Somehow, Memorial Day sneaks up on us every year. In the chaos of spring recitals, school plays, and graduations, suddenly it’s the end of May—and you haven’t planned anything to mark the unofficial start of summer. Oops.

It’s not too late! For you last-minute planners, we have some suggestions for places to go for Memorial Day. All these destinations are family-friendly, with fun activities for rain and shine, and large enough that you have a good chance of getting a hotel room or vacation rental.

Tips for planning your last-minute Memorial Day getaway

• Avoid driving, if possible. Most people (around 82%, to be precise) travel by car on Memorial Day weekend.¹ If you can fly or take the train to your destination, you can avoid some epic traffic snarls.

• Leave early… or late. If you are driving, don’t begin your road trip on Thursday afternoon or early evening. That’s the busiest time for Memorial Day traffic. Depending on the length of your trip, it might pay off to depart early Thursday, Thursday night, or even Friday morning.

• Skip the beach. We know all you summer-lovers are ready to spread your towels on the sand… but Memorial Day weekend beach destinations are almost always crowded and expensive. Plus, the water’s probably freezing.

• Buy annual travel insurance. Most people only buy travel insurance for big vacations, not weekend getaways. However, if you have to cancel one of those short trips at the last minute, you could lose all the money you spent. The answer: an AllTrips travel insurance plan. True to their name, AllTrips plans can protect every trip you take in 365 days, whether short or long, planned or spontaneous. Buy your plan today and take the stress out of travel for a whole year.

Wilmington, NC

The charming city of Wilmington is much more chill than Myrtle Beach, its sandy neighbor to the south. It’s a great place to honor the spirit of Memorial Day: Take kids to explore the Battleship North Carolina as well as the nation's first park honoring the US Colored Troops (USCT), which stands at the site of their victory in the Civil War Battle of Forks Road. If the weather’s nice, you can visit nearby Wrightsville or Carolina Beach.

Where to stay in Wilmington for Memorial Day weekend: It’s tough to book a beachfront room for a last-minute Memorial Day stay, so we’ll recommend the spacious suites at the inland Beau Rivage Golf & Resort. The grounds feature a championship golf course as well as a swimming pool, pickleball and a tiki bar.

Saratoga Springs, NY

Who needs the beach when you have sparkling springs? In the historic town of Saratoga Springs, just north of Albany, adults can relax in hydrotherapy treatments at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa. Kids can splash to their hearts’ content in the two pool complexes at Saratoga Spa State Park. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or the Hammocraft (a fun floating craft with hammocks) from Kayak Shak and enjoy an afternoon on Saratoga Lake.

Where to stay in Saratoga Springs for Memorial Day weekend: The 180-year-old Inn at Saratoga is the oldest hotel in town and also the most beloved. Guests praise the friendly staff, delicious breakfast, live music and historic vibe. Plus, get complimentary access to the Victoria Swimming Pool in Saratoga Spa State Park.

Wisconsin Dells, WI

This city northwest of Chicago calls itself “The Waterpark Capital of the World”—what better place to go for a last-minute Memorial Day getaway? You’ll find six separate waterparks, including Noah’s Ark (the largest waterpark in the U.S.) and the Kalahari Resort (featuring the state’s largest indoor waterpark.) Opening Memorial Day 2023 is Land of Natura, which combines slides, inflatables, and other attractions with Lake Wisconsin Dells’ natural beauty. After you dry off, there’s more to do: Wisconsin Dells offers shopping, golf, live shows, and outdoor activities.

Where to stay in Wisconsin Dells for Memorial Day weekend: Wilderness Resort is one of the most popular family resorts. With four indoor and four outdoor waterparks, three arcades, an 18-hole golf course, and on-site dining, you may not want to leave.

Santa Fe, NM

This southwestern city is the perfect place to go for Memorial Day, when high temperatures hover in the high 70s and low 80s but the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. Favorite things to do in Santa Fe include meandering through the Santa Fe Botanical Garden; getting your mind boggled at Meow Wolf Santa Fe, an immersive art experience; and browsing the wares at the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market. For a delightfully different experience, book a ride on Sky Railway, a scenic railroad with sunset rides, storytelling, live music and killer margaritas.

Where to stay in Santa Fe for Memorial Day weekend: The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is a major splurge… and an unforgettable stay. A small but luxurious resort tucked in the foothills just outside Santa Fe, the Four Seasons offers casitas and suites, some with private patios and wood-burning fireplaces. Ask the concierge to arrange a family mountain-bike tour or a guided hike.

Austin, TX

You and the fam can be urban cowboys in Austin, where Texas Trail Rides offers guided horseback rides on beautiful trails within the city limits. Then, head out for a sunset boat cruise to see the Mexican free-tailed bats that roost under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Every night from spring through fall, an estimated 1.5 million bats fly out from under the bridge to feed. While it might be impossible to snag a reservation for the Hamilton Pool Preserve for a last-minute Memorial Day getaway, you can try another swimming spot like Krause Springs or the historic Barton Springs Pool.

Where to stay in Austin for Memorial Day weekend: The Lakeway Resort and Spa is ideal for families, with sailing and fishing on Lake Travis, a sprawling pool complex with a waterslide, and four nearby golf courses.

Don’t forget: Travel insurance is a must for your Memorial Day getaway, and for all your summer adventures too. Get a quote today!

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