Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and is the perfect time for a quick vacation with friends and family. Beyond the traditional backyard barbecue, explore these awesome Memorial Day getaways for extra excitement this year.
1. Washington, DC
Washington, DC is the perfect Memorial Day getaway for any family and with so many free museums and monuments it works with any budget. Enjoy the spring weather with a walk through the monuments along the National Mall. From the majesty of the Lincoln Memorial to the height of the towering Washington Monument and the importance of the World War II Memorial, these sites combine rich history and beautiful architecture. Don’t miss the newest addition – the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Visitors can also enjoy the multitude of free Smithsonian museums. We recommend the National Air and Space Museum.
Don’t miss Washington’s great food as well. From the famous “half-smoke” sausage sandwiches at Ben’s Chili Bowl to artisanal delight of Founding Farmers, foodies will enjoy a trip to DC as well.
2. The Jersey Shore
As the unofficial start to summer, nothing is better on Memorial Day than a trip to the beach. And no beach is as iconic as the beautiful Jersey Shore. From Cape May in south Jersey to Deal Beach up north, New Jersey is full of sandy beaches and fun — choosing one is the difficult part!
Highlights include Ocean City for family friendly beaches and fun, Atlantic City for iconic casinos, and Seaside Heights for the classic Jersey boardwalk complete with food and games. At night eat some delicious seafood and listen to music at the famous Stone Pony in Red Bank where Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi both got their starts.
3. Nashville, Tennessee
Country music and barbecue make Nashville a unique and awesome destination.
Nashville is the Country Music capital of the World! Stop into any bar along Broadway and hear live music all day and night from up and coming acts. True music lovers can’t miss the famous Grand Ole Opry, home of the world’s longest running live radio program, or the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville is also famous for its barbecue with endless places to choose from. Try them all and eat your way through this musical town.
4. The Grand Canyon
Ring in summer with an iconic family road trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The Grand Canyon – at up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep – is awe inspiring to say the least. Over the course of an estimated 40 million years, the Colorado River has carved this wonder to the eye that no one should miss! Visitors can view the canyon from atop or hike the multitude of trails down to the river basin.
5. New York City, New York
New York City is a magical place to visit any time of year, but Memorial Day and summer marks the best time to take advantage of the city’s countless parks and beaches. Explore the High Line, which is truly a New York City invention. This park, which opened in 2011, is built atop old elevated rail tracks along Manhattan’s West Side.
Beach lovers can head out to Coney Island in Queens and dine on a world famous Nathan’s hot dog. And everyone should of course explore New York’s famous shopping, dining, and Broadway shows.