Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer and many will be jetting off to enjoy the moderate temperatures in much of the country. If you haven’t booked a trip yet, here are some ideas for a last-minute trip this Memorial Day weekend.
Top Destinations for Memorial Day 2018
Pro Tip: If you’re able, try adjusting your dates slightly to find cheaper flights. Last minute deals are rare for holiday weekends, but if you can avoid the busiest travel days on Friday, May 25 and Monday, May 28, you may be able to save big. Also, check one-way flights as you may be able to fly cheaper by taking one airline there and a different airline back.
Austin
Take part in the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival or visit the Texas State Cemetery. People also enjoy going to a show at the many theaters in town such as the Zach Theatre or the Moody Theater.
Flights to Austin: Frontier has many new options to Austin if you can travel light. Make sure to also compare flights on Southwest, which has the most nonstop flights to Austin.
Albuquerque to Austin $77 round-trip on Frontier May 26-28
Indianapolis to Austin $176 round-trip on Allegiant May 24-29
Minneapolis to Austin $205 round-trip on Frontier May 24-29
Denver to Austin $305 round-trip on American May 26-29
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Where to Stay: Check out the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin hotel, which has an excellent location in the middle of downtown and a great terrace bar to enjoy the comfortable Texas weather.
Las Vegas
The entertainment capital of the world has plenty of shows to see and pool parties to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. You’ll find more than enough to do on the Strip, and if you need a break, a day trip to the Hoover Dam is not too far away.
Flights to Las Vegas: Low-cost airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant may have the best prices, but don’t forget to compare total cost with the majors such as Delta, Alaska, and Southwest.
San Diego to Las Vegas $133 round-trip on Spirit May 26-29
St. Louis to Las Vegas $248 round-trip on Frontier May 24-29
San Francisco to Las Vegas $268 round-trip on United/Delta or Alaska/Delta May 26-29 Two one-way flights on different airlines required for this roundtrip price
Newark to Las Vegas $311 round-trip on American May 26-30
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Where to Stay: Stay a night at Caesars Palace for the ultimate Vegas experience. The excellent staff will make sure your stay in sin city goes smoothly. The central location means you are within walking distance to all of the top attractions.
Washington D.C.
How about a trip to our nation’s capital to pay your respects this Memorial Day? There will be a concert on the west lawn of the US capitol and a National Memorial Day parade. You can also visit the Pentagon and the Smithsonian.
Flights to Washington DC: With three major airports to choose from, make sure to have a look at all options. JetBlue has become prevalent in the area, as are American, United, and Southwest.
Orlando to Washington D.C. $201 round-trip on Southwest May 26-29
Boston to Washington D.C. $280 round-trip on jetBlue May 26-29
Los Angeles to Baltimore $337 round-trip on Delta May 26-29
Charlotte to Baltimore $363 round-trip on American May 26-29
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Where to Stay: Enjoy comfortable rooms at State Plaza Hotel nearby George Washington University. You can get a room equipped with a kitchen, which will feel like your very own apartment in the center of Washington.
Miami
Miami has multiple events going on during Memorial Day Weekend from the Miami Beach Air & Sea Show to Urban Beach Week. You can also cruise the beach on a Segway tour or checkout the Art Deco district.
Flights to Miami: American Airlines still rules in Miami for nonstop flights. Competition from nearby Fort Lauderdale keeps prices in check at Miami.
Tampa to Miami $123 round-trip on American May 26-29
San Juan to Miami $148 round-trip on American/Frontier May 26-29 Two one-way flights on different airlines required for this roundtrip price
Columbus to Miami $179 round-trip on Delta May 27-30
Detroit to Miami $235 round-trip on American or Delta May 27-30
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Where to Stay: The Plymouth has a great location in Miami Beach. With a charming pool and a boutique feel, you’ll have a nice oasis in the middle of all the action.
New Orleans
If you’re a fan of country music, NOLA will be hosting the Bayou Country Superfest on Memorial Day Weekend. There will also be a Greek Fest and the Treme & 7th Ward Arts & Culture Festival. You can make a visit to the National WWII Museum for a look at history and, of course, take a stroll along the French Quarter to enjoy NOLA’s famous music scene.
Flights to New Orleans: Ultra-low-cost-carriers Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit have all expanded options to New Orleans the past few years. Other airlines tend have much higher fares, but more flight options and less fees.
Orlando to New Orleans $202 round-trip on Spirit May 26-29
Boston to New Orleans $250 round-trip on Spirit May May 26-30
Houston to New Orleans $306 round-trip on United May 26-29
Atlanta to New Orleans $331 round-trip on Delta May 25-29
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Where to Stay: Right on Canal St., The Jung Hotel & Residences has modern, elegant décor and an outdoor rooftop pool deck. The rooms are spacious and you’ll be just a short walk from the French Quarter.
Phoenix
The desert city starts to become less populated for the summer, which might help you get a table at one of the restaurants participating in Arizona Restaurant Week. There will also be a Memorial Day Rally, where more than 200 motorcycles will pay tribute with 500 U.S. flags. If you enjoy hiking, Camelback Mountain boasts great views near the center of town.
Flights to Phoenix: Southwest and American continue to have a strong presence in Phoenix. Delta and United often try to undercut the hub airline prices with connecting flights.
Denver to Phoenix $167 round-trip on American/Delta or United/Delta May 26-29 Two one-way flights on different airlines required for this roundtrip price
Los Angeles to Phoenix $235 round-trip on American May 25-29
Dallas to Phoenix $266 round-trip on Frontier/Delta May 26-29 Two one-way flights on different airlines required for this roundtrip price
Minneapolis to Phoenix $379 round-trip on Delta May 26-29
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Where to Stay: Custom designed rooms and local artwork at Found: RE Phoenix make this boutique hotel a unique experience. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in every room and a vibrant pool deck to soak up the Arizona sun.
Charleston
The charming city of Charleston is a great place to spend Memorial Day Weekend. It kicks off the Spoleto Festival with many shows and performances of all kinds. Think you’ve got the best whiskers in the south? Attend the Southeastern Beard and Moustache Championships. You can also enjoy a lovely carriage tour through the historic district.
Flights to Charleston: JetBlue brought low fares to Charleston earlier this decade. This year, Frontier Airlines has brought even lower fares, but beware of their fees.
Washington D.C. to Charleston $275 round-trip on American May 26-29
Miami to Charleston $297 round-trip on Delta May 26-29
Cleveland to Charleston $306 round-trip on United May 26-29
Austin to Charleston $393 round-trip on Frontier May 25-29
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Where to Stay: Enjoy the views on the rooftop terrace at the Ansonborough Inn. Located in an old factory, the ceilings are high and the rooms are large. Plus, you’ll be in close proximity to all the downtown attractions.
Portland, Oregon
To kickoff wine tasting season, the Willamette Valley has Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country, where more than 150 wineries and tasting rooms have special events. If your taste buds prefer barley and hops, there are plenty of breweries to choose from in Portland such as Deschutes and Ecliptic.
Flights to Portland: Alaska Airlines has the most nonstop flights to Portland and also competes with reasonable fares. Since the two have grown apart, Delta will sometimes offer low fares to grab some of the market.
Las Vegas to Portland $253 round-trip on Spirit May 26-29
Detroit to Portland $259 round-trip on Spirit May 26-29
Santa Ana to Portland $319 round-trip on Delta May 26-29
Tucson to Portland $363 round-trip on American May 26-29
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Where to Stay: Feel like a star at Hotel deLuxe. The classy reception area with friendly and genuine staff will make you feel like Hollywood royalty.
Chicago
Our country’s third largest metropolitan area is full of activities for Memorial Day Weekend. Festival season gets kicked off with the Chicago House Music Festival and there will also be a Memorial Day Parade to honor heroes of the military. Head to the Navy Pier for rides, restaurants, and entertainment, including fireworks.
Flights to Chicago: Situated in the middle of the country with service on nearly all US airlines, Chicago has some of the cheapest airfares in the nation. American and United often have the best value at O’Hare, but remember to also check what Southwest offers to Midway.
Atlanta to Chicago $150 round-trip on Delta/American or Delta/United May 26-29 Two one-way flights on different airlines required for this roundtrip price
Seattle to Chicago $233 round-trip on Spirit May 26-30
Boston to Chicago $242 round-trip on Southwest May 26-29
New York to Chicago $243 round-trip on American May 26-29
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Where to Stay: Enjoy skyline views from your room at the Ace Hotel. The pet-friendly hotel has a simple design and an easy-going vibe. Featuring its own art gallery and a fire pit to keep warm while socializing, this is truly a unique hotel.
Prices listed have been updated as of Tuesday afternoon, May 22, 2018. Seats may sell out for these prices at any time.
Header image by In Green via Shutterstock.
