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Top 5 Beach Destinations For Memorial Day

6 months ago / by Nancy Amon

We’ve found the best for you. Now all you need to pick the spot – and go for it

Memorial Day at the beach
Memorial Day at the beach. Shutterstock

Memorial Day is a crucial holiday for many Americans as we honor and remember those who served in the U.S. armed forces. We often celebrate and look for beautiful destinations to do so when we’re not staying home and celebrating. If you and your family have the liberty to venture out this Memorial Day, we’ve put together some sunny beach destinations that you will enjoy. Sit back,  relax, enjoy great adventures outdoors, and soak up the sun.

Many regions celebrate with special services and excursions on the day we remember those who died in battle.

The Virgin Islands, (VI)

A trip to this U.S.A. territory is an opportunity not to be missed. It will give you that island feel you’re looking for.

While the Virgin Islands have many beach destinations, St Thomas is probably the most popular. It has white sandy beach that stretches for miles. Yet, you can also visit St John’s Beach (featuring Trunk Bay, Salt Pond, and Maho Bay Beach, to name a few. Some beaches fall under St Croix Beach to explore, and there may be beach festivals on the water in celebration of Memorial Day for you and your friends to enjoy.

Ocean City, Maryland (M.D.)


Maryland has many fun beach activities to enjoy during Memorial Day weekend. Being next to the Atlantic Ocean, it has great beaches and beach holiday destinations. Ocean City also has some of the cleanest beaches in the state. Along with the locals, the family can enjoy boating and water adventures at  Ocean City.

Ocean City kicked off one memorable Memorial Day by planting the first umbrella in the sea sand, had more than 40 umbrellas planted in the sand, and called in skydivers. We’re excited to see this year’s ceremonial activities. The Memorial Day Service was also the start of “beach season,” as the locals call it. There are also ceremonies and services dedicated to this special day. So you can visit the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Garrison Forest Cemetery, WWII Memorial, and more.

Cape May, New Jersey, (N.J.)

Cape May is a historical region that has seen many lifetimes. Named after the Dutch explorer Cornelius Jacobsen May, the sea town is one of the oldest in America, dating back to the early 1800s.

Cape May has many beaches and lifeguards on duty during this peak season as people flock to celebrate Memorial Bay. You can enjoy a free Memorial Day concert, go bicycling, or attend,tThe Cape May Music Festival, the Wildwood National Kite Festival, and lots more.

Whidbey Island, Washington, (W.A.)

If you’re looking for water sports and multiple outdoor adventures, Whidbey Island is right for you. It offers many great things to do, and you won’t need any excuse to spend time under the warm sun.

If you spend Memorial Weekend at Whidbey Island, you can enjoy day trips, excursions, private tours, mountain climbing, kayaking, and the local historical museum. You can’t miss the Shifty Sailors concert.


Big Bear Lake, California (C.A.)

En route for the search for suspected farm raiders, Benjamin Davis Wilson and a posse of 20 men discovered a region crawling with grizzlies. Big Bear Lake has luxury mountain cabin accommodations, motels, and lodging. There is also plenty to do, such as lake activities and a Memorial Day service. The Memorial Day Grill and Chill is another much-celebrated event in Big Bear Lake.

More Places to Visit on Memorial Day

  • Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, (S.C.). Watch bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
  • Visit Maine (M.E.). Visit Popham Beach in Maine and enjoy lush sandy walks and the sea air. Also go to Old Orchard Beach for Memorial Day for fishing, amusement park visits, and beach activities.
  • North Lake Tahoe, California, (C.A.). On Memorial Day visit Emerald State Park, go on boat cruises, go to historic sites, or do what works at King’s Beach.
  • Jackson Hole Wyoming (WY). Visit Snake River Canyon, go whitewater rafting, and do some fly fishing.

We hope this list makes it easier to decide where to spend Memorial Day. Enjoy a wonderful time with family and friends on this special and iconic day.