Are you looking for the best Memorial Day weekend getaways in 2025? This post has got you covered!
Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer vacation! It’s a perfect long holiday weekend to maximize your travel time without dipping into your PTO.
As a teacher, this is one of the best ways I maximize my travel time.
When planning any Memorial Day weekend getaway, it’s important to flight track in advance.
Flight prices are notoriously high over holiday weekends. With advanced planning and flexibility when choosing destinations, you’ll be able to find the right Memorial Day weekend trip for you and your budget.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, history, or simply unwinding at the beach, there’s a destination for everyone.
To help you make the most of this long weekend, we’ve rounded up some of the best Memorial Day weekend getaways across the U.S!
These destinations offer unique experiences, ideal weather, and a variety of activities that make them the perfect choice for a memorable holiday.
10 USA Memorial Day Weekend Getaways
1. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s stunning turquoise waters and mountain scenery make it a relaxing Memorial Day Weekend getaway.
Tahoe provides the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation all surrounded by a postcard-worthy backdrop!
The lake’s crystal-clear waters offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and early-season boating.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, with plenty of events like outdoor concerts and lakeside barbecues.
The weather at Lake Tahoe is usually mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
While the area sees high tourism this time of year, particularly around the popular beaches, it still offers quieter spots for relaxation.
2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is most famous for Haystack Rock featured in the film, The Goonies. (No, I have never seen it).
I absolutely love the Oregon coast, and Cannon Beach is a great starting point.
If you are feeling adventurous and up for a road trip, you can combine this weekend getaway with a road trip along Oregon’s coast.
Other wonderful small towns to visit are Astoria or Eugene. I personally loved exploring Astoria for an afternoon!
Memorial Day weekend is a great time to visit. The weather is mild, making it perfect for coastal hikes or a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
While the town can get busy with tourists, its natural beauty and small-town charm offer a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape larger cities.
3. DC
Washington, D.C. is a historic Memorial Day weekend destination, offering a rich mix of history, culture, and patriotism.
Memorial Day itself is especially significant here, with the National Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies at the National Mall.
Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian museums, many of which are free.
However, you can always join a highly rated monument night tour or explore on your own!
The weather is typically warm, making it perfect for outdoor tours, and the city’s springtime beauty adds to the experience.
D.C. sees higher crowds over Memorial Day, but the historical significance and variety of events make it a top choice!
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4. Austin
Austin is a lively and fun Memorial Day weekend destination known for its live music, delicious food, and unique vibe.
You can spend your days exploring the city’s famous music scene at venues like the Continental Club, or enjoy outdoor activities like paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake.
Memorial Day weekend in Austin also means great food festivals, like the Texas Craft Brewers Festival.
The warm weather makes it a great time to experience the city’s many outdoor patios and food trucks.
5. Asheville
Asheville is a fantastic Memorial Day weekend destination for those seeking a blend of arts, nature, and local cuisine.
Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors can hike, explore the Biltmore Estate, or drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
Memorial Day weekend brings vibrant arts festivals and outdoor concerts, adding to the town’s creative atmosphere.
The weather is typically mild, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying Asheville’s farm-to-table dining scene!
6. Chicago
Chicago is a vibrant Memorial Day weekend destination!
Summer in the windy city kicks off with all the outdoor fun, cultural attractions, and iconic landmarks.
It’s one of my favorite times of year to explore Chicago!
Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the Lakefront Trail, take a boat tour on the Chicago River, or explore Millennium Park.
Memorial Day weekend also kicks off Chicago’s festival season, with events like the Chicago Blues Festival and the Memorial Day parade.
The weather is usually warm, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
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7 Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, is a charming Memorial Day weekend getaway for coastal beauty.
The city offers a mix of outdoor activities like biking along scenic waterfront paths, exploring the historic Old Port district, or taking a lighthouse tour.
Memorial Day weekend brings the start of Maine’s vibrant summer season, with local food festivals and outdoor events.
The weather is usually pleasant, making it perfect for enjoying the picturesque harbor or dining at one of Portland’s many renowned seafood restaurants.
Portland’s relaxed atmosphere and coastal charm make it a delightful and less crowded choice for a Memorial Day escape.
8. Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is a scenic and peaceful Memorial Day weekend destination, ideal for those looking to enjoy the outdoors and small-town charm.
There are so many activities to do in the Adirondack Mountains!
Some of the best things to do are hike or bike the many trails, kayak on Mirror Lake, or explore the Olympic Village from the 1980 Winter Games.
Memorial Day weekend also marks the beginning of the summer season, with outdoor festivals and local events.
The weather is usually mild, perfect for enjoying the fresh mountain air.
9. Boulder
Boulder is a fantastic Memorial Day weekend destination for those looking to combine outdoor adventure with a vibrant, eco-friendly city atmosphere.
Surrounded by the iconic Flatirons, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or taking a leisurely stroll.
Memorial Day weekend is a great time to visit, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
The city comes alive with local festivals, farmers’ markets, and live music!
10. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is an ideal Memorial Day weekend getaway for those seeking a blend of beach relaxation, wine tasting, and cultural experiences.
I love Santa Barbara and cannot wait for a return trip!
There are so many amazing things to do in the city itself, and tons of day trips like Channel Islands or hillside vineyards.
Visitors can enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches, explore the historic Santa Barbara Mission, or take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Memorial Day weekend brings perfect weather for outdoor activities like hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains or relaxing at the many outdoor wineries.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or a relaxing escape, these Memorial Day weekend destinations offer something for everyone.
No matter where you choose to go, you’re sure to find the perfect setting to kick off the summer season.
