Memorial Day weekend is here — and the best spots are already filling up fast.
Every May, millions of Americans pack their bags for a 3-day escape. Beach houses sell out. Cabin rentals disappear. Hotel rooms double in price overnight.
If you haven’t booked yet — this guide is for you.
Below, you’ll find the best Memorial Day weekend getaways for 2026 — sorted by beach, mountain, family, couples, budget, and road trips. Simple picks. Real details. No fluff.
Quick Answer: Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25. Your travel window runs from Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25. The best getaways include Destin, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, the Outer Banks, Sedona, and Orlando. Book at least 6 weeks early for the best prices.
When Is Memorial Day Weekend 2026?
Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25.
Memorial Day Weekend 2026 runs from Saturday, May 23
to Monday, May 25, 2026.
| Year | Weekend Start | Weekend End | Memorial Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 23 (Sat) | May 25 (Mon) | May 25 |
| 2027 | May 29 (Sat) | May 31 (Mon) | May 31 |
| 2028 | May 27 (Sat) | May 29 (Mon) | May 29 |
Memorial Day Weekend 2026 — Key Travel Facts
Here’s what you need to know before you start planning:
- Memorial Day 2026 is on Monday, May 25 — travel window is May 21 to 25
- Over 38 million Americans travel during Memorial Day weekend every year
- Beach destinations make up 83% of all Memorial Day travel demand
- Most popular rentals sell out 6 to 8 weeks before the holiday
- Booking 21 to 60 days early can save you up to 15% on hotels and rentals
- Domestic travel is rising in 2026 — people want easy, affordable trips close to home
Best Beach Destinations for Memorial Day Weekend
Late May is honestly the sweet spot for beach trips. The weather is warm. The water is clear. And it’s not as crazy crowded as July.
Here are the top beach picks for Memorial Day 2026.
1. Destin, Florida
Destin has some of the most beautiful water in the whole country.
The sand is bright white. The water is emerald green. On a sunny day, it looks like a postcard.
You can rent a paddleboard, go snorkeling, or just lay on the beach with a cold drink. Henderson Beach State Park is a local favorite — quiet, clean, and stunning.
Destin vacation rentals fill up fast for Memorial Day. Book early or you’ll be stuck with whatever’s left.
- Best for: Families, couples, beach lovers
- May temperature: Around 82°F
- Top pick: Snorkeling at Henderson Beach State Park
- Pro tip: Search for vacation rentals in Destin Florida early — most good ones go 6+ weeks out
2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach gives you beaches plus entertainment — which makes it perfect for families.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk has rides, restaurants, and live music. And with over 60 miles of coastline, you can always find a quieter stretch of sand if you need it.
They also do Military Appreciation Days events here during Memorial Day weekend — a really nice touch for a holiday that’s all about honoring service members.
Top pick: Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex
Best for: Families, budget travelers
May temperature: Around 78°F
3. The Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is different from every other beach town on this list.
It’s a long chain of barrier islands with over 100 miles of wild, mostly undeveloped beach. No big hotel towers. No packed boardwalks. Just open ocean, historic lighthouses, and wild horses running free.
If you want something peaceful and unique — this is it
Best for: Couples, nature lovers, photographers
Top pick: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — tallest brick lighthouse in the USA
Pro tip: Book Outer Banks oceanfront rentals at least 2 months ahead
Best Mountain Getaways for Memorial Day Weekend
Not a beach person? No problem.
Late May is actually one of the best times to visit mountain destinations. Wildflowers are blooming. Trails are clear. It’s cooler than the beach and way less crowded than July.
1. Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is one of the most-booked Memorial Day cabin destinations in the entire USA — and for good reason.
You get cozy cabins in Gatlinburg with hot tubs and mountain views. Dollywood is nearby for families with kids. And Great Smoky Mountains National Park is completely free to enter — which is a huge win if you’re watching your budget.
- Best for: Families, cabin lovers, nature fans
- May temperature: 65–75°F
- Top pick: Hiking the Alum Cave Trail in the Smokies
- Pro tip: Smoky Mountain cabins sell out fast — book cabin rentals in Gatlinburg by early April
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a cool mix of nature, food, and arts.
You can hike the Blue Ridge Parkway in the morning and visit craft breweries at night. The Biltmore Estate — America’s largest private home — is worth at least half a day.
It’s one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in the USA right now, and for good reason.
- Best for: Couples, foodies, art lovers
- May temperature: Around 68°F
- Top pick: Biltmore Estate tour
3. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona might be the most beautiful place in this entire guide.
The red rock formations glow orange and gold in the late May sun. Trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge give you views that stay with you for years. And if you’re into wellness or meditation — Sedona’s famous vortex sites make it a deeply calming place to visit.
- Best for: Couples, hikers, spiritual travelers
- May temperature: Around 85°F
- Top pick: Sunrise hike to Cathedral Rock
Best Memorial Day Getaways for Families
Traveling with kids means you need three things: space, things to do, and easy food. These picks check all three boxes.
Orlando, Florida — Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are never a bad idea. Memorial Day is actually one of the lighter crowd times at Disney — especially in the final week of May. Avoid weekends if possible.
Kissimmee, Florida — Large pool homes, theme park access, and tons of rental options. Great for big groups and extended families.
Gulf Shores, Alabama — Calm, shallow Gulf water is perfect for little kids. Prices here are also lower than most of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Search Gulf Shores vacation rentals for great family deals.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — Dollywood, water parks, and big cabin rentals with game rooms. Kids love it here.
Money-saving tip: Vacation rentals with kitchens can save a family of four $50–$100 per day on food. That adds up fast over a 3-day weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend Sales 2026 — Best Deals to Watch
Memorial Day is one of the biggest sales weekends
in the USA. Here’s what to watch for:
- Travel deals: Hotels drop prices 2–3 weeks before
- Best Buy: TVs, laptops & appliances go on sale
- Amazon: Home goods and outdoor gear deals
- Mattress sales: Memorial Day is the best time
to buy a mattress all year - Clothing: Major retailers run 30–50% off sales
- Airfare: Book now — prices rise closer to the date
Best Memorial Day Getaways for Couples
Late May has the right mix of warm weather, smaller crowds, and beautiful scenery. These destinations are made for a romantic long weekend.
Napa Valley, California — Wine tasting, hot air balloon rides, and vineyard views. The BottleRock Music Festival also happens here Memorial Day weekend 2026 — a bonus if you love live music.
Sedona, Arizona — Glowing red rocks, quiet hikes, and some of the best stargazing in the country. Search Sedona romantic resorts for couples-only properties.
Charleston, South Carolina — Cobblestone streets, candlelit restaurants, and horse-drawn carriage rides. It has a slow, European feel that’s perfect for a relaxed weekend.
Savannah, Georgia — Spanish moss, gas-lit streets, and quiet waterfront parks. One of the most romantic cities in the South.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada — Crystal blue water, mountain views, and lakeside cabins. Hard to beat for couples who love being outside.
Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Getaways Under $300
Memorial Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
These destinations give you a real escape without draining your wallet.
| Destination | Why It’s Affordable |
|---|---|
| Gulf Shores, Alabama | Cheaper than Florida, same Gulf beauty |
| Shenandoah Valley, Virginia | Free national park entry, budget cabins |
| Galveston, Texas | Easy drive from Houston, cheap hotels |
| Great Smoky Mountains, TN | Free park entry, low-cost cabin rentals |
| Savannah, Georgia | Walk everywhere, great free public squares |
Budget tip: Booking 3 to 5 weeks before Memorial Day still gives you decent options — and prices haven’t fully peaked yet. Compare last-minute Memorial Day hotel deals to find hidden savings.
Best Memorial Day Road Trip Ideas
A 3-day road trip is one of the most fun ways to spend this weekend.
You get freedom, flexibility, and multiple stops in one trip.
Here are the best Memorial Day 2026 road trip routes:
Florida Gulf Coast Route — Start in Tampa, drive through Sarasota and Fort Myers, end in Naples. All beach towns, great food stops, and easy driving.
Blue Ridge Parkway (NC to VA) — One of the most scenic drives in America. Stop in Asheville, Boone, and Roanoke. No tolls. Stunning views the whole way.
Pacific Coast Highway, California — Drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the ocean. The views never get old.
Texas Hill Country Loop — Start in Austin, loop through Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and Boerne. Wildflowers, wineries, and legendary BBQ.
New England Coastal Drive — Hit Cape Cod, Newport RI, and Portland ME in one big push. Best if you’re already based in the Northeast.
Road trip tip: Fill up your gas tank before entering national park areas. Gas stations inside parks are rare — and expensive when you do find one.
Best National Parks to Visit on Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day is actually a great time for national parks. Most roads and trails are open by late May. Wildlife is active. Wildflowers are blooming. And it’s still less crowded than July.
Yellowstone National Park — Bison calves, Old Faithful, and Grand Prismatic Spring at their most vibrant in late May. Book Yellowstone lodges months in advance — they sell out early.
Zion National Park, Utah — Hike Angels Landing or walk The Narrows before summer heat makes it brutal. Late May temperatures are perfect here.
Great Smoky Mountains — Free entry, easy East Coast access, and stunning spring scenery. One of the most visited parks in the country for a reason.
Acadia National Park, Maine — Rocky coastlines, sunrise hikes on Cadillac Mountain, and classic New England charm. A hidden gem for Memorial Day.
Glacier National Park, Montana — Most roads open by late May, and crowds are a fraction of what they’ll be in July. If you want dramatic scenery without the chaos — go here.
Money tip: Get the [America the Beautiful Annual Pass] for $80. It covers entry to every national park in the USA for a full year. It pays for itself in one trip.
Memorial Day Weekend Events Near Me 2026
Looking for local events this Memorial Day weekend?
Here are the biggest celebrations across the USA:
Northeast: NYC Fleet Week, Boston Harborfest
South: Myrtle Beach Military Appreciation Days,
Nashville Honor & Remember Ceremony
Midwest: Chicago Memorial Day Parade,
Indianapolis 500 Race Weekend
West: San Francisco Chrissy Field Ceremony,
LA National Cemetery Services
Florida: Destin Harbor Events, Miami Beach Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Memorial Day 2026?
Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25. Most travelers use the full window from Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25. Some people also take Tuesday off for a cleaner, less crowded drive home.
Where should I go for Memorial Day weekend 2026? It depends on what you’re looking for:
- Beaches → Destin, Myrtle Beach, or the Outer Banks
- Mountains → Gatlinburg, Asheville, or Sedona
- Families → Orlando, Gulf Shores, or Pigeon Forge
- Couples → Napa Valley, Charleston, or Lake Tahoe
- Budget → Gulf Shores, Smoky Mountains, or Savannah
How far ahead should I book?
For popular spots, book 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Top beach houses in Destin and cabins in Gatlinburg often sell out by mid-April. If you’re booking 3 to 5 weeks out, you can still find decent options — just expect fewer choices.
What is the cheapest Memorial Day weekend destination?
Gulf Shores, Alabama is one of the most affordable beach options. The Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah Valley are great for budget-friendly mountain trips. Free national park entry in Tennessee makes it especially good value.
Is Memorial Day a good time to travel?
Yes — late May has great weather across most of the USA. It’s warm but not brutally hot. Crowds are smaller than peak summer. And you get one extra day without using vacation time. It’s one of the best travel windows of the whole year.
Which Memorial Day destination is least crowded?
The Outer Banks, Acadia National Park, and Glacier National Park all tend to be less crowded than bigger names like Destin or Gatlinburg. If peace and quiet matter to you — these are your best bets.
Fun Facts About Memorial Day Weekend Travel
- Memorial Day weekend is the second busiest travel weekend of the year — right behind Thanksgiving
- Over 38 million Americans travel during Memorial Day weekend
- The average American spends between $200 and $600 on a Memorial Day trip
- Beach rentals in Destin and Myrtle Beach often require a 3-night minimum for Memorial Day
- Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day — first observed after the Civil War
- Late May temperatures across the South average 75–85°F — ideal for beach and outdoor travel
- National parks see a 40% spike in visitors during Memorial Day weekend vs. regular May weekends
Final Thoughts: Book Now Before It’s Too Late
Memorial Day weekend getaways are one of the best travel opportunities of the entire year.
The weather is great. The destinations are beautiful. And the long weekend gives you just enough time to really unwind.
Whether you pick a beach in Florida, a cabin in Tennessee, a national park out West, or a romantic city weekend — you won’t regret it.
The only mistake you can make is waiting too long to book.
Memorial Day 2026 is on May 25 — and the best spots are filling up right now.
Pick your destination. Pack light. Go make some memories.
Want more weekend trip ideas? Browse weekendtripstar.com for short trip guides, packing lists, and destination deep-dives across the USA.
Written by Athar Habib — travel blogger and weekend trip expert based in Florida. Athar has explored 30+ US states and shares practical, honest guides for short getaways.
