Top 6 Memorial Day Destinations

Top 6 Memorial Day Destinations

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all those who have given their life in service of our great nation. It is also the unofficial start to summer, and the second largest driving holiday of the year with over 36 million people traveling 50 miles or more to enjoy the long weekend.

Below is a list of some of the most popular Memorial Day Destinations: 

Washington, D.C.

On of the most patriotic places to celebrate the holiday, Washington, D.C. is the perfect destination to visit to remember all who have died serving our country. Not only are there the various Washington monuments that depict and honor our history Memorial Day also kicks off D.C.’s busy summer season. Don’t Miss Event: The National Memorial Day Parade, run by the American Veterans Center, is the largest parade of its kind and wows its audience with marching bands, youth groups, active and retired military and floats. This years parade is set to kick off Monday, May 26 at 2 p.m. 

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis has hundreds of festivals throughout the year, ranging from ethnic festivals and art fairs to music festivals and sporting events. During Memorial weekend you can find that and more as parades are organized and the city is abuzz with a slew of events, that include: Assumption Greek Festival, Irish Fest, Shakespeare in the Park, the Grafton Flea Market and more. Don’t Miss Event: The Bluesweek Festival, this festival offers two days of live music, a barbecue competition and cold beer. Entrance to the festival and BBQ zone is free, but tickets to the show will cost $10 in advance, and $15 at the door.

Charleston, SC

One of the earliest honoring of veterans for Memorial Day (called Decoration Day at the time) was led by a group of freed slaves weeks after the Civil War ended in Hampton Park. Today, the city is a haven of gorgeous landscapes, sumptuous Southern food and beautiful warm beaches. Don’t Miss Event: The Spoleto Festival, one of the largest art festivals in the world fills Charlestons theaters, parks and churches with every kind of art and performance imaginable. The festival kicks off late May and lasts through early June.

Las Vegas, NV

Second only to New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest time of the year for Las Vegas. Much of the celebrations held to honor are troops appear in the form of elaborate resort pool parties (think, daylight nightclub) with live DJs, bottle service, cabanas and more. Don’t Miss Event: Caesar's Palace Pool or the Garden of the Gods is separated into six separate pools, each pool with a designated for a specific purpose like swim up blackjack or just simply lounging. During Memorial week admission is free for ladies, while men can enjoy free admission Monday thru Thursday, and reduced rates before 2 p.m. Friday thru Sunday.

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Memorial Day activities are all about fun for the whole family. Some great ways to enjoy your Memorial Day weekend while also enjoying Atlanta’s southern hospitality are the Salute to the Troops Laser Show Spectacular, the Georgia Renaissance Festival and Brew at the Zoo, which gives visitors access to unlimited beer and wine samples as well as live music, animal shows and more. Don’t Miss Event: The Atlanta Jazz festival, known as one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country (typically bringing over 200,000 attendees over the three day weekend) is celebrating its 36th year at Piedmont Park. The festival is famous for featuring jazz staples such as: Miles Davis, Shirley Horn and Dexter Gordon. It also is a host to many local artists and fun activities for the whole family. 

Miami, FL

Much like Vegas, Miami begins filling up with celebrities, musicians and people ready to party. Memorial Day weekend in Miami is not for the light of heart though, as over 250,000 party goers descend on South Beach for a weekend of music, dancing and lots of skin. Don’t Miss Event: The Best of the Best Concert Sunday, May 26 is a 10 hour long music celebration starting at 2 p.m. at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. This years line up also boasts a “100% Caribbean show” so festival goers can expect a steady stream of dancehall, reggae, soca and other island sounds.