Need low cost Memorial Day journeys however waited till the final minute? Don’t fear—2025’s finest Memorial Day trip spots are nonetheless inside attain! The vacation weekend (May 24-26, 2025) is quick approaching, however you may nonetheless ebook an unforgettable escape to America’s prime locations. Whether you crave beachfront leisure, historic tributes, or family-friendly adventures, these 10 final minute Memorial Day getaways ship the proper mixture of enjoyable and that means—with out the stress.
Destination
Best For
Price Range
Memorial Day Highlight
Pet Policy
Charleston, SC
History + Budget
$180–$450
Waterfront Park Concert
Yes
San Diego, CA
Military Tributes
$150–$600
USS Midway Ceremony
Yes
New Orleans, LA
Food + Music
$125–$425
Free Jazz Festival
Yes
Bar Harbor, ME
Hiking + Seafood
$150–$400
Acadia National Park Opens
Yes
Asheville, NC
Arts + Breweries
$140–$450
LEAF Music Festival
Yes
Honolulu, HI
Beaches + History
$200–$600
Pearl Harbor Memorial
Limited
Cape Cod, MA
Quiet Beaches
$180–$550
Small-Town Parades
Yes
Las Vegas, NV
Nightlife + Pools
$120–$450
Military Discounts
Yes
Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Activities
$180–$600
“Opening of the Lake” Festival
Yes
New York City, NY
Patriotic Events
$150–$800
Fleet Week + Brooklyn Parade
Limited
Pro Tip: Book by May 10 for finest charges! Prices spike nearer to Memorial Day weekend.
1. Charleston, South Carolina – Best for History Lovers 🏛️
Why Visit: Charleston combines heat climate, wealthy historical past, and coastal allure.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Walk the historic downtown and Battery Park
Visit Fort Sumter National Monument to discover America’s previous
Relax at close by Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island
Browse the Charleston City Market for native crafts
Memorial Day Special: The metropolis hosts an annual Memorial Day live performance on the Waterfront Park the place you may spend the night listening to reside music whereas having fun with views of the harbour in your lengthy weekend. 🎵
Insider Tip: Schedule a self-guided strolling tour within the morning hours earlier than the warmth intensifies.
2. San Diego, California – Best for Military Tributes & Family Fun 🎖️👨👩👧👦
Why Visit: Perfect location combining lovely seashores, family-friendly sights, and navy tribute alternatives for memorial day holidays.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Pay tribute on the USS Midway Museum with particular Memorial Day ceremonies
Explore Balboa Park’s big selection of museums and interactive reveals
Relax on the non-public seaside areas of Coronado
Visit the colourful Gaslamp Quarter for excellent meals and nightlife
Memorial Day Special: The Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is a transferring tribute to fallen navy personnel. 🎖️
Food Scene: Don’t miss the meals vans at Liberty Station, a transformed naval coaching middle now internet hosting artisanal distributors.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana – Best for Foodies & Culture Enthusiasts 🎷🍲
Why Visit: Rich tradition, wonderful delicacies, and a novel environment with out the acute warmth of summer season.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Explore the French Quarter and Jackson Square
Schedule a tour of the Garden District’s historic properties
Visit the National WWII Museum to pay tribute
Take a night jazz cruise on the Mississippi River
Memorial Day Special: The New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Festival options reside music performances all through the town. 🎺
Foodie Alert: Beyond the well-known French Quarter eating places, head to Magazine Street for modern eateries and baked items that locals love.
4. Bar Harbor, Maine – Best for Nature Lovers & Seafood Enthusiasts 🌲🦞
Why Visit: Coastal magnificence, outside adventures, and genuine New England allure at the start of the season.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Explore Acadia National Park’s mountaineering trails and carriage roads
Take a ship tour to identify whales and sea birds
Visit Cadillac Mountain for breathtaking views
Indulge within the city’s well-known lobster rolls
Memorial Day Activities: Many trails and services in Acadia National Park formally open for the season throughout Memorial Day weekend. 🥾
Bird Watching: Spring is fantastic time for chook watching as migratory species return to the world. 🦅
5. Asheville, North Carolina – Best for Art Lovers & Outdoor Enthusiasts 🎨🏔️
Why Visit: Mountain magnificence, artwork scene, and gentle climate excellent for outside exploration.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Tour the magnificent Biltmore Estate
Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and its mountaineering trails
Visit the colourful River Arts District the place artwork lovers can discover native treasures
Sample craft brews at quite a few native breweries
Memorial Day Special: The LEAF Downtown pageant has been confirmed for Memorial Day weekend 2025, that includes an expanded lineup of numerous music and efficiency artwork. 🎭
Outdoor Tip: Blue Ridge mountaineering trails are much less crowded for those who hit them early within the morning.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii – Best for Meaningful Memorials & Tropical Relaxation 🌺🏝️
Why Visit: A tropical paradise with important memorial websites, making it a significant vacation spot for the vacation.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial to pay tribute
Relax on Waikiki Beach or much less crowded Ala Moana Beach Park
Explore Diamond Head State Monument for panoramic island views
Experience Hawaiian tradition on the Polynesian Cultural Center
Memorial Day Significance: The Pearl Harbor National Memorial holds particular ceremonies honouring navy service members. 🇺🇸
Travel Tip: Even as a last-minute journey, you will discover cheap flight offers to Hawaii for those who’re versatile with departure instances.
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Best for Classic Coastal Charm & Relaxation 🏖️🦪
Why Visit: Classic New England coastal allure with the summer season season simply starting.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore’s lovely seashores
Visit Provincetown’s vibrant downtown
Take a ferry for a day journey to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket Island
Cycle alongside the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail
Memorial Day Events: Many cities alongside Cape Cod host parades and ceremonies to honor fallen service members. 🇺🇸
Foodie Highlight: Besides the well-known lobster rolls, don’t miss contemporary oysters harvested from Cape Cod Bay.
8. Las Vegas, Nevada – Best for Entertainment & Pool Parties 🎰🍹
Why Visit: Entertainment capital with surprisingly good Memorial Day weekend offers.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Catch a world-class present on the Strip
Visit the close by Red Rock Canyon for outside adventures
Explore the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vega
Relax at one of many well-known pool events beginning summer season season
Memorial Day Special: Many motels provide navy reductions and host occasions honoring veterans. 🎖️
Family-Friendly Tip: Despite its grownup playground status, Las Vegas gives quite a few family-friendly resorts with recreation rooms and swimming pools appropriate for all ages.
9. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Best for Mountain Scenery & Outdoor Recreation ⛰️🚵♀️
Why Visit: Beautiful mountain surroundings with actions transitioning from spring to summer season.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Take a scenic cruise on the crystal-clear lake
Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail for spectacular views
Enjoy the start of seaside season at Sand Harbor or Kings Beach
Visit historic websites like Vikingsholm Castle
Memorial Day Activities: The Opening of the Lake celebration has been confirmed for Memorial Day weekend 2025, with particular occasions deliberate to mark the seventieth anniversary of this Lake Tahoe custom. 🎉
Golf Enthusiasts: Hit the hyperlinks at one of many space’s premier golf programs like Edgewood Tahoe, the place the spring charges may nonetheless apply.
10. New York City, New York – Best for Urban Excitement & Patriotic Events 🗽🇺🇸
Why Visit: The final city getaway with particular Memorial Day occasions and summer season power.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
Attend the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, one of many oldest within the nation
Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, particularly significant on this vacation
Explore Central Park in excellent spring climate
Take in views from the Edge or Summit remark decks
Memorial Day Weekend Events: Fleet Week 2025 has been formally scheduled to coincide with Memorial Day (May 21-27, 2025), bringing naval vessels and expanded navy demonstrations to the town. ⚓
Budget Tip: Many of NYC’s finest experiences are free, from strolling the High Line to visiting the 9/11 Memorial.
Pet-Friendly Options:
Planning Your Last-Minute Getaway 📝💰
Booking Strategy:
Use value comparability instruments and set fare alerts for flights ✈️
Check resort web sites instantly for Memorial Day weekend packages 🏨
Consider trip leases for household reunions or bigger teams 👪
Look for navy reductions if relevant 🎖️
How to Save on Last-Minute Memorial Day Travel:
Book flights for early morning or late night departures (sometimes cheaper) ✈️
Consider close by various airports that may have higher fares 💰
Look for bundled resort+automobile or resort+attraction packages 🏨🚗
Check membership reductions (AAA, AARP, skilled organisations) 💳
Use reward factors and miles earlier than vacation blackout intervals kick in 🏆
Consider locations the place the “shoulder season” falls throughout Memorial Day 📅
Check CuddlyNest for last-minute trip rental offers – they usually have particular Memorial Day gives with as much as 40% off at common locations! Book now at CuddlyNest.com to safe your excellent vacation lodging earlier than they’re all gone. 🏡
Travel Tips:
Book airport parking forward if driving to the airport
Download related metropolis apps for navigation and knowledge
Consider journey insurance coverage for last-minute journeys
Allow further time for vacation weekend visitors or airport safety
Whether you’re drawn to lovely seashores, historic websites, or vibrant metropolis life, these prime locations provide wonderful alternatives in your Memorial Day weekend. From paying tribute at significant memorials to absorbing the unofficial begin of summer season, your vacation weekend guarantees to be unforgettable—even when deliberate last-minute. 🇺🇸🌞
The most necessary factor? Take time to chill out, mirror, and reconnect with family members. That’s what makes a vacation really particular.
🚀 Ready to Book Your Escape?
Don’t let the weekend slip away! Find cozy stays and last-minute offers on CuddlyNest—your excellent Memorial Day getaway is only a click on away. Book now and make reminiscences! ❤️
FAQs For Last-Minute Memorial Day Getaways
Can I discover last-minute Memorial Day weekend automobile leases?
Yes, however ebook instantly via aggregators or Turo for higher charges. Smaller native businesses usually have availability when large chains promote out.
Are there any locations to keep away from as a consequence of overcrowding on Memorial Day?
Popular seaside cities like Myrtle Beach or Daytona Beach get extraordinarily crowded. Consider lesser-known options like Tybee Island, GA or Cannon Beach, OR.
What’s the easiest way to seek out last-minute Memorial Day cruise offers?
Check “wave season” promotions (Jan-Mar) or last-minute cruise websites like CruiseDirect. Short Bahamas/Caribbean cruises usually have cabins out there.
How can I save on gasoline for a Memorial Day street journey?
Use apps like GasBuddy to seek out least expensive stations alongside your route, and refill mid-week earlier than costs spike for the vacation weekend.
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