Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and while many folks default to backyard barbecues, this three-day break offers a perfect chance to explore somewhere new. From quiet coastal towns to mountain escapes, the US serves up countless options for travelers looking to make the most of this extended weekend without fighting the usual summer vacation crowds.
Whether you’re seeking a laid-back beach retreat or a quick city adventure, here are 15 destinations across America that make ideal Memorial Day getaways, each offering its own blend of relaxation and exploration.
- Best beach trip: Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Perfect for city lovers: Washington DC
- Best for outdoor fun: Lake Tahoe
- Ideal for families: Orlando, Florida
- Best for food lovers: New Orleans
- Great for weekend warriors: Nashville, Tennessee
Washington D.C., USA
Want to experience American history coming alive before your eyes? Washington D.C. is where the past meets the present at every corner, especially during Memorial Day weekend. The nation’s capital honors its heroes with moving ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, while the National Mall fills with thousands gathering for the annual Memorial Day parade. Beyond the patriotic celebrations, you can wander through the cherry blossom-lined Tidal Basin, catch a free concert on the Capitol lawn, or explore the world-class Smithsonian museums without spending a dime. For the perfect mix of history and outdoor fun, hop on a bike and pedal along the C&O Canal towpath, where old lockhouses and canal boats tell stories of America’s early transportation era.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Step back in time at Gettysburg, where you can explore the pivotal battleground of the American Civil War. The hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park offer guided tours that bring the historic 1863 battle to life, complete with monuments and markers that tell the stories of brave soldiers who fought there. For a deeper understanding, visit the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, which houses an impressive collection of Civil War artifacts and the famous Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. In the evening, join a candlelit ghost tour through the town’s historic streets, where local guides share tales of supernatural encounters and wartime history.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
Just a few hours south of Washington D.C., Virginia Beach offers a classic American beach town experience without pretense. Like many coastal cities, it has its share of surf shops, seafood restaurants, and souvenir stores along the bustling oceanfront boardwalk. But what sets it apart is how it seamlessly blends military heritage with beach life – just watch for Navy jets soaring overhead from nearby bases while you dig your toes in the sand. Thanks to its strategic location where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, the area has been a vital maritime hub for centuries, and you’ll find historic lighthouses and naval sites mixed among the beach attractions. During Memorial Day weekend, the city truly comes alive with patriotic celebrations, military demonstrations, and one of the largest Memorial Day parades on the East Coast.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Charleston’s historic streets and antebellum mansions transport you straight back to the Old South, just a few hours’ drive from major East Coast cities. Like other Southern destinations, Charleston has its share of oak-lined avenues, seafood restaurants, and colonial architecture. But unlike its neighbors, this coastal gem moves at its own leisurely pace, where locals still greet passersby from their piazzas and horse-drawn carriages remain a common sight downtown. Thanks to Charleston’s history as a major colonial port, the city absorbed influences from across Europe and the Caribbean, which you’ll notice in the distinctive local cuisine and the colorful row houses along Rainbow Row. The warm Memorial Day weather makes it perfect for exploring the city’s hidden gardens or heading to nearby Folly Beach for a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Step back in time along Boston’s Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that takes you through America’s revolutionary history. You can follow the red-brick road past 16 historic sites, including Paul Revere’s House and the USS Constitution Museum. Head to Faneuil Hall Marketplace when you’re ready for a lunch break – the historic building now houses dozens of food vendors serving up classic New England fare like clam chowder and lobster rolls. For a quintessential Boston afternoon, catch a baseball game at Fenway Park, where you can sing “Sweet Caroline” with thousands of Red Sox fans and grab a famous Fenway Frank.
Lake Tahoe, California-Nevada, USA
Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe feels like a natural playground that never really changes with the seasons. Whether you’re visiting during the warm days of Memorial Day or the snowy depths of winter, the crystal-clear waters of North America’s largest alpine lake remain a constant draw. Unlike other lake destinations, Tahoe seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with comfortable amenities. You’ll find families paddling kayaks alongside casino-goers, and hikers sharing trails with mountain bikers on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Thanks to its unique position between two states, the lake offers both California’s laid-back vibe and Nevada’s entertainment scene, making it a spot where you can truly choose your own adventure.
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Nashville has a way of pulling you in with its infectious energy, especially during Memorial Day weekend when the city truly comes alive. This music-loving destination serves up the perfect mix of downtown honky-tonks where aspiring artists belt out country tunes, paired with laid-back neighborhoods filled with hip coffee shops and local boutiques. You’ll find yourself wandering between historic spots like the Ryman Auditorium and newer attractions like the National Museum of African American Music, all while the smell of hot chicken and barbecue tempts you from every corner. It’s not just about the music scene – though that’s reason enough to visit – the city’s food culture, craft breweries, and warm Southern hospitality make it an ideal long weekend escape.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
I always tell Memorial Day travelers that Cape Cod is where summer really begins in New England. This hook-shaped peninsula offers 40 miles of national seashore, dotted with lighthouses, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns like Provincetown and Hyannis. Bike the rail trail, dig into fresh lobster rolls at roadside shacks, or take a whale watching trip to spot humpbacks breaching in the Atlantic – it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and classic coastal activities.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Myrtle Beach is where I head whenever I need that perfect mix of beach time and entertainment without breaking the bank. This 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline, known as the Grand Strand, combines classic boardwalk vibes with modern attractions that keep both kids and adults happy. The beach scene here is exactly what you’d expect from one of the East Coast’s most popular getaways – wide sandy shores dotted with colorful umbrellas, plenty of spots for swimming, and enough room to spread out even during busy holiday weekends. You don’t have to be a beach bum to enjoy yourself though – between the amusement parks, golf courses, and seafood restaurants serving up fresh catches, there’s enough going on to fill a long weekend several times over.
Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
The Outer Banks is where I send anyone looking for a perfect Memorial Day beach escape. Stretching along 200 miles of North Carolina’s coast, these barrier islands offer wide sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and wild horses roaming freely. The Wright Brothers made their first flight here at Kitty Hawk, and today visitors can explore that same historic site, climb the towering Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, or spend lazy afternoons fishing off Jennette’s Pier.
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Many travelers head to San Antonio for the famous River Walk, a waterway lined with restaurants and shops in the heart of downtown, but the destination offers much more than just riverside dining. The city’s rich history shines through at sites like the Alamo and four other Spanish colonial missions, while neighborhoods like the Pearl District showcase a modern food scene and local culture. During Memorial Day weekend, you can catch special events at Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the U.S., or cool off at nearby water parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Whether you’re interested in Texas history, authentic Mexican food, or family-friendly attractions, San Antonio provides plenty of options to fill a long weekend.
Miami, Florida, USA
Kick off summer in style with a long weekend in Miami, where warm ocean breezes and laid-back vibes set the perfect holiday mood. You can spend your mornings lounging on South Beach’s famous stretches of sand, then cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear waters. When the sun goes down, head to Little Havana for authentic Cuban food and live salsa music at Ball & Chain, a historic venue that’s been entertaining crowds since 1935. For an artsy afternoon, explore the Wynwood neighborhood’s colorful murals and grab a craft beer at one of the many local breweries. Don’t miss dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution that’s been serving up fresh seafood for over 100 years.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
There’s something about New Orleans that makes it impossible to leave without a story to tell. This lively city in Louisiana blends French, African, and American cultures into a gumbo pot of experiences that just can’t be found anywhere else in the States. Memorial Day weekend is perfect for wandering the French Quarter’s historic streets, where jazz spills out of every doorway and the smell of fresh beignets fills the air. It’s not just about Bourbon Street’s famous nightlife – though that’s certainly part of the fun. You can spend your days hopping between local cafes, taking steamboat rides on the Mississippi, or joining a cemetery tour to learn about the city’s fascinating past.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
You might be surprised to learn that New Orleans wasn’t always a part of the United States – it was actually founded by the French in 1718 and later became Spanish territory before being sold to America as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. This unique history explains why the city’s architecture, food, and culture blend French, Spanish, African, and American influences, creating the one-of-a-kind place we know today.
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Ever strolled under giant oak trees draped with Spanish moss? That’s just another Thursday in Savannah, where history lives on every corner of its cobblestone streets. This charming Southern city feels like stepping into a novel, with its 22 park-like squares and antebellum mansions telling stories from centuries past. Beyond the iconic Forsyth Park fountain and horse-drawn carriages, you’ll find a food scene that puts a modern spin on Southern comfort classics. The warm Memorial Day weather makes it perfect for ghost tours through haunted mansions or grabbing a to-go cup (yes, it’s legal here) for a twilight stroll along River Street, where old cotton warehouses now house quirky shops and restaurants.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
Located on Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island feels like a charming slice of the past. Like other vacation spots in the Great Lakes, it has hotels, shops, and waterfront restaurants. But unlike the rest, cars have been banned here since 1898, leaving the clip-clop of horse hooves and the whir of bicycle wheels as the main sounds you’ll hear on its peaceful streets. Because of its role as a vital military outpost in the 1700s, the island is packed with historic sites like Fort Mackinac, and you’ll find well-preserved Victorian buildings and famous fudge shops dotting the downtown area. With over 80% of the island protected as a state park, miles of hiking trails and limestone formations tell the story of the region’s natural history.
