Plan The Ultimate Long Weekend: 15 Great Memorial Day Escapes
Memorial Day weekend is your golden ticket to kick off summer with a bang—no need to burn through your vacation days.
It’s that sweet moment when the weather warms up, the days stretch longer, and the road calls your name. Looking for a mountain escape? A peaceful lakefront cabin? Or maybe a breezy beach town where flip-flops are part of the dress code?
I’ve rounded up 15 amazing destinations that are just right for a quick, unforgettable getaway. So, where will you head when the long weekend rolls in?
1. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Just 90 minutes from Chicago, this charming lakeside town transforms into a vibrant hub during Memorial Day weekend. Historic mansions line the shoreline, offering glimpses into the area’s rich past as a retreat for wealthy Chicagoans.
Rent a boat to explore the crystal-clear waters or stroll along the 21-mile Shore Path for breathtaking views. The downtown area buzzes with unique shops and waterfront restaurants serving fresh catches.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try zip-lining through the trees at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours or golf at one of the championship courses nearby.
2. Tybee Island, Georgia
Locals call it Savannah’s Beach, but this barrier island has a personality all its own. Palm trees sway in the warm breeze as you relax on three miles of wide, sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles or catching some rays.
The historic lighthouse, dating back to 1736, offers panoramic views for those willing to climb its 178 steps. Marine science enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Tybee Island Marine Science Center where you can meet local sea creatures.
When hunger strikes, fresh seafood awaits at casual beachfront eateries. Don’t leave without trying the famous Tybee Island crab cakes!
3. Zion National Park
Towering red cliffs reaching toward blue skies create a landscape that seems almost otherworldly. Zion’s dramatic scenery becomes even more magical in late May when waterfalls reach peak flow and wildflowers dot the canyon floor.
The Narrows beckons adventurous travelers to wade through the Virgin River between thousand-foot walls. For a less strenuous experience, the Riverside Walk offers similar views without getting your feet wet.
Though campgrounds fill quickly for Memorial Day, nearby Springdale provides comfortable accommodations and delicious dining options after a day of exploring. Arrive early to beat both the heat and the crowds!
4. Finger Lakes, New York
Wine enthusiasts, take note! This region boasts over 100 wineries nestled among eleven pristine lakes carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Memorial Day kicks off the summer season when tasting rooms buzz with visitors sampling award-winning Rieslings.
Between sips, chase waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park where 19 cascades tumble through a stunning gorge. Kayaking on Keuka Lake offers a peaceful way to appreciate the rolling hillsides dotted with vineyards.
Charming small towns like Hammondsport and Skaneateles welcome visitors with boutique shopping and farm-to-table dining featuring local ingredients. The perfect blend of relaxation and adventure awaits!
5. Catalina Island, California
How about an island getaway without leaving the country? Just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, this Mediterranean-style paradise feels worlds away from mainland hustle.
Golf carts replace cars as the main transportation, adding to the carefree atmosphere. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters reveals vibrant marine life, while glass-bottom boat tours offer dry alternatives for ocean viewing.
The historic Casino building (not actually a gambling hall) houses a museum and theater worth exploring. For the ultimate holiday splurge, book a room at the iconic Mt. Ada, once the Wrigley mansion, offering panoramic views of Avalon Bay.
6. Door County, Wisconsin
Nicknamed the Cape Cod of the Midwest, this peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan charms visitors with its lighthouse-dotted shoreline and Swedish heritage. Cherry orchards burst with blossoms in late spring, creating picture-perfect backdrops for countryside drives.
Are you hungry for a unique dining experience? Traditional fish boils combine theatrical cooking methods with delicious whitefish caught fresh from the lake. Work off your meal by hiking in Peninsula State Park or kayaking along limestone bluffs.
Artists have long been drawn to the area’s natural beauty, resulting in galleries and studios scattered throughout quaint villages like Fish Creek and Ephraim. Pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember your trip!
7. White Mountains, New Hampshire
Though famous for fall foliage, these majestic peaks offer equally stunning scenery for Memorial Day adventurers. Late spring brings rushing waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and comfortable hiking temperatures before summer crowds arrive.
Franconia Notch State Park serves as the perfect home base for exploring natural wonders like Flume Gorge and the Basin. Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss the Kancamagus Highway—a 34-mile scenic byway with jaw-dropping overlooks at every turn.
When mountain air sharpens your appetite, stop in North Conway or Lincoln for hearty New England fare. Many resorts offer Memorial Day packages with guided hikes, making it easy to maximize your outdoor time.
8. Gulf Shores, Alabama
White sugar-sand beaches stretching for 32 miles make this Gulf Coast gem a perfect Memorial Day destination. The turquoise waters remain comfortably warm without reaching the scorching temperatures of midsummer.
Beyond beach lounging, try parasailing for bird’s-eye views or dolphin-watching cruises for up-close marine encounters. Gulf State Park offers 28 miles of hiking and biking trails through coastal ecosystems for when you need a break from the sand.
Seafood doesn’t get fresher than here—local restaurants serve shrimp, oysters, and fish caught the same day. Don’t miss the annual Hangout Music Festival if your Memorial Day plans include dancing on the beach to top musical acts!
9. Telluride, Colorado
Nestled in a box canyon surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks, this former mining town transforms into an outdoor playground by Memorial Day. The gondola (free to ride!) provides spectacular views as snow melts to reveal hiking trails and wildflower meadows.
Mountain biking enthusiasts flock to Telluride for world-class single-track routes while fly fishing in the San Miguel River offers peaceful alternatives. Historic downtown charms visitors with Victorian architecture housing gourmet restaurants and boutique shops.
Did you know? Though now famous for skiing and film festivals, Telluride was once where Butch Cassidy robbed his first bank in 1889. This rich history adds character to an already stunning destination.
10. Santa Barbara, California
They call it the American Riviera for good reason—Mediterranean climate, palm-lined beaches, and Spanish colonial architecture create a distinctly European feel. Memorial Day kicks off beach season when temperatures hover perfectly in the mid-70s.
Rent bikes to explore the Urban Wine Trail, featuring tasting rooms within walking distance of each other. The historic mission provides cultural context, while Stearns Wharf offers seafood dining with Pacific Ocean views.
Just 30 minutes away, the Santa Ynez Valley wine country beckons with world-class vineyards made famous in the movie “Sideways.” With mountains, beaches, and vineyards all within reach, Santa Barbara offers something for every traveler.
11. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step back in time on this car-free island where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles serve as the main transportation. Located between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, Mackinac officially opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend.
The Grand Hotel’s famous 660-foot porch (the world’s longest!) provides sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac. Indulge in world-famous Mackinac fudge while exploring Victorian-era cottages and Fort Mackinac, built in 1780.
Biking the 8.2-mile shoreline path offers stunning vistas at every turn. Though accommodations book quickly for the holiday weekend, day trips from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace remain viable options for experiencing this unique destination.
12. Annapolis, Maryland
Maritime heritage meets colonial charm in America’s sailing capital. Memorial Day weekend brings the unofficial start of boating season when the Chesapeake Bay fills with colorful sails and the downtown harbor buzzes with activity.
Wander through the largest concentration of 18th-century buildings in the country, including the Maryland State House—the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use. Naval history enthusiasts shouldn’t miss touring the U.S. Naval Academy grounds.
When you’re ready for a break, waterfront restaurants serve fresh Maryland blue crabs and locally-brewed craft beers. The compact downtown means you can explore most sights on foot, making it perfect for a weekend visit.
13. Joshua Tree, California
Where two distinct desert ecosystems meet, otherworldly landscapes await exploration. Late May offers ideal temperatures before summer heat makes hiking unbearable in this unique national park.
Iconic Joshua trees dot the horizon like something from a Dr. Seuss book, while massive boulder formations create natural playgrounds for climbers of all skill levels. After sunset, the real magic begins—Joshua Tree boasts some of the darkest night skies in Southern California, perfect for stargazing.
Quirky nearby towns like Pioneertown (built as a 1940s Western movie set) offer eclectic shopping and dining options. For the full desert experience, book a vintage Airstream or architectural gem through specialty rental companies.
14. Black Hills, South Dakota
Few destinations feel more appropriate for Memorial Day than this region home to Mount Rushmore. Beyond the famous presidential faces, the Black Hills offer outdoor adventures amid pine-covered peaks rising from the prairie.
Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop often reveals close encounters with free-roaming bison, pronghorn, and the park’s famous begging burros. Nearby Needles Highway winds through granite spires creating unforgettable driving experiences.
History buffs will appreciate the region’s significance to Native American cultures, best explored at Crazy Horse Memorial. The annual Memorial Day ceremony at Mount Rushmore provides a particularly moving experience, honoring those who served with a special program and flag ceremony.
15. Lake Chelan, Washington
Imagine a 50-mile-long glacier-fed lake surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and charming small towns. This Pacific Northwest gem officially kicks off its tourist season during Memorial Day weekend when the apple orchards bloom and wineries open their patios.
The lake itself offers endless recreation—rent jet skis, paddleboards, or boats to explore the crystal-clear waters. For a unique experience, take the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin, a remote village accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Chelan’s downtown waterfront comes alive with outdoor dining and live music during the holiday weekend. Nearby hiking trails lead to spectacular viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding Cascade Mountains—perfect for burning off all that wine tasting!