The intent of the Distinctive Destinations™ program is to bring historic sites together into a marketing collaborative to drive awareness for these historic places. The National Trust wants to ensure that participating sites meet certain standards for visitation and interpretation.

Applications will be evaluated and selected by considering, among other points, the following criteria:

• The site is interpreted for the public benefit in a manner that makes it meaningful and accessible to multiple and broad audiences and provides a fair and balanced presentation of the specific historic topic.
• Open to the public (through tours, events, and/or use of the grounds, etc.) on a regular schedule.
• The site has a digital presence (i.e. website or Facebook).
• Historic designation (individually listed or contributing to a historic district) at the national, state or local level and/or a positive ranking on GuideStar or Charity Navigator
• Positive TripAdvisor and/or Yelp reviews.
• The site is operated in a manner that is consistent with the mission and values of the National Trust.
• Sites must accept the terms and conditions of the program.