As the United States gears up to commemorate its 250th anniversary in 2026, Brand USA, the nation’s official destination marketing organization, is inviting travelers from around the world to rediscover the magic of America. From milestone cultural celebrations and luxury hotel openings to expanded flight routes and thrilling new attractions, the coming year promises countless reasons to explore every region of the U.S.
A Landmark Year for American Travel
Spanning coast to coast, 2026 will see a wave of exciting developments that showcase the country’s creativity, diversity, and spirit of innovation. Whether you’re drawn by its iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, or natural wonders, every corner of the U.S. offers something new to experience.
SOUTH: A Revival of Culture, Music, and Flavor
In Tennessee, Dollywood will debut NightFlight Expedition, the world’s first indoor hybrid roller coaster and whitewater raft ride, taking families on a thrilling nocturnal journey through the Smoky Mountains.
Florida’s booming hotel scene welcomes Pendry Tampa, a five-star sanctuary on the downtown Riverwalk featuring 220 luxury rooms, three signature restaurants, and a rooftop pool.
Over in Louisiana, the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu reopens in early 2026 with immersive exhibits celebrating Southwest Louisiana’s carnival traditions, while Fort Myers marks its full recovery post-Hurricane Ian, welcoming visitors back to Sanibel and Captiva Islands with refreshed beaches and vibrant new attractions.
Austin City Limits turns 50, celebrating its musical legacy with a lineup of special performances, and Universal Kids Resort opens in Frisco, Texas, as the world’s first Universal theme park designed just for young children.
Meanwhile, new air routes make travel easier than ever: Aer Lingus connects Dublin to Raleigh-Durham, Air Canada links Toronto to San Antonio, and American Airlines adds new flights from Europe to Miami and Dallas-Fort Worth.
WEST: New Icons and Immersive Experiences
Out West, the landscape is alive with world-class openings. Universal Studios Hollywood will launch Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-speed outdoor coaster featuring 360-degree rotating cars. In Montana, the luxurious One&Only Moonlight Basin opens for the 2025–26 ski season, while Santa Cruz’s La Bahia Hotel + Spa debuts as the city’s first oceanfront luxury property.
San Diego will host its first-ever NASCAR Weekend at Naval Base Coronado, celebrating both the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary and the first race ever held on a military base. Nearby, OCVIBE, a $4 billion entertainment district anchored by the Honda Center, opens its first phase in Anaheim.
Cultural enthusiasts can look forward to Los Angeles’s Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and LACMA’s new David Geffen Galleries, while San Francisco gears up to host Super Bowl LX and several FIFA World Cup matches.
Air access expands too, with China Airlines launching direct flights from Taipei to Phoenix, and KLM expanding Salt Lake City–Amsterdam service.
MIDWEST: A Heartland Reimagined
The Midwest celebrates the American spirit through connectivity, culture, and community. British Airways introduces the first London–St. Louis flight in over two decades, while Air Canada launches new routes to Cleveland and Columbus.
Indianapolis unveils The Trailways, a $150 million expansion of its trail network with digital maps and illuminated “glow trails,” while Amtrak adds an extra Missouri River Runner train to accommodate World Cup visitors.
In Illinois, the new Byway Discovery Center opens along the Great River Road, offering interactive exhibits celebrating the region’s nature and heritage. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s Oneida Nation opens a new $15 million museum, expanding cultural and community engagement spaces.
NORTHEAST: Where History Meets Innovation
The Northeast leads the charge in America’s 250th celebrations, anchored in Washington, D.C., where citywide events, exhibitions, and performances will reflect the nation’s evolution from 1776 to today. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum unveils seven new galleries for its 50th anniversary, while the National Archives continues to display America’s founding documents.
Travelers can ride Amtrak’s new NextGen Acela, connecting Boston, New York, and D.C. with premium comfort and speed. The Harlem Globetrotters also celebrate their 100th anniversary with a global tour, while Sesame Place Philadelphia becomes the first U.S. theme park to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, enhancing inclusivity.
Newark Airport expands with new routes from Glasgow, Seoul, and Bilbao, reinforcing the region’s global connectivity.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST: Accessible, Scenic, and Sustainable
Seattle’s revitalized waterfront now features public art, outdoor concerts, and panoramic mountain views, while Oregon becomes the first U.S. state certified as Accessibility Verified by Wheel the World, setting a new benchmark for inclusive tourism.
In Idaho, the Harriman, a Viceroy Resort, opens in Sun Valley, offering 73 luxury rooms, a thermal pool, and a rooftop observatory under the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve.
New international routes from Europe to Seattle, including Rome, Barcelona, and London, further strengthen the Pacific Northwest’s appeal.
BEYOND THE MAINLAND: Island Adventures Await
In Puerto Rico, the Claro Space Dome by Toroverde debuts as Latin America’s first 360° immersive projection dome, blending art, science, and technology. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, Experience Kilohana introduces the “Aloha Pass,” giving travelers exclusive access to locally owned tours and authentic Hawaiian experiences that support community-based tourism.
