Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy an exciting summer getaway at these ten cheap Memorial Day getaways in the United States. Memorial Day is a popular travel holiday in the U.S., and affordable destinations like these make it easy to plan a short vacation that won’t break the bank.
Memorial Day, celebrated on May 27, is a federal U.S. holiday honoring United States Armed Forces members who died in service. Millions of Americans travel throughout the country annually for Memorial Day weekend. Many seek budget-friendly getaways to celebrate the holiday as transportation, lodging, and food costs continue rising.
These Memorial Day vacation spots offer fun and engaging activities for the whole family without an expensive price tag.
Washington, D.C.
There’s no better place to visit for Memorial Day than the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C., is located on the borders of Virginia and Maryland. Thanks to its easy accessibility from other major cities, it is ideal for a short weekend getaway.
Washington, D.C., is a historic and culturally diverse area famous for its political buildings and museums. With its efficient public transportation system and many free or low-cost activities, Washington, D.C., is a fantastic option for travelers on a budget.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, is a bustling coastal city where Memorial Day tourists can have a fun and affordable getaway. Situated on the Charleston Harbor, Charleston is home to elegant historic buildings, scenic beaches, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Cheap Charleston activities include visiting the nearby beaches, public parks, and architectural landmarks such as Rainbow Row. This oceanfront destination is popular around Memorial Day for its warm, sunny weather and family-friendly events.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May, a seaside town in New Jersey, offers a budget-friendly Memorial Day escape. Cape May is a charming destination with Victorian homes, unique shops and restaurants, and miles of coastline.
Cape May hosts an annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony where visitors can honor fallen U.S. soldiers. Tourists searching for other free or cheap things to do can explore the town on foot or by bicycle. Given its small size, it’s easy to experience Cape May’s top sights in one weekend.
Palm Springs, California
Travelers seeking an affordable Memorial Day getaway should consider Palm Springs, California. This southern California city is within a two-hour drive of nearby destinations like Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake, and Joshua Tree National Park.
Memorial Day is ideal for visiting Palm Springs because of the pleasant weather and unique celebrations. One of Palm Springs’ most well-known Memorial Day Events is the annual Air Fair and Flower Drop, conducted by the Palm Springs Air Museum. During the free service, over 3,000 carnations are dropped from a World War II-era bomber plane to memorialize soldiers who lost their lives while serving.
Austin, Texas
Austin, the state capital of Texas, is a fun place to celebrate Memorial Day without blowing your budget. There are many exciting attractions in Austin for visitors of all ages. Austin is famous for its live music, outdoor recreation, and cultural landmarks, which offer cheap entertainment.
Tourists visiting Austin over Memorial Day weekend can partake in local food festivals and get active at the city’s public parks. Austin hosts several free events for families to commemorate Memorial Day and kick off the summer season.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado, is an excellent place for outdoor lovers to spend Memorial Day weekend. Located at over 5,000 feet in elevation, Denver is sometimes called the Mile High City. Denver is a cheap home base for exploring the state’s famous hot springs, forests, and mountains.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located less than 100 miles northwest of Denver, boasts hundreds of miles of picturesque landscapes. Destinations like Boulder and Breckenridge and famous attractions such as Red Rocks Amphitheater are also accessible from Denver.
Atlanta, Georgia
Head south to Atlanta, Georgia, a top pick for affordable Memorial Day getaways. This bustling city is culturally significant for its role during the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. Visitors can learn about Atlanta’s noteworthy past and local figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr., at historical sites throughout the city.
Atlanta has a vibrant artistic community and renowned local cuisine that attracts tourists from around the country. Local Memorial Day celebrations range from live music festivals to public art shows. Budget-conscious visitors can find many things to do in Atlanta without spending a dime.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is a desert town located east of Phoenix, Arizona’s capital. Its unique blend of Old West charm and modern convenience makes it a great place to spend Memorial Day. While Scottsdale is famous for its upscale golf courses, the city also offers cheap activities.
Surrounding natural areas such as Pinnacle Peak Park and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are popular choices for free recreation. Scottsdale’s Old Town district is also a fun destination that costs nothing to explore. Memorial Day weekend is an excellent occasion to discover budget-friendly things to do in Scottsdale.
St. Petersburg, Florida
Tourists who want to spend Memorial Day at the beach will enjoy St. Petersburg, Florida. St. Petersburg is located along Florida’s Tampa Bay area, famous for its sunny weather. This waterfront city combines a laid-back tropical atmosphere with exciting attractions, making it ideal for families.
Many of St. Petersburg’s nature preserves, pristine beaches, and museums are free to explore. The city hosts affordable music festivals, sporting events, and food markets throughout Memorial Day weekend.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a budget-friendly Pacific Northwest spot for a Memorial Day getaway. The city sits on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers under the imposing Mount Hood. Portland is an eco-conscious destination with expansive public parks, small cafes, and a quirky community of local artists.
Tourists planning an affordable Memorial Day vacation will find much to do in Portland. The Portland Rose Festival and Multnomah County Fair offer all-ages weekend fun at a low cost. Many reasonably priced attractions throughout the city are also ideal for a weekend trip.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Memorial Day travelers seeking an exciting variety of things to see and do should consider Las Vegas, Nevada. Located in the Mojave Desert, it provides a unique blend of outdoor recreation and bustling city life. Las Vegas is famous for its casinos, bars, and live entertainment venues along the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
Las Vegas is always buzzing with energy and international visitors. The city’s frequent parties and events make it a fun place to spend Memorial Day weekend. With its many hotels, restaurants, and activities for every budget, it’s easy to plan an affordable Las Vegas vacation.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is the top choice for a relaxed Memorial Day getaway set against a stunning natural landscape. Most of the park is in Wyoming, though it also encompasses areas of Montana and Idaho. Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the country’s first national park, receiving millions of annual visitors.
There’s much to explore throughout Yellowstone’s over two million acres. The park is home to magnificent hot springs, geysers, and waterfalls. Visitors over Memorial Day weekend can also spot wildlife such as moose, bears, and wolves. Yellowstone offers fun, low-cost adventures for the entire family, and camping within the park can help tourists save on accommodations.
Boston, Massachusetts
Patriotism abounds in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts. Memorial Day is a popular time to visit Boston, as the city hosts numerous services and concerts honoring the holiday. The weather is typically warm and sunny, allowing Memorial Day tourists to take full advantage of Boston’s indoor and outdoor activities.
Visitors can experience Boston’s rich history at its renowned museums and cultural sites. Many Boston attractions are free, keeping Memorial Day weekend travel costs low. Exploring Boston on foot or a bicycle is an engaging and budget-friendly way to tour its famous landmarks.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a charming North Carolina city found in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the town has a population of less than 100,000, it boasts an impressive array of things to see and do. Asheville is a haven for artists who flock to its Art Districts to showcase unique pieces in galleries and festivals.
One of the most famous Asheville attractions is the Biltmore Estate, the country’s largest private home. The opulent property comprises 8,000 acres of gardens, walking trails, stables, and an on-site winery. Meanwhile, surrounding natural areas like Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway are popular among tourists looking to connect with nature.
With these cheap Memorial Day getaways, you can enjoy a fun weekend vacation without overspending.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
