The 5 Best Cities for History Buffs

March 20th, 2019

If you think about it, every city has a story to tell on how history shaped what it became today. But some stand out from others – the landmarks, the monuments, the historical buildings and homes. If you’re a history buff who can’t get enough, be sure to add some of these places to your next vacation itinerary. Trust us, they’re worth it.

Boston, MA

Beacon Hill is a fascinating early 19th-century neighborhood with narrow streets. The row houses are nearly all in brick in Federal, Victorian and Georgian styles. This National Historic District in Boston is exceptionally well-preserved, with well maintained houses, low-traffic streets paved with cobblestones and gas-lit street lighting. An ideal surrounding for the urban romantic.

Philadelphia, PA

Ben Franklin, the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, not to mention the Philly Cheesesteak… Philadelphia is home to some of the greatest treasures of our nation. No wonder it used to be our capital city! Although Philly has certainly changed since the 18^th century, history buffs will still enjoy everything the city has to offer, whether it’s a period-piece tour through important landmarks, a notable museum, or just a day spent at the park.

New Orleans, LA

If there’s any neighborhood that transports you more than 100 years back in time, it’s definitely the French Quarter. New Orleans is full of European-style architecture and a rich music culture that wouldn’t be out of place in 1800's France. It’s not hard to walk down the street and get a mini history lesson about the days and characters of yore. But NOLA is also decidedly modern, with all the amenities necessary to have an awesome vacation – so book your flight and start collecting beads!

Newport, RI

Rhode Island was the first of the thirteen colonies to declare independence from Britain – they did so on May 4, 1776, a whole two months before the others. The state has managed to preserve its historic origins incredibly well, especially in Newport. There, you can see original Colonial buildings standing side-by-side to the more modern buildings in the Newport Historic District, which covers 250 acres in the city center. If preservation and historic architecture are your jam, Newport won’t disappoint.

Honolulu, HI

Any excuse to go to Hawaii, right? But hear us out! ‘Ionlani Palace was the home of Hawaii’s last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Lili’uokalani. It’s the only royal palace in the US. For a more somber historical tour, you can head slightly west of the city to Pearl Harbor, where you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Why sit and read about history when you can walk in your heroes' footsteps and take your own photos of well-known sites? Make history come to life. Go on extensive tours hosted by guides in period costumes. Stroll through battlefields and older neighborhoods by foot or in a horse-drawn carriage. Stop by the lesser-known museums for one-of-a-kind learning experiences.

No matter what city for history buffs you visit, be sure to see if it is one of our SuperShuttle airport locations. We serve more than 80 airports nationally and internationally, making it simple to book a SuperShuttle ride to jumpstart your mind-expanding explorations.

Happy travels!