Here's where you can see 'America's Tall Ship' for nation's 250th birthday

The U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle, better known as America’s tall ship, will sail to nearly a dozen cities this year to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday. 

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, some of the stops will be part of the Sail250 initiative, "a global gathering of tall ships and military ships to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States."

America’s Tall Ship ports of call 2026

Local perspective:

The Barque Eagle will sail to the following ports:

• May 8 – 11: TBD 
• May 23 – 25: Pensacola, Florida 
• May 28 – June 1: New Orleans, Louisiana 
• June 11 – 14: Charleston, South Carolina 
• June 19 – 22: Norfolk, Virginia 
• June 25 – 28: Baltimore, Maryland 
• July 4 – 8: New York, City, New York 
• July 11 – 14: Boston, Massachusetts 
• July 24 – 27: Portland, Maine 
• July 31 – August 3: Newport, Rhode Island 
• August 7 – 10: Greenport, New York 
• August 14: New London, Connecticut 

What they're saying:

"It is an immense honor for the Coast Guard Barque Eagle and crew to participate in the Sail250 festivities and celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation," Capt. Kristopher Ensley, commanding officer of Eagle, said in a news release. "This voyage not only serves as a vital training experience for the next generation of Coast Guard officers but also allows us to share America’s proud maritime heritage with the public. We are thrilled to visit these historic ports and sail alongside magnificent vessels from around the world." 

According to the Coast Guard, for the first time since 1976, Eagle and its sister ships – Gorch Fock (Germany), Sagres of Portugal) and Mircea (Romania) – will race each other for the Five Sisters Trophy. The race will take place between New York City and Boston starting July 9 off the coast of New York.  

What's next:

Public tour schedules for the Eagle at each port will be announced closer to the event dates.

America’s 250th birthday

Big picture view:

A slew of events are planned to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The U.S. will ring in 2026 with festive lights at the Washington Monument to mark the start of the milestone year. 

This week, President Donald Trump announced several other "Freedom 250" events, including a Great American State Fair on the National Mall in the summer and a UFC fight to be held on the White House lawn.

Trump also announced the "Patriot Games," a four-day athletic event "featuring the greatest high school athletes, one young man and one young woman from each state and territory." The games will be held in the fall, according to the president.