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The 17 best memorial day weekend getaways for 2024.

These destinations are great escapes for a long weekend trip.

Top Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

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May is a great time to travel to many places in the U.S. and around world, thanks to sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. Memorial Day weekend might just be the opportunity you have been waiting for to take a much-needed vacation. Whether you're looking to spend this Memorial Day unwinding on a white sand beach or honoring fallen soldiers at big-city war memorials, these destinations offer the chance to enjoy the three-day weekend in style.

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Cape May, New Jersey

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of tourist season in Cape May , and it's no surprise why. A quintessential summertime escape for many Americans, this historic seaside town boasts pleasant temperatures in the 70s come late spring. Cape May also played a significant role in military defense during World War II. Just keep in mind that traffic jams are common – especially during the busy season – so be sure to plan your drive accordingly.

Travelers will enjoy stretching out along Cape May's beaches, strolling through the Washington Street Mall and admiring well-preserved Victorian architecture adjacent to the shoreline. You can also visit Emlen Physick Estate – the town's only Victorian-era house museum – or see historic war planes at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum.

Where to stay: You won't find chain hotels in Cape May, but you can stay at a darling bed-and-breakfast, a boutique hotel like The Virginia Hotel & Cottages or a rental cottage.

New York City

New York City is the perfect place for a last-minute, long-weekend trip – especially if you're car-free. Pack your walking shoes and plan to visit one world-class site after another on foot or by subway. Must-see attractions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, St. Patrick's Cathedral and – of course – Times Square. May is also one of New York's most pleasant times of year (if you don't mind a chance of rain). Expect daytime highs in the upper 60s, perfect for a stroll through Central Park or along the High Line.

Special Memorial Day events include the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade and Fleet Week, when civilians can tour naval ships and meet members of the U.S. Navy, the Marine Corps and the U.S. Coast Guard. New York City beaches also open to the public on this weekend. When it's time to dine, you'll find an endless list of establishments, from historic bagel shops to under-the-radar delis to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Where to stay: You can find all kinds of lodging options in New York – just be sure to book early, as rates can get expensive. One top option is The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel in Manhattan.

Annapolis, Maryland

Travelers looking to pay tribute to military men and women this Memorial Day can do so in the waterfront city of Annapolis . Get outside to watch the Memorial Day Parade down Main Street, or stroll through the rest of Annapolis' historic downtown, where you're bound to see rows of American flags.

If you're looking for a bit more space to stretch out, head to Quiet Waters Park. Spanning 340 acres, the park is ideal for biking, kayaking, picnicking or simply admiring panoramic views of the South River in late May's pleasant temperatures (high 70s to 80s). Bicycle and boat rentals are available on-site and nearby. When hunger strikes, head to Boatyard Bar & Grill or Carrol's Creek Cafe for delicious seafood.

Where to stay: Accommodation options in Annapolis range from modern outposts like Graduate Annapolis to picturesque bed-and-breakfasts to vacation rentals downtown or near the water.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Ring in the start of summer on the shores of Rehoboth Beach . Calm waters and temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s make this Delaware beach town a great kid-friendly option, and travelers of all ages will enjoy walking down the mile-long boardwalk filled with restaurants and shops.

When you're not sunbathing on the sand or relaxing on the balcony of your vacation rental or hotel room, head to Cape Henlopen State Park to fish, hike and bird-watch. The Funland amusement park is another staple in the area that opens for the season in May, and some shopping at Tanger Outlets is a must when you need a break from outdoor activities.

Where to stay: The Avenue Inn and Spa , located a block from the beach and boardwalk, is a top lodging option in Rehoboth Beach.

Washington, D.C.

When it comes to celebrating the true reason behind Memorial Day, nowhere is quite as patriotic as Washington, D.C. Honor military personnel with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 400,000 fallen soldiers and veterans (plus their family members) are buried. On the National Mall, wander along the long granite wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to read the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died during the Vietnam War. Then, head to the World War II Memorial to pay tribute to those who perished on the battlefields. Average May temperatures in the nation's capital tend to sit in the mid-70s to mid-80s.

Where to stay: After a long day of exploring, head back to a luxury hotel – a great option is The Hay-Adams – or more budget-friendly Airbnb.

Austin, Texas

Visit the Lone Star State for an authentic Memorial Day weekend experience, complete with mouthwatering Texas barbecue, temperatures in the 80s and 90s, and plenty of time spent enjoying the great outdoors. Austin offers something for everyone, from kayaking in Zilker Metropolitan Park (rental boats are available on-site) to learning about the state's history at the Texas Capitol in central Austin. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake is another beloved natural area where travelers and locals alike can explore quiet trails and picnic along the edge of the water.

Where to stay: Bed down at a hotel like The Driskill , an Airbnb or even a campsite in nearby Texas Hill Country.

Charleston, South Carolina

Cobblestone streets, centuries-old oak trees and historic architecture make Charleston a charming getaway year-round. But visiting during Memorial Day weekend means you'll see the city at its best (albeit usually its busiest) before the oppressive summer heat sets in. Average May temperatures sit in the 70s and 80s, rain is minimal, and colorful gardens are in full bloom.

Learn about the history of the city as you cruise through the Charleston Harbor on a boat tour , or admire the flora and fauna of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. If your holiday weekend experience won't be complete without a beach trip, head to nearby Folly Beach (a little more than 10 miles south of the city) or Sullivan's Island (less than 10 miles southeast) for a day.

Where to stay: Retire for the evening at a luxurious hotel , such as The Spectator Hotel, or stay in one of many quaint vacation rentals to save some cash.

Big Bear Lake, California

By late May, travelers can typically bid farewell to snowfall in Big Bear Lake and say hello to pleasant temperatures in the low 70s. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California, about 80 miles northwest of Palm Springs, laid-back Big Bear Lake separates itself from typical long-weekend beach destinations with its endless outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and paddleboarding. Canoes, kayaks and other equipment rentals are available from a bevy of local sports shops dispersed throughout Big Bear Lake. Although there are a few small swimming beaches on the lake, including Meadow Park, keep in mind that the water is fairly chilly year-round.

Where to stay: When it comes to lodging, take your pick from multiple resorts, inns, vacation homes, cabins and lodges. One top option downtown is Sierra Blue Hotel & Swim Club. If you plan to travel with your pet , Big Bear Lakefront Cabins offers pet-friendly cabins with amenities like hot tubs and swimming pools overlooking the lake or lush mountains.

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Denver to enjoy the city's 70-degree weather, as long as you're willing to put up with a little rain (May is typically the city's wettest month, seeing about 2 inches of rainfall on average). Travelers can wander through the Denver Botanic Gardens or explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a naturally formed outdoor venue with on-site hiking trails. If you're looking for a great place to bring kids, head to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, which boasts exhibits about animals, mummies and outer space, all in one venue.

Where to stay: As far as lodging goes, vacationers will have their pick of swanky options such as The Oxford Hotel and airy rental lofts in the heart of downtown.

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Though temperatures are typically still creeping their way into the mid-60s come Memorial Day, visiting Jackson Hole during this shoulder season promises exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities (think: eagles, bison and moose), cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds to contend with. Spring also signals the reopening of many park roadways in the nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, as well as the start of whitewater rafting season. Granite Hot Springs Pool reopens for the summer season in late May, so travelers can plan on taking a dip in the steamy 93-degree thermal pool after a fun day of hiking and exploring.

Where to stay: Opt for a rustic cabin to fully embrace Jackson Hole's changing seasons in the wilderness, or pump up the opulence with a stay at a luxury resort such as Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa at Jackson Hole .

Kick off the unofficial start of summer with a trip to Sin City. For an adults-only getaway, travelers can hit the slots, party the night away at a high-energy nightclub or live music venue, and enjoy a few cocktails under the sun at one of Las Vegas ' rowdy pool parties. Late May temperatures typically feature highs in the 90s and lows in the 60s.

Beyond walking around the Strip, popular things to do include visiting the Sphere (a unique new attraction opened in 2023) and taking day trips to more family-friendly outdoor destinations, such as the Grand Canyon , the Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You can also consider a Las Vegas tour ; fun options range from open-top nighttime bus tours around the city to scenic helicopter rides to food tours sampling a variety of treats.

Where to stay: You can't go wrong with any of the city's iconic resorts or themed hotels if you're looking for the full Vegas experience. Still, some properties, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas , offer a little more tranquility than others.

Palm Springs, California

Trendy, colorful Palm Springs is an ideal spot for a Memorial Day weekend getaway. Springtime brings picturesque blooms of wildflowers, poppies and lilies, and visitors can enjoy popular attractions like the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. You'll also have plenty of time for a round at the golf course, boutique shopping in the El Paseo Shopping District, and mouthwatering meals and cocktails at top-notch eateries .

To honor fallen soldiers over the holiday weekend, head to the Palm Springs Air Museum for its annual Memorial Day Flower Drop. At this event, a vintage warbird plane drops more than 3,000 carnations to the crowds below. While you might avoid Palm Springs ' roasting summer temperatures above 100 degrees, you should still expect May highs in the 90s – so plan accordingly for a hike through Joshua Tree National Park or other outdoor activities.

Where to stay: Most of the city's eclectic hotels, inns and bungalows offer on-site pools to cool off in – and the highly rated Holiday House Palm Springs is no exception.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Plan a trip to Puerto Rico to enjoy the island's beaches and nature preserves, including El Yunque National Forest, and pencil in some time to take a stroll through colorful, picturesque Old San Juan. If you'd like to sink your toes in the sand, head to Condado Beach or Ocean Park Beach to bask in May's 80-degree temps.

You'll also have your pick of historic sites to peruse as well: Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal are two acclaimed forts that feature dungeons, tunnels and original cannons. When night falls, San Juan comes alive with pulsing nightclubs, bars and dance venues. A bonus: Americans do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico.

Where to stay: Lodging options here include a variety of hotels located either on or near the ocean, such as Condado Vanderbilt Hotel . You'll also find an array of modern, well-equipped vacation rentals with pools, city views and other amenities.

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Head to St. Thomas for the feel of an international vacation with the ease of domestic travel (Americans don't need a passport to visit this U.S. territory). Though it's not the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands , St. Thomas is arguably the most popular of the three main islands. Since the major tourist season is from December to March, you may find discounted hotel rates and fewer crowds in May without sacrificing enjoyable temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

Traveler-favorite activities include swimming and snorkeling at Magens Bay and Coki Beach, plus shopping and strolling along duty-free Main Street. For panoramic views of nearby islands – including Puerto Rico, on a clear day – take a tram ride up to Paradise Point with your camera or smartphone in hand.

Where to stay: Marriott's Frenchman's Cove is a top lodging option in St. Thomas, complete with an infinity-edge pool and a waterslide.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Leave your worries behind with a relaxing long weekend in Ocho Rios, Jamaica . Popular things to do include exploring Dunn's River Falls and Park, relaxing on Ocho Rios Bay Beach, taking a sunset cruise and snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters, among other activities. Travelers can expect temperatures in the 80s and plenty of sea breeze.

Where to stay: This Caribbean hot spot offers plenty of accommodation options, including hotels , villas and all-inclusive resorts – some of which are adults-only , like Sandals Ochi Beach Resort .

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

In May, the Caribbean paradise of Turks & Caicos offers highs in the mid-80s. Although this month might bring the occasional rain shower, hotel rates and dissipating crowds during this shoulder season make Memorial Day weekend a great time to visit. Vacationers can check out the tourist hot spot of Providenciales (known as Provo) to enjoy snorkeling and fishing. Provo is home to gorgeous white sand beaches, including Grace Bay Beach, and it's a great spot for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Where to stay: Stay at a resort like Seven Stars Resort & Spa to take advantage of abundant amenities, or opt for a villa rental near the beach for more privacy.

Tulum, Mexico

With its white sand beaches, Instagram-worthy boutique hotels and average May temperatures in the 80s, Tulum is a paradise worth visiting. Spend your days sunbathing at Playa Paraíso, exploring the Mayan ruins or swimming in El Gran Cenote.

Where to stay: You can find a number of highly rated accommodations in Tulum if you're looking for a pampering trip – consider Ahau Tulum , for example. The town's scenic Airbnbs are a great choice as well: In fact, many vacation rentals here offer private pools and Jacuzzis, plus tons of greenery and cozy outdoor lounge chairs for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend stay.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Nicola Wood is a senior travel editor who always welcomes a three-day weekend. She has taken short trips to several of the destinations on this list, and many of the others are on her travel bucket list for future Memorial Day weekend vacations. Wood used her research skills and personal travel experience to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Presidents Day Weekend Getaways
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• The Best Places to Visit in May
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Tags: Travel , Memorial Day , Vacation Ideas , Weekend Getaways

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The best Memorial Day weekend getaways in the U.S. to book right now

There's still time to book a last-minute Memorial Day weekend getaway and skip town this month.

Memorial Day is a national day of remembrance in America, but it's also the unofficial start of summer—a glorious few months filled with weekend getaways , family vacations and  summer camp (if you're lucky). It also means an extra day off from work for many—and what's not to love about a three-day weekend? Before you think it's too late to book your Memorial Day getaway, let us be the first to tell you it's not. There's still time to book, whether a quickie trip to a nearby town or a cross-country escape with help from a can't-miss flight deal. Below, we've highlighted 10 great destinations where you can unwind, honor and remember our soldiers and spend time with loved ones this Memorial Day.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Where to go for Memorial Day Weekend in the U.S.

1.  lexington, kentucky.

Centrally located, Lexington is one of those rare places that’s reachable by car for more than half of the country. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World'', this under-the-radar destination is great for families looking to spend some time outside. Get acclimated by learning about the deep horse racing history at the historic Keeneland Racecourse , popular for Kentucky Derby-qualifying races or explore the Kentucky River Palisades via a self-guided hike or by soaring 185 feet above the forest at 40mph with Boone Creek Outdoors ’ Zipline Canopy Tours. Rent bikes and ride through Kentucky’s famed rolling Bluegrass hills, passing by lush landscapes, historic bourbon distilleries and thoroughbred horse farms.

Where to stay:

Book a room at the Inn at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (located just outside Lexington), where you’ll find several restored Shaker guesthouses and private cottages surrounded by 3,000 acres of outdoor adventure space.

2.  South Padre Island, Texas

Situated right off the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is the only tropical island oasis in the Lone Star State. This budget-friendly destination features 34 miles of coastline, 300-plus days of sunshine and a variety of activities and entertainment. The clear gulf waters are perfect for guided trips where you can scuba, snorkel, fish (and take advantage of a local Cook Your Catch program), and experience bottlenose dolphin sightings. As the “Sandcastle Capital of the World,” visitors can explore Sandcastle Trail , where stunning works of sand art are always on display. If nature is more your thing, check out the SPI Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary and say hello to beloved residents, Big Padre and Lady Laguna.

When it’s time to turn in, the shores of South Padre Island are dotted with vacation rentals as well as beachfront hotels and resorts—including the festive  Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island .

3.  Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is a great spot to spend a winter vacation, but ask any local, and they’ll probably tell you it’s the Colorado summers that’s kept them there. Telluride and Mountain Village are linked by the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola, a free 13-minute ride that’s the first public transportation system in the United States, providing access to tons of hiking and biking trails. As far as water activities, float through town on inner tubes, soar through the air on bungee trampolines at Mountain Village, or travel the waterways by kayak or stand-up paddle board. Known for non-stop festivals, Telluride hosts Mountainfilm over Memorial Day, which showcases documentary films that celebrate adventure, activism and social justice, among other topics.

The Madeline Hotel & Residences , part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is the perfect base for adventure in this area.

4.  Boston, Massachusetts

For many northeastern cities, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, and Boston is no different. It’s the start of patio dining at local restaurants, outdoor activities and other warm-weather pursuits—including Boston Calling , a massive, three-day music festival featuring headliners Ed Sheeran, The Killers and Leon Bridges, among others. Not into music? What about a Red Sox game? Or perhaps a visit to the Garden of Flags, where more than 37,000 flags will be planted in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common to commemorate Massachusetts service members over the weekend.

Book a room at Four Seasons Hotel Boston , which overlooks America's first botanical garden.

Find more things to do in Boston

5.  Park City, Utah

A quick 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City is ready to dive into summer with an abundance of events, experiences, and outdoor activities for guests of all ages. For the active traveler, this is an IMBA-certified Gold Level mountain biking destination with over 400 miles of open trails, plus hiking, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, paddle boarding, fly-fishing and more. For the eco-conscious traveler, Park City welcomes back the seasonal launch of e-bike share to get around the town without needing a vehicle, making the destination the only place in the U.S. offering an all-electric bike-share system.

After a full day of exploring, rest and relax at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa —a luxury resort in a prime location at the base of Canyons Village.

6.  Palm Springs, California

Summer is in full swing here, meaning the temperatures are perhaps a bit too warm for most, causing it to be easier to find great deals on stays over the holiday weekend. Ideal for those who are looking to explore and rock climb, we definitely recommend finding accommodations with a pool to lounge by. The real highlight for visiting a post-Coachella Palm Springs is the Annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop hosted by the Palm Springs Air Museum. Visitors will get the chance to experience the emotional moment when a B-25 aircraft drops thousands of red and white carnations from the sky, commemorating those who gave their lives fighting for our country in World War II.

ARRIVE Palm Springs boasts an over-21 policy, so expect a vibey pool and bar scene to match the grown-up crowd.

Find more things to do in Palm Springs

7.  Washington, D.C.

Easily the most patriotic destination to visit during Memorial Day weekend, our nation's capital is filled with places to honor our soldiers. Spend time visiting memorials like Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and World War II Memorial; there’s no end to powerful places to pay your respects. On Sunday, May 26th, the 35th Annual Memorial Day Concert will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with an all-star performance by the National Symphony Orchestra.

Where to stay: 

Plan to stay at the historic Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C. , located inside an old post office. Grand and welcoming, it even boasts a spa if you want to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Find more things to do in Washington, D.C.

8.  Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Steps away from two of America’s most treasured national parks—Grand Teton and Yellowstone—Jackson Hole beckons travelers with endless outdoor experiences, including wildlife safaris, whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, four-wheeling, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and scenic gondola rides. In the heart of it all, you’ll find the quintessential alpine town of Teton Village, bustling with tons of dining, shopping, and music festivals (like Memorial Day’s free Million Dollar Music Fest ), and the annual Old West Days Festival , complete with costumes and parades.

When it comes to lodging, check out Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa , located just one mile from Grand Teton National Park, which is the epitome of classic mountain elegance and laid-back style. 

9.  Florida Keys, Florida

Stretching 125 miles, The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago where a four-hour drive from Miami can allow you to experience several different vacation vibes—from super chill and relaxed, no-frill motels to high-end resorts. The two-lane highway allows for a slow-paced adventure where you’ll find restaurants, fisheries, marinas, and lots of kitschy shops plus very few instances where the dress code requires more than a pair of flip-flops. As you make your way south, find an exclusive escape with the utmost privacy and seclusion: hop aboard Woodson, an antique motor yacht off of Little Torch Key that takes you to Little Palm Island Resort & Spa —the only private island in the U.S. that is only accessible via seaplane or boat. Or travel farther down to southernmost Key West, just steps away from picturesque Mallory Square and rambunctious Duval Street, which is filled with bars, restaurants and nightlife.

Travelers who want everything in one place should check out the area’s first and only all-inclusive adults-only resort, Bungalows Key Largo .

Find more things to do in Florida

10.  Greenville, South Carolina

Nestled up against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of South Carolina's Upcountry, you'll find Greenville conveniently located just about halfway between Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. This quaint town’s charming Main Street is home to local shops, galleries, award-winning dining and breweries, plus it boasts a sprawling scenic park in the city’s center. For the best views, all you have to do is cross the Liberty Bridge and you’ll get to experience Greenville’s dramatic waterfalls. The Scots will be taking over Greenville for Memorial Day weekend with a Gallabrae and Greenville’s Scottish Games celebrating all things Scottish history.

Stay at Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville , a seven-story boutique lodge right by Falls Park on the Reedy River, home to 32 acres of walking paths.

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Unforgettable hotel packages you can still book for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a chance to honor U.S. military personnel and to celebrate the distinct history and landscapes that make this country so unique. The three-day weekend has become the unofficial kick-off to summer and one of the year's busiest travel weekends. More than 42 million Americans traveled over the weekend last year, and airlines and experts expect a similar number this year.

With hotel packages still available in all corners of the country, it's not too late to book a fantastic Memorial Day vacation that includes relaxation, adventure or great food and wine — or all of the above. We recommend these 10 hotel packages for a festive and fun start to your summer.

The ultimate cowboy core experience: Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming

At Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming, Memorial Day weekend will celebrate the Wild West and offer guests a chance to live like everyone's favorite fictional ranching family, the Duttons of "Yellowstone."

From May 22 to 27, three- and four-night Memorial Day weekend packages include fly fishing, sunrise hikes and custom-fitted cowboy hats. Guests staying Friday through Sunday will get to meet and do activities with "Yellowstone" actor Chance Gilliland. The actor used to be a Brush Creek Ranch wrangler, and he's had minor roles on the original "Yellowstone" series and its spin-offs.

Guests can join Gilliland and his trusty steed Toby for adventurous horseback rides through the Wyoming wilderness, drink whiskey and hear plenty of behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories. Other events include a grilling class at The Farm at Brush Creek, creekside barbecues, military flag raising and a professional bull riding show to capture the magic of life in the untamed West.

The All-inclusive Memorial Day weekend package rates start at $2,100 per night for two guests. Those who arrive Wednesday, May 22, can get 50% off Wednesday and Thursday nights with a four-night minimum stay. Those who arrive Thursday, May 23, can receive 50% off Thursday night with a three-night minimum. Member of I Prefer Hotel Rewards.

A grown-up golf vacation: Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection in Meadows of Dan, Virginia

Links lovers can start their summer off right with world-class golf and great food by staying at a luxury lodge in the ruggedly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection is hosting its first Scotland-inspired Highland Golf & Wine Classic over Memorial Day weekend (May 24 to 27).

Geared toward adults, those 21 and over can book a package that includes two rounds of partner play on the Highland Course, winery-hosted dinners, an all-day golf lounge and a stylish golf pop-up shop.

Far from just a golf resort, guests can fill their days with scenic hikes, rough terrain vehicle excursions, horseback rides, fly fishing expeditions and stargazing sessions in the property's observatory. Primland has 12,000 acres to explore as well as non-light polluted night skies.

The Stay & Play package starts at $2,495 for two nights.

For patriotic travelers: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando in Grande Lakes, Florida

Grande Lakes Orlando is a 500-acre luxury sanctuary in the middle of Orlando with a destination water park and two luxe resorts — The Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott, Grande Lakes. It is starting a special "GLO Summer" with events and package deals over Memorial Day weekend.

Hotel guests will be awed by festive summer fireworks on Sunday night before Memorial Day. Plus, the Red Bull Air Force will entertain guests with aerial acrobatics and a grand landing at the resort May 25 at 3 p.m.

Grande Lakes GLO Summer events — including luxurious cabana experiences, food and Champagne pairings, poolside liquor tastings, and fire and ice performances — happen on Saturdays and holiday weekends from May 25 to Sept. 2.

Grande Escape packages start at $350 per night for Memorial Day weekend, including 10% savings, $100 daily resort credit and complimentary valet parking at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and 10% savings, $50 daily resort credit and complimentary self-parking at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes (both with cluster code ES2).

Related: Stay at these amazing Ritz-Carltons across the world

Luxury for families and couples: Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix

The Arizona Biltmore, a glamorous getaway for movers and shakers for nearly a century, is still one of Phoenix's top resorts. A massive reinvention in 2020 preserved historic architecture but added a new level of service and amenities.

Over Memorial Day weekend, the hotel's offerings include the luxe "Celebrate AZB" package celebrating the hotel's 95th anniversary year. It allows guests to stay in one of the original 1929 cottage suites, take a history tour for two and receive a $300 food and beverage credit, among other perks. The "Experience the Stay" package including a $100 daily resort credit that guests can use for things like spa treatments and cocktails.

Memorial Day weekend activities will keep the entire brood happy and entertained. Arizona Biltmore offers "dive-in" movies and extended swimming hours at Paradise Pool each Friday evening from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Guests of all ages can cool off with sweet treats, slide down the Twist waterslide or lounge in a cabana. There are Champagne samples at Saguaro Pool on Saturdays throughout the summer and Glow DJ parties every other Friday.

Experience the Stay packages with plan code "0SW" when booking. Celebrate AZB package from $1,929 per night for a double occupancy suite. It also includes a $300 spa credit, a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a copy of Arizona Biltmore's "Jewel of the Desert" history book.

Healthy SoCal living: The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California

Memorial Day weekend activities revolve around the water at Newport Beach's The Resort at Pelican Hill, which sits along 504 acres of coastline above Crystal Cove beach. To celebrate summer, the resort has paddleboard yoga in the Coliseum Pool.

The "A Tradition of Together" package, available over Memorial Day weekend, helps families and couples make lasting memories. It offers a discount on the best available rate, a $100 nightly credit for Bungalow accommodations or a $250 nightly credit for Villa guests, 25% off cabana rentals at Coliseum Pool and complimentary upgrades based on availability.

A Tradition of Together package from $948 per night with a two-night minimum stay.

Gilded era glamor: Saratoga Arms Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York

Built in the Gilded Age — when New York City elites used to head to Saratoga Springs to drink, gamble and take the healing mineral waters — Saratoga Arms Hotel is celebrating Memorial Day weekend with a package that harkens back to its roots.

The "Gilded Age Experience" package is chock-full of bygone-era luxury. It includes a 40-minute mineral bath at Saratoga's hydrotherapy spa, the Roosevelt Baths; a picnic at Yaddo Gardens, just outside the summer estate of financier Spencer Trask; and Champagne with two coupe glasses to take home.

History buffs will find much to admire at the brick hotel built in 1870, which has restored tin and plaster ceilings and original fireplaces. To learn more about the history of Saratoga Springs and its well-heeled residents and visitors, package guests can do a self-guided walking tour of the grand estates on historic North Broadway and a docent-guided walking tour of downtown Saratoga.

The Gilded Age Experience package can be applied to any room reservation for an additional $375 per person.

For fresh air and music: Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin, Tennessee

Just 25 minutes from Nashville, Southall Farm & Inn is a dreamy back-to-nature farm retreat. During Memorial Day weekend, the hip travel set can connect with nature with over a dozen complimentary farm activities, including farm tours, yoga, sound bathing and fly fishing lessons. Visitors can add activities like Southern honey tastings and group acupuncture treatments under the flower moon for an additional fee.

With its proximity to Music City, music is always a staple at Southall Farm. Over Memorial Day weekend, guests will be treated to intimate concerts throughout the property from Grammy and Country Music Award nominees Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley as well as other rising stars.

A three-night stay over Memorial Day weekend starts at $499 per night. Add Monday night to lower your rate to $449 per night, and you'll receive a $100 dining credit each night of your stay.

A historic Texas stay: Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio

Right on San Antonio's famed River Walk, the Omni La Mansion del Rio gives visitors easy access to the tree-shaded walkways, restaurants and cultural experiences that make it Texas' most popular tourist attraction.

Over Memorial Day weekend, the hotel's Rio Cruise Package helps visitors learn more about the area's 300-year-old history. The river cruise includes a narrated tour, and in addition to tickets, the package includes accommodations in rooms with wood-beamed ceilings, brick walls, views of either a courtyard or the San Antonio River Walk, and a traditional Latin American blanket.

A live mariachi band will play for guests at the courtyard pool on Friday night. Seasonal summer activities — like family-friendly outdoor movie nights with popcorn at the courtyard and historical scavenger hunts throughout the hotel — will start Memorial Day weekend as well.

The Rio Cruise Package starts at $227 per night. No minimum stay is required.

The sport of kings: Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont

Falconry — which dates back thousands of years — is a bucket list experience for nature and wildlife lovers. While it certainly originated elsewhere, there are places to try it out in the U.S.

The Woodstock Inn & Resort, a luxury resort established in the 1960s, recently opened a Falconry Center. Surrounded by the Green Mountains and protected forests with beech, birch and maple trees, Woodstock is a perfect setting for the thrilling sport where participants get to work with trained birds of prey.

Over Memorial Day weekend and beyond, the new "Falconry Package" includes accommodations for two, a hearty Vermont-style breakfast and a 45-minute falconry experience. Expert handlers help guests handle and fly a trained Harris's hawk. There's also an opportunity to meet other species and learn about their adaptations, the art of falconry and the importance of conservation — something the resort's founder Laurance Rockefeller always championed.

Falconry Package from $866 per night with a three-night minimum over Memorial Day weekend. Member of I Prefer Hotel Rewards.

Seattle to start the summer: IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts summer sale offers deals on stays in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean in time for Memorial Day weekend travels.

Many IHG member hotels in Seattle — an excellent spot for a food- and live music-filled Memorial Day weekend — are participating in the Summer Flash Sale and still have Memorial Day weekend availability. Options include Even Hotel Seattle Downtown-Lake Union near the waterfront and the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle near Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. The hotel's new design is inspired by Washington's wine country.

Participating hotels are offering 20% off, but IHG One Rewards members can save 25% at participating hotels.

Stays in Seattle over Memorial Day weekend start at $129 per night. Offer available for bookings between May 9 and May 21, 2024, and stays from May 24 to Sept. 2, 2024, at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts properties with a minimum two-night stay. Rates are prepaid and nonrefundable.

Related reading:

• Planning to travel Memorial Day weekend? Here's how to be savvy — and safe
• Summer travel checklist: 11 things to do now to make your trip great
• The buzziest summer travel destinations for 2024, according to Google

Memorial Day Weekend Vacation Packages

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