Memorial Day Weekend 2026. Where to Go, Where to Stay & What to Know Before You Book

Memorial Day weekend is officially the starting gun of summer — and if you haven't booked yet, it's time. The good news: there are still incredible options across the country that haven't completely sold out. The better news: I've done the research so you don't have to.

Below are six domestic destinations worth your long weekend, each one chosen for the combination of great weather, strong hotel options, and the kind of experiences that make you actually glad you got on a plane (or in the car).

A note before you dive in: Memorial Day weekend pricing is real. Budget about 20–40% more than a typical weekend trip, and if you see something you love, book it now. Hotels and restaurants at these destinations fill up fast — sometimes weeks out.

🌊  Montauk, New York

The cool kid of the Hamptons — without the traffic

Montauk has quietly become one of the most coveted Memorial Day weekend spots on the East Coast. You get the energy of the Hamptons with a surfer-town edge, beautiful beaches, and an increasingly impressive restaurant scene. Book early — this one fills up fast.

Where to stay: Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is the go-to for a luxurious, low-effort weekend. Oceanfront rooms, a seawater pool, and a spa that will undo every stressful thing about booking a holiday weekend getaway.

Pro tip: Drive out Thursday evening or very early Friday morning. The LIE on Memorial Day Friday afternoon is genuinely painful.

🌿  Charleston, South Carolina

History, food, and the most photogenic streets in America

Charleston is the rare destination that works for everyone — couples, families, solo travelers, groups. The food scene is exceptional, the architecture is stunning, and the beaches on Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are just 20 minutes away. Late May weather is warm without being brutal.

Where to stay: The Dewberry Charleston sits in a beautifully restored Art Deco building and feels like nothing else in the city. Zero-entry pool, excellent cocktail program, and a location that puts you walking distance from everything.

Pro tip: Make dinner reservations before you leave home. The best spots (Husk, FIG, Chez Nous) book out weeks in advance for holiday weekends.

🏜️  Sedona, Arizona

Red rocks, incredible wellness, and sunsets that don't feel real

If you want a Memorial Day weekend that feels genuinely restorative rather than just another crowded beach, Sedona delivers. The scenery is unlike anywhere else in the country, the wellness offerings are world-class, and the temperatures in late May are perfect for hiking and outdoor dining.

Where to stay: Enchantment Resort is perched inside Boynton Canyon and it's one of the most spectacular resort settings in the US. Book a casita with a private patio and you won't want to leave.

Pro tip: Trailheads can get congested by mid-morning on holiday weekends — aim to be out by 7am if you want the trails mostly to yourself.

⛵  Newport, Rhode Island

Gilded Age mansions, sailing culture, and excellent seafood

Newport is peak New England and absolutely magical in late May. The Cliff Walk along the ocean mansions is one of the best free experiences on the East Coast, the harbor is beautiful, and the seafood — particularly the chowder and lobster rolls — is the real deal.

Where to stay: Vanderbilt Newport, Auberge Resorts Collection sits inside a restored Gilded Age mansion and strikes the perfect balance between history and modern luxury. Intimate, beautifully designed, and central to everything.

Pro tip: Book a sailing trip or sunset cruise in advance — these are the first things to sell out for Memorial Day weekend in Newport.

☀️  San Diego, California

The most reliable weather in the country, and beaches that earn it

San Diego is the Memorial Day weekend cheat code. The weather is almost guaranteed to be perfect, the beaches are gorgeous, the food scene has exploded in recent years, and it's genuinely easier to get around than LA. Coronado Beach alone is worth the trip.

Where to stay: Hotel del Coronado is iconic for a reason — a Victorian beach resort on one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It's been renovated and feels more special than ever. The views from the beach-facing rooms are unbeatable.

Pro tip: Rent bikes and explore Coronado Island — it's flat, scenic, and a much better way to see it than driving.

🍷  Asheville, North Carolina

Art, craft beer, mountain air, and one of the best food cities in the South

Asheville has been having a moment for a few years now and shows no signs of slowing down. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's a perfect long-weekend destination — walkable downtown, incredible restaurant and brewery scene, and close proximity to outdoor adventures.

Where to stay: The Inn on Biltmore Estate puts you on the grounds of the famous Biltmore — America's largest private home — with gorgeous mountain views and access to the estate's restaurants, winery, and trails. It's a genuinely unique experience.

Pro tip: The Biltmore Estate itself is worth a half day — tours of the house are fascinating and the gardens in late May are at their most beautiful.

Ready to book? Here's what to do right now.

1. Pick your destination and check availability for accommodations this week — don't wait.

2. Make dinner reservations as soon as you have dates confirmed. Holiday weekend restaurants are first-come, first-served.

3. If you want help putting together a seamless itinerary, building in the right restaurants, activities, and upgrades — that's exactly what I do! Contact me or send me a DM on my IG @tripsbysarahco

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, wherever you land. 🌊