Best Last Minute Memorial Day Getaways You Can Still Book
Need cheap Memorial Day trips but waited until the last minute? Don’t worry—2025’s best Memorial Day vacation spots are still within reach! The holiday weekend (May 24-26, 2025) is fast approaching, but you can still book an unforgettable escape to America’s...
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Need cheap Memorial Day trips but waited until the last minute? Don’t worry—2025’s best Memorial Day vacation spots are still within reach! The holiday weekend (May 24-26, 2025) is fast approaching, but you can still book an unforgettable escape to America’s top destinations. Whether you crave beachfront relaxation, historic tributes, or family-friendly adventures, these 10 last minute Memorial Day getaways deliver the perfect mix of fun and meaning—without the stress.
| Charleston, SC | History + Budget | $180–$450 | Waterfront Park Concert | Yes |
| San Diego, CA | Military Tributes | $150–$600 | USS Midway Ceremony | Yes |
| New Orleans, LA | Food + Music | $125–$425 | Free Jazz Festival | Yes |
| Bar Harbor, ME | Hiking + Seafood | $150–$400 | Acadia National Park Opens | Yes |
| Asheville, NC | Arts + Breweries | $140–$450 | LEAF Music Festival | Yes |
| Honolulu, HI | Beaches + History | $200–$600 | Pearl Harbor Memorial | Limited |
| Cape Cod, MA | Quiet Beaches | $180–$550 | Small-Town Parades | Yes |
| Las Vegas, NV | Nightlife + Pools | $120–$450 | Military Discounts | Yes |
| Lake Tahoe, CA | Lake Activities | $180–$600 | “Opening of the Lake” Festival | Yes |
| New York City, NY | Patriotic Events | $150–$800 | Fleet Week + Brooklyn Parade | Limited |
Pro Tip: Book by May 10 for best rates! Prices spike closer to Memorial Day weekend.
1. Charleston, South Carolina – Best for History Lovers 🏛️
Why Visit: Charleston combines warm weather, rich history, and coastal charm.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: The Dewberry Charleston ($375-450/night) Mid-range: The Vendue ($250-325/night) Budget: The Barksdale House Inn ($180-230/night)Don’t Miss:
Walk the historic downtown and Battery Park Visit Fort Sumter National Monument to explore America’s past Relax at nearby Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island Browse the Charleston City Market for local craftsMemorial Day Special: The city hosts an annual Memorial Day concert at the Waterfront Park where you can spend the evening listening to live music while enjoying views of the harbour on your long weekend. 🎵
Insider Tip: Schedule a self-guided walking tour in the morning hours before the heat intensifies.
2. San Diego, California – Best for Military Tributes & Family Fun 🎖️👨👩👧👦
Why Visit: Perfect location combining beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and military tribute opportunities for memorial day vacations.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Hotel del Coronado ($450-600/night) Mid-range: Catamaran Resort Hotel ($295-375/night) Budget: Kings Inn San Diego ($150-200/night)Don’t Miss:
Pay tribute at the USS Midway Museum with special Memorial Day ceremonies Explore Balboa Park’s wide array of museums and interactive exhibits Relax on the private beach areas of Coronado Visit the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter for great food and nightlifeMemorial Day Special: The Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is a moving tribute to fallen military personnel. 🎖️
Food Scene: Don’t miss the food trucks at Liberty Station, a converted naval training center now hosting artisanal vendors.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana – Best for Foodies & Culture Enthusiasts 🎷🍲
Why Visit: Rich culture, amazing cuisine, and a unique atmosphere without the extreme heat of summer.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Hotel Monteleone ($340-425/night) Mid-range: Ace Hotel New Orleans ($225-320/night) Budget: The Quisby ($125-175/night)Don’t Miss:
Explore the French Quarter and Jackson Square Schedule a tour of the Garden District’s historic homes Visit the National WWII Museum to pay tribute Take an evening jazz cruise on the Mississippi RiverMemorial Day Special: The New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Festival features live music performances throughout the city. 🎺
Foodie Alert: Beyond the famous French Quarter restaurants, head to Magazine Street for innovative eateries and baked goods that locals love.
4. Bar Harbor, Maine – Best for Nature Lovers & Seafood Enthusiasts 🌲🦞
Why Visit: Coastal beauty, outdoor adventures, and authentic New England charm at the beginning of the season.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: The Bar Harbor Inn & Spa ($300-400/night) Mid-range: Harborside Hotel ($225-300/night) Budget: Acadia Hotel ($150-200/night)Don’t Miss:
Explore Acadia National Park’s hiking trails and carriage roads Take a boat tour to spot whales and sea birds Visit Cadillac Mountain for breathtaking views Indulge in the town’s famous lobster rollsMemorial Day Activities: Many trails and facilities in Acadia National Park officially open for the season during Memorial Day weekend. 🥾
Bird Watching: Spring is wonderful time for bird watching as migratory species return to the area. 🦅
5. Asheville, North Carolina – Best for Art Lovers & Outdoor Enthusiasts 🎨🏔️
Why Visit: Mountain beauty, art scene, and mild weather perfect for outdoor exploration.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: The Omni Grove Park Inn ($375-450/night) Mid-range: The Windsor Boutique Hotel ($250-310/night) Budget: Downtown Inn & Suites ($140-190/night)Don’t Miss:
Tour the magnificent Biltmore Estate Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and its hiking trails Visit the vibrant River Arts District where art lovers can find local treasures Sample craft brews at numerous local breweriesMemorial Day Special: The LEAF Downtown festival has been confirmed for Memorial Day weekend 2025, featuring an expanded lineup of diverse music and performance art. 🎭
Outdoor Tip: Blue Ridge hiking trails are less crowded if you hit them early in the morning.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii – Best for Meaningful Memorials & Tropical Relaxation 🌺🏝️
Why Visit: A tropical paradise with significant memorial sites, making it a meaningful destination for the holiday.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Moana Surfrider ($450-600/night) Mid-range: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort ($300-400/night) Budget: Coconut Waikiki Hotel ($200-270/night)Don’t Miss:
Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial to pay tribute Relax on Waikiki Beach or less crowded Ala Moana Beach Park Explore Diamond Head State Monument for panoramic island views Experience Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural CenterMemorial Day Significance: The Pearl Harbor National Memorial holds special ceremonies honouring military service members. 🇺🇸
Travel Tip: Even as a last-minute trip, you can find reasonable flight deals to Hawaii if you’re flexible with departure times.
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Best for Classic Coastal Charm & Relaxation 🏖️🦪
Why Visit: Classic New England coastal charm with the summer season just beginning.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Chatham Bars Inn ($400-550/night) Mid-range: Ocean Edge Resort ($275-375/night) Budget: Hyannis Harbor Hotel ($180-240/night)Don’t Miss:
Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore’s beautiful beaches Visit Provincetown’s vibrant downtown Take a ferry for a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket Island Cycle along the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail TrailMemorial Day Events: Many towns along Cape Cod host parades and ceremonies to honor fallen service members. 🇺🇸
Foodie Highlight: Besides the famous lobster rolls, don’t miss fresh oysters harvested from Cape Cod Bay.
8. Las Vegas, Nevada – Best for Entertainment & Pool Parties 🎰🍹
Why Visit: Entertainment capital with surprisingly good Memorial Day weekend deals.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: Bellagio ($300-450/night) Mid-range: Park MGM ($200-300/night) Budget: The LINQ ($120-200/night)Don’t Miss:
Catch a world-class show on the Strip Visit the nearby Red Rock Canyon for outdoor adventures Explore the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vega Relax at one of the famous pool parties starting summer seasonMemorial Day Special: Many hotels offer military discounts and host events honoring veterans. 🎖️
Family-Friendly Tip: Despite its adult playground reputation, Las Vegas offers numerous family-friendly resorts with game rooms and pools suitable for all ages.
9. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Best for Mountain Scenery & Outdoor Recreation ⛰️🚵♀️
Why Visit: Beautiful mountain scenery with activities transitioning from spring to summer.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe ($450-600/night) Mid-range: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe ($280-380/night) Budget: Beach Retreat & Lodge ($180-240/night)Don’t Miss:
Take a scenic cruise on the crystal-clear lake Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail for spectacular views Enjoy the beginning of beach season at Sand Harbor or Kings Beach Visit historic sites like Vikingsholm CastleMemorial Day Activities: The Opening of the Lake celebration has been confirmed for Memorial Day weekend 2025, with special events planned to mark the 70th anniversary of this Lake Tahoe tradition. 🎉
Golf Enthusiasts: Hit the links at one of the area’s premier golf courses like Edgewood Tahoe, where the spring rates might still apply.
10. New York City, New York – Best for Urban Excitement & Patriotic Events 🗽🇺🇸
Why Visit: The ultimate urban getaway with special Memorial Day events and summer energy.
Where to Stay:
Luxury: The Plaza ($600-800/night) Mid-range: Moxy NYC Downtown ($275-350/night) Budget: Pod 51 Hotel ($150-220/night)Don’t Miss:
Attend the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, one of the oldest in the nation Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, especially meaningful on this holiday Explore Central Park in perfect spring weather Take in views from the Edge or Summit observation decksMemorial Day Weekend Events: Fleet Week 2025 has been officially scheduled to coincide with Memorial Day (May 21-27, 2025), bringing naval vessels and expanded military demonstrations to the city. ⚓
Budget Tip: Many of NYC’s best experiences are free, from walking the High Line to visiting the 9/11 Memorial.
Pet-Friendly Options:
Charleston: The Aloft Charleston Downtown welcomes pets with no extra fee San Diego: Hotel Indigo Gaslamp offers “Paw-some” pet packages New Orleans: The Ace Hotel allows pets and has a dedicated pet menu Bar Harbor: The Wonder View Inn offers pet-friendly rooms and nearby trails Asheville: Aloft Asheville Downtown provides pet beds and treats Cape Cod: The Seaglass Inn & Spa welcomes four-legged guests Las Vegas: The Cosmopolitan offers dedicated pet relief areas Lake Tahoe: The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has a “Paws at the Lake” programPlanning Your Last-Minute Getaway 📝💰
Booking Strategy:
Use price comparison tools and set fare alerts for flights ✈️ Check hotel websites directly for Memorial Day weekend packages 🏨 Consider vacation rentals for family reunions or larger groups 👪 Look for military discounts if applicable 🎖️How to Save on Last-Minute Memorial Day Travel:
Book flights for early morning or late evening departures (typically cheaper) ✈️ Consider nearby alternative airports that might have better fares 💰 Look for bundled hotel+car or hotel+attraction packages 🏨🚗 Check membership discounts (AAA, AARP, professional organisations) 💳 Use reward points and miles before holiday blackout periods kick in 🏆 Consider destinations where the “shoulder season” falls during Memorial Day 📅 Check CuddlyNest for last-minute vacation rental deals – they often have special Memorial Day offers with up to 40% off at popular destinations! Book now at CuddlyNest.com to secure your perfect holiday accommodation before they’re all gone. 🏡Travel Tips:
Book airport parking ahead if driving to the airport Download relevant city apps for navigation and information Consider travel insurance for last-minute trips Allow extra time for holiday weekend traffic or airport securityWhether you’re drawn to beautiful beaches, historic sites, or vibrant city life, these top destinations offer amazing opportunities for your Memorial Day weekend. From paying tribute at meaningful memorials to soaking up the unofficial start of summer, your holiday weekend promises to be unforgettable—even when planned last-minute. 🇺🇸🌞
The most important thing? Take time to relax, reflect, and reconnect with loved ones. That’s what makes a holiday truly special.
🚀 Ready to Book Your Escape?
Don’t let the weekend slip away! Find cozy stays and last-minute deals on CuddlyNest—your perfect Memorial Day getaway is just a click away. Book now and make memories! ❤️
FAQs For Last-Minute Memorial Day Getaways
Can I find last-minute Memorial Day weekend car rentals?
Yes, but book immediately through aggregators or Turo for better rates. Smaller local agencies often have availability when big chains sell out.
Are there any destinations to avoid due to overcrowding on Memorial Day?
Popular beach towns like Myrtle Beach or Daytona Beach get extremely crowded. Consider lesser-known alternatives like Tybee Island, GA or Cannon Beach, OR.
What’s the best way to find last-minute Memorial Day cruise deals?
Check “wave season” promotions (Jan-Mar) or last-minute cruise sites like CruiseDirect. Short Bahamas/Caribbean cruises often have cabins available.
How can I save on gas for a Memorial Day road trip?
Use apps like GasBuddy to find cheapest stations along your route, and fill up mid-week before prices spike for the holiday weekend.
