Travel: Visit Philadelphia when America prepares to turn 250

As the US begins a year countdown on her 250th birthday, all eyes are in Philadelphia.

Historically, Semikinkentennial covers both the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States. The commemoration began earlier this year, but undoubtedly began on the 2023rd anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, but will be held for more than a decade with Constitutional Days in 2037 and 2038 and the election as George Washington’s first president.

However, most Americans will associate America’s 250th with Philadelphia on Independence Day 2026. Although unfair to all other places and events that played a role in revolution and progressive creation, Philadelphia is undoubtedly the birthplace of the United States.

I spent the 4th of July there to gain a sense of my brotherly love the following year.

His father and later President John Adams wanted future generations to commemorate America’s independence as a “great anniversary.” He would certainly have been pleased with concerts, parades, fireworks and nearby block parties. However, quoting Adams wasn’t the “dignity and parade” that impressed me the most.

Instead, it was the pure weight of Philadelphia’s history. The entire city is the sacred ground of American stories.

Even in three days I had a hard time seeing, doing, and figuring it all out. In particular, the historical chapter, the Quakers under William Penn, migrated from England in 1682 in search of religious tolerance and could not continue as part of England, seeking the establishment of the Anglican Church in 1785 by the Anglican Church in 1785.

In the case of Semiticentennial, everything is the Independent National Historical Park.

The park has numerous historic buildings surrounded by several horrifying structures, but the main draw is the independent hall. Built to serve as a colonial Capitol in Pennsylvania, it was the place of the continental congress meeting that declared independence.

Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th, but actual parliamentary votes for independence took place two days ago. July 2, 1776. The hall was then used in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and was then used for ten years as a Capitol building until Washington replaced Philadelphia with the national capital.

A recent addition is the Museum of the American Revolution, which opened in 2017.

It is an inclusive look at an innovative era, with a well-known story that can bring dusty old history to life, but sometimes unnecessarily awakened. We highly recommend the 90-minute guided walking tour offered daily at 10am.

Last but not least, it’s Christ Church.

Built in the early 1700s to suit the great London church of Sir Christopher Wren, the handsome brick church is both a functional Anglican church and a historic site. Unfortunately, this means that visitors other than regular worship services will be charged admission fees. Not only did many founding fathers sit on their feet, but the church hosted the 1785 convention, which established the Anglican Church.

If you’re going

The 4 five-star season is the best hotel in Philadelphia. Built at the turn of the last century, Hyatt’s Bellevue Hotel is a hidden gem and one of the better chain hotels. On the other hand, Marriott options range from awful (Marriott Old Town) to average (Ritz-Carlton). Next time I’ll try to win a room in the Union League. The members-only club in the imposing abdomen, second-large abdomen Empire building has 82 rooms and suites that members or guests can book.

I flew to Philadelphia International Airport and occasionally used Uber or local taxis to travel around town. Most of the time I walked everywhere. If you’re driving to Philadelphia, or you can rent a car for the day, take a side trip to Valley Forge and a church dedicated to Washington. Of course, there are countless other related historical sites and attractions within the mileage.

The Art Museum and seemingly museums are approaching most days at 5pm, which can make visiting difficult. Look for the silver communion set that Queen Anne gave to the Church of Christ in 1708. Also take a look at the incredible collection of medieval art and architectural elements from the time when the church was a great patronage of art.

Admission to most of the Independent National Historical Parks, including Liberty Bell, is free, but you will be charged a $1 fee to book a time slot to visit the Independent Hall itself. Reservations can be made online. Do this early as it is not available on popular days.

The National Constitutional Centre, which is set to open two new galleries in 2026, is also worth a visit.

Admission to some museums is included in CityPass, meaningful (or cents) for some visitors.

Dennis Lennox is a travel column for Christian Post.