As America approaches its 250th anniversary, there is no better way to celebrate—or to curate your travels—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.
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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. 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, one 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 is not 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—and 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 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.
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