Photo by Caleb Wright on Unsplash
Apart from Thanksgiving and Labor Day weekend, Memorial Day weekend is easily one of the most traveled weekends of the year. Everyone loves a three-day weekend on the road! To point you in the right direction, we looked for getaways offering something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an easily accessible location or something a little more exotic. And, because we know traveling can sometimes set you back some, we’ve also gathered all the free activities you can enjoy in these various Memorial Day destinations!
Consider this your guide to budget-friendly, three-day weekend bliss.
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Forget classic getaways and opt for an original destination: Colorado! The city of Denver is not only easy to access, but it also features a ton of things to see and do. From a bustling food scene to transcending art venues and exciting outdoor activities, both locals and visitors agree: the Mile-High City should be on every bucket list. Plus, it’s the ideal destination if you love the outdoors and are looking to step out of your comfort zone and rejuvenate your senses out in the wild. While in Denver, make time to see the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Vail Mountain Resort, two amazing spots you won’t regret visiting.
Located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, the Denver Botanic Gardens boast a 23-acre park, filled with breathtaking gardens and a conservatory. This refreshing spot features North America’s largest collection of plants growing in cold weather. It’s also home to seven amazing gardens featuring local plants. The gardens offer a peaceful setting, which you’ll enjoy if you’re looking to recharge your batteries in the great outdoors during the Memorial Day weekend.
Insider tip: If you get hungry as you’re surrounded by gorgeous plants, you can bring a picnic and stop along the way, or enjoy a meal at one of the two fancy restaurants on-premises, who serve mouth-watering, quality delicacies.
If you’re a nature lover, you just can’t spend a Memorial Day weekend in Denver without heading to the Vail Ski Resort! It’s the third-largest single mountain ski resort in the USA and a quaint little place to explore. In fact, the Village of Vail is modeled on Bavarian villages and loaded with lovely pedestrian streets to discover. The Mountain Resort in itself is filled with fun activities, such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, camping, boating, fishing and much more. Oh yes, the outdoor buff in you will just adore this destination. It’s a 2 hour and 20-minute bus ride away from the city of Denver so you can plan an overnight trip—or even a day trip to explore the location.
Insider tip: Don’t worry about bringing your bike or your mountain climbing equipment, everything can be rented directly at the resort. Yes, this means you can head to the Vail Mountain Resort on a whim and still have the time of your life!
Now, if you’re visiting Denver on a tight budget, you’ll prefer fun and free activities. Thankfully, we’ve got a great list for you too, check it out.
Don’t let a skimpy budget stop you—if you love the outdoors and plan to visit Denver on Memorial Day weekend, there are still loads of things you can see and do!
Known worldwide as a great party destination, Las Vegas is the place to be if you crave raucous parties and love to dance the night away. Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas is one of the busiest times of the year, along with New Year’s Eve. Most hotels offer daytime pool parties, complete with DJs. You can even enjoy a day trip to the Grand Canyon! In any case, be sure to stop by one of the famous pool parties or attend a concert in LA for a memorable weekend getaway.
During Memorial Day weekend, most resorts in Las Vegas host amazing pool parties, featuring famous DJs and cold drinks by the pool. Definitely a go-to destination for some all-day, early summer fun.
Insider tip: As you can imagine, day clubs and pool parties sell out super fast on the Vegas strip—so be sure to get your name on the guestlist early!
Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas is jammed packed with exciting events and concerts. Over the weekend, you can catch one or more concerts around town, featuring music of all genres. The complete lineup for 2020 hasn’t been released yet, but we hear Shania Twain, Santana and Sting have already confirmed their presence!
Yes, we know… While these crazy cool activities are sure to please, your wallet won’t be such a fan. So, to top off a fabulous Memorial Day weekend in Vegas, check out these free activities.
Who says you can’t have the time of your life on a tight budget? Not us, sometimes, the best things are free! Check out these awesome free things to do in Las Vegas and get the most out of your Memorial Day weekend.
If you like sipping amazing coffee, enjoy the great outdoors and don’t mind the rain too much, then Seattle is the right destination for you! Home to hundreds of local coffee shops as well as being the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle will not disappoint you. What’s more, thanks to its thriving food scene, Seattle is a foodie’s paradise. Being surrounded by water, the city is home to many great seafood and fish restaurants. And whatever you’re in the mood for, most venues offer a daily happy hour during non-peak hours so you can enjoy a delicious meal at half price. Who says you can’t eat well on a budget?
If you’re traveling with a foodie, note that during Memorial Day weekend, you can also attend the Northwest Folklife Festival & Independent Showcase, one of the largest free folk festivals in the US, or you can visit the Memorial Day weekend Trains Salute America’s Military. After eating your body weight at the delicious food stalls of the Folklife Festival, you can urge your friend to take a day trip out to beautiful Mount Rainier, an active volcano and icon in the Washington landscape, and hike one of its many trails.
Yes, you get it. There’s something fun to do for everyone in Seattle!
While in Seattle, you have to head to the RockCreek Restaurant to sample the best seafood in town! Renowned across the country, the RockCreek menu features globally sourced seafood from well-managed fisheries, with offerings of local Northwest such as crab, oysters, and mussels. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, brunch and even late at night… So no excuses! Any time is good to head to the RockCreek Seafood & Spirits.
Insider tip: The RockCreek Restaurant boasts a great selection of beer on tap and many different cocktails. Be sure to ask your waiter for a recommendation!
A food tour may seem a little over the top, but we promise: it’s not! You don’t even have to be super hungry to attend one. Seriously, who needs an appetite to feast on CHOCOLATE? Discover the many food tours the city has to offer, from sweets to brewery tours, and of course, more classic formulas. You can explore the Seattle food scene according to your interests—and your budget.
Insider tip: Some tours can also be combined with a cooking class, so read up before booking anything!
Once you’re full, you may be looking for a little action to digest, or to give your wallet a well-deserved break from spending. To get you started, here are three cool and free activities to do while visiting Seattle.
San Francisco is booming with activities, no matter the weekend. However, Memorial Day weekend is particularly packed in the Bay Area! A Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at the National Cemetery and there is the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival around the same dates, an admission-free festival offering music, circus, theater, and dance.
Now. If you’re a sports fan, and more specifically a baseball buff, you’ll be very happy!
With two local baseball teams, you’re sure to catch at least one playing while you’re in town and soak up the strong baseball culture the Bay Area is famous for! If you’ve opted for a San Francisco getaway on Memorial Day weekend, you’ll be glad to hear that games feature special programs to celebrate, with activities planned for everyone before and after the game.
Insider tip: If catching a game while you’re in San Francisco, head to the stadium early, as it gets quite crowded with baseball fans. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy many activities at the stadium before the game, which are well worth it.
Baseball and water may be all you need to survive, but it would be sad to visit San Francisco without enjoying other things the city has to offer. To help you save money, we’ve identified the best free activities you shouldn’t miss out on during the Memorial Day weekend.
DC is known as one of the most patriotic places to celebrate the holiday! The capital comes alive during the Memorial Day weekend, with the National Memorial Day Parade and plenty of unique and meaningful events and exhibits to attend. If you manage to get to Washington early, you can catch the soldiers at the Arlington National Cemetery as they place a flag on each gravestone, on Thursday. On Memorial Day, a ceremony happens at the Tomb of the Unknowns and the U.S. Army Band performs. If you have to choose, be sure to include the Washington Memorial Day Parade and the famous Memorial Day concert in your plans.
The Memorial Day parade in Washington DC is undoubtedly the biggest one in the country! Every year, the parade takes place along Constitution Avenue, representing American military history through a moving timeline and honoring those who have served their country and sacrificed themselves since the American Revolution.
Insider tip: Like most popular Memorial Day weekend events, try to get there early to secure a good vantage point on Constitution Ave.
Ah, Memorial Day… There is no better time to enjoy uplifting musical performances and documentary footage honoring military service. Every year, a spectacular Memorial Day concert takes place in Washington DC.
Insider tip: Be smart and take public transport to get to the concert, as many streets are closed around the area on that evening. Taking a taxi, Uber or Lyft isn’t recommended either, as circulation will be slow and complicated in the area.
You may have noticed, traditional Memorial Day events in Washington DC are totally free! Aside from these super popular activities, you might want to explore the city and make the most out of your getaway. Here are a few other things to add to your Washington bucket list.
Portsmouth keeps popping up on lists of hip small towns to visit. On Memorial Day weekend, when locals and visitors alike come out to honor the troops, there is no better time to explore the area. Every year, the U.S. Navy conducts a ceremony at the USS Albacore Museum & Memorial Park and allows you to be both patriotic and enjoy the seaside. But that’s not all. Portsmouth has a plethora of breweries serving local craft beers, in which you can enjoy a convivial atmosphere and great food. If you’re planning a Memorial Day getaway hanging out with friends, this might just be the perfect place to be.
Known as one of the best New Hampshire breweries, the Earth Eagle Brewings is a compact brewpub featuring craft beers, with outdoor seating and live music. They carry both bottled beers and tap beers and offer an extensive menu put together with flair and local produce.
Insider tip: Not a beer fan? No problem! Earth Eagles Brewings also have an extensive list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails as well as many delicious local ciders to taste.
The Portsmouth Brewery is a popular place, thanks to its great food, outstanding handcrafted beers, and a lively, friendly atmosphere. The venue was rated “Best Brewpub in New Hampshire” by ratebeer.com—a title you’ll soon be agreeing with. With some 1200 barrels brewed every year, you’ll find loads of beers on tap to sample, and a very diverse menu to pick from if you suddenly get the munchies.
If you’ve splurged on beer, it might be time to check out some cheaper Portsmouth attractions.
There is truly no better way to enjoy a Memorial Day weekend than celebrating by feasting on jambalaya and reveling in local festivities in New Orleans. The city not only has a vibrant nightlife, but it also has a diverse and ever-evolving art and music scene. New Orleans is considered to be the birthplace of jazz, dating back to the late 19th century. Other than its enviable music scene, New Orleans has something to offer for everyone including families, with attractions like the Aquarium of the Americas, The Insectarium, and The Audubon Zoo. The National World War II Museum not only offers outstanding exhibits; it commemorates the holiday with a performance by the Marine Corps quintet. Back to you, music lovers, here are two amazing venues to add to your New Orleans bucket list.
One of the best, if not THE best Jazz club in town, is the Spotted Cat. Located just steps away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, it’s been a local favorite for ages, bringing many types of live music to New Orleans fans, from jazz to klezmer, including blues and even traditional tunes. What’s more, the venue hosts live music every night, with no exception.
Insider tip: The Spotted Cat Jazz Club does not accept reservations, so get there early. Also, it’s a “cash-only” place, so make sure to have some on you!
The awesome thing about the New Orleans House of Blues is that there are simply no bad seats in the house. Known by locals as the “HOB New Orleans”, the place has amazing acoustics and presents live music every day. Its yummy food menu inspired by southern cuisine is also worth sampling.
Insider tip: Catch Happy Hour every day from 3 PM to 6 PM and enjoy cheap drinks! Oh, and if you have a specific music taste, check out the House of Blues schedule to pick the perfect music show before you head down.
Livin’ la vida loca at night sure has its perks, but it can become quite costly, rather quickly. You might soon be wondering if there are any free things to do in NOLA for the remainder of your getaway. The answer is yes! Check it out.
If you’re passionate about architecture, Charleston is a fantastic Memorial Day weekend destination as it’s like an open-air architectural museum. Featuring more than 2,800 historic buildings, the city regorges with amazing things to see and do. What’s more, the entire Charleston Historic District is a National Historic Landmark.
If you’re traveling with friends, know that art and music lovers who want to enjoy famous Southern hospitality might also want to consider Charleston. One of the first official celebrations for Memorial Day is known to have taken place in Charleston’s Hampton Park, led by a group of freed slaves, shortly after the end of the civil war, in 1865. Nowadays, the world-famous Spoleto Festival spreads out over two weeks including the holiday weekend, livening up Charleston’s many cultural venues, including churches, theaters and outdoor spaces with a great number of artistic performances. The Citadel, a nearly 200-year-old military college also offers full-dress parades every Friday afternoon, while various Civil War sites can be seen throughout the city.
Back to you, architecture fans. If hitting Charleston on Memorial Day weekend, be sure to take a tour!
By far our favorite Charleston tour, this walking tour will ensure you see the best sights and styles of architecture. We promise you’ll get loads of local insight and wonderful memories to bring home with you.
Insider tip: Reservations are mandatory! Click here to book your spot.
Charleston probably hasn’t left you broke at this point, but it’s not a reason to miss out on all the great, free activities the city has to offer.
Get a sweet taste of summer by hopping on a bus and cruising all the way down to mile 0 for Memorial Day weekend. Yes, Key West offers the perfect getaway for beach bums. Lounging on the beach sipping on a cold drink, fishing, boating or sampling the multiple eateries sounds like the perfect weekend. With a long weekend to enjoy it, we’re convinced that Key West will provide you with the most relaxing getaway.
Insider tip: If you’re considering a beach getaway for Memorial Day, note that Key West is one of the most popular destinations for Memorial Day weekend every year! Be sure to book your bus to Key West and accommodations well in advance, as hotels and buses tend to get very pricey or even sold out, as Memorial Day weekend approaches.
Known by locals as the best public beach in Key West, Smathers Beach boasts a two-mile-long shoreline with the softest sand on the island. It’s the perfect place to set up shop and feel completely secluded from the outside world. But, if you’re in need of food and drink, you’ll be glad for the various stalls lining the coast, even selling chairs and rafts for some serious beach fun. The beach’s public amenities include restrooms, lounge chairs, and several shops to rent water sports gear and equipment. You guessed it – Smathers Beach is also a great place to swim, snorkel, kayak, parasail, play beach volleyball… And sunbathe!
Insider tip: Bring a picnic if you want to keep your travel budget in check.
Centered on a civil war era fort, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is located near the southern tip of Key West. This beautiful wild space features a lovely beach, with many rentals available. You can also take a tour of the fort, starting at 11 AM every day.
Insider tip: Try the Cayo Hueso Café for some fine Key West beach cuisine, open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
There are so many cool things to do in Key West, that you’ll want to pack in as much fun as you can during your Memorial Day weekend getaway. Here are a few free activities to add to your Key West bucket list!
The city may be known for its sweltering summer heat, nicknamed “Hotlanta” and home to the world’s busiest airport, but a Memorial Day weekend getaway in Atlanta is well worth it. Why? Because in Atlanta, you can enjoy a great variety of activities over Memorial Day weekend. Atlanta is the home of many historic sites and attractions like Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthplace. It is also a great city filled with vintage performance venues like the Fox Theatre and displays a vibrant nightlife scene and an eclectic range of restaurants. Oh yes, Atlanta is perfect for travelers looking for a bit of everything: sun, nightlife, and cultural activities.
This Atlanta aquarium is the largest indoor aquarium in the western hemisphere! The place is committed to bringing awareness to the ocean and aquatic creatures worldwide and is home to more than one hundred thousand different animals. The venue has more than a hundred distinct habitats for wildlife, including sea lions, belugas, penguins and many more.
Insider tip: If you’re on a tight budget, note that the lowest-priced tickets can be bought if visiting after 4 PM. What’s more, there are usually fewer crowds at that time of the day!
The Atlanta Shops of Buckhead round up six city blocks of shopping and eateries, featuring many restaurants and shops. If you love to shop, you’ll be served, as it’s known as one of the best places to shop in the USA!
Insider tip: The Buckhead Library, located in the middle of the shopping area, is a beautiful building and a great place to unwind if you need a moment to catch your breath.
If you’ve followed our recommendations, we’re pretty sure you’ve had the time of your life so far, but you might be running out of cash. Thankfully, Atlanta also offers many free activities you won’t want to miss out on!
So, are you ready a Memorial Day getaway? Let us know where you’re planning to get away and share your travel stories below!
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