Home to the most powerful military force in the world, the United States celebrates those who protect and defend our freedoms at memorials, museums, historic forts, and military institutions across this great land. Planning a military-inspired vacation is a great way to incorporate learning and patriotism into an action-packed adventure.
Hallowed military sites in cities across the country.
Dive into immersive exhibits aboard the legendary USS Midway aircraft carrier at Navy Pier. Restored World War II-era aircraft, the floating Hangar Deck, flight simulators, the enlisted sailors’ bunks, and the anchor chain room are all yours to explore. A 15-minute film, “Voices of Midway,” spotlights one of WWII’s most important naval battles.
Reflect and pay respect at Pearl Harbor, an active naval site best known as the setting of the pivotal 1941 attack by Japan that pulled the U.S. into World War II. There’s a museum with aircraft and artifacts, and a narrated U.S. Navy boat tour that takes visitors by water to see the USS Arizona Memorial.
Stroll around the beautiful Reflecting Pool at the heart of the nation’s capital to honor brave military veterans at memorials that include the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, and District of Columbia War Memorial. Active U.S. military service members also lead guided tours of The Pentagon.
Travel from the downtown Seattle Ferry Dock to the Bremerton Ferry Dock in just 42 minutes to visit the Puget Sound Navy Museum, where two floors of permanent exhibits portray life onboard the U.S. Navy’s nuclear aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz. There’s also an exhibit dedicated to Navy shipyard life, along with rotating exhibits.
History comes to life in these legendary collections and places.
Mark your calendar for military-inspired celebrations and tributes.
Three branches of the U.S. military (U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) take center stage during this week-long public event held in cities like New York, San Diego, and San Francisco. Active military ships pull into ports, the Blue Angels roar and soar and there are tours, parades of ships, and celebrations.
All across the nation on the day the Declaration of Independence was passed in 1776, the Fourth of July celebrates patriotism while honoring the military service members who fight for our freedoms. Big cities and small towns alike celebrate with barbecues, parades, carnivals, concerts and, of course, booming fireworks once darkness descends.
Nov. 11 marks the day the World War I armistice went into effect and is a federal holiday honoring military veterans for their sacrifices both past and present. Branson, Missouri, hosts a Veterans Homecoming Week, the country’s largest Veterans Day parade takes place in New York City, and memorials and events are staged across Washington, D.C.
Hit the road for museums, forts, and living military history across the U.S.
This favorite Low Country locale brims with historical interest, including that of the military variety. Right in the Charleston Harbor, tour Fort Sumter (where the first shots of the Civil War rang out in 1861) and Fort Moultrie. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is a hands-on history center home to the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier.
Experience expert-led public or private tours of the U.S. Naval Academy on foot or by electric car for a fascinating look into the life of a midshipman. Founded in 1845, this is one of the most selective schools in the US. You’ll feel the military pride and legacy at every turn.
Get a window into the Los Alamos National Laboratory’s beginnings with the top-secret World War II-era government Manhattan Project at the Bradbury Science Museum, home to 60 interactive exhibits that span history, defense, and the lab’s current research.
With an undergraduate enrollment of roughly 4,000 students, the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy draws cadets interested in the Air Force and Space Force. Visitors can tour some of the school’s highlights including the visitor center, planetarium, and B-52 display, and view the scenic campus from the Academic Overlook.
The United States Military Academy West Point offers guided walking and bus tours of places like the West Point Cemetery, Battle Monument, Trophy Point, and Old Cadet Chapel. At the West Point Museum, tour on your own to view artifacts like an atomic bomb and the cannon that fired the first American shot of WWI.
Want some help booking your activities, call WorldMark by Wyndham Travel at 844-479-3114 and a Travel Advisor will be happy to assist you with your reservations.
