Florida Invites Fans to Celebrate America 250 with Unforgettable Heritage Experiences Across the Sunshine State

Florida history runs deep, and with America’s 250th birthday on the horizon, now is the perfect time to spotlight Florida’s deep-rooted history and the pivotal role the state played long before the U.S. was founded. From cities established in the 1500s (hint: it’s Pensacola and St. Augustine) to statewide anniversary events like America250 Golf Trail, the Spirit in the Sky Drone Spectacular, and the "14th Colony" exhibit at the State Capitol, Florida offers compelling angles for domestic travel tied to America’s story.

St. Augustine
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine stands as the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States, predating Plymouth Rock by 55 years.

  • Historic Aviles Street – Walking in the oldest street in the U.S. to discover the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, all set within a 16th-century town plan.
  • The St. Augustine History Festival – This massive celebration features live reenactments and over 30 special events that prove American history started right here.
  •  Florida's Historic Coast 250 Collection – A curated hub for all semiquincentennial activities, including digital story collections and special programming for America 250.

Pensacola
Known as “America’s First Settlement,” Pensacola was founded in 1559 and traces its heritage through Spanish, British, French, and American eras.

Tallahassee
Tallahassee is the guardian of the 14th Colony legacy, bridging the gap between colonial rebellion and modern leadership.

  • The George Washington Experience – At the Florida Historic Capitol Museum, visitors can engage with an interactive display of the famous Lansdowne portrait of George Washington.
  • Florida's Capitol Story – Visitors can explore unique objects and images, including artifacts on display for the first time following a major mitigation project.

Cocoa Beach
In the heart of the Space Coast, Cocoa Beach invites you to witness a futuristic tribute to the nation’s past at the birthplace of American cosmic ambition.

  • Kennedy Space Center: Visitors can stand where the Mercury 7 astronauts once trained and explore the high-tech frontier of space exploration.
  • America’s 250 Celebration & Drone Show: Hundreds of synchronized drones will light up Centennial Square to narrate the story of American independence through light.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach
Ranked as the most patriotic metro region in the U.S., this is where American maritime prowess meets the turquoise waters of the Gulf.

  • World’s largest artificial reef – In 2026, the legendary S.S. United States, the fastest ocean liner ever built, will begin a bold new chapter as a massive 990-foot underwater habitat and premier global diving destination.
  • S.S. United States Museum – After diving the reef, visitors can head back to dry land to walk through history at this forthcoming museum, which preserves the ship's massive funnels and radar mast.

Winter Park
Winter Park is a city where culture and community are woven together through a shared love of art and history.

  •  The Alfond Inn – Visitors can immerse themselves in a "living syllabus" at the only hotel in the U.S. that serves as a formal extension of a contemporary art museum.
  • America 250 Float – From January through July 2026, the city marks the 250th with the "American Mosaic" exhibit.

Statewide America 250 Commemorations
Florida is honoring the Semiquincentennial through unique statewide initiatives that bridge the gap between colonial rebellion and modern leadership:

  • America250FL Golf Trail – In a tribute to Florida’s status as the "14th Colony" during the Revolutionary War, Governor Ron DeSantis launched this trail featuring historic courses across the state. In a clever nod to history, these courses fly commemorative America 250 flags on the 14th hole.

About Visit Florida
About VISIT FLORIDA VISIT FLORIDA is Florida’s official tourism marketing corporation and travel planning resource for visitors across the globe. As Florida's No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming a record-setting 142.9 million visitors in 2024, an increase of 1.6% from 2023. In 2023, the Florida tourism industry generated $127.7 billion in economic impact and supported 2.1 million Florida jobs, making tourism a key economic engine benefiting Florida families. The Florida Legislature’s independent Office of Economic and Demographic Research calculates VISIT FLORIDA’s ROI as delivering $3.3 in return to the state for every public dollar invested, making VISIT FLORIDA one of the best performing investments in state history. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs, and works with travel industry partners throughout the state. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, go to VISITFLORIDA.org and follow us on our industry social media channels: LinkedIn and X @FloridaTourism. For travel inspiration and information follow @VISITFLORIDA on Facebook, X and Instagram or visit VISITFLORIDA.com. For media resources, visit VISITFLORIDAMedia.com.