Is this the year you escape for a Memorial Day vacation?
While many destinations welcome peak-season crowds, read on for a list of lesser-known domestic spots that are perfect for the first long weekend of summer. Each offers standout culinary scenes, experiences, and attractions.
New York City
Memorial Day Weekend is one of the best times to experience New York City. As many year-round residents leave for the long weekend, Manhattan takes on a quieter, emptier feeling, allowing for easier access to top attractions. Shorter wait times at landmarks like One World Observatory and greater availability at its acclaimed restaurants, such as tán, mean checking off your must-visit spots is far less difficult than usual. For accommodations, Midtown Manhattan is unmatched for its convenience and energy. Hotels like Crowne Plaza HY36 and EVEN Hotel New York – Times Square South are ideal for travelers who want to stay connected to everything the city has to offer while still enjoying comfort. EVEN Hotel, in particular, is designed with wellness-conscious travelers in mind, featuring in-room fitness zones and on-demand workout classes for maintaining routines on the go.
Spokane, Washington
Memorial Day Weekend in Spokane hits peak late-spring, with roaring Spokane Falls at Riverfront Park, blooming gardens at Manito Park, and miles of biking along the Centennial Trail. Visitors can ride the historic Looff Carrousel, glide the Numerica Skate Ribbon, or take in aerial views on the Skyline Gondola, all within a compact downtown footprint. Set in the heart of it all, the historic Davenport Hotel offers a historic weekend stay with Gilded Age grandeur, from its ornate lobby to landmark ballrooms and Lobby Bar with sophisticated cocktails. Guests can explore the surrounding trails and parks, unwind at the hotel’s indoor pool and spa, and explore Spokane’s walkable downtown.
With travelers usually heading towards beaches and big-city breaks for the Memorial Day weekend, Fort Worth, TX offers a refreshing change of pace with all the necessities for a long weekend getaway including delicious barbeque selections (a staple for Memorial Day!), outdoor activities, and Western-inspired offerings. Head to the Stockyards District, featuring legendary twice-daily cattle drive alongside contemporary bars, restaurants and more! While in the Stockyards, witness history at the Cowtown Coliseum, home to the world’s only year-round rodeo. Soak in the sunshine at Trinity Trails, a beloved network of more than 100 miles along the Trinity River that spans 31 neighborhoods and 21 parks. The green space is ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cycling, with some sections featuring outdoor artwork by local artists. Visit Airfield Falls Conservation Park to see Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall, spot native wildlife, and enjoy the park’s 1.9-mile trail. Families can see the latest arrivals like the adorable baby porcupette at Fort Worth Zoo, housing over 7,000 animals and engaging educational exhibits. After a day of exploring, fuel up at Fort Worth’s acclaimed barbeque scene including MICHELIN-recognized joints, Goldee’s and Panther City BBQ.
Within a day’s drive for two-thirds of the U.S., Lexington, KY is an easy, lesser-known option for a Memorial Day weekend getaway. Start with time in nature at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, a 734-acre preserve just outside the city with nearly 10 miles of trails through meadows, woodlands, and streams, along with scenic overlooks. In town, Gatton Park provides an open-air setting for relaxing on the lawn, along with the BLOOM installation featuring 20-foot-tall illuminated peony sculptures by French art collective TILT around the Recreation Lawn. Visitors can also lean into the region’s signature experiences, with more than 450 horse farms offering tours and nearby distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Round out the trip at Kentucky Horse Park for up-close encounters with horse breeds or a trail ride, and consider a stop or overnight stay at The Kentucky Castle to explore the grounds and see on-site animals.
Wisconsin Dells, WI
Opening in late spring 2026 in the heart of Wisconsin Dells, Dellshire Resort offers an unexpected Memorial Day weekend escape that combines upscale accommodations with a fully immersive medieval world in the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” Anchored by its legendary mascot Golspar the Dragon, the experience begins at arrival with a towering 70-foot-long, 25-foot-tall fire-breathing sculpture designed by Las Vegas-based metal sculptor Kevin Stone. The four-story, 208-room castle-inspired resort transports guests to another realm with stone masonry façades, cathedral-style windows, and torch-lit interiors. Designed for a high-energy long weekend, the property features five indoor and outdoor pools, five dining outlets, and a 9,000-square-foot family entertainment center, alongside signature mixed-reality programming where guests use augmented goggles to take part in interactive quests that unfold throughout the resort, creating an interactive fantasy-driven stay.
Tulsa, OK
Tulsa, Oklahoma is an often overlooked Memorial Day getaway that works well for both roadtrips with its iconic position on Route 66 and a quick direct flight from major hubs like NYC and Chicago, offering an easy and accessible alternative to more crowded destinations. Over a long weekend, travelers can experience a mix of striking architecture, riverfront green space, and a growing music and dining scene that gives the city an unexpectedly dynamic feel. Tulsa is known for one of the strongest Art Deco skylines in the country, with ornate historic buildings that define much of its downtown character. Outdoor time is easy to find at Gathering Place, an award-winning riverfront park featuring bold contemporary design, imaginative playgrounds, gardens, trails, and even surfing along the Arkansas River. The city’s cultural core is anchored by institutions like the Philbrook Museum of Art, which features works from Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe, and the Woody Guthrie Center, while the Tulsa Arts District comes alive during events like the First Friday Art Crawl and live music staples such as Cain’s Ballroom, perfect for a night of two-stepping and catching sets from emerging and renowned musicians alike, with standout dining and nightlife ranging from James Beard–winning Country Bird Bakery pastries to a classic pint at McNellie’s or a steak dinner at Bull in the Alley.
