Best U.S. Historical Places to Visit with Kids or Grandkids

The U.S. has many historical vacation destinations to choose from, and these east coast favor-ites will leave a lasting impression on your family for years to come. Starting from the North East and venturing into the Mid-Atlantic region, we’ve rounded up five of the top family-friendly, history-rich destinations in the U.S. for you to consider.

Plymouth, MA

A top choice for history buffs, America’s Hometown of Plymouth, MA, is a 45-minute drive south of Boston. Best known for Plymouth Rock, the landing place of the Pilgrims in 1620, this quaint coastal town has plenty of family-friendly attractions making it a top choice when traveling with kids.

Bonus: Cape Cod is only a 15-minute drive away, where you can take a ferry to the ever famous Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. 

Must-see historical landmarks: Plimoth Plantation 17th Century Village, National Monument to the Forefathers, and of course Plymouth Rock (Pilgrim Memorial State Park)

Also read: Top 6 Things to Do at the Grand Canyon with Kids

Philadelphia, PA

Rooted in rich historical heritage, Philadelphia hosts millions of visitors each year and is undoubt-edly one of the most important historical cities in the U.S. Independence Hall, the birthplace of a once new republic, is a primary historical attraction. But the city’s lively spirit of all things Americana invites tourists to explore beyond its notable landmarks.

Must-see historical landmarks: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, National Constitution Center, Museum of the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin Museum, and the Betsy Ross House

Also read: 10 Most Awesome Hotels with Indoor Pools

Gettysburg, PA

About a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, Gettysburg is the most visited American Civil War site. This history-focused destination holds an essential significance in U.S. history, and visitors get a glimpse into the three-day battle and where Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address in 1863. For live battleground reenactments, visit during the first week of July. 

Must-see historical landmarks: Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg National Military Park, Ei-senhower National Historic Site, and the Jennie Wade House

Also read: Best 4th of July Events Worth Traveling to See

Washington, D.C.

Landmark and museum-filled, the Nation’s Capital is a historical hub that hosts repeat visitors who know there’s always more to see and do. A family and budget-friendly highlight: The Smithsonian Institution consortium of museums is the largest of its kind in the world, and is free. With so many easily accessible sightseeing opportunities, the District remains at the top of the list of best places to travel with kids—especially when aiming to see as many historical places as possible in one city. In Springtime, walk around the Tidal Basin for the National Cherry Blossom festival—all while strolling past memorial sculptures of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Franklin D. Roosevelt and more. 

Must-see historical landmarks: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, The Declaration of Independence and the White House

Williamsburg, VA

Less than three hours by car from Washington, DC, Williamsburg, VA was founded in 1632 and was Virginia’s political epicenter into the American Revolution. Kid-friendly and family-centric, Co-lonial Williamsburg is a historical gateway into early Colonial American life. You’ll also want to consider visiting Historic Jamestowne, the first permanent English settlement in North America, 15 minutes away. 

Must-see historical landmarks: Williamsburg Historic District (Colonial Williamsburg), Jamestown Colony, Governor’s Palace, and Bassett Hall

Also read: Top 11 Famous Landmarks Americans Want to Visit