May is a great time to travel to many places in the U.S. and around world thanks to sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. Memorial Day weekend might just be the opportunity you have been waiting for to take that much-needed vacation – and you should take advantage of your time off to plan a getaway.
Whether you’re looking to spend this Memorial Day unwinding on a white sand beach, reflecting on the past year in the mountains or honoring fallen soldiers at big-city war memorials, these destinations offer the chance to enjoy the three-day weekend outside of your own four walls.
Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways
- Annapolis, Maryland
- St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Big Bear Lake, California
- Cape May, New Jersey
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Washington, D.C.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Austin, Texas
- Tulum, Mexico
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- Denver
- Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Annapolis, Maryland
(Getty Images)
Travelers looking to pay tribute to military men and women this Memorial Day can do so in the waterfront city of Annapolis. Get outside to watch the Memorial Day Parade through Main Street, or stroll through the rest of Historic Annapolis, where you’re bound to see rows of American flags. If you’re looking for a bit more space to stretch out, head to Quiet Waters Park. Spanning 340 acres, the park is ideal for biking, kayaking, picnicking or simply admiring panoramic views of the South River in late May’s pleasant temperatures (high 70s to low 80s). Bicycle and boat rentals are available on-site and nearby. When hunger strikes, head to Boatyard Bar & Grill or Carrol’s Creek Cafe for delicious seafood and outdoor seating. Accommodation options range from modern outposts like the Hotel Annapolis to picturesque bed-and-breakfast establishments to vacation rentals downtown or near the water.
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
(Getty Images)
Head to St. Thomas for the feel of an international vacation with the ease of domestic travel (Americans don’t need a passport to visit this U.S. territory). Though it’s not the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is arguably the most popular of the three main islands. And since the major tourist season is from December to March, you may find discounted hotel rates and fewer crowds without sacrificing enjoyable temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Beloved outdoor activities include swimming and snorkeling at Magens Bay and Coki Beach, plus shopping and strolling along duty-free Main Street. For panoramic views of nearby islands – including Puerto Rico, on a clear day – head to Paradise Point with your camera or smartphone in hand.
Charleston, South Carolina
(Getty Images)
Cobblestone streets, centuries-old oak trees and historic architecture make Charleston a charming getaway year-round. But visiting during Memorial Day weekend means you’ll see the city at its best (albeit usually its busiest) before the oppressive summer heat sets in. Average May temperatures sit in the high 70s, rain is minimal and colorful gardens are in full bloom. Learn about the history of the city as you cruise through the Charleston Harbor on a boat tour, or admire the flora and fauna of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. If your holiday weekend experience won’t be complete without a beach trip, head to nearby Folly Beach (12 miles south of the city) or Sullivan’s Island (10 miles southeast) for a day. Retire for the evening at luxurious, highly rated Hotel Bennett, or stay in one of many quaint vacation rentals to save some cash.
Big Bear Lake, California
(Getty Images)
By late May, travelers can bid farewell to snowfall in Big Bear Lake and say hello to pleasant temperatures in the low 70s. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California, about 80 miles northwest of Palm Springs, Big Bear separates itself from typical long-weekend beach destinations with its endless outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and paddleboarding. Canoes, kayaks and other equipment rentals are available from a bevy of local sports shops dispersed throughout Big Bear Lake. Although there are a few small swimming beaches on the lake, including Meadow Park, keep in mind that the water is fairly chilly year-round. When it comes to lodging, take your pick from multiple resorts, inns, vacation homes, cabins and lodges. If you plan to travel with your pet, Big Bear Lakefront Cabins offers 35 pet-friendly cabins with amenities like hot tubs and swimming pools overlooking the lake or lush mountains.
Cape May, New Jersey
(Getty Images)
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of tourist season in Cape May, and it’s no surprise why. A quintessential summertime escape for many Americans, this historic seaside town boasts pleasant temperatures in the 70s come late spring and played a significant role in military defense during World War II. Travelers will enjoy stretching out along Cape May’s city beaches, strolling through the outdoor Washington Street Mall and admiring well-preserved Victorian architecture adjacent to the shoreline. The New Jersey town is also a great spot for birding, and there are multiple wineries in the area. You won’t find chain hotels in Cape May, but you can stay at a darling inn, boutique hotel or rental cottage. Just keep in mind that traffic jams are common – especially during the busy season – so be sure to plan your drive accordingly.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
(Getty Images)
Plan a trip to Puerto Rico to enjoy the island’s beaches and nature preserves, including El Yunque National Forest, and pencil in some time to take a stroll through picturesque Old San Juan. If you’d like to sink your toes in the sand, head to Condado Beach or Ocean Park Beach to enjoy May’s 80 degree temps. Lodging options include hotels like the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel (located on the beach) and the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel (near the ocean), as well as an array of modern, well-equipped vacation rentals with pools, city views and other amenities. A bonus: Americans do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico.
Washington, D.C.
(Getty Images)
When it comes to celebrating the true reason behind Memorial Day, nowhere is quite as patriotic as Washington, D.C. Honor military personnel with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 400,000 fallen soldiers and veterans (plus their family members) are buried. On the National Mall, wander along the long granite wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to read the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died during the Vietnam War. Then, head to the World War II Memorial to pay tribute to those who perished on the battlefields. After a long day of exploring, head back to your elegant room at The Hay-Adams – just steps from the White House – or bed down at a more modestly priced Airbnb. Average May temperatures in the nation’s capital tend to sit in the mid-70s.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
(Getty Images)
Though temperatures are still creeping their way into the mid-60s come Memorial Day, visiting Jackson Hole during this shoulder season promises exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities (think: eagles, bison and moose), cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds to contend with. Spring also signals the reopening of many park roadways in nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, as well as the start of whitewater rafting season. Granite Hot Springs reopens for the summer season in late May, so travelers can plan on taking a dip in the steamy 93 degree thermal pool after a fun day of hiking and exploring. Opt for a rustic cabin to fully embrace Jackson Hole’s changing seasons in the wilderness, or pump up the opulence with a stay at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole.
Austin, Texas
(Getty Images)
Visit the Lone Star State for an authentic Memorial Day weekend experience, complete with mouthwatering Texas barbecue, temperatures in the 80s and plenty of time enjoying the great outdoors. Austin offers something for everyone, from sightseeing at scenic Mount Bonnell to kayaking in Zilker Metropolitan Park (rental boats are available on-site through Zilker Park Boat Rentals). The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake is another beloved natural area where travelers and locals alike can explore quiet trails and picnic along the edge of the water. And don’t forget to explore the grounds of the State Capitol in central Austin to learn more about Texas history. At the end of the night, bed down at a top hotel like The Driskill, an Airbnb or even a campsite in nearby Hill Country.
Tulum, Mexico
(Getty Images)
With its white sand beaches, Instagram-worthy boutique hotels and average May temperatures in the low 80s, Tulum may be just the change of scenery you’ve been dreaming of. Spend your days sunbathing at Playa Paraiso, exploring the Tulum ruins or swimming in El Gran Cenote. Highly rated accommodations worth considering include the Jashita Hotel and Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, though the town’s scenic selection of Airbnbs are a great choice as well.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
(Getty Images)
Ring in the start of summer on the shores of Rehoboth Beach. Calm waters and temperatures in the mid-70s make this Delaware beach town a great option for families, and travelers of all ages will enjoy walking down the mile-long boardwalk filled with restaurants and shops. When you’re not sunbathing on the sand or relaxing on the balcony of your vacation rental or hotel room (try the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel for ocean views, retro decor and kid-free pool hours), head about 2 miles north to Cape Henlopen State Park to fish, hike and bird watch.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
(Getty Images)
Leave your worries behind with a relaxing long weekend in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This spot in Jamaica offers plenty of accommodation options, including hotels, villas, all-inclusive resorts, apartments or guest houses. Popular things to do include exploring Dunn’s River Falls and Park, relaxing on Mahogany Beach or Ocho Rios Bay Beach, taking a sunset cruise and snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters, among other activities. Travelers can expect temperatures in the 80s and the potential for scattered showers.
Denver
(Getty Images)
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Denver to enjoy the city’s abundance of outdoor spaces and 70 degree weather, as long as you’re willing to put up with a little rain (May is typically the city’s wettest month, seeing about 2 inches of rainfall on average). One top thing to see is Washington Park, which offers 165 acres of walking paths, picnic spots, gardens and lakes. Travelers can also wander through historic Larimer Square, an outdoor entertainment and dining district, or explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a naturally formed outdoor venue with on-site hiking trails. As far as lodging goes, vacationers will have their pick of swanky options like the Four Seasons Hotel Denver and airy rental lofts in the heart of downtown.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
(Getty Images)
The Caribbean paradise of the Turks and Caicos Islands offers excellent weather in May, with highs in the mid-80s, and plenty of fun things to do. Vacationers can check out the tourist hot spot of Providenciales (aka Provo) to enjoy diving and fishing, and explore the Northwest Point Marine National Park and Northwest Point Pond Nature Reserve. Provo is also home to gorgeous white sand beaches, including Grace Bay and Taylor Bay. Although May might bring the occasional rain shower, hotel rates and dissipating crowds during this shoulder season make Memorial Day weekend a great time to visit. Travelers can expect temperatures in the mid-80s during their vacation. Stay at Seven Stars Resort & Spa or Wymara Resort and Villas for some pampering, or opt for a more private villa rental near the beach.
More Stories
17 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
Could Mission Beach vacation rental hosts lose licenses for not being truthful on applications?
Enjoy The Quintessential Palm Beach Vacation At The Four Seasons Palm Beach