The Golden State is going big for America 250 in 2026. From presidential libraries and historic museums to Disneyland and Fleet Week festivals, here are some events to add to your own America 250 itinerary.
Open now: Celebrate a roller coaster’s 50th birthday, Santa Clarita
When it first debuted at Magic Mountain during the 1976 Bicentennial, the Great American Revolution was one of the first looping coasters in the world. The ride has gone through a few name changes and paint jobs over the years (and made a cameo as Wally World in National Lampoon’s Vacation), but the Great American Revolution is going strong and recently re-adopted its original name for America 250. This summer, watch a video about the ride’s history as you wait to board and then choose from limited-edition food, drinks, and merch afterward. Season passholders can enjoy exclusive ride times on July 4, and everyone can enjoy the park’s Star-Spangled Night fireworks that evening.
Open now: Explore American and California history at the Nixon Library, Yorba Linda
America 250: A More Perfect Union at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum explores pivotal moments in American history from the Revolutionary War to the Gold Rush to the 1976 Bicentennial. Exhibit highlights include a recreation of Thomas Edison’s laboratory and an interactive Boston Tea Party exhibit where you can toss a crate of tea off a ship. Runs through Jan. 31, 2027.
Open now: Celebrate a different 250 at The Presidio, San Francisco
The Presidio in San Francisco is celebrating its own 250th birthday, having been founded in September of 1776, and will offer a variety of fascinating exhibits this spring and summer. Don’t miss the touring exhibit I Am An American: The Nisei Soldier Experience, about Japanese-American soldiers, at the Presidio Military Intelligence School Historic Learning Center, and EXCLUSION: The Presidio’s Role in World War II Japanese American Incarceration, at the Presidio Officers’ Club (both run through July 31).
Be sure to stop by the new food hall, The Mess Hall at the Presidio, located at the Presidio Tunnel Tops.
May 16–18: Admire tech innovations at Fort Mason, San Francisco
Step inside the immersive America Innovates exhibit at San Francisco’s Fort Mason, which celebrates the past, present, and future of tech in America—from transportation to AI. The weekend will also include demonstrations and discussions with honorees from the Forbes Innovator 250 list. Indeed, May is National Inventors Month, honoring the founding of the U.S. patent system during George Washington’s presidency.
Starting May 22: See historic letters and hear a concert at the Reagan Library, Simi Valley
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum will host the 10,000-square-foot exhibition America: 250 Years in the Making that features a range of artifacts such as a letter from George Washington, a Civil War cannon from Gettysburg, and Abraham Lincoln’s 1862 letter to Horace Greeley outlining his priority to save the Union. Come in September, during the last three weeks of the exhibit, to see the actual Louisiana Purchase treaty, on loan from the National Archives. Runs through Sept. 20, 2026.
On June 27, the library will host an A250 Concert by the New West Symphony, performing a new piece of music set against clips of President Reagan’s speeches.
May 22–25: Tour the Battleship USS Iowa during L.A. Fleet Week, San Pedro
Celebrate L.A. Fleet Week and America 250 with tours of the USS Iowa in San Pedro. The 1943 battleship, designated as the National Museum of the Surface Navy, once transported President Franklin Roosevelt to Casablanca for a conference with Winston Churchill.
During the Memorial Day Weekend, you can secure your spot in a daily digital queue to enjoy a premium tour called the Iowa Express Experience, which includes a timed entrance for your tour, plus a commemorative hat, VIP lounge access, and discounts on food, merch, and future tours.
May 28–30: Hear classic and new American music at an Orange County icon, Costa Mesa
Hear the Pacific Symphony play at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts, featuring Artistic and Music Director Alexander Shelley and pianist Conrad Ta. The program includes Gershwin’s “Piano Concerto in F” followed by the West Coast premiere of Peter Boyer and Joe Sohm's American Mosaic, an exploration of the American spirit, with images projected on a big screen above the orchestra.
Starting May 30: Explore L.A.’s impact on American culture at the Autry, Los Angeles
The Autry Museum of the American West hosts the exhibit Life, Liberty, and Los Angeles, which highlights the diverse cultural stories of the people of Los Angeles and how their perspectives have helped shape the nation’s second-largest city.
Courtesy of The Huntington
Starting June 16: See the Declaration of Independence and other manuscripts at The Huntington, San Marino
Inspired by the famous Woody Guthrie song, the initiative This Land Is… will explore different facets of American history at the sprawling Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens.
Head to the American Gallery to see an annotated 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, as well as hand-drawn land surveys by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and manuscripts by Walt Whitman and Octavia E. Butler.
While you’re there, check out the Becoming America exhibit that opened in December, which includes an 1863 Civil War painting by Winslow Homer titled The Sutler’s Tent. Runs until 2027.
Courtesy of USS Midway Museum
May 22–23: See Top Gun at the USS Midway, San Diego
While the nation celebrates one birthday this year, the movie Top Gun also marks its own milestone, having debuted 40 years ago this summer. (Fun fact: The movie’s story takes place at San Diego’s Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.) Watch the movie on the USS Midway as part of its Legacy Week (May 22–25) which also includes a meet-and-greet with veteran aviators and special Memorial Day remembrances.
June 27: Join in the Oceanside USA 250 Festival, Oceanside
The San Diego County city of Oceanside, which neighbors Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, will throw its America 250 party at its pier: Expect live music, local food and beverage vendors, pinewood derby car races, a chili cookoff, and military vehicles on display, plus a dramatic jet flyover over the coastline. While you’re there, check out the Top Gun House by the beach, which featured prominently in the movie.
Starting July 2: Ride Soarin’ Across America at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
The ride at Disney California Adventure Park known as Soarin’ Around the World or Soarin’ Over California—a virtual flight in front of an 80-foot projection dome—will become Soarin’ Across America for the first time in honor of America 250. The new incarnation will feature sea-to-shining-sea scenery as well as cityscapes. Will run for a limited time.
July 3: Enjoy festivities at Liberty Station, San Diego
San Diego’s Liberty Station, a former naval station, will honor America 250 with the festival “Anchored in Freedom: An Independence Day Celebration” across the complex. Later in the month, Liberty Station will throw its Military Heroes Festival (July 25) for active military families, gold-star families, and active-duty reservists. All year, check out the new public art installation by artist Joe Pisano: The Guardian—Wings of Sacrifice, honoring the Navy’s legacy.
Nov. 6–15: Make the most of Fleet Week San Diego
Take part in a week of patriotic festivities in San Diego, such as a boat parade, ship tours, a golf tournament, and more. The weekend of Nov. 14–15 includes both a fun run and the Fleet Week Football Classic at SnapDragon Stadium with the SDSU Aztecs.