Top 20 Memorial Day Weekend Destinations In The South

By: Tara Massouleh McCay

Annapolis Harbor. PHOTO: 

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Our unofficial kick-off to summer, by the time Memorial Day rolls around each year, we're practically begging for an excuse to get away. With the kids out of school and temperatures heating up, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to pack into the car and find your next adventure. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing couple of days on a sunny beach, eat and shop your way through a bustling city, or seek cooler weather in the mountains, the South is full of wonderful places to spend Memorial Day weekend. It's never too early to start planning for (or dreaming about) your ideal vacation. Here are 20 destinations to consider as you start your search for the best Memorial Day getaway.

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Ocean City, Maryland

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Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the sacrifices made by members of our armed forces. At the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, you can learn about the history of Ocean City and the real-life predecessors of today's Coast Guard. Get the full story of the “Storm Warriors” of the United States Life-Saving Service, who stood watch to rescue sailors from ships wrecked offshore. Take in the Atlantic from Ocean City's miles of wooden boardwalks and sandy shoreline, and when you want a new perspective, seek the assistance of Odyssea Watersports to help you get out on the water. The family-owned company rents jet skis and pontoon boats. After a long day of fun in the sun, treat the family to diner at Hooked, a local favorite spot that's focused on farm- (and sea-) to-table eats. The Baked Crab Dip and Boom Boom Shrimp are must-orders.

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Arlington, Virginia

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Take time to pay your respects to the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country at Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lays to rest an unidentified World War I soldier; the memorial also honors other unknown soldiers from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Take advantage of the relatively mild temperatures of Virginia in May by exploring the Potomac Heritage Trail. The expansive trail system spans from the mouth of the Potomac River to the Allegheny Highlands through Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and DC. Choose a trail near you, then decide if you'd rather hike, bike, or paddle the route. Enjoy a hearty meal at The Liberty Tavern, a bustling restaurant in downtown Arlington known for its house-made pastas, nightly specialities like super-crunchy fried chicken on Mondays, and wood-fired pizzas.

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Saint Augustine, Florida

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Voted our South's Best Small Town in 2023, there's never been a better time to visit this historic old-Florida town. Start your visit with a trip to Castillo de San Marcos, a 340-year-old former Spanish fort that's now managed by the National Park Service. Continue your tour of all things timeworn and weathered at the appropriately named Oldest House Museum, which features Florida's oldest house and its accompanying gardens and towering oak trees. For a true taste of the area, head to The Floridian. The laidback eatery serves delicious food and drinks inside its cheery dining room or expansive outdoor patio. Dinner options range from a refreshing Citrus Beet Salad to hearty Brisket "Posole" Verde. Wash it all down with a Swamp Pony, the restaurant's signature take on a mojito.

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Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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While other parts of the South are already deep in swelter season come mid-May, the Great Smoky Mountains maintains its fresh mountain air clear through the end of the month and into June, making it an ideal Memorial Day weekend destination. Plan your trip around a stay in Pigeon Forge, where there's plenty to do but often fewer crowds than in Gatlinburg. Families will love the roller coasters, rides, and other attractions at Dollywood theme park. The longtime favorite also hosts a number of nightly shows. If you can't get enough, buy tickets to the award-winning country music variety show Country Tonite Theatre, which features signing and dancing, as well as comedy and a few family-friendly surprises, too. Grab lunch or dinner at Local Goat, an all-American eatery that has perfected the art of pub food with creative dishes like Deep Fried Deviled Eggs, Cheese Fondue served with soft pretzels, and the BGT Burger with goat cheese, bacon jam, and crispy onions.

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Galveston, Texas

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This Texas beach town often flies under the radar, but those that are privy to its down-home charm and scenic vistas tend to come back season after season. Discover the town's deeply rooted Southern history at the Moody Mansion, an 1895 estate with 20 rooms and 28,000 square feet open for visitors to explore. Take a self-guided stroll, or spring for the all-access guided tour to hear all the home's forgotten details. After, head to the open seas to meet the real locals of Galveston on a 45-minute dolphin tour with Baywatch Dolphin Tours. Cruise through the waters of Galveston Bay in search of these friendly sea critters. Breakfast and brunch are an all-day affair at the Galveston institution known as Mosquito Cafe. Pancakes, French toast, and a special called the Mosquito Benedict (a house baked savory scone covered with sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh asparagus, and poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce) are served until 2 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday and all day on Sunday.

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Asheville, North Carolina

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No trip to Asheville would be complete without three things: a visit to the Biltmore, a drive on Blue Ridge Parkway, and a craft beer at a local brewery. Start your Memorial Day getaway with a visit to the country's largest privately owned home and the original home of the Vanderbilt family. Tour each of the estate's meticulously decorated rooms, then spend an hour or two strolling through the vibrant, well-manicured gardens and grounds. For more of Asheville's stunning scenery, head to Blue Ridge Parkway, dubbed America's favorite drive. Consisting of more than 460 miles of views that include mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, you won't pick a bad place to start your journey, and when you're ready to stretch your legs, hikes (from easy strolls to challenging treks) abound. Known for having more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, an ice-cold brew is absolutely in order during your visit. Check out Highland Brewing Company (one of the city's first craft breweries), Wicked Weed Brewing Company, or Burial Beer Co.

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Savannah, Georgia

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Let this Southern Georgia town charm you with more than just its iconic Spanish moss-covered live oaks and well-travelled cobblestone thoroughfare known as River Street. Spend a morning at Wormsloe Historic Site. The gorgeous avenue of live oaks that leads up to this colonial estate is beautiful enough for its own visit, but the museum, complete with costumed interpreters, is both educational and fun. If you want to learn more about Savannah's rich history, book a 90-minute walking tour with Free Savannah Tours. You'll receive excellent background on the city, plus get several thousand steps closer to your daily movement goal. Have dinner in an iconic Savannah restaurant that specializes in the Lowcountry cuisine. Housed in a restored 18th century mansion, The Olde Pink House is known for its expansive menu of fresh seafood dishes and Southern specialities.

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Jacksonville, Florida

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Spend the day living your best beach life on Jacksonville Beach with the help of Beach Life Rentals. The company has options to rent everything from a standup paddle board or kayak to beach chairs and umbrellas to beach cruiser bicycles. After you've found your inner peace at the beach, take a walk on the wild side by visiting Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary for rescued endangered big cats is home to tigers, lions, cougars, and leopards that you can meet and observe from a safe distance. Spend your evening dining and drinking on the rooftop patio of Intuition Ale Works.

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Corpus Christi, Texas

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This waterfront Texas town is filled with surprising delights. Start by visiting the Art Museum of South Texas, which is known for stunning modern art exhibits located right on the waterfront. After, learn about our country's military history at the USS Lexington Museum, a World War II aircraft carrier turned floating museum that is full of educational exhibits, including a flight deck with 20 aircrafts, a flight simulator, and a 3D theater. Go full-on island time at Black Diamond Oyster Bar, a 50-year Corpus Christi tradition that specializes in good vibes and great food. Start dinner with a Tiki drink like The Graduate or Viva La Vida, followed by oysters on the half-shell, and a fresh fried fish sandwich.

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Panama City, Florida

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This Florida beach town is an ideal destination to celebrate the warming weather and school's-out season. Head to St. Andrews State park to swim, snorkel, kayak, canoe, fish, hike, observe wildlife, scuba dive, or simply relax on the sugar-white sands. If you want to head deeper out to sea, talk with the folks at Lagoon Pontoons. They rent pontoon boats, as well as double-decker boats and jet skis. You can also book a dolphin tour, fishing excursion, or sunset catamaran cruise. For a seafood dinner done right, head to Hunt's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Find the cheery yellow house, and order from a menu of Florida beach classics like fried gator tail, smoked tuna dip, and seafood po'boys.

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Columbus, Georgia

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See the city and explore the outdoors on the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, which meanders for 15 miles along the Chattahoochee River. Walk or bike the wide pedestrian path and find plenty of benches to rest on along the way. When you're ready for an air conditioning break, head to the National Infantry Museum. There’s so much to learn at this museum that’s dedicated to honoring the U.S. Army Infantrymen. Browse current exhibits, sit back in the Giant Screen Theater, and even have a virtual reality experience in combat simulators. Just steps from the Riverwalk, treat yourself to an Italian steakhouse feast at Mabella. Whether you order a filet or plate of spaghetti, you won't be disappointed.

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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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Hilton Head is known for its gorgeous landscapes, and you can get right into the thick of them at the Coastal Discovery Museum. This isn’t your average museum. With trails, gardens, a butterfly enclosure, historic homes, and more, there’s plenty to do outside of looking at indoor exhibits. Keep enjoying the great outdoors with an excursion planned by Live Oac Outdoor Adventure Company. The company specializes in all things outdoors and on the water. From eco tours to spot eagles and dolphins to beachcombing trips and island tours, there's something for everyone. You can even charter your own private boat for a fishing trip or just a day out to sea. Your experience is all in the name at A Lowcountry Backyard. This ultra- casual, sandy foot-friendly restaurant is known for delicious shrimp and grits, Charleston fried green tomato BLT, and banana pudding.

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Wilmington, North Carolina

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This cinematic town on the Cape Fear River was voted our 2024 South's Best City on the Rise and has been the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows over the years. See some of the city's most stunning settings at Airlie Gardens, which features 76 acres of walking paths, gardens, and sculptures. After a walk around the gardens, head to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, a World War II battleship turned museum that's dedicated to telling the stories of the ship and those who worked on it. When you're ready to go from fresh to saltwater, visit one of three beaches within easy driving distance of Wilmington: Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Make dinner plans at Seabird, an elevated but still casual seafood spot by James Beard Semifinalist Dean Neff. The Seafood Tower is a gorgeous study in North Carolina seafood that's perfect for a small crowd.

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Naples, Florida

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It's all about getting—and staying—outdoors in this southwest Florida beach town. Explore the exotic by pulling up to Keewaydin Island (just off the coast of Naples) on boat and enjoying a day at the beach. Don’t bother packing a picnic basket—food boats (like a food truck but on the water), will come by. Find more outdoor adventure at Collier-Seminole State Park, where you can hike, bike, kayak, bird watch, and even camp for the night on 7,000 acres. Head to Seventh South, a restaurant that works with local vendors and farmers to bring only the freshest food to the table. The menu changes with the seasons, but expect creative dishes like Sticky Miso Short Ribs with sweet potato-goat cheese latkes and Portuguese Octopus with almond puree and black garlic aioli.

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Biloxi, Mississippi

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Start your trip in this Mississippi coastal town by checking out the Biloxi Lighthouse, which was erected in 1848 and is one of the nation's first cast-iron lighthouse. For $5 admission, you can take a guided tour of the lighthouse (daily from 9 to 10 a.m.) and get your photo with the city landmark. Take a boat ride with Biloxi Cruise Company, and choose the Biloxi Shrimping Trip. During the 70-minute cruise, you'll learn about the shrimping industry and even catch some Gulf Coast shrimp for yourself. After a day of adventure, relax on a patio with Creole-style cuisine fresh from the Gulf at Patio 44. Folks love the Gouda Grits, Blue Crab Fondue, and Redfish on the Half Shell.

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New Braunfels, Texas

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This charming town, founded by German settlers, has tons of attractions to offer, including restaurants, stores, a winery, and plenty of adorable bed-and-breakfasts. See a show and experience the outdoor garden at Gruene Hall, the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas (and our readers' pick for their favorite). You’d be amazed at some of the big names that have played here. Finish your day at Gristmill River Restaurant, a local restaurant that has been open since 1977 beneath the city’s iconic water tower. Enjoy live music and favorites like the Beef Tenderloin Sandwich and Spinach Artichoke Dip.

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Annapolis, Maryland

Main Street (formerly Church Street) in Annapolis, Maryland, USA. PHOTO © HISHAM IBRAHIM / GETTY IMAGES

Incorporated as a town in 1708, there's a lot of history behind the nation's first capital. The best way to learn it is on a kayak history tour with Paddle Annapolis. The two-hour guided tour takes paddlers along Spa Creek, and you'll hear historical facts all along the way. After, head to the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park, where you can learn all about the area’s rich maritime heritage and about the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay through programs and exhibits. If breakfast for dinner is your favorite, head to Iron Rooster for breakfast options all day, as well as Lowcountry entrees and fresh seafood.

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Charleston, South Carolina

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There's never a bad time to visit our readers' perennial favorite Southern city. For a historic day in Charleston, book a carriage ride with Palmetto Carriage Works. Then, enjoy a meal and cocktails at Leon's Oyster Shop. You'll want to order a raw dozen, plus fried chicken and a frozen gin and tonic. Shopping on King Street, a stroll along Rainbow Row and through Charleston Waterfront Park, and a trip to the Gibbes Museum of Art are also well worth your time. If you're hoping to sneak a little beach time into your city-centric vacay, Sullivan's Island (a small barrier island just 10 miles from downtown) is more than ready to welcome you to its sandy shores.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

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After you've explored the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and other major areas of the Crescent City, do something a little outside the box and visit Celebration Distillation, a local rum distillery that uses locally sourced Louisiana sugar cane to produce its rum. There’s a complimentary shuttle to the distillery, and you’ll get a sample, too! If you want to gain a deeper understanding of New Orleans, take a tour with Cajun Encounters Tour Company. You can choose from a swamp tour, city bus tour, plantation tour, ghost tour, or walking tour of the city. The Big Easy is known for its delicious dining options, and you can experience the best of it all at Cochon, a rustic restaurant and butcher known for its traditional Creole flavors. Start your meal with house-cured charcuterie and sausage, then choose from specialty sandwiches like the Cochon Muffaletta and the Porchetta Cheese Steak.

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Charlottesville, Virginia

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Kick off a patriotic Memorial Day weekend by visiting Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville. The incredible historic site features a house and plantation, a museum and research institute, a presidential library, and so much more. It’s a must-see if you’re in town. After, unwind by touring another of Charlottesville's best attractions—its many wineries. Sign up for a tour with Tipsy Wagen Tours and you'll have the opportunity to visit three wineries in a one-of-a-kind ride, a 1972 Volkswagen Transporter Bus. After your tasting, head to to Oakhart Social for a flavorful meal of modern American dishes with international influence. Favorites include the Fermented Fresno Sausage with potato purée, pork bone jus, and Swiss chard and the Hanger Steak with Korean chili aioli, chimichurri, and fingerling potatoes.

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