Nearly 43 million Americans will kick off their summer with a Memorial Day weekend getaway. The vast majority of these travelers, more than 37 million, are planning to hit the road, according to AAA’s Memorial Day Travel Forecast.
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As more and more people choose to stay close to home for the long weekend, below is a list of destinations perfect for the road trip to get out of town to see some fireworks, have an adventure, and most importantly, to honor those who serve:
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New Orleans, Louisiana
One of the best things about visiting New Orleans is
From the music, crowds, food, and drinks, the streets are always filled with activities to entertain you.
During Memorial Day Weekend visit, be sure to visit The National World War II Museum to remember those who died serving the United States.
In the Arsenal of Democracy Exhibit, you can learn more about Black soldiers fighting in a war during a time when many were also fighting for equal rights.
Chicago, Illinois
According to Skyscanner, Chicago puts on one of the best Memorial Day Parades in the country to honor the nation’s fallen heroes.
From there, visitors can hit the beach along Lake Michigan, tour one of Chicago’s many cultural museums, or cruise along on a boat for an architecture tour.
One of the city’s top attractions is Navy Pier, a six-block stretch of rides, restaurants, and entertainment that attracts more than 9 million people each year.
Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer events in Chicago starting with the Aon Summer Fireworks display on May 25. The Memorial Day fireworks show will begin at 10:15 p.m.
Key West, Florida
Key West boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. That’s why it comes to no surprise that Key West is a popular destination among tourists each year.
During your road trip, be sure to take in the beautiful backdrop during this scenic drive towards Mile 0, otherwise known as the Southernmost point of the United States.
Island organizers have a Memorial Day Remembrance celebration scheduled for May 27. In addition to Memorial Day events, there will be plenty of activities on the water, including a weekend crawl and barbecues on the beach.
Keep in mind that hotels can be pricey during Memorial Day Weekend. Stay in the surrounding Keys at night for the best rates on accommodations and venture to Key West during the day.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach consistently ranks as the top 10 family beach vacation spots in the U.S.
The reason?
With 60 miles of sandy beaches, malls, restaurants, and an amusement park, Myrtle Beach is another great place to travel during the long weekend, according to Skyscanner.
The Military Appreciation Days Parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base known as the Market Common on May 25.
Austin, Texas
As the capital of Texas, Austin is known for its live music scene and amazing food.
Austin is perfect for anyone looking for an adventure outdoors, which you can find at Hamilton Pool.
Located about 23 miles west of Austin, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural pool that sits on more than 232 acres of protected land. It was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago.
Though stunning, a visit to Hamilton Pool comes with a few restrictions, including a reservation ahead of time.
To commemorate Memorial Day during your stay in Austin, the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry is showcasing a Vietnam War living history demonstration on May 25 and 26.
