Required inexpensive Memorial Day trips but waited until the last minute? Don’t stress– 2025’s best Memorial Day vacation spots are still within reach! The holiday weekend (May 24-26, 2025) is quick approaching, but you can still book a memorable escape to America’s leading locations. Whether you long for beachfront relaxation, historical tributes, or family-friendly experiences, these 10 last minute Memorial Day getaways provide the ideal mix of enjoyable and meaning– without the tension.
| Location | Best For | Rate Range | Memorial Day Highlight | Pet Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC | History + Spending plan | $180–$450 | Waterfront Park Performance | Yes |
| San Diego, CA | Military Tributes | $150–$600 | USS Midway Ceremony | Yes |
| New Orleans, LA | Food + Music | $125–$425 | Free Jazz Celebration | Yes |
| Bar Harbor, ME | Hiking + Seafood | $150–$400 | Acadia National Forest Opens | Yes |
| Asheville, NC | Arts + Breweries | $140–$450 | LEAF Music Festival | Yes |
| Honolulu, HI THERE | Beaches + History | $200–$600 | Pearl Harbor Memorial | Minimal |
| Cape Cod, MA | Peaceful Beaches | $180–$550 | Small-Town Parades | Yes |
| Las Vegas, NV | Night life + Pools | $120–$450 | Military Discount rates | Yes |
| Lake Tahoe, CA | Lake Activities | $180–$600 | “Opening of the Lake” Festival | Yes |
| New York City, NY | Patriotic Occasions | $150–$800 | Fleet Week + Brooklyn Parade | Minimal |
Pro Idea: Reserve by May 10 for finest rates! Costs spike closer to Memorial Day weekend.
1. Charleston, South Carolina– Finest for History Enthusiasts Why Visit: Charleston integrates warm weather, abundant history, and seaside charm.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
- Stroll the historical downtown and Battery Park
- Go To Fort Sumter National Monument to explore America’s previous
- Relax at nearby Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island
- Search the Charleston City Market for regional crafts
Memorial Day Special: The city hosts an annual Memorial Day performance at the Waterside Park where you can spend the night listening to live music while enjoying views of the harbour on your vacation. Insider Suggestion: Arrange a self-guided walking trip in the early morning hours before the heat heightens.
2. San Diego, California– Finest for Military Tributes & Family Enjoyable Why Go To: Perfect location combining beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and military homage chances for memorial day vacations.
Where to Stay:
Do not Miss:
- Pay homage at the USS Midway Museum with special Memorial Day ceremonies
- Check out Balboa Park’s broad range of museums and interactive exhibits
- Relax on the private beach areas of Coronado
- Go to the lively Gaslamp Quarter for excellent food and nightlife
Memorial Day Unique: The Memorial Day event at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is a moving tribute to fallen military workers. Food Scene: Do not miss the food trucks at Liberty Station, a transformed marine training center now hosting artisanal vendors.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana– Best for Foodies & Culture Enthusiasts
Why Check out: Rich culture, amazing food, and a special atmosphere without the severe heat of summertime.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
- Explore the French Quarter and Jackson Square
- Arrange a trip of the Garden District’s historical homes
- Visit the National WWII Museum to pay homage
- Take an evening jazz cruise on the Mississippi River
Memorial Day Special: The New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Celebration features live music efficiencies throughout the city.
Foodie Alert: Beyond the famous French Quarter restaurants, head to Magazine Street for innovative eateries and baked products that residents love.
4. Bar Harbor, Maine– Best for Nature Lovers & Seafood Lovers Why See: Coastal appeal, outside experiences, and authentic New England appeal at the beginning of the season.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
- Check Out Acadia National forest’s hiking routes and carriage roads
- Take a boat trip to find whales and sea birds
- See Cadillac Mountain for spectacular views
- Enjoy the town’s famous lobster rolls
Memorial Day Activities: Numerous routes and centers in Acadia National Park formally open for the season during Memorial Day weekend. Bird Viewing: Spring is terrific time for bird enjoying as migratory types go back to the area. 5. Asheville, North Carolina– Finest for Art Lovers & Outdoor Enthusiasts Why Go To: Mountain beauty, art scene, and mild weather ideal for outdoor expedition.
Where to Stay:
Do not Miss:
- Visit the stunning Biltmore Estate
- Explore heaven Ridge Parkway and its treking tracks
- Check out the vibrant River Arts District where art enthusiasts can find regional treasures
- Sample craft brews at numerous local breweries
Memorial Day Special: The LEAF Downtown celebration has actually been confirmed for Memorial Day weekend 2025, featuring an expanded lineup of diverse music and performance art.
Outdoor Idea: Blue Ridge hiking routes are less crowded if you hit them early in the morning.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii– Finest for Meaningful Memorials & Tropical Relaxation Why Check Out: A tropical paradise with considerable memorial sites, making it a meaningful location for the vacation.
Where to Stay:
Don’t Miss:
- See Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial to pay homage
- Unwind on Waikiki Beach or less crowded Ala Moana Beach Park
- Check Out Diamond Head State Monument for panoramic island views
- Experience Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Memorial Day Significance: The Pearl Harbor National Memorial holds special events honouring military service members. Travel Tip: Even as a last-minute trip, you can discover affordable flight offers to Hawaii if you’re flexible with departure times. 7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts– Best
for Classic Coastal Charm & Relaxation Why Visit: Classic New England coastal appeal with the summer season just starting. Where to Stay: Do Not Miss: Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore’s lovely
beaches Go to Provincetown’s dynamic downtown
- Take a ferry for a field trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket Island Cycle along the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Path Memorial
- Day Events: Many towns along Cape Cod host parades and events to honor fallen
- service members. Foodie Emphasize: Besides the
- Take a ferry for a field trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket Island Cycle along the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Path Memorial
- Day Events: Many towns along Cape Cod host parades and events to honor fallen
- service members. Foodie Emphasize: Besides the
famous lobster rolls, do n’t miss fresh oysters gathered from Cape Cod Bay. 8. Las Vegas, Nevada– Finest for Entertainment & Swimming Pool Parties
Why Go to: Home entertainment capital with surprisingly excellent Memorial Day weekend offers. Where to Stay: Don’t Miss
: Catch a world-class show on the Strip Go to the neighboring Red Rock Canyon
for outside adventures Check Out the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vega Relax at one
of the popular swimming pool parties beginning summertime season Memorial Day Special: Many hotels offer military discounts
California/Nevada– Best for Mountain Surroundings & Outdoor Leisure Why Go to: Beautiful mountain landscapes with activities transitioning from spring to summer. Where to Stay: Don’t Miss: Take a picturesque cruise on the crystal-clear lake Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail for magnificent views Delight in the start of beach season at Sand Harbor or Kings Beach Visit historic sites like Vikingsholm Castle Memorial Day Activities: The
Opening of the Lake event has been validated for Memorial Day weekend 2025, with unique occasions planned to mark the 70th
anniversary
- of this Lake Tahoe custom. Golf Lovers: Hit
- the links at one of the location’s premier golf courses like Edgewood Tahoe, where the spring rates might still apply. 10. New York City, New York– Finest for Urban Enjoyment & Patriotic Occasions Why Check out: The supreme city vacation with
unique Memorial Day events and summer energy. Where to Stay: Don’t Miss: Participate In the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, among the oldest in the nation Go To the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, specifically meaningful on this vacation Explore Central Park in ideal spring weather condition Take in views from the Edge or Top observation decks Memorial Day Weekend Events: Fleet Week 2025 has been formally set up to coincide with Memorial Day(Might 21-27, 2025), bringing naval vessels and
broadened military demonstrations to the city. Spending Plan Pointer: Many of New York City’s finest experiences are free, from
walking the High
Line to checking out the
- 9/11 Memorial. Pet-Friendly Options: Preparation Your Last-Minute Trip Reservation Technique: Use cost contrast tools and set fare alerts for flights Check hotel websites directly for Memorial Day weekend bundles Consider trip rentals for household reunions or bigger groups Search for military discount rates if applicable How to
Save Money On Last-Minute Memorial Day Travel: Schedule flights for morning or late evening departures (usually cheaper )Think about close-by alternative airports that might have better fares Search for bundled hotel+ cars and truck or hotel+attraction packages Examine membership discount rates (AAA, AARP, professional organisations )Use benefit points and miles before
vacation blackout periods kick
in Consider destinations where the”shoulder season” falls during Memorial
ahead if driving to the airport Download relevant city apps
- for navigation and info Consider travel insurance coverage for last-minute journeys Permit extra time for vacation weekend traffic or airport security Whether you’re drawn to stunning beaches, historical websites, or dynamic city life, these top
- locations provide fantastic chances for your Memorial Day weekend. From
- paying tribute at meaningful memorials to taking in the unofficial start of
- summertime, your vacation weekend assures to be unforgettable– even when planned last-minute. The
- most important thing? Take some time to relax, show, and reconnect with enjoyed ones. That’s what makes a vacation genuinely unique.< img width= "1030"height="713"src ="https://www.cuddlynest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/New-York-1030x713.png"alt=" last-minute memorial day
trips aerial-view-on-financial-district-at-dawn-2024 “/ > Prepared to Book Your Escape? Don’t let the weekend escape! Discover cozy stays and last-minute
- offers on CuddlyNest– your best Memorial Day trip is simply a click away. Reserve now and make memories! FAQs For Last-Minute
trips aerial-view-on-financial-district-at-dawn-2024 “/ > Prepared to Book Your Escape? Don’t let the weekend escape! Discover cozy stays and last-minute
Memorial Day Getaways Can I find last-minute Memorial Day weekend car rentals? Yes, however book immediately through aggregators or Turo for much better rates. Smaller regional companies typically have availability when huge chains offer out. Exist any destinations to avoid due to overcrowding on Memorial Day? Popular beach towns like Myrtle Beach or Daytona Beach get extremely
crowded. Think about lesser-known alternatives like Tybee Island, GA or Cannon Beach, OR. What’s the best way to discover last-minute Memorial
Day cruise deals?
Inspect “wave season”promos(Jan-Mar) or last-minute cruise sites like CruiseDirect. Short Bahamas/Caribbean cruises typically have cabins available. How can I save money on gas for a Memorial