Memorial Day weekend (basically the unofficial start of summer in the US) is one of the best chances all year to take a quick trip. The weather is warm in most parts of the country as the summer season quickly approaches, and the long weekend makes it a great time to get away. Whether you’re aiming for beaches, cities, or somewhere in between, these warm places to travel for Memorial Day in the US are worth considering. Some of our suggestions could work as a holiday weekend road trip, depending on where you live. Others are better suited for a longer getaway, especially if you’re planning around the holiday to maximize your PTO. Here’s how to maximize your PTO in 2025.
Find your perfect Memorial Day weekend destination:
1. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a popular Memorial Day destination with long stretches of sand, a walkable boardwalk, and plenty of places to eat and stay near the water. The beach itself is wide and open, with space for swimming, beach games, or just lying out in the sun. The area is used to hosting visitors during the warmer months, so everything is open and running by the end of May.
Weather in late May
- Average daytime highs are in the upper 70s
- Water temperatures are cooler, but many still swim
- Mornings and evenings are mild and comfortable
What to do over the weekend
- Walk or rent a bike along the boardwalk
- Catch live music at waterfront venues and local restaurants
- Visit First Landing State Park for hiking trails and quiet beaches
- Stop by the Military Aviation Museum or Virginia Aquarium
- Grab casual seafood at beachside spots or explore local breweries inland
Why it makes the list
Virginia Beach offers warm weather, a busy but not overwhelming atmosphere, and enough to do without needing a complicated itinerary. It works well for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a classic beach weekend with minimal hassle.
2. Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear Lake is a great option if you’re looking for warm weather but not necessarily a beach. It’s a small mountain town surrounded by pine forest, with a lake at the center and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the long weekend. The area is known for skiing in the winter, but by Memorial Day, it’s all about hiking, boating, and mild temperatures that feel like early summer.
Weather in late May
- Daytime temperatures usually sit in the upper 60s to low 70s
- Nights can still be chilly, especially near the water
- Skies are mostly clear and the air is dry
What to do over the weekend
- Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat on the lake
- Hike the Castle Rock Trail or Pine Knot Trail for views of the water and surrounding mountains
- Explore the village for local shops, restaurants, and outdoor patios
- Book a zipline tour or mountain biking session for a more active day
- Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which focuses on local wildlife rehabilitation
Why it makes the list
A trip to Big Bear Lake, California, allows you to spend the weekend outside without the heat or crowds that come later in the season. It’s a great spot for travelers who want to stay active, enjoy the fresh air, and still be near a body of water.
3. Austin, Texas
Memorial Day weekend in Austin, Texas, usually means warm weather, live music, and plenty of reasons to be outside. You can spend the day swimming in Barton Springs or paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake, then end the day with excellent food and cold drinks on a patio with live music. The city fills up quickly this time of year, but the energy is part of the draw.
Weather in late May
- Daytime temperatures are typically in the mid to upper 80s
- Nights are warm, but still manageable for being out
- Rain is possible, but most days stay dry
What to do over the weekend
- Swim at Barton Springs or float in Deep Eddy Pool
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake
- Check out local shows at small venues and bars
- Explore neighborhoods like South Congress or East Austin for vintage shops and great food
- Walk or bike part of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Why it makes the list
Austin is one of the best places if you are looking for warm weather, music, and outdoor activities and Memorial Day is an ideal time for a three-day weekend visit. It works well for a long weekend, especially if you want to mix time on the water with time in the city.
4. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is one of the most meaningful places to spend Memorial Day weekend. The city hosts several major events to honor service members, and the monuments and memorials carry extra weight this time of year. It also happens to be a good time to visit weather-wise, before summer heat and crowds arrive.
Weather in late May
- Average highs in the upper 70s
- Nights are mild and comfortable
- Rain is possible but usually short-lived
What to do over the weekend
- Watch the National Memorial Day Parade along Constitution Avenue
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Explore the National Mall and stop into any of the free Smithsonian museums
- Bike or walk along the Potomac River
- Catch a Nationals game or check out one of the weekend music festivals
- Eat at some of the best restaurants in Washington D.C.
Why it makes the list
D.C. balances reflection and activity in a way that few cities can. You can spend part of the day at a memorial ceremony and the rest exploring neighborhoods, museums, or parks. Washington D.C. truly is the perfect place to spend Memorial Day in the United States. D.C. also has many attractions and things to see whether you are traveling solo, with your family, or as a group.
5. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, and it still feels rooted in its history. The historic center is full of brick streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and small museums that are easy to explore in a few hours. Beaches are only a short drive away, so you can spend part of the weekend learning something new and the rest by the water.
Weather in late May
- Highs are typically in the low 80s
- Humid but not oppressive
- Water temperatures are usually in the mid 70s
What to do over the weekend
- Walk through the historic district and visit Castillo de San Marcos
- Spend a few hours at St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach
- Grab lunch at a café in the old town or dinner near the waterfront
- Take an evening ghost tour or check out the local museums
- Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse for views over the coastline
Why it makes the list
St. Augustine, Florida, is a great place to slow down for the long weekend without giving up warm weather or access to the beach. It’s one of the best Memorial Day weekend getaways on the East Coast for travelers who want pleasant temperatures, walkable streets, and a little history mixed in. Late spring is a perfect time to visit before we hit high season and hotel rates go up. You’ll find fewer crowds than in larger Florida destinations, but there is still plenty to do.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago isn’t always top of mind for a Memorial Day weekend getaway, but it should be. By late May, the weather is usually warm enough to spend time outside without the heavy heat that hits in summer. The lakefront comes back to life this time of year, and most seasonal attractions are open again after a long winter.
Weather in late May
- Average highs in the low to mid 70s
- Cooler in the mornings and near the lake
- Windy days are common, but skies are often clear
What to do over the weekend
- Walk or bike the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan
- Visit Millennium Park, the Art Institute, or spend time in nearby neighborhoods
- Head to a rooftop bar or catch a live show in the evening
- Take a boat cruise on the Chicago River or out on the lake
- Check local schedules for festivals, parades, and Memorial Day observances
Why it makes the list
Chicago is one of the best places in North America for travelers who want to spend time in a big city with access to the outdoors. Memorial Day weekend falls at just the right time because it is warm enough to enjoy the lakefront, but early enough to avoid all the summer travelers and hot weather. Hotel prices are also often lower than they’ll be later in the season.
7. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a good choice for travelers who want sun, warm weather, and a slower pace over the long weekend. The city is known for its midcentury design, mountain views, and poolside atmosphere. By late May, the desert heat has started to climb, but mornings and evenings are still comfortable. This is a great destination for anyone wanting to relax by the pool!
Weather in late May
- Average highs are in the low to mid 90s
- Dry air makes the heat feel more manageable
- Evenings cool off enough for outdoor dinners and walks
What to do over the weekend
- Spend the day by the pool or book a resort pass if you’re not staying at one
- Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for views and cooler temperatures
- Explore the shops, galleries, and restaurants downtown
- Visit the nearby hiking trails in the Indian Canyons
- Drive out to Joshua Tree National Park for a day trip
Why it makes the list
Palm Springs offers a different kind of Memorial Day weekend. It is quiet, warm, and made for people who want to relax without a packed schedule. May is one of the last good times to visit before the summer travel season peaks and the heat becomes harder to manage.
8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular places in South Carolina for a classic beach weekend. It has a long stretch of coastline, plenty of vacation rentals and hotels, and enough restaurants and attractions to keep your entire group happy. Memorial Day weekend is early enough to avoid more expensive summer prices, but late enough in the season for warm water and lots of sunshine.
Weather in late May
- Highs are typically in the upper 70s to low 80s
- Ocean temperatures are usually in the low 70s
- Humidity is increasing, but evenings are still comfortable
What to do over the weekend
- Spend the day at the beach or rent chairs and umbrellas near the boardwalk
- Visit the SkyWheel or stroll along Main Street for shops and casual food
- Try water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, or parasailing
- Check out a live show or fireworks display in the evening
- Look for nearby golf courses or mini-golf if traveling with kids
Why it makes the list
Myrtle Beach is a great place for a simple, warm-weather Memorial Day weekend getaway. There is plenty to do if you want it, but you can also just relax. It is especially popular with families and groups, and it tends to offer more budget-friendly options compared to other spots on the East Coast.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is always a lively place to visit, and Memorial Day weekend is no exception. The weather is hot, the streets are busy, and live music carries through the neighborhoods well into the night. It’s a good time of year to take things slowly. Just find a shaded patio, walk between bars and restaurants, and build your plans around food and live music.
Weather in late May
- Highs are usually in the upper 80s
- Humidity is high, especially in the afternoons
- Rainstorms are common but tend to move through quickly
What to do over the weekend
- Catch a brass band or jazz set on Frenchmen Street
- Explore the French Quarter early in the day before it gets crowded
- Visit the National World War II Museum or take the streetcar through Uptown
- Try local dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, or fresh Gulf oysters
- Check local schedules for Memorial Day concerts and neighborhood events
Why it makes the list
New Orleans is not a quiet destination, but it is one of the most engaging. Memorial Day weekend falls at a good time in the city’s calendar, with warm nights, busy streets, and plenty of ways to fill the weekend without sticking to a schedule.
For even more Memorial Day Weekend travel ideas, check out this excellent guide!