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Celebrating America's 250th Birthday This 4th of July
The United States of America turns 250 this 4th of July and its time to celebrate! With the nation’s milestone birthday looming, I found myself wondering where to go to make the most of this once in a lifetime celebration. Every major city, suburb and small town will be having some sort of blow out celebration to mark this special anniversary, so deciding which one to attend proved to be a difficult challenge. Armed with a map, a pen and a deep love of history, I set out to find the perfect place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
When researching the best places to celebrate the 4th of July I had two main objectives in mind. First, I wanted to find a place that felt quintessentially American. Second, I wanted to find a location that was steeped in history. Unsurprisingly, the historical places I sought had deep connections to America’s role in WWII. As the war wasn’t fought on American soil, with a few exceptions, I feared finding a place within the contiguous United States would be difficult. Thankfully, I was wrong.
Keep reading to discover some of the best WWII-related towns and sites to visit this 4th of July.
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Why WWII Sites Make the Perfect 4th of July Destination
The Americans who lived and served through the Second World War are often described as the “Greatest Generation.” They came of age during a time when America was at one of her lowest points. They scraped by throughout the Great Depression picking up invaluable skillsets including hard work, self-reliance and determination. They served their nation, both at home and abroad, as she fought through the bloodiest conflict the world had ever seen. They stood up to tyranny and oppression. They refused to allow the world to fall to evil. They hoisted the “Stars and Stripes” from Germany to Iwo Jima as a symbol of America’s commitment to preserving freedom throughout the world.
They were not perfect. Civil rights and women’s equality issues raged at home. Soldiers returning from combat often returned with undiagnosed PTSD and other traumas both physical and emotional. While some in recent years have begun to argue the legitimacy of the term “Greatest Generation,” the description still rings true to me. The men and women who lived through the war years continue to represent an American ideal which I believe we should continue to strive towards. I can think of no better way to celebrate the 4th of July than by visiting one of the places in the nation most closely tied to WWII and the generation of patriots who helped define what it means to be truly American.
Planning a WWII-Themed 4th of July Trip
Once you have decided to incorporate a WWII site or city into your 4th of July travels, it can be difficult to decide where to start. The conflict touched every corner of the nation in one way or another. Former training grounds, museums and various historical markers dot the countryside. In short, WWII sites are everywhere.
Below I have compiled a list of sites across the U.S. which offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the 4th of July at a place with a strong connection to WWII. I have included information about the 250th anniversary celebration at each of these sites, but keep in mind that each one of these options offers yearly 4th of July festivities and can be visited for America’s 251st birthday and countless birthdays to come.
Best WWII Museums to Celebrate the 4th of July
Visiting a WWII museum for the 4th of July can be a great option for many reasons. First, museums are typically open during the day. This means you do not need to wait until the evening to start celebrating. This is especially helpful for families with small children who may not be able to stay awake through fireworks. Second, museums are often indoors (and air conditioned) and serve as a great place to escape the early-July heat. Finally, museums are great to incorporate into other plans. Already have a place in mind where you want to view the 4th of July evening fireworks? Visit the WWII museum during the day and you can still have time for your evening plans.
Check out the best WWII museums to visit on the 4th of July below.
If you are interested in a more detailed travel planning tool, check out my travel guides. Each guide includes information about sites, lodging, transportation, sample itineraries and much more. Click here to get your travel guide.
The USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval Museum - Mt. Pleasant, SC
The USS Yorktown is one of the most highly-decorated aircraft carriers to have served in WWII. She participated in campaigns across the Pacific Theater from the Marshall and Gilbert Islands to Okinawa and several more in between. Following years of service, she was moored in Charleston Harbor and transformed into a museum ship in 1975. She has been welcoming visitors to her decks ever since.
This 4th of July the Patriots Point Naval Museum will be opening up the flight deck of the USS Yorktown to visitors seeking to celebrate the nation’s birthday with a uniquely WWII backdrop. Following an evening of live music, food and family-centered activities, the night sky over Charleston Harbor will glow with a special fireworks display, all of which can be seen from the deck of the Yorktown. The experience is sure to be a truly moving celebration of America.
Looking for to plan a visit to the USS Yorktown? Check out The USS Yorktown: A Visit to Patriots Point
Details:
Event Hours – 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location – Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
More Information – 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
National WWII Museum - New Orleans, LA
If you only visit one WWII museum in the United States, it should be the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. This sprawling museum covers every theater of war and includes countless authentic weapons, vehicles, aircraft and other WWII artifacts. The museum campus offers themed dining options as well as a 1940s themed hotel.
Due to the museum’s ongoing commitment to top-tier storytelling and immersion, it is no surprise that it is going all out for America’s 250th 4th of July celebration. Activities include a performance by the Victory Belles, themed food and drink specials at onsite restaurants and a special firework viewing at Rosie’s on the Roof at the Higgins Hotel.
For more information on a trip to the museum, check out my posts: Visiting the National WWII Museum and The Higgins Hotel New Orleans.
Details:
Event Hours – 9:00am – 5:00pm (museum hours) 3:00pm – 10:00pm (Rosie’s on the Roof fireworks viewing)
Location – National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
More Information – America at 250: Fourth of July at the Museum
USS Midway Museum - San Diego, CA
Named for the iconic battle which became known as the turning point in the Pacific War, the USS Midway wasn’t ready to set off to sea until 8 days after the end of WWII. Nevertheless, this aircraft carrier represents the might of American industrial power which helped the Allies win the war. Today, the Midway serves as a museum ship where it invites guests aboard to learn about the role of these mighty ships in the U.S. military.
The USS Midway will be celebrating the 4th of July with an all-star lineup of rock stars. Former members of Journey, Boston, Santana, Steppenwolf and Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to perform at the adjacent Burnham Navy Pier. Visitors to the event will also get to experience special food and drinks as well as a nighttime fireworks show.
Details:
Event Hours – 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Location – USS Midway Museum, 910 N Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101
More Information – World Class Rockers: America’s 250th Anniversary Benefit Concert
National Museum of the Pacific War - Fredericksburg, TX
The National Museum of the Pacific War was opened in Fredericksburg, TX to honor the hometown of U.S. Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. This museum helps bring the Pacific Theater to life through aircraft, vehicles, personal effects and informative exhibits.
4th of July festivities kick off in Fredericksburg with a special Independence Day parade. The museum itself will open up its Memorial Courtyard where visitors can play games, listen to live music and participate in a themed scavenger hunt. Museum volunteers will be on site to allow visitors to get up close to authentic WWII artifacts, providing a unique opportunity for any history buff.
For more information on a visit to the museum check out Inside the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Details:
Event Hours – 11:30am – 4:00pm
Location – National Museum of the Pacific War, 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
More Information – 4th of July Celebration
Best WWII Cities to Celebrate the 4th of July
There are certain U.S. cities whose ties to WWII transcend a simple museum or ship. These cities contain multiple points of interest related to America’s role in the war and can keep a history-driven traveler busy for days. Below I have included a handful of these cities. These destinations all combine a collection of WWII sites with can’t-miss 4th of July celebrations.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington’s ties to the Second World War are so strong that the city was selected as the first official American World War II Heritage City following the program’s introduction in 2020. The cities shipbuilding industry set to work even before the United States officially entered the war by providing supplies to Great Britain. The city maintained its status as a shipbuilding hub throughout the war. Wilmington serves as a great example of the power of American industry and the advantage it provided the Allies during the war.
Top WWII Sites to Visit:
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Where to Celebrate the 4th of July:
Visit the Hannah Block Historic USO for 1940s era costumes and a swinging dance party.
Listen to the North Carolina Symphony perform “Stars & Stripes.”
Watch a special 250th fireworks display from Riverfront Park.
Learn more about the American WWII Heritage Cities program by checking out my Visitor’s Guide.
New York, NY
New York City is undeniably America’s most famous city. It is sprawling, fast, and iconic. These descriptors also applied to NYC throughout the war years. The city transformed itself into the ultimate embarkation point for millions of service members heading overseas. For many, the skyline of New York was the last piece of America they ever saw. The city celebrates its role in the Second World War with several worthwhile museums and memorials.
Top WWII Sites to Visit:
East Coast Memorial
Where to Celebrate the 4th of July:
Sail 4th 250
Blue Angels Air Show
Times Square Ball Drop
Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Show
Washington D.C.
As the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. served as the epicenter for American involvement in WWII. It was home to the top decision-makers on U.S. soil, including President Roosevelt. It was the nation’s brain center for military and civilian efforts. As such, the city saw an influx in personnel during the war years as key roles in everything from defense to intelligence needed to be filled. Unsurprisingly, Washington D.C. is home to many must-see WWII sites including the nation’s national WWII memorial.
Top WWII Sites to Visit:
National WWII Memorial
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Where to Celebrate the 4th of July:
National Independence Day Parade
A Capitol Fourth Concert
Salute to America Fireworks Spectacular
Final Thoughts
WWII represents an important period in America’s history. Because of this, choosing a WWII site to celebrate Independence Day makes perfect sense. Amidst the heavy losses, struggles for equality and personal sacrifices, it was a time when many Americans represented the best version of the nation. It showed us how a country could rally together in the name of freedom in order to ensure the world became a better place. As we come together once again to celebrate America’s milestone birthday this 4th of July, let us remember the ideals of the “Greatest Generation.” Let us continue to fight for equality, freedom and the ability for every man, woman and child to live the life of their wildest dreams.
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