Memorial Day travel is an American tradition worth participating in. Not only does it honor the brave men and women who’ve served in our nation’s various armed forces in order to protect our freedoms, but it’s also a chance to celebrate the beginning of summer and the end of a long and dreary winter.
No matter what part of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave you hang your hat in, here are some Memorial Day weekend getaways and destination ideas to consider.
Austin, Texas
Austin is not your typical city. Along with its world-class music and nightlife scene, it offers a wealth of outdoor activity opportunities, from paddling on Lady Bird Lake to chasing waterfalls at Pedernales. 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 one of the better big cities to take your RV to and an excellent Memorial Day travel spot.
Key West, Florida
Yes, depending on where you’re coming from, it might be a bit of a drive — Florida may be narrow, but it sure is long, with the drive from the state line to the southernmost point coming in at about 9 hours.
Your efforts will be rewarded, though. Key West combines nightlife, watersports, charming small-town kitsch, and epic Instagram opportunities. If you’ve got the time and means, we highly suggest finding your way out to the Dry Tortugas, one of the least-visited, but most enchanting, national parks in our country’s roster. Plus, it makes for a pretty exclusive national parks passport stamp!
Washington, D.C.
There are few places as appropriate to spend a weekend getaway for Memorial Day as our nation’s capital. (Plus, you’ll 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, and not just as a way to pay your respects. Few towns can claim to 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.
Rent an RV in Washington, D.C.!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Not all the hottest beaches are in Florida, as it turns out. If you’re looking to add a helping of southern charm into your sunny Memorial Day travel, Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to do so.
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
Move over, Denver. We love you, but when it comes to the perfect Colorado Memorial Day weekend getaway, the little town of Estes Park takes the cake.
This town perched right at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, making it the perfect home base for the 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 actually 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!
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!
