6 places to get away for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend sneaks up on you, but it's not too late to plan a fabulous last-minute trip. If you've waited until now to start thinking about travel plans, three of our editors have shared their top recommendations for the destinations across the US that they're dreaming about this Memorial Day Weekend. Or you can save this list for the next long weekend – because it'll sneak up on you, too.

1. Newport Beach, California

Ann Douglas Lott, Associate Editor

Advertisement

Vibes: Somehow, Orange County feels both posh and laid-back. In Newport Beach, you could spend the morning luxury shopping, sunning yourself by the pool or going for a spa treatment, and in the afternoon, you could be cycling around Balboa Island or exploring the coastal Crystal Cove State Park. And it’s easy to get to – fly into SNA, and you'll be within 20 minutes of wherever you’re staying.

Do: Go whale and dolphin-watching on a Zodiac boat. It's a thrill of a ride, and you’re almost on the same level as the animals; it feels like you’re nearly swimming alongside them. If a slow cruise is more your vibe, hop on a Duffy boat tour of the harbor with prosecco and charcuterie (I call it an HGTV cruise because look at those mansions!). They’ll even drop you off at your dinner reservation.

Eat: For breakfast, have the breakfast burrito from Malibu Farm or the coconut-macadamia pancakes from Beachcomber Café. For everything else, seafood – like the creamy ravioli bianco with shrimp at JOEY and gumbo at the waterfront Bluewater Grill. For dessert, have frozen bananas on Balboa Island, either from Sugar 'n Spice or Dad's Donut Shop & Bakery.

Stay: Book a room at Pendry Newport Beach. The rooms are spacious, there's a fabulous pool deck for tanning, and the restaurant and bar are places to see and be seen. And it’s not a far drive from the harbor and beach. Or, if you want to test your luck, try to snag one of the charming beachfront cottages at Crystal Cove State Park.

2. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content

Vibes: Preppy, nautical, coastal chic. Cobblestone streets and charming historic homes. Lots of striped shirts, boat shoes, sun hats. Long beach walks and plenty of bike paths.

Do: Rent a bike (or better yet, stay at accommodation that offers them as an amenity) to explore the island. Visit Sconset to do the Bluff Walk (it can get crowded in high season, so go early if you want to beat the crowds). The footpath brings you in close contact with incredibly dreamy shingled beach houses, some of which have been there since the 1800s. Visit Cisco Brewery for craft beers, live music, outdoor games and food trucks. Shop for vintage dresses (and wine) at Current Vintage. Learn all about Nantucket’s history at the Whaling Museum.

Eat: Eat seafood whenever you can. Make your way to Lemon Press for smoothies and bowls. A fun lunch outing is Topper’s at the Wauwinet – there is a boat that you can take there from the downtown boat basin ($25 per person). It harvests its own oysters just outside and makes a darn fine lobster roll. Dinner options abound, but I love the food and interiors at Via Mare – order the Boulevardier cocktail with baccala (salt cod) and kale salad.

Stay: The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin dockside accommodations offer incredible views of the harbor, free bikes and kitchens so you can make your own meals and morning coffee. They feel truly home-like but with the bonus of incredible service.

3. Traverse City, Michigan

Sarah Stocking, Editor

Advertisement

Vibes: Stylish but not stuffy, relaxed yet action-packed, Traverse gives pretty-as-a-picture beach town vibes like Taylor Swift gives a love song: catchy, on-the-nose and inarguably delightful.

Do: Get on the water. Rent a kayak and spend the day taking in the phenomenal views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore. After you've spent the day poking into the boutiques on Main Street or kayaking through the crystal clear water, find a spot on the beach to watch the sunset. Bring a cocktail and linger long after the sun has put on its evening show because watching all those stars fill up the sky as you dig your toes in the sand is a special kind of peace.

Eat: Make a reservation at Modern Bird. This area of Michigan is surrounded by small, independent farms, and Modern Bird sources its ingredients locally. The ever-changing menu is as elegant as it is homey, the perfect pairing for a weekend in Traverse City.

Stay: Look for waterfront accommodations as much as you can. I like the Bay Shore Resort. The Victorian vibes feel on-brand for this area of the country, and there is nothing like waking up with the beach steps from your door.

4. Crystal Coast (Southern Outer Banks), North Carolina

Ann Douglas Lott

Vibes: The lesser-visited Outer Banks (but no less deserving of a trip) is home to over 85 miles of gorgeous coastline. The beaches are uncrowded, and opportunities for outdoor adventure are everywhere, as is a healthy dose of small-town charm.

Do: Spend a day on the white-sand beaches of Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach. Also, go on a guided jet skiing tour, hike through dune fields and salt marshes in Fort Macon State Park, kayak to Rachel Carson Reserve (keeping an eye out for wild horses) or visit the lighthouse and walk down the beach on Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Eat: Eating here is very “dock-to-dish,” meaning you’re supporting local fishers and farmers. In Beaufort, go to City Kitchen for the seafood and waterfront views. In Morehead City, go to Circa 81 for Spanish tapas, or sample locally sourced caviar (with fresh chives, dill, crème fresh, pringles – all the fixin’s!) at Prime Bistro and Wine Bar.

Stay: If you’re not the Airbnb type, the Beaufort Hotel overlooks Taylor Creek and feels very coastal North Carolina, with on-property bike and golf cart rentals and a pool. Or check out the Pecan Tree Inn, a Victorian-style B&B with locally sourced breakfast and afternoon snacks (like homemade maple butter pecan cookies).

5. Taos, New Mexico

Sarah Stocking

Vibes: Bohemian artist colony meets deep history in a spectacular natural setting. It's a magical spot, even in the Land of Enchantment.

Do: Visit the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US. Take a guided tour to learn about the art and architecture of the Pueblo people and how they maintain their way of life.

Eat: Housed in a 19th-century chapel, the Love Apple is romantic, candlelit and oh-so-stylish. It serves New Mexican cuisine inspired by local growers, and the menu changes seasonally.

Stay: If you’d like to stay in town, La Dona Luz Inn has nine joyfully decorated rooms that embrace the feel of Old Taos. If you’re looking for a luxury getaway, check out El Monte Sagrado. Relaxing in the serene rooms nestled among the gorgeous Sangre De Cristo mountains is the perfect way to spend a long weekend. Pair your stay with a spa treatment, and you’ll be forever refreshed.

6. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Ann Douglas Lott

Vibes: Whether you’re devoted to Dolly, theme parks or are looking for something to do near Smoky Mountain towns like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Dollywood fits the bill for a long weekend excursion. Thrilling, family-friendly and a real charmer – just like Dolly – it’s America’s most legendary theme park. The food rocks, the staff are friendly and helpful, it’s clean, and there’s plenty to do when you need a break from the park’s rides (which are pure magic).

Do: In the past two years, the park has opened two brand-new attractions to look out for: Big Bear Mountain, the park’s longest roller coaster to date, and the Dolly Parton Experience, an interactive museum that invites guests to follow along with Dolly’s life story. I’m also a big fan of Lightning Rod (for big drop lovers) and Mystery Mine. If you have an extra day or want to explore the region beyond the park, check out the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, a gigantic replica of the famed ship where passengers can follow the timeline of its sinking. Or drive to Gatlinburg for a moonshine or cider tasting amidst the mountain town’s kitschy goodness.

Eat: Theme park food’s bad rap is forgotten at Dollywood. One bite that’s especially worth waiting in line for is the famous pull-apart cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill (don’t worry, the line moves quickly). Also, a trip to the region is not complete without pancakes (or flapjacks), and while it’s hard to mess up a flapjack, I don’t think you’ll find fluffier ones than those from Crockett’s Breakfast Camp in Gatlinburg.

Stay: Make it easy for yourself and stay on the park’s property at one of the two gorgeous resorts, which provide trolleys to and from the park and its neighboring waterpark. If you plan to explore the area further over the course of the weekend, book a cozy cabin on Airbnb – wrap-around porches and hot tubs are the norm around here.