Memorial Day- The last Monday of May, the day to respect those who died serving the country, the day to pray for the martyrs, and pay tribute to their sacrifice. Originally called Decoration Day, this observance began after the American Civil War to honor fallen soldiers by placing flowers on their graves. Over time, it has turned into a day to remember all service members who died in battle. Parades, ceremonies, and other events are organized all over the country to respect the lives of all martyrs.
This was the historical significance, the day of respect, honor, and gratitude. Looking at another aspect, the day also signals the unofficial start of the summer season. It is a U.S. federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May each year, which means a long weekend to spend with family, travel, and explore more history. We have curated the perfect list of the best beach places that you can explore for this Memorial Day weekend and have a great start to this summer. Extend it a few more days to make it much more than a weekend trip.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Be it the historical sites or the beaches, Nantucket is perfect in every way to be your Memorial Day getaway. The historic district, the Brant Point lighthouse, and Great Point lighthouse, and the Nantucket Atheneum are a few cultural and historic sites that you can explore to discover the untold facts of this city. For beach fun and adventure, Nantucket has a long scenic coast that boasts big waves, clear water, and so much more. The North Shore Beaches are calmer to spend a beautiful evening, for boating and relaxing by the shore under the warm sun. Jetties Beach, Steps Beach, Children's Beach, and Brant Point are a few spots on the North Shore. When we say South Shore beaches, get ready for big waves and a wide beach. These make the right choice for surfers to experience that adrenaline. If you love surfing, you can go to Nobadeer Beach or Surfside Beach.
St. Petersburg, Florida
Florida is a beach heaven, and St. Petersburg is a magical place. This beach city offers a blend of art, culture, and a hint of history preserved in the museums. The city also hosts many local events and festivals, which can be a part of your itinerary. What makes St. Petersburg a perfect beach escape for Memorial Day is its white sand beaches, the laid-back vibe, and the food. St. Pete Beach is a must-visit spot for its relaxing beauty, luxury resorts, and many other reasons that make it rank as one of the best beaches in the U.S. If you need a more secluded and calm atmosphere, Treasure Island Beach is a great option. It is always less crowded and is perfect for swimming, shelling, snorkeling, and more. The lively aura and the thriving art scene make it just the right place for a relaxing Memorial Day vacation.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is much more than an island destination in the USA. This island of scenic beaches and wilderness has a long history. It was the seat of power for native Hawaiian chiefs and a major U.S. military base, culminating in the Pearl Harbor attack. But today, it is a paradise for surfers, for those who need a luxury escape and a relaxing stay for the weekend. With 112 miles of coastline, Oahu has a beach in every corner, perfect to give your summer a cool and refreshing start. While there are many beaches in Oahu, Waikiki Beach itself is home to eight beautiful beaches. The scenic landscape, the adventures, the relaxation, everything makes Oahu the ideal beach destination. You can surf, swim, or try activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. Hanauma Bay is another beach paradise with magnificent wildlife and aquatic life; the only thing is, you need a reservation before visiting.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Adventures come best at Montego Bay in Jamaica. This beach city is quite popular for its beaches, especially the Doctor's Cave Beach. The lively aura here is perfect for an unwinding experience where you can stay in a beach resort, shop from the beach stalls, savor the seafood, and so much more. While Montego Bay stands as a thriving destination for vacationers, it is also a major commercial center in Jamaica. A Memorial Day vacation in Montego Bay is highly recommended for its myriad activities and leisure experiences. The sandy shores host no dearth of activities from snorkeling to diving, sailing, and more. Move a bit away from the beaches, and you have horseback riding, tubing, and canopy zipline as the best vacation adventures. If you need something extravagant, you can take a tour of the Luminous Lagoon to see the blue and purple lights or the luminescence of the lagoon.
Barcelona, Spain
Talk of a vacation, and no place can beat Spain. Talk of beaches, there is nothing like Barcelona. This is the city of architecture, art, culture, and beaches. Whether you explore the Gothic Quarter or stroll through the Time Out Market, this city captures the best of everything. Barcelona has a 4.5 km coastline, which means a vast stretch of sandy shores, blue waters, and a marine world. You need some adventure, thrill, and excitement for your Memorial Day trip, visit the hidden spots like Platja de l'Illot, Platja Fonda, or Cala Estreta. Looking for something peaceful and surreal, you can spend an afternoon or evening in Sant Sebastià, Bogatell, and Barceloneta. Most beaches here have cafes and kiosks, lined up to serve refreshing drinks and fresh seafood. Some beaches in the city also have nightclubs that keep the energy going until dawn.
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