Memorial Day Weekend Getaway Ideas

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Memorial Day weekend always feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer. Pools reopen. Amusement parks fire up their roller coasters. Beach towns dust off their boardwalks. And suddenly, everyone is ready to get outside again. Even better, it’s a 3-day weekend, so it’s a great opportunity to travel. And I’ve got a lot of good vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend. Whether you want thrill rides, mountain air, beach sunsets, or small-town charm, here are some creative and totally doable ideas for the long weekend.

Last year, we spent the long weekend in Palm Springs–one of my favorite getaways when I want sunshine and relaxation. I love staying at one of the Palm Desert resorts with a lazy river and just basking in the sun for a couple of days. This year, we’ll be kicking off summer with some s’mores around a campfire with our favorite people. We gathered a fun group to do a camping trip at one of our favorite Southern California campgrounds.

Needless to say, I always look for the most fun Memorial Day weekend getaway ideas. Here’s a full list of what I’ve come up with. Be sure to check out these summer vacation ideas for even more summer travel inspiration.

1. Head to an Amusement Park on Opening Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is when many major parks go full summer mode — extended hours, all rides running, water parks open, and seasonal shows kicking off.

A few fun options:

• Disneyland – Summer entertainment usually launches around this time, and everything feels extra festive. Plus, if you stay at one of the nearby hotels with a waterpark, you can keep the fun going even after you leave the park.
• Cedar Point – Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” and late May is prime ride weather.
• Silver Dollar City – A great mix of coasters, live music, and old-fashioned summer vibes.
• Coney Island — Memorial Day weekend is when this historic seaside playground really comes alive. You can ride the legendary Cyclone Roller Coaster, stroll the lively boardwalk, and grab a famous hot dog from Nathan’s Famous.

Check out this complete list of the best theme parks in America.

A fair warning, however–theme parks tend to be extra busy on long weekends. But if you’re looking for a destination to visit and you want to be sure there’s entertainment for the kids, these places are sure to please.

2. Book a Beach Weekend Before Peak Summer Prices Hit

Beach towns are officially awake by Memorial Day, but you can often still sneak in slightly better rates than peak summertime. Some fun options to consider:

• Coronado – Classic SoCal charm, wide beaches, and bike-friendly streets.
• Destin – That white sand + turquoise water combo feels like the Caribbean.
• Myrtle Beach – Boardwalk energy, mini golf, and family-friendly fun. It’s one of the best beaches on the east coast for a reason.
• Santa Monica Beach — One of the best beaches in Los Angeles plus a pier with all kinds of fun for the family. It’s like combining a beach vacation with an amusement park trip. Now that sounds like some nostalgic summer fun to me!

Memorial Day weekend beach trips are perfect if you want relaxed days and festive evenings. Many towns host parades, small concerts, and community events.

3. Escape to the Mountains Before It Gets Too Hot

Not a beach person? Late May is one of the best times to visit some of the popular summer mountain towns before they get too busy (and expensive!). Snow has melted at lower elevations, hiking trails reopen, and wildflowers start popping.

A few beautiful options:

• Lake Tahoe – You can hike, paddleboard, or just enjoy crisp alpine air.
• Park City – Summer lifts often start spinning for mountain biking.
• Gatlinburg – Gateway to the Smokies with cabins, scenic drives, and cozy vibes.
• For an even more epic experience, consider booking an all-inclusive dude ranch to spend the holiday at

If you’re looking for vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend that feel peaceful but still adventurous, this is such a good option.

4. Plan a Camping or Glamping Trip on a Lake – One of the less expensive vacation ideas ofr Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend and lake life just go together. Grab a group of your favorite people and book a lake house right on the water. Or, as I mentioned above, camping is a great way to kick off your summer adventures. And if you can camp at a lake, even better! Here are some of my favorite camping lakes in California.

Rent a cabin, campsite or a spot at one of the many glamping resorts if you prefer not get down and dirty.
Book a boat.
Bring the paddleboards.
Make s’mores.

Many campgrounds open additional loops this weekend, and it’s warm enough for swimming in many parts of the country. Just book early — this is one of the busiest camping weekends of the year.

Here are some campgrounds along with awesome lake resorts for you to check out:

• The Best Mammoth Lakes Campgrounds
• Awesome Ozark Hotels
• Lake Resorts in Minnesota
• Family Resorts in Lake Tahoe

If you want something low-key but memory-making, this might be one of the simplest vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend.

5. Do a City Trip While It’s Lively (But Not Sweltering)

Cities feel alive over Memorial Day weekend. Outdoor dining is in full swing. Rooftop bars reopen. Summer festivals begin. Heck, you might even be able to catch a baseball game–and what’s more American than that?

Great long-weekend cities:

• Chicago – Lakefront paths, architecture cruises, and ideal weather. Check out the best family things to do in Chicago.
• New York City – Fleet Week festivities, iconic parks in full bloom, and endless things to do from Broadway to rooftop dining. Here’s a 3-day itinerary for the long weekend.
• Austin – Live music, BBQ, and paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. Here are my favorite things to do in Austin along with the best Airbnb options, right on the water.
• Boston – Historic sites, waterfront charm, and early summer energy around the harbor.
• Washington, D.C. – Patriotic ceremonies, monuments, and special Memorial Day events throughout the National Mall.
• San Diego – Perfect beach weather, waterfront celebrations, and a relaxed start to summer along the coast. Here’s an awesome San Diego itinerary to help you plan.
• Honolulu – Tropical beaches, cultural ceremonies, and moving tributes at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
• Nashville – Live country music, lively honky-tonks, and a festive long-weekend atmosphere downtown. Here’s a breakdown of the best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting, especially if you’re looking for a cute boutique hotel.

City breaks are perfect if you only have three days and don’t want long travel times. Many of these cities go particularly big for the holiday, as well. Scroll to the bottom to see some of the patriotic fun you can partake in.

6. Visit a National Park Before Peak Summer Crowds

Late May is a sweet spot in many parks — open roads, good weather, and manageable crowds compared to July. And you can even combine some national park beauty with a camping or glamping trip to check a few of these fun outings off at once.

Some great picks:

• Zion National Park – Hike early, relax by the river in the afternoon. Check out this 1-day itinerary of my favorite things to do there, along with these hotels and campgrounds that will put you right in the action.
• Grand Teton National Park – Snow-capped peaks, wildlife sightings and the most breath-taking hikes. And Jackson Hole is a great city to stay in for the holiday weekend as well.
• Acadia National Park – Coastal hikes and lobster rolls after.

If you’re thinking about active vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend, this is a great time to go before the true summer rush hits.

7. Stay Local and Do a “Tourist in Your Own Town” Weekend – One of the easiest vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend

You don’t have to travel far to make it feel special.

• Book one night at a nearby boutique hotel or a waterpark hotel you’ve had your eye on.
• Try that brunch spot you’ve been meaning to visit.
• Rent bikes.
• Visit a local festival or parade.
• Have a picnic.
• Book a resort pass to hang at the newest resort pool.

Sometimes the best vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend are the ones that don’t require airports at all.

Vacation Cities That Go Big for Memorial Day Weekend

If you’re looking for somewhere that feels extra special over Memorial Day weekend, some cities really embrace the holiday with traditions, parades, and community energy that make your getaway feel memorable and meaningful.

New York City

Memorial Day weekend in NYC is electric. And the weather can be particularly nice this time of year. Not too hot and humid yet. The city has:

• The National Memorial Day Parade up Fifth Avenue — one of the largest in the country, with marching bands, military units, and spirited crowds.
• Memorial services and tributes at locations like the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Riverside Park.
• Outdoor patios, rooftop bars, and street fairs burst into life as the weather heats up.
• Classic NYC energy — Broadway, museums, and waterfront spaces give you endless ways to spend the holiday.

Whether you want cultural events or just strolling in Central Park with an ice cream cone, New York brings summer vibes and meaning together in a big way.

Washington, D.C. – One of the most obvious vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend

As the nation’s capital, D.C. knows how to do Memorial Day with heart:

• The National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol draws thousands for a tribute concert with stars and military honors.
• The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally rides past the Vietnam Veterans Memorial — a moving salute to veterans.
• Visit the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the WWII Memorial for solemn reflections amid spring blossoms.

For a weekend that mixes patriotic ceremonies with iconic sights, it’s hard to beat D.C.

Boston

Boston’s Memorial Day is a blend of history and summer kickoff:

• Parades in every neighborhood — from South Boston to Quincy — with veterans, bands, and community pride.
• Flag placements on graves at historic cemeteries like the Old Granary and Mt. Auburn.
• That energizing early-summer feel around the Harborwalk, North End patios, and Fenway Park if the Red Sox are in town.

Boston’s history makes Memorial Day feel especially connected to the roots of American remembrance.

Chicago

Chicago brings the party — and the tribute:

• Parades in neighborhoods like the South Side and Uptown, each with its own character and community spirit.
• Beach season unofficially begins — with people grilling, biking the lakefront, and soaking up the sun at North Avenue Beach.
• Live music and festivals often pop up around Grant Park too.

You’ll get that classic Midwest summer energy with a big dose of remembrance.

San Diego

If warm weather and waterfront celebrations are your vibe, San Diego is a winner:

• Fleet Week events often coincide with Memorial Day, including ship tours and demonstrations.
• Parades and ceremonies across neighborhoods like Coronado and La Jolla.
• Balboa Park and Gaslamp Quarter bring outdoor dining, art, and relaxed beach-town feels — perfect for people planning vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend.

Honolulu

For a slightly different spin on Memorial Day weekend:

• Punchbowl Crater’s National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific offers moving ceremonies with panoramic views of Honolulu.
• The holiday falls beautifully into tropical weather — perfect for beach time at Waikiki or exploring hikes on Oahu.

It’s an especially meaningful blend of reflection and resort-style fun.

Cities like these are great if you want vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend that feel like an event, not just a long weekend getaway. Between parades, concerts, and crowds gathering to honor loved ones, you’ll find tradition, community, and summer energy all wrapped into one trip.

There are so many vacation ideas for Memorial Day weekend — the hardest part is choosing just one.

A Quick Reminder When Thinking About Vacation Ideas Over Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is also a time to honor those who have served and sacrificed. Many destinations host remembrance ceremonies or parades. Attending one can add meaning to your weekend and remind everyone why the holiday exists.

Once you’ve decided where to go, be sure to check out this weekend trip packing list to help making packing a breeze.

Looking for more festive travel ideas? Check out this list of the best cities to spend 4th of July in.

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