I went to the largest maritime gathering in US history, featuring ships from 20 countries, for America's 250th birthday. Here's what I saw.

You only turn 250 years old once.In celebration of America's milestone birthday, New York City hosted a naval extravaganza advertised by organizer Sail4th 250 as the largest maritime gathering in US history.The event, held from July 3 through July 8, featured tall ships from 20 countries as well as ships, aircraft, and personnel from over 130 invited navies and coast guards, according to the US Navy, transforming the city's waterfront into a festive display of international relations, military partnerships, and naval tradition.As part of the semiquincentennial celebrations, I toured ships from seven countries, as well as two active US Navy ships. Take a look.

Ships from over 20 countries paraded up New York City's Hudson River in celebration of America's 250th birthday on July 4.

A fleet of tall ships on the Hudson River on July 4, 2026, in New York City.

Jeremy Weine/Getty Images

The festivities on Independence Day consisted of the International Naval Review, featuring gray-hull naval ships from the US and abroad, and the Parade of Sail, displaying historic tall ships used as naval training vessels.