the railing as you go!

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Charleston, SC

 A city that has as much charm as it has cobblestones, shutters, and window boxes, Charleston, South Carolina, welcomes visitors looking for delicious cuisine, strong culture, and a chance to enjoy a relaxed, Lowcountry way of life. It also has as much history as well! Charleston feels like you’re walking through a living museum, without it actually being a living museum, so while you’ll be able to tour the city by boat, carriage, or by foot, you’ll also get to appreciate Charleston’s ability to constantly keep the dining, shopping, and entertainment scene fresh.

Another walkable city, feel free to explore Charleston as fast or slow as you’d like. Staying as close as you can to the French Quarter will get to the heart of the historic city, but there are other surrounding areas that’ll get you close enough for an easy drive to the downtown that will also save you money, like Mount Pleasant. Another advantage to staying away from downtown is that you’ll be closer to historic plantations and other sites like Fort Sumter. Charleston, like Savannah, is worth its own trip, but if you have time to squeeze in a day trip during your stay on Hilton Head Island, we’d highly recommend you do so!

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Key West, FL

Known for mouthwatering Key Lime Pie, an unbeatable sunset, and charming Bahamian architecture that delights around every corner, you’re sure to love your time in the Conch Republic whether you’ve planned to stay an entire week or more, or can enjoy the island city for a day as a stop on a Caribbean cruise. Families, couples, and history buffs alike will enjoy the laid-back attitude of Key West, Florida, a destination with some pretty unexpected history.

Wherever there is a place with history sites around every corner, Old Town Trolley Tours is ready to take you for a spin. Key West is a great spot to opt in for a tour—trolley or not—so that you can get organized and use your time in the best way that you can. While it’s a relatively small area, there’s a ton of things to do and sights to see! From learning about its founding, to finding out all about the beginnings of the Conch Republic, and of course, learning about all of the famous authors who’ve found inspiration in this gorgeous island escape.

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Galveston, TX

Mostly seen as a family-friendly beach destination and popular port for cruise ships setting sail for Mexico and the Caribbean, Galveston may not seem like a haven for history buffs. But isn’t that the best part for travelers interested in history? Sure, we all have destinations and certain historic sites that we know a lot about that we’d like to visit one day, but discovering an entirely new place and being surprised by the history in real-time is always a great experience.

This coastal paradise has a very interesting history, and the island’s past may be surprising for newcomers. Did you know that Galveston was the second richest city per capita in the United States? Often called the Wall Street of the South, the island attracted wealthy merchants and was also a major immigration port. The Galveston Historical Foundation made it their mission to preserve the local historic buildings in 1957, so you’ll be able to see a collection of Victorian architecture. Visitors can also learn about its past with pirates, how it became the birthplace of Juneteenth and the Great Storm of 1900.

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Hot Springs, AR

Once known as the “Valley of the Vapors” by Native Americans who made their way to the area to take advantage of the thermal waters’ healing properties, Hot Springs, Arkansas, has seen many people gathering from near and far to enjoy the thermal spring waters ever since. An interesting history in itself, the development of the bustling town that became known as the “American Spa” is now documented and can be seen on Bathhouse Row, a collection of bathhouses within Hot Springs National Park.

And while the thermal waters have a full history themselves, visitors are often surprised to learn about Hot Springs’ history of being a hotbed for gangsters. All of the big names in the mob were known to flock to Hot Springs for their casinos. This travel destination will keep surprising you as you explore it and uncover pieces of its storied past as you go, that’s for sure!

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