15 Coastal Beach Towns To Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to kick off the season than with a beach getaway? Coastal towns across America come alive during this holiday weekend, offering everything from relaxing shores to exciting festivals.

I’ve rounded up 15 perfect beach destinations where you can soak up the sun while honoring the true meaning of the holiday.

1. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Family-friendly vibes make this charming Delaware town perfect for a holiday escape. The mile-long boardwalk serves as the heart of the community, offering nostalgic arcade games, saltwater taffy shops, and plenty of people-watching opportunities.

Memorial Day in Rehoboth brings a special ceremony at the bandstand, honoring fallen heroes before the summer festivities begin. The beach itself is immaculate – soft sand stretches wide enough that you’ll never feel crowded even on busy holiday weekends.

For a unique experience, check out Dogfish Head Brewery nearby or rent bikes to explore the scenic Gordon’s Pond Trail connecting to Cape Henlopen State Park.

2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Beneath swaying palmettos and Spanish moss, this low-country paradise offers 12 miles of pristine beaches perfect for a meaningful holiday weekend.

Unlike flashier beach towns, Hilton Head maintains its natural beauty with strict development codes and preserved maritime forests. Memorial Day brings the start of outdoor concert season at Shelter Cove, where you can enjoy music while watching boats come and go.

The island’s Veterans Memorial at Shelter Cove Community Park hosts a touching ceremony honoring fallen service members. Between beach time, explore 60+ miles of cycling paths, championship golf courses, or take a dolphin-watching cruise through the calm waters surrounding the island.

3. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Moody skies and dramatic rock formations create an entirely different beach experience on Oregon’s stunning coastline. Haystack Rock, the 235-foot sea stack rising from the shoreline, serves as the town’s iconic landmark and home to colorful tidepools and nesting seabirds.

While Pacific Northwest waters stay chilly year-round, Memorial Day visitors enjoy beachcombing, kite flying, and spectacular sunset bonfires. The town itself maintains a delightful artistic vibe with galleries and boutiques lining the streets.

Make time for nearby Ecola State Park, where forested trails lead to jaw-dropping coastal viewpoints.

4. Folly Beach, South Carolina

Just 15 minutes from historic Charleston lies this laid-back surf town with a quirky personality. Known to locals as “the Edge of America,” Folly Beach marches to its own bohemian beat while offering six miles of wide, welcoming shoreline.

Memorial Day weekend brings the unofficial start of hurricane season, but also perfect beach weather and special events at the Folly Beach Pier. The holiday atmosphere remains respectful, with a morning ceremony at the American Legion Post followed by relaxed celebrations.

Beyond swimming and sunbathing, try paddleboarding through the salt marshes or fishing off the pier. Center Street offers surf shops, casual eateries, and beach bars perfect for ending a sun-soaked day.

5. Cape May, New Jersey

Victorian charm meets beachside relaxation in this historic gem. The entire town feels like stepping back in time with its colorful gingerbread houses and gas-lit streets. During Memorial Day weekend, Cape May hosts special ceremonies at their Veterans Memorial, followed by a parade down Beach Avenue.

The beaches officially open for the season, and the promenade buzzes with families enjoying ice cream and ocean views. Don’t miss the Cape May Lighthouse or the shops along the Washington Street Mall. The town’s wineries also offer special holiday tastings to kick off summer properly.

6. Provincetown, Massachusetts

At the very tip of Cape Cod sits this vibrant, inclusive community where stunning beaches meet artistic expression. P-town’s location at the curling end of the Cape provides both bay and ocean beaches, plus incredible sunsets over the water from multiple vantage points.

Memorial Day marks the official season opening, with many businesses returning from winter hibernation. The town hosts a touching ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on Town Hall lawn before celebrations shift to Commercial Street, which comes alive with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

For active visitors, rent bikes to explore the Province Lands trails through rolling dunes, or take a whale watching tour – late May brings humpbacks feeding in the nutrient-rich waters offshore.

7. Laguna Beach, California

Tucked between golden bluffs and the azure Pacific, this artsy enclave offers some of Southern California’s most picturesque coastline. Seven miles of coves and crescent beaches provide endless exploration opportunities, from the popular Main Beach to hidden gems like Thousand Steps.

Memorial Day weekend brings perfect weather and the unofficial start of summer events. The town honors fallen service members with a ceremony at Monument Point in Heisler Park, overlooking the crashing waves below.

Afterward, visitors spread across the various beaches or explore the galleries and boutiques downtown. If you need a break from the sun, Laguna’s renowned art scene offers galleries, public art installations, and the first glimpses of summer art festivals that will continue throughout the season.

8. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Sugar-white sand and warm turquoise waters make this Gulf Coast gem a surprising paradise. The 32 miles of pristine beaches feature sand so fine it squeaks beneath your feet – composed of pure quartz crystal washed down from the Appalachian Mountains centuries ago. Memorial Day weekend brings the Hangout Music Festival right on the beach, creating an unforgettable backdrop for holiday celebrations.

Beyond music, the town hosts a respectful memorial service at the Gulf Shores Public Beach area before the festivities begin. Between beach sessions, explore Gulf State Park’s ecosystems or take a dolphin cruise.

For food lovers, fresh Gulf seafood shines at waterfront restaurants where you can watch the sunset while enjoying royal red shrimp, a local delicacy.

9. Tybee Island, Georgia

Just 20 minutes from historic Savannah sits this laid-back barrier island with five miles of wide, sandy beaches.

The relaxed atmosphere provides a perfect counterbalance to the elegance of nearby Savannah, with beach bars, seafood shacks, and colorful cottages creating a classic beach town vibe. Memorial Day weekend on Tybee brings a special ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park, followed by the island’s quirky Beach Bum Parade.

The South Beach area buzzes with activity around the pier and pavilion, while North Beach offers a quieter experience near the historic lighthouse. Between sunbathing sessions, kayak through the salt marshes to spot dolphins and birds or explore Fort Pulaski National Monument just across the causeway for a dose of Civil War history.

10. Santa Barbara, California

Mediterranean vibes permeate this stunning coastal city, often called the American Riviera. Red-tiled roofs and white stucco buildings cascade down hillsides to meet the Pacific, with the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains creating a breathtaking backdrop to miles of south-facing beaches.

Memorial Day weekend brings perfect weather and the start of summer events. The city hosts a moving ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery, where thousands of American flags create a powerful visual tribute. Afterward, East Beach and Butterfly Beach fill with visitors enjoying the warm sunshine.

Beyond beach time, explore the historic mission, stroll Stearns Wharf, or bike along the waterfront path. The Urban Wine Trail offers tastings from nearby wine country vintners, perfect for relaxing after a day of sun and surf.

11. Newport, Rhode Island

Gilded Age mansions and sailing history create an atmosphere of elegant maritime charm in this classic New England destination. While not known for sprawling beaches, Newport’s compact coves like Easton’s Beach (locally called First Beach) offer perfect spots for holiday relaxation.

Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer social season, with ceremonies at the Newport Cemetery and Naval Station. The famous Cliff Walk comes alive with visitors enjoying ocean views alongside historic mansions.

For a truly local experience, follow Ocean Drive to Brenton Point State Park, where kite-flying and picnicking become elevated experiences with spectacular coastal scenery. After beach time, explore the cobblestone streets of downtown, tour a mansion, or visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame before dining on fresh seafood at a harbor-front restaurant.

12. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Fairy-tale cottages and artistic heritage make this upscale village one of California’s most charming coastal destinations. The pristine white-sand beach curves along Carmel Bay, framed by cypress trees and the sound of gentle waves.

Memorial Day brings perfect weather to this northern California haven, with a special ceremony at Devendorf Park honoring fallen service members. The beach itself remains uncommercial – no facilities or vendors – creating a natural, peaceful atmosphere even on busy holiday weekends.

Between beach visits, wander the village’s secret passageways and courtyards filled with galleries, boutiques, and wine tasting rooms. Don’t miss the historic Carmel Mission or nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often called “the crown jewel of the state park system.”

13. Bar Harbor, Maine

Rugged coastal beauty and proximity to Acadia National Park make this Down East town perfect for nature lovers seeking a different kind of beach experience. The dramatic coastline features beaches of sand, stone, and shell, each offering unique beauty against the backdrop of pine-covered islands and mountains.

Memorial Day weekend marks the full opening of services in this seasonal town. A touching ceremony at the village green honors fallen service members before visitors spread out to explore Sand Beach in Acadia or the calmer shoreline at Town Beach.

Hiking trails, whale watching tours, and lobster boats create endless outdoor opportunities. After exploring, wander the charming downtown filled with local shops, or enjoy Maine’s famous lobster at a waterfront restaurant as the sun sets over Frenchman Bay.

14. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Classic boardwalk fun meets 60 miles of wide sandy beaches in this iconic family vacation destination. Known as the Grand Strand, this stretch of Atlantic coastline offers something for everyone – from quiet natural areas to high-energy entertainment districts.

Memorial Day weekend brings Military Appreciation Days to a climax with a parade along Ocean Boulevard and ceremony at the convention center. The boardwalk area buzzes with activity around the SkyWheel and Plyler Park, while North and South Myrtle Beach offer slightly quieter alternatives.

Between beach sessions, explore Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex, challenge friends at one of dozens of mini-golf courses, or catch a show at one of the live performance theaters. Seafood buffets and Carolina barbecue provide perfect refueling after active beach days.

15. Traverse City, Michigan

Crystal-clear freshwater beaches along Grand Traverse Bay offer a unique alternative to ocean destinations. The Caribbean-blue waters of Lake Michigan provide swimming without salt or sharks, while golden sand beaches stretch for miles around the two peninsulas embracing the bay. Memorial Day weekend marks the start of cherry blossom season in this region known as the Cherry Capital.

A special ceremony at the Open Space Park honors fallen service members before families spread out to beaches like Clinch Park, Bryant Park, or the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Beyond beach time, explore the charming downtown filled with local shops and farm-to-table restaurants.

Wine enthusiasts can visit dozens of wineries on the nearby peninsulas, all offering spectacular water views alongside award-winning vintages.