Exciting America 250 Road Trips from Las Vegas (as Seen on CBS)
- Christianne Klein
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
America’s 250th birthday is finally here, and while many travelers immediately think of Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., some of the most fascinating America 250 experiences are much closer to home.
I recently joined CBS and Las Vegas Now to share some of my favorite America 250 road trips in the West, and one theme kept emerging throughout our conversation:
America 250 isn’t just about celebrating 250 years. It’s about discovering where America was 250 years ago.
For those of us in the West, that story looks very different than it does on the East Coast.
In 1776, while the Founding Fathers were debating independence in Philadelphia, the land that is now Nevada was home to Indigenous nations and part of the vast territory claimed by Spain. California was also part of Spain’s northern frontier, where missions were being established, and an entirely different chapter of North American history was unfolding. Nevada and California were still decades away from statehood—Arizona wouldn't become a state until 1912- and the American West looked nothing like the world most Americans were experiencing along the East Coast.
That layered history is what makes America 250 such a fascinating travel opportunity.
Celebrate America 250 Close to Home
One of the easiest ways to participate is right here in Southern Nevada.
This summer, Super Summer Theatre at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park has embraced an America-themed season, including one of the most iconic Broadway productions ever written: 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical that brings the signing of the Declaration of Independence to life.
America 250 celebrations are also lighting up the Las Vegas sky. The city is hosting a series of fireworks displays through July 25 as part of the national semiquincentennial celebration, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to celebrate without ever leaving Nevada. Visitors can also find additional events, exhibits, and commemorations throughout the state through Nevada’s official America 250 initiative. Visit Las Vegas has the full list of fireworks locations HERE.
San Diego: Where the Story of the American West Begins
One of my favorite America 250 road trips from Las Vegas is San Diego.
Most people think of beautiful beaches, world-class restaurants, and family attractions. But San Diego is also one of the most historically significant destinations in the American West.
This year, the San Diego History Center has unveiled a major exhibition, America at 250: San Diego 1776-2026, which traces the region’s evolution from Indigenous homeland and Spanish settlement to today’s vibrant binational community. Through 100 objects, visitors can explore centuries of history, including Kumeyaay cultural materials, artwork, transportation artifacts, architecture, and military history.
For me, this story is especially personal.
My family traces its roots to the Machado family, one of California’s original Californio families. Long before California became part of the United States, Californios were helping shape life on Spain’s northern frontier.
That family connection has given me a unique appreciation for the many perspectives that make up American history.
America 250 provides an opportunity to understand not only the founding of the United States, but also the Indigenous communities, Spanish settlements, Californios, pioneers, immigrants, and countless others whose stories shaped the American West.
As I often remind travelers, history isn’t one story. It’s many stories intersecting across time.
Looking Back at 1776 in the West
One of the most fascinating facts about 1776 is that it was also a significant year for Spanish exploration in the Southwest.
That same year, Franciscan missionary Father Francisco Garcés became the first documented European to enter what is now southern Nevada while searching for routes connecting New Mexico and California.
Meanwhile, Father Junípero Serra was continuing the establishment of California’s mission system, including Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first of California’s 21 missions.
While Thomas Jefferson was drafting the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, the future American West was developing along an entirely different path.
Understanding both stories gives travelers a much richer appreciation of the nation’s history.
Don’t Forget America’s Greatest Landscapes
America 250 is also the perfect excuse to rediscover our incredible national parks.
The Grand Canyon remains one of the most inspiring road trips from Las Vegas, reminding visitors that America’s story is not only about people and politics, but also about conservation and stewardship.
Likewise, Route 66 - which will celebrate its own centennial in 2026 - offers another remarkable opportunity to experience the history, culture, and landscapes that helped define the American road trip.
Together, America 250 and Route 66’s 100th anniversary create a once-in-a-generation travel opportunity.
My Number One America 250 Road Trip
If you’re looking for a uniquely American experience this summer, my top recommendation is Laguna Beach’s legendary Pageant of the Masters.
This year’s theme, “The Greatest of All Time,” feels especially fitting during America’s 250th birthday celebration.
For those unfamiliar with the Pageant, it’s one of the most extraordinary artistic productions in the country. Real people recreate famous works of art and cultural landmarks with astonishing precision. From the audience, many scenes appear indistinguishable from the originals.
This year’s production will feature celebrated American artists including Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol, and my favorite, John Singer Sargent, along with iconic American monuments and landmarks.
One of the most exciting moments? The recreation of the Lincoln Memorial on stage.
If you can’t make it to Washington, D.C. this summer, you can experience one of America’s most recognizable symbols brought to life through art, theater, and illusion.
The production opens July 9 and offers a uniquely American celebration of creativity, culture, and history - all just a few hours from Las Vegas.
The Best America 250 Road Trip of All
The beauty of America 250 is that there’s no single way to celebrate.
You can stay close to home and enjoy fireworks, theater, and community events in Nevada.
You can head west to San Diego and explore the history of the Spanish frontier and Indigenous California.
You can drive Route 66 and visit the Grand Canyon.
Or you can create the ultimate America 250 itinerary by combining the West with the East Coast’s historic cities - Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C.
No matter where you go, remember that this anniversary is about more than commemorating a date.
It’s about discovering the stories, cultures, landscapes, and people that shaped the nation along the way.
Because America 250 isn’t just about celebrating 250 years.
It’s about discovering where all of America was 250 years ago.
To watch the full segment on CBS, click here:
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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