America's 250th: Top Destinations to Celebrate

Lucía Torres · 2026-06-16

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, there's no better way to celebrate than by retracing the country's most storied coastlines and landmark stays. From Newport's classically charming seaside style to the tropical glamour of Waikiki, these are the addresses on our radar in 2026, places where American history feels not archived but vividly alive. This is an excerpt from The Agency Magazine. To see the full article, flip to page 23. ### Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Farther down the Eastern Shore, The Inn at Perry Cabin channels America's maritime soul. Dating back to the early 1800s, the resort pairs nautical elegance with the living traditions of crabbing and oystering that define the Chesapeake region. You can sail from its private dock, savor just-shucked oysters at golden hour, or linger on manicured lawns where croquet feels delightfully timeless. As the nation marks 250 years, this harborfront sanctuary offers a quieter tribute. It's rooted in craftsmanship, saltwater heritage, and a certain East Coast restraint that never goes out of style.  ### Central Coast, California If New England speaks to America's past, Monterey County embodies its frontier spirit. Along California's most dramatic coastline, cliffs plunge into the Pacific in a display of elemental grandeur. Here, luxury isn't gilded but grounded. At the iconic Post Ranch Inn, glass-walled suites feel suspended over the sea. Romantic fog perfumes redwood forests, and sunsets feel almost mythic. Twice a week, the property offers complimentary celestial sessions with a state-of-the-art telescope (the Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 HD) and a stargazing guide to take in the region's dark skies. At Bernardus Lodge & Spa, nestled in the charming Carmel Valley, the property merges mountain views with Michelin-recognized rooms. An exclusive partnership with Mercedes-Benz allows guests to explore the nearby region from behind the wheel of its fleet of Maybachs, AMGs, EQSs, and GLS 580s. To celebrate America's 250th along the Central Coast is to honor the country's reverence for wilderness. Whether you're tracing Highway 1 in a convertible or waking to waves crashing hundreds of feet below, this stretch of coast reminds us that the American story is as much about preservation as progress. ### Honolulu, Hawaii In Waikiki, Halekulani has defined oceanfront elegance for more than a century. What began in 1907 as a modest beachfront residence evolved into an iconic resort under Juliet and Clifford Kimball, who purchased the property in 1917. Today, its iconic Dickey roof and prime setting remain emblematic of Hawaiian hospitality at its most refined. Celebrating America here feels poetic—a recognition that the American tapestry extends far beyond the mainland. With three celebrated restaurants, a legendary pool, and uninterrupted Pacific views, Halekulani offers a tropical counterpoint to the nation's historic East Coast strongholds. ### Why These Destinations Matter These aren't just beautiful places—they're living chapters of the American story. From the Chesapeake's working waterfronts to California's untamed coast and Hawaii's island grace, each spot reminds us that history isn't something you read about. It's something you feel, taste, and breathe. - **The Inn at Perry Cabin** connects you to 200 years of maritime tradition - **Post Ranch Inn** honors America's wild frontier spirit - **Bernardus Lodge & Spa** blends luxury with the freedom of the open road - **Halekulani** showcases the diversity of the American experience "America's 250th is more than a milestone—it's an invitation to explore the places that shaped us," says one travel curator. And whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or someone who just needs a stunning sunset, these destinations deliver. To see the full article, visit The Agency Magazine.