Here are the 5 Best Historic Destinations to Visit This Year

While new, fresh cities offer the excitement of constant new environments and changes, I’ve found that I lean towards cities with some history – a story. Sometimes it’s nice to simply escape the hustle and bustle of the ever-changing cities and go back in time to discovery the history of an area. So, we’ve compiled this list of the 5 best historic destinations we think you should visit this year.

Charleston, SC

Charleston is one of my personal favorites on our list of the best historic destinations. I’ve always been fascinated with the history and preservation of Charleston. The area is the perfect mix of modern amenities with respect to the history of the area. Charleston has so much to offer you if you’re looking to visit. From the beautiful sandy beaches to the beautifully preserved historic districts, there’s something for everyone.

When visiting Charleston, some of my favorite memories have been as simple as exploring the area. While there’s a ton of activities available for your enjoyment, I’ve found that walking through the streets has offered the most enjoyment. I love coming across the different houses, shopping districts, and parks throughout the city.

If you’re looking for some things to do while visiting Charleston, SC, here’s what it has to offer.

• Stroll through Rainbow Row
• Visit the Fort Sumter National Monument
• Experience the History City Market
• Explore the Naval & Maritime Museum
• Visit the Morris Island Lighthouse
• Explore the USS Yorktown CV-10
• Explore Broad Street & Shopping

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Saint Augustine, FL

Much like Charleston, Saint Augustine has such a vast history surrounding the city. While Saint Augustine, FL certainly doesn’t have the credentials of larger cities like Boston and Princeton, I definitely think it’s worth the visit. The small city has an array of different activities year-round. From Christmas festivities to ghost tours on a warm summer evening to a walk around the historic streets, there’s something unique to find all over the town. Saint Augustine is one of the top places on our list of the best historic destinations for the variety of activities it offers.

While visiting St. Augustine, FL, here are some of the ways you can engrain yourself in the area.

• Explore the Historic St Augustine Lighthouse
• Visit the Old Jain & Lightner Museum
• Go Shopping down Saint George Street
• Visit the Restaurants Downtown
• Adventure through the 17th-Century Castillo de San Marcos Fortress
• Discover Spanish Colonial History at Colonial Quarter
• Adventure out on a Ghost Tour through the City
• Tour through the St. Augustine Aquarium

Georgetown, D.C.

To be technical, Georgetown isn’t necessarily a city. Rather, it’s a neighborhood in Washington, DC.. However, Georgetown is one of the greatest areas to visit if you’re looking for a historic trip, and it’s certainly worth mentioning on our list of the best historic destinations. Being in Washington D.C., there’s obviously a vast amount of history to explore. From Book Hill Park to nearby visits to Government buildings & sites, there’s plenty to do in the area.

Here are some of my favorites if you’re planning a trip to Georgetown.

• Stroll through Book Hill Park
• Visit the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral
• Relax in the Georgetown Waterfront Park
• Explore the Canals & Rivers
• Visit the Forrest-Marbury House
• Take a Photo w/ the Wave Wall
• Visit the Beautiful N Street Colonial Rowhouses

Boston, MA

It’s hard to make a list of the best historic destinations without mentioning the cliche. Boston, MA is by far one of the most notorious historic cities in the U.S. for a good reason. The city itself is a historical landmark for the country, and I love seeing the preservation efforts to keep it one of the most beautiful historic destinations around. From exploring the Boston Common Park to the Museum of Fine Arts to a game at Fenway Park, the city is floundering with activities for you.

If you’re in Boston, MA for a few days, here’s what you should check out!

• Tour the Boston Harbor
• Catch a Red Sox Game at Fenway Park
• Walk Through the Museum of Fine Arts
• Explore the Paul Revere House
• Shop Your Way through the Faneuil Hall Marketplace
• Visit the Boston Harbor Islands National & State
• Take a Boston Harbor Cruise
• Explore Newbury Street for Shopping & Dining
• Visit the Harvard Arts Museums
• Wander around Georges Island
• Get Lost on Acorn Street with Historic Row Houses
• Tour the Boston Harbor
• Catch a Red Sox Game at Fenway Park
• Walk Through the Museum of Fine Arts
• Explore the Paul Revere House
• Shop Your Way through the Faneuil Hall Marketplace
• Visit the Boston Harbor Islands National & State
• Take a Boston Harbor Cruise
• Explore Newbury Street for Shopping & Dining
• Visit the Harvard Arts Museums
• Wander around Georges Island
• Get Lost on Acorn Street with Historic Row Houses

Princeton, NJ

Known most famously for the world-renown Ivy League Princeton University, this New Jersey town makes its way to our best historic destinations list for a few reasons. From historic Revolutionary War sites to the colonial Clark House Museum to the 18th-century mansions and architecture, this city has something for those looking for a stroll through time. Princeton, New Jersey has a vast offering of activities for anyone visiting.

Here’s what you can do while visiting Princeton, NJ.

• Tour the Princeton University Art Museum
• Explore the Princeton Battle Monument
• Visit Nassau Hall & Carnegie Lake
• Sightsee the Residence of the Governor of NJ
• Tour the Grounds of Princeton University Chapel
• Find the Historical Joseph Henry House

No matter what kind of history you’re looking for, there’s surely to be something on our list of the best historic destinations that you’ll love! Let us know what your favorite historic landmarks are below!