San Francisco California For An Action
San Francisco is booming with activities, no matter the weekend. However, Memorial Day weekend is particularly packed in the Bay Area! A Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at the National Cemetery and there is the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival around the same dates, an admission-free festival offering music, circus, theater, and dance.
Now. If youre a sports fan, and more specifically a baseball buff, youll be very happy!
Explore The Secret Coast Of Mississippi
Bursting with southern hospitality and charm, Mississippis Secret Coast boasts 62 miles of scenic shoreline and welcomes families and visitors with warm weather and sunny skies. Another draw: the annual Sounds by the Sea, an open-air Memorial Day concert featuring patriotic selections and fireworks, presented by the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. Bring your picnic basket, blanket, and lounge chairs, and enjoy the music and show, all overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Make your base at the Grand Centennial Hotel in Gulfport, which features a zero-entry pool and a lazy river.
Local highlights:
THOMAS WATKINS/Getty Images
The Broadmoor: Colorado Springs Colorado
Kick off summer in the Rocky Mountains at The Broadmoor, a historic and oh-so-grand property that really delivers for families. The Memorial Day weekend package includes a four-night stay, dining credit, and horseback riding or a Jeep tour, plus access to the resort’s movie theater, bike, and paddleboat rentals.
Recommended Reading: Best Caribbean Vacation For Couples
Free Things To Do In San Francisco
- See the Sea Lions at Pier 39. These funny and charming sea animals have chosen Pier 39 to lounge away in San Fran. While youre there, make sure you explore the rest of Fishermans Wharf!
- Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge. Completely free, this breathtaking walk offers the best views of the San Francisco Bay.
- Hike to Coit Tower. Youve guessed it: San Franciscos got many amazing viewpoints that you shouldnt miss out on, one of which can be enjoyed as you hike up towards Coit Tower! Perched on a hill located just a few blocks from Pier 39, the San Francisco Coit Tower provides a great vantage point to see Fishermans Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Psssssthiking up to the tower is free, and the view is incredible from the bottom of the tower, but if you want to climb up to the top of the Coit Tower, youll have to spend a few dollars.
Best Worst Times To Travel Memorial Day Weekend
What do you think of when you imagine the perfect road trip?
Freedom to relax and be on your own schedule? Flexibility to stop and see what you want when you want? Spending less than flying somewhere so you have money left to explore when you arrive at your destination?
Those all sound perfect, right? In reality a road trip can be STRESSFUL!
One of the worst issues with a road trip are the hours you may spend stuck in traffic, watching your vacation time slowly tick away.
ROAD TRIP: Easy way to calculate gas costs
This year theres something you may be able to do to help save those precious minutes and hours.
AAA predicts nearly 40 million people plan to travel this Memorial Day weekend. Thats 4.6% more than in 2021. The majority plan to do so by car.
The association just released the best and worst times to travel if you hope to avoid begin stuck in traffic with thousands of other drivers this holiday weekend.
AAA said the longest delays are expected on May 26 and May 27 as people leave home to begin their road trips.
The absolute worst times you can travel by car are Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those times are followed by Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Requirements for Summer Travel by Air and Sea
Youll also likely hit delays when everyone begins to return home.
Those times are predicted to be Sunday and Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day, according to AAA.
Monkeypox Could Impact Future Travel
Recommended Reading: Investment Vacation Properties For Sale
The Shops At Buckhead
The Atlanta Shops of Buckhead round up six city blocks of shopping and eateries, featuring many restaurants and shops. If you love to shop, youll be served, as its known as one of the best places to shop in the USA!
- Where is it? The Shops Buckhead Atlanta are located at 3035 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA.
- How to get there? Take the bus down to Peachtree Rd and Pharr Rd NE.
- When to go? The Shops at Buckhead are open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, except on Sundays, when theyre open from 12 PM to 6 PM.
- How much time to visit? Shop till you drop or plan two to four hours touring the shops!
- How much does it cost? $$$
Insider tip: The Buckhead Library, located in the middle of the shopping area, is a beautiful building and a great place to unwind if you need a moment to catch your breath.
If youve followed our recommendations, were pretty sure youve had the time of your life so far, but you might be running out of cash. Thankfully, Atlanta also offers many free activities you wont want to miss out on!
Dine And Dance In Austin
Austin loves to throw a party, and Memorial Day is no exception. You can celebrate the holiday in true local style at the Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival, which combines two favorite Austin activities: chowing down on top regional cuisine and listening to rollicking bands. Top chefs Aaron Franklin of Franklins BBQ and Chris Shepherd of UnderBelly will be whipping up Texas delights, while Superchunk and DJ Jazzy Jeff headline the musical performances. And you can also feel good about visiting Hot Luck, since proceeds benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation, which supports food workers.
Make the hip Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt your home base. Its just a block from Lady Bird Lake and around the corner from the musicAustin is one of the best cities for live musicand Rainey Street restaurants. The whole hotel is infused with a music theme, from the brass instruments hanging from the lobby ceiling to the vintage record players in the hip rooms. Plus, theres a great pool deck, with a bar, where you can catch some early summer rays and take a dip while youre taking a break from the festivities.
Local highlights:
- Tour the Texas State Capitol building. The National Historic Landmark building is marked by its dome and sunset red granite.
- Take in the Congress Bridge Bats just before sunset, when approximately 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats take flight.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Also Check: Disney Vacation Club Grocery Delivery
Atlanta Ga: For Fireworks And A Jazz Festival
The Atlanta Jazz Festivalturns 39 this year and fills the Piedmont Park area with music from May 27 thru 29. Known for being one of the largest free jazz festivals in the countryit typically brings in 225,000 attendees over the three-day weekendin past years the festival has featured performers like Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon, and Shirley Horn as well as local artists. Kid-friendly activities like face painting and balloon art take place by the playground near the stage, while the live music plays Friday night through Sunday. Getting to the festival is easyfree Lanier shuttles are available from nearby MARTA stations directly to Piedmont park. For more family fun, take the kids to Stone Mountain Park, a 35-minute drive from Atlanta, for some kid-friendly outdoor activities such as the “Sky Hike,” a ropes-and-ladders obstacle course through the treetops. In honor of Memorial Day, the park is hosting evening fireworks, free concerts, and a laser show from Saturday through Monday . As a special thank you, all active and retired military members receive one free adventure pass with a valid ID and can save up to 30 percent off additional tickets per person in your immediate family, as well as a 20 percent discount on food and merchandise inside the park.
EASY GETAWAY FROM Savannah Charleston, S.C. New Orleans Nashville Charlotte, N.C. Orlando.
Best Memorial Day Weekend Getaways
Most of us can’t wait until Memorial Day weekend at end of May because it marks the start of summer. Whether your idea of a dream vacation is relaxing on a beach by the sea or mountain biking through a national park, longer days and warm weather make it easy to have fun outdoors.
We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
Read Also: Vacation Rentals In Pensacola Area
Memorial Day Travel: Where To Spend Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May each year , kicking off the summer travel season. It’s the ideal time to take a trip pretty much anywhere in the U.S.the summer heat has not yet set in, the showers of spring have ended, and peak season has yet to come. So check out our deals to destinations around the U.S. and abroad and make the most of Memorial Day weekend.
Atlantic City New Jersey For Boardwalk
Atlantic City has always been a spot for Americans to let loose and have some fun, especially over a long weekend.
Start your summer by walking along the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, or maybe trying your luck in one of the casinos.
Be sure to try some of the local specialties including funnel cakes, saltwater taffy, shellfish, and street tacos.
Then, get some shopping done at Playground Pier on the Boardwalk.
When its time to relax, find a spot to soak up some sun on Atlantic City Beach.
Stay up late to experience the citys hopping nightclubs and bars.
Traveling with kids? Head to Storybook Land Amusement Park for some family-friendly fun.
Wind down from an action-packed day with an evening happy hour ocean cruise.
Late May can still be a little cool with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 66°F .
Recommended Reading: Club Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Finger Lakes New York For Wine And Memorial Day Museum
Escape the city for a long weekend in New Yorks relaxing Finger Lakes region, which happens to be the birthplace of Memorial Day.
Be sure to visit the National Memorial Day Museum and the iconic Scythe Tree.
The Finger Lakes region is known for its local wine, especially its renowned Rieslings.
Visitors can sample wine along the countrys first wine trail the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
Spend a day outside at one of the regions 26 state parks.
Watkins Glen State Park is a favorite for its waterfalls and gorges.
Memorial Day can draw crowds to the Finger Lakes. Luckily, the region is home to more than 300 bed and breakfasts to choose from.
Traveling with kids? Stop by The Corning Museum of Glass for a day of DIYs or visit a mini-golf course.
Youll have wonderful weather for whatever you choose to do. May temperatures typically range from 47°F to 71°F .
Black Hills South Dakota
The Midwest might not first come to mind for your Memorial Day weekend plans, but there’s actually a lot to see in this area if you decide to hit the road. You and your bestie are looking for somewhere unique to go, and just want to check some adventure off of your bucket list. The Black Hills are full of sights like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park that are worth seeing at some point during your summer travels. Take the scenic route through the Badlands, or go big and follow the entire Great American Road Trip itinerary. It’s bound to be a Memorial Day weekend you’ll look back on with your besties for years to come.
Don’t Miss: Cycling Vacations Of A Lifetime
Atlanta Georgia Memorial Weekend Fun With Carnival
Start the summer season right with Atlantas two Caribbean-style Carnival celebrations.
The city always hosts endless fun things to do, but Memorial Day Weekend means colorful costumes, parades, socca and reggae music, and countless cool parties to attend.
Head to the downtown Carnival or the DeKalb Carnival in Stonecrest.
Prefer a more laidback vibe?
The annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is regularly called the largest free jazz festival in the entire United States, and it culminates in top-tier performances on the main stage during Memorial Day Weekend.
Get all the details you need to plan your Memorial Day Weekend in Atlanta in our helpful guide.
Brush Elbows With Beer Barons In Lake Geneva
This beautiful lake town has long been a popular destination for the wealthy, especially Chicagoans after a rail line provided direct access in 1871. It still is popular today, so be prepared for crowds on nice summer weekends. But the plethora of attractions less than an hours drive from Milwaukee are worth a few busy sidewalks, plus the many resorts in the area make it easier to find a room on last minute notice.
One of the best ways to get a feel for the city and its history is on boat tour on Geneva Lake. Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers a handful, including the two-hour Full Lake Tour, which cruises past estates once owned by familiar names like Wrigley and Rockefeller. Theres also the 3.5-hour Black Point Estate Tour, which includes a guided tour inside the mansion once owned by Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp.
You can get even closer to some of those estates on a walk along the Geneva Lake Shore Path. The 21-mile path circles the lake, following old footpaths used by American Indians like the Potawatomi who first called the area home. Today the trail is sometimes a dirt rut and sometimes a stone path, depending on what the private homeowners have done with it . You can hop on at any public access point, including one at Elm Park just west of the public beach downtown.
You May Like: Luxury Vacation Rentals With Chef
The Finger Lakes New York
Long known for its wine, the Finger Lakes of New York has been undergoing a positive transformation over the past few years. The 14-county region, defined by its 11 long, skinny lakes, is about four to five hours northwest of New York City by car, and city folks will certainly enjoy the slow, rural pace of life here. For the holiday weekend, we particularly recommend the town of Waterloo, also known as the birthplace of Memorial Day. This is where the first formal observance of the holiday was held, and today you can visit landmarks like the National Memorial Day Museum and Scythe Tree, which was originally planted by a Civil War soldier. Then, head south to the storybook village of Aurora, where you should grab lunch at Fargo Bar & Grill before settling down in one of the towns historic inns.
Stay here: Were big fans of the Inns of Aurora, a collection of luxury guesthouses with eclectic interiors and lake views. The inn also has one of the best hotel amenities weve come across: a Director of Serenity, who is dedicated to bringing physical, mental, and spiritual wellness to guests, whether its through one-on-one yoga lessons or curated relaxation playlists and customized aromatherapy.
Outdoor Buffs The Best Memorial Day Weekend Getaway Is In Denver Colorado
Forget classic getaways and opt for an original destination: Colorado! The city of Denver is not only easy to access, but it also features a ton of things to see and do. From a bustling food scene to transcending art venues and exciting outdoor activities, both locals and visitors agree: the Mile-High City should be on every bucket list. Plus, its the ideal destination if you love the outdoors and are looking to step out of your comfort zone and rejuvenate your senses out in the wild. While in Denver, make time to see the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Vail Mountain Resort, two amazing spots you wont regret visiting.
Also Check: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Seaside
Washington Dc: For Patriotism Pomp And Circumstance
As you might guess, Washington D.C. is the most patriotic place to celebrate the holiday, with a parade and plenty of pomp and circumstance taking place during special military ceremonies. Arlington National Cemeterywhich celebrated its 150th anniversary in May 2014hosts a wreath-laying ceremony at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns accompanied by performances from the U.S. Navy Band. Men and women in uniform also march in the National Memorial Day Parade along the National Mall Monday at 2 p.m. Don’t miss the National Memorial Day Concert Sunday, May 29, on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., an event that is free to the public and televised on PBS each year.
EASY GETAWAY FROM Baltimore Boston Charleston, S.C. Columbus, Ohio Hartford, CT Louisville, Ky. Nashville New York City Providence.
Memorial Weekend Getaway Vacation Ideas: Beaches Camping & Events
This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.
Ah, summer has officially started! Dust off the sun hats, look out the camping gear and lets take a look at the best Memorial Weekend getaway destinations for families, couples and friends.
Were naturally biased so this guide leans towards Memorial Day Weekend activities on the East Coast and features beach vacations, city breaks with fun festivals and outdoors adventures.
Organizing a Memorial Day Weekend bachelorette party? The following spots are ideal for a chilled out or popping weekend too.
Weve included the best things to do over Memorial Day weekend at each location and what temperatures to expect so you can plan and pack accordingly.
Recommended Reading: Vacation Homes For Rent In Orlando