Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of the summer travel season. After a long, cold winter, many of us are itching to get our RVs out and on the road! Memorial Day weekend getaways are also helpful. Taking a long weekend trip after not using your RV for the winter can be a dry run for longer summertime trips. If you stick close to home, on a shorter trip, it’s easier to head back if there’s a problem.
Memorial Day weekend getaways are also a good experience for renters. If you’d like to take a longer road trip but don’t have much experience with RVs, you can rent one for a long weekend. This helps you get the feel for the RV life before committing lots of time and money to a trip.
Here are a few excellent Memorial Day weekend getaways to consider!
- Austin, Texas
- Washington, D.C.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Estes Park, Colorado
- St. Louis, Missouri
- San Francisco, California
- Santa Barbara, California
- Montauk, New York
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Indiana Dunes National Park
Austin, Texas
Austin has its world-class music and nightlife scene. But it also offers a wealth of outdoor activies from paddling on Lady Bird Lake to chasing waterfalls at Pedernales Falls State Park. There are plenty of museums as well, including the wonderful Thinkery museum for kids and the LBJ Presidential Library.
On top of all that, there are several RV parks to choose from in the area, making Austin a great camping city and an excellent Memorial Day travel spot.
Washington, D.C.
There are few places as fitting for a weekend Memorial Day getaway as our nation’s capital. You’ll also get the chance to explore the city before the serious high summer humidity and tourists roll in!
Washington, D.C. is a destination that should be on every American traveler’s bucket list. Few towns offer a similar level of cultural and historical impact in such a small, walkable area. On top of that, a whole host of those museums and attractions are totally free to enter, including every Smithsonian Institute property. And even in this bustling big city, there are plenty of RV campgrounds where you can set up before exploring.
Rent an RV in Washington, D.C.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you’re looking for a helping of southern charm with your sunny Memorial Day travel, Myrtle Beach is the perfect place.
Choose a site at one of the many RV parks in the city, park your rig, and get ready for some fun. You can swim in the sea, take a spin on the Skywheel, or just relax with your toes in the sand. No matter what you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Estes Park, Colorado
Escape to the mountains and the little town of Estes Park for the perfect Colorado Memorial Day weekend getaway.
This town, perched at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, is the perfect home base for incredible outdoor adventures. On top of that, it’s also got a bit of a spooky edge. As you may know, it’s home to the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s terrifying masterpiece, The Shining. Visit the hotel and be sure to give the hedge maze a go!
St. Louis, Missouri
Looking for a budget-friendly Memorial Day travel spot? St. Louis ought to do it!
This beautiful little city is chock-full of family-friendly fun and a whole lot of it is totally free. Visit the world-class St. Louis Zoo without spending a single dime. Wander the totally free, top-notch art museum and history museum. Play together at the admission-free science center.
We also highly recommend splurging on a visit to the City Museum, which is not free, but is definitely one of the coolest museums in the country! And of course, head to Gateway Arch National Park to learn more about the city’s most famous landmark.
San Francisco, California
If you’re on the West Coast, a weekend trip to the City by the Bay is a great way to kick off summer! Get a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf or head to Chinatown for a delicious lunch. Visit the animals at the San Francisco Zoo. Head to the Presidio for beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Or set up camp near San Francisco and explore areas like Mendocino, Napa, and Half Moon Bay.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is about ninety minutes from Los Angeles, making it a great option for a long weekend getaway! You’ll find plenty of RV campgrounds in Santa Barbara, including many at the beach. You can spend a day at the beach, browse shops along State Street, or visit historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. This is a popular spot for tourists and those looking to escape L.A. for a weekend, so you may want to make campground reservations well in advance.
Montauk, New York
This beautiful escape on the eastern tip of Long Island is less than a three-hour drive from New York City. It makes a great getaway from the big city for a long weekend! Visit the lighthouse, hike along the shore, and grab some delicious local seafood for a relaxed vacation. There are RV campgrounds all along Long Island, so you’ll have plenty of options!
Flagstaff, Arizona
Escape the Phoenix heat and head to Flagstaff for Memorial Day weekend! Visit Walnut Canyon National Monument or Sunset Crater National Monument. Enjoy dinner and Flagstaff’s growing food scene. Or get a guided tour at Lowell Observatory. You’ll find plenty of campgrounds in Flagstaff so you can set up and explore.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is less than an hour’s drive from Chicago, making it a great camping option for Memorial Day weekend! You can hike, fish, boat, or simply enjoy the views of the lake and dunes at the park. The weather at the park in May is mild, but the lake will likely still be too cold to swim in without a wetsuit!
Rent an RV at Indiana Dunes National Park.
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing Memorial Day weekend getaways out there. Whether you choose one of these Memorial Day travel spots or go somewhere totally different, we know you’re going to have an amazing holiday enjoying the RV life with family and friends!
