Memorial Day Travel - Without Crowds

Memorial Day, which honors our nation’s fallen soldiers, is traditionally a holiday of commemoration. And while we’re all for honoring those who served, we happen to think it’s possible to both pay homage to our brave service members and celebrate America’s great cities. Call it double duty.

With sprawling parks, history-laden houses, and educational exhibits, these Memorial Day travel destinations will inspire you to book your next trip. Whether you’re up for a parade through the streets or a quiet museum tour, we’ve found the most exciting attractions at each of these destinations during Memorial Day weekend. Beating the beach crowds while brushing up on your history has never been easier.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is a city teeming with rich Southern history. When you fly to Charleston, you’ll be greeted with incredible views and a whole lot of southern hospitality. Stop by the legendary Middleton Place, the former home of Arthur Middleton (a signer of the Declaration of Independence). You’ll frolic around 65 acres of what the Garden Club of America dubbed “the most important garden in America.”

You’ll even catch a glimpse of 18th and 19th century plantation life. And costumed craftspeople are stationed on the grounds with a stable yard complete with live heritage breeds. Next, take a stroll along the Battery Promenade for a view of Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.

St. Louis, Missouri

A St. Louis weekend getaway is ideal for families with small kids in tow. Think picnics, lounge chairs, open spaces, and prices that won’t drain your savings account. Plus, there are plenty of free activities. No, it’s not the seashore, but you’ll still enjoy the open air and sunny skies.

Be sure to catch the Alton Memorial Day Parade, which began a mere three years after the Civil War and continues to this day. Free and open to the public, the parade honors our veterans with floats, flags, and true American spirit. And since St. Louis enjoys putting the “free” in freedom, head over to Compton Heights Concert Band’s Memorial Day concert in Tower Grove Park to lounge on the green grass as patriotic music plays in the background.

New York City

If you need an excuse to finally embark on your dream Big Apple getaway this Memorial Day weekend, we have a solid one: the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade. This parade is an NYC institution that kicks off at 11 A.M., makes its way along Third Avenue, and ends with a 21-gun salute by the U.S. Army at Fort Hamilton.

On top of that, New York City has a whole host of other wonderful Memorial Day weekend events including the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit and The Great Brooklyn Grill Out. There will also be a ton of military fun during Fleet Week. The seven-day celebration in New York City honors members of the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Each Memorial Day, this quiet little New England city pays homage to our brave veterans at one of the country’s oldest and most history-rich seaports. Head to the U.S.S. Albacore Museum & Memorial Park, one of Portsmouth’s most celebrated attractions. There will also be the annual Memorial Day ceremony at 10 am. In past years, the City and American Legion Post 1836 hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Plains Field. You may also find a Burial at Sea Ceremony by the anchor sculpture in Prescott Park.

Palm Springs, California

Perfect for some quality R&R smack-dab in the California desert, Palm Springs is an excellent getaway for your Memorial Day Weekend. But, if you’d rather stay at a regular hotel, they have plenty of those too. Whether you channel those chilled out vibes through golfing, art gallery browsing or poolside bathing, you’re sure to lose yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the desert landscape.

This Memorial Day, you’ll love the Palm Springs Air Museum’s Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop. Three thousand red and white carnations are dropped from a B-25 bomber at 1 pm in dedication to America’s servicemen. You can pick up a flower to take home and remember the fallen. You’ll also enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and barbecue.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, it’s hard to beat Mackinac Island. For starters, it’s a completely car-free destination. You can only reach the island via ferry or charter boat. Once you’re there, your can walk, bike, or ride around in a horse-drawn taxi. The good news is that the island is only about four miles long, so neither you nor the horses will get tired quickly!

As for activities, you can enjoy everything from shops and stables to state parks. Be sure to try the locally famous fudge at Joann’s Fudge or The Original Murdick’s Fudge. For Memorial Day, you won’t want to miss Fort Mackinac, where soldiers perform a march and salute to commemorate the occasion before returning to their duties.

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and it’s legendary for its verdant beauty and relaxing vibe. You’ll find all kinds of fun for everyone from solo backpackers to families with kids. There are almost 200 miles of shoreline to explore! Go swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or camping. Local attractions include the Gunstock Mountain Resort and Ellacoya State Park. Memorial Day is a big deal on the lake, too. It’s usually an all-weekend affair with many venues kicking off seasonal events or programs. For example, the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad chugs to life every year on Memorial Day. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of beautiful lakefront vacation homes.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Located on the Atlantic coastline, Acadia National Park is a stunning example of Maine’s natural beauty. Here you’ll find craggy cliffs, sandy beaches, wave-crashed seawalls, and glittering tidepools as far as the eye can see. You’ll also have your choice of outdoor activities to explore. Whether you’re interested in climbing the pink granite rocks or going on a blueberry-picking expedition in the fields, there are plenty of ways to plan a unique Memorial Day vacation at Acadia.

One thing to note about the park is that Memorial Day weekend can be more crowded than other times of year. However, it’ll still be less busy than other destinations, and there’ll be perks like the opening of summer-only shops and inns. Memorial Day officially kicks off the tourist season at Acadia National Park.

FAQs:

Q: What is the best way to travel around Mackinac Island?
A: Since Mackinac Island is car-free, the best ways to travel are by walking, biking, or using a horse-drawn taxi. These options offer a charming and leisurely way to explore the island.

Q: Are there any free activities in St. Louis during Memorial Day weekend?
A: Yes, St. Louis offers several free activities, including the Alton Memorial Day Parade and the Compton Heights Concert Band’s Memorial Day concert in Tower Grove Park.

Q: What time does the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade start in New York City?
A: The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade starts at 11 A.M. and concludes with a 21-gun salute by the U.S. Army at Fort Hamilton.

Q: Can I attend the Palm Springs Air Museum’s Memorial Day Flower Drop without an admission fee?
A: No, there is an admission fee to enter the Palm Springs Air Museum, but once inside, the Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop event is included.

Q: What are the main transportation options to get to Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire?
A: Lake Winnipesaukee is accessible by car, with several major highways leading to the area. Additionally, nearby airports in Manchester, NH, and Portland, ME, offer convenient access for visitors traveling by air.

Q: Can I bring my pet to these Memorial Day travel destinations?
A: Check with your lodging provider and review local pet policies. In Charleston, South Carolina, you might find pet-friendly accommodations such as The Vendue or Wentworth Mansion. As for Palm Springs, California, some pet-friendly accommodations include Ace Hotel & Swim Club and Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel.

Do you have any other Memorial Day travel ideas for us? Let us know in the comments below!