10 Best Historical Sites in the U.S.A

Canon in a field
Historical sites are popular destinations for educational travel. The U.S. has many amazing historical destinations that are ideal for student travel. Here are the top 10 locations for your next historical school trip.


Washington, D.C.
As the capital of the U.S., Washington, D.C. is the top locale for a historical trip. You can easily create a full itinerary of educational and historical events. Some of these sites include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Smithsonian plus so many more.

Williamsburg.
Commonly known as colonial Williamsburg, this location's history goes back to the beginning of the country. A visit to Williamsburg will allow students to experience and understand the Revolutionary War, unlike any other destination.

Charleston.
Founded in 1663, Charleston's long history provides many educational opportunities for school trips. The most significant event was the beginning of the Civil War at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.

Philadelphia.
The largest U.S. city in 1800, Philadelphia is home to Independence Hall - the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Valley Forge National Historical Park and Independence Seaport Museum are among the many historical attractions in Philadelphia.

Boston.
It's virtually impossible to make it through the educational system in the U.S. without learning about the Boston Tea Party, but that's not the only historical lesson that Boston has to offer. Check out the Boston Public Library, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Massachusetts Historical Society. These will just get you started on all of the sites available to visit in and near Boston.

New Orleans.
New Orleans has an incredibly diverse history with both French and Spanish roots prior to it becoming a U.S. territory in the Louisiana Purchase. A visit to this locale will be just as entertaining as it is educational.

Yellowstone National Park.
For a history lesson that goes back further to the founding of the U.S., take your student travel group to Yellowstone. Its 11,000-year history will provide a plethora of interesting material to make your school trip educational and fun.

San Francisco.
HS students are bound to find Alcatraz an interesting historical destination. They'll also enjoy sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, a U.S. mint, and the famous San Francisco cable cars.

Honolulu, HI.

The site of one of the most significant events in U.S. history, the U.S.S. Arizona will be a significant educational experience that students will not easily forget.

Gettysburg, PA.
The site of one of the most famous speeches in history, a visit to Gettysburg will allow you to explore the Gettysburg National Battlefield and National Military Park.

On any historical trip, you'll be accustomed to taking tours and visiting museums, but don't forget to look for unconventional ways to experience history. Destinations may offer plays or concerts or even chances to role-play parts of history. These opportunities will make your school trip an unforgettable experience that goes beyond a simple history lesson.