As Memorial Day quickly approaches bringing with it the long awaited unofficial start of the summer season in the United States, many are surfing travel sites for ideas on where to travel during the long weekend.
Typically offering warmer weather and an extra day-off, Memorial Day weekend also gives folks the chance to get away for a mini-vacation. Others extend their three day weekend to allow themselves a full week off. While many cities will be holding special Memorial Day events, it's also a perfect opportunity for travelers to combine both the unofficial and official holiday traditions in an exciting way. Millions of Americans will be traveling on Memorial Day weekend. So, the question is, where should you be going this year to celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend?
To lend a hand with some ideas here's a list of the top 10 popular Memorial Day Weekend destinations.
1 Las Vegas
Whether you prefer to relax by the pool or with slot machines or unwind with your kids, Las Vegas is an ideal destination to start summer off right. If visitors are looking for entertainment options, Vegas has plenty. A lot of local spots, including the Hakkasan and Surrender nightclubs, are hosting famous DJs for the long weekend. Those looking for a little more relaxation can enjoy the famous pool scene at many of the hotels, treat themselves to one of Vegas' many therapeutic spas, or dine their nights away at world-class restaurants.
Las Vegas is not only for gambling, adult entertainment and wild parties. It is rapidly becoming one of the favorite family destinations in the US. Last year more than five million families with kids had a Las Vegas family vacation.
One of the top Las Vegas kids' attractions, especially if you are planning to stay on the Strip, is the Amusement Parks. There are, however, many more attractions to see in Vegas and one long weekend is simply not enough to enjoy time with your kids in Las Vegas. When you experience the fun here, taking another Las Vegas family vacation will be inevitable. So, after returning from your Memorial Day weekend Las Vegas trip, look for other long weekend holiday, mark your calendar and plan another trip with your kids in Las Vegas. It never gets old!
2 New York City
New York City typically sees a mass exodus of its locals during the Memorial Day long weekend (many of them heading for destination "number 4" - See Below). This makes it an ideal time for tourists to visit the Big Apple. And judging by its second most-popular ranking, the secret is out. Being the lively metropolis that it is, there are plenty of fun (and free) activities to enjoy. Head to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to kick off the weekend or sit back and enjoy live performances and demonstrations by the USO Liberty Bells and the U.S. Coast Guard. Early-rising visitors can head to the Rockefeller Center for a free concert hosted by the Today Show before heading to Greenwich Village’s Washington Square Park Art Exhibit.
3 Orlando
When it comes to leisure activities, there’s no doubting Orlando’s popularity as a summer destination. And our research shows that this family-friendly hot spot should be on travelers’ “to visit” lists if they’re looking for great summer deals this year. Many folks coming into the city will want to visit the city’s theme parks, which include Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando. For those looking to do something special on Memorial Day, Orlando is holding free concerts throughout the day at its famous Bok Tower Gardens, a beautiful example of landscape architecture offering hundreds of species of flora and fauna.
4 Old Orchard Beach, Maine
A large ocean beach, boardwalk with shops and restaurants, an amusement area with rides and games and endless souvenir shops make Old Orchard a crowded, fun-filled Maine vacation destination for the family.
4 Washington DC
While Washington, D.C. is consistently one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., there’s hardly a better time to visit than during Memorial Day weekend. Folks can commemorate those who’ve fallen in service of our country at the Arlington National Cemetery, or delve deeper into our history at the Smithsonian, home to hundreds of national treasures. In addition, Washington D.C. hosts the National Memorial Day Parade, which features marching bands, veteran units, and a route that passes by the White House.
5 Los Angeles
Welcome in the Summer season by taking a trip to Venice Beach. The boardwalk, nearly 2 miles long, is one of the most visited areas in all of Los Angeles. Here you'll find a wide range of street performers from break dancers and musicians to jugglers. Get your fortune read or get a temporary tattoo. The possibilities are endless when you stop by the Venice Beach boardwalk. Whether you're looking to spend some time on the beach or at a street fair, you'll find plenty to do during the three-day Memorial Day weekend in Los Angeles.
6 Chicago
After hunkering down during the cold, blustery winters, Chicago’s summers become jam-packed with activities and the Windy City kicks off the season with a larger-than-life Memorial Day celebration. Visitors can rock out at the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival or check out the city’s 15th-annual Memorial Day parade – one of the largest in the country. Check out the Red, White and BBQ competition at the Westmont Lions Club and the Chicago Farmer’s Market for those interested in some delicious local bites. Travelers looking to enjoy some fun in the sun will be happy to know that the city’s beaches officially open during the holiday weekend, so you can pack your bathing suit and sunscreen and get ready to catch some sun.
7 Miami
Or from beautiful Miami, take a three and a half hour drive to Key West.
Key West is a truly stunning part of America, and holds enough diversity to keep all members of the family entertained during Memorial Day Weekend.
Whether sightseeing with Key West Ghost Tours and the home of Ernest Hemingway to lounging in the bars and on the beaches, Key West will offer the perfect envirnonment for everyone.
History, art, and fun all come alive in this beautiful area- from untouched natural spaces, to zany regatta races at local taverns.
This Memorial Day Weekend don't let your time go to waste. Visit Key West and start your summer off right.
8 Boston
There’s no shortage of Memorial Day festivities in Boston, and with the warmer weather starting to make its appearance it’s the perfect time to visit. There's an amazing array of the old and the new, Boston is one of America's great cities. The historic Freedom Trail leads the way to old Italian neighborhoods (North End), upscale European-like shopping and residential districts (Newbury Street), the Swan Boats of Boston boat rides in the Boston Public Garden (pictured at top of page), the restaurants and stores at wonderfully restored Old Faneuil Hall, Fenway Park (the Boston Red Sox), upscale Beacon Hill with its great brownstones, and about a million other attractions so vast that even a lifelong Bostonian will never get to full experience. Those in the mood to shop are in luck because Boston has a variety of locations that are ideal for scoring fantastic Memorial Day weekend deals.
9 New Orleans
New Orleans is best-known for its Creole, Jambalaya and Gumbo, but during Memorial Day weekend? It’s all Greek. Every year, the Big Easy plays host to the popular Greek Festival where visitors can experience everything Greek, with traditional food, music and dancing. And on Sunday, be sure to wear your toga so you can get into the festival for free. Wine-lovers should be sure to check out the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience’s tasting and pastry competition, The Gateaux Show. Those looking for a more traditional Memorial Day celebration can enjoy events at The World War II Museum or the Chalmette National Ceremony.
10 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you love bikes and the people who ride them, Myrtle Beach is the perfect Memorial Day Weekend destination. This is when over 500,000 bikers take over the Myrtle Beach Area for fun, food, festivities and more. Myrtle Beach is heaven on earth surrounded by rolling sunny beaches, festivals and abundant leisure activities. From parades to water parks, there is always something exciting going on in Myrtle Beach for Memorial Day weekend.
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