Celebrate history, nature, and American pride this Memorial Day weekend. Don’t worry if you haven’t finalized your travel plans. Here are a few hidden gems to add to your list now or in the future.
This weekend is set to break travel records, with over 45 million Americans expected to journey at least 50 miles from home.
🔺 3.1% increase from 2024
🚗 87% will drive to their destinations
⛽️Lower gas prices averaging $3.18 per gallon
✈️ 3.6 million passengers will fly
🚊🚌🚢 2 million will travel by train, bus, cruise
📍 Popular destinations include- Orlando, Seattle, New York, Denver, Chicago
Whether you’re honoring the fallen, soaking in scenic views, or just craving a quick escape, these five hidden-gem U.S. destinations blend patriotic significance with last-minute availability.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
For a meaningful Memorial Day weekend full of American history, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, offers a profound and reflective experience. This iconic Civil War town invites visitors to honor the past while enjoying its rich heritage and charming ambiance.
Here are a few ideas to honor our armed forces this Memorial Day. Begin your visit with a moving tribute to fallen soldiers at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery for the Wreath-Laying Ceremony. Delve into history with a ranger-guided tour or a self-guided bike ride through the Gettysburg National Military Park battlefield. For a comprehensive experience, consider booking a Licensed Battlefield Guide tour. Here are some great ideas for exploring Gettysburg. Discover an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts and memorabilia at the Gettysburg Museum of History.
Jump on this last minute stay at the Keystone Inn Bed and Breakfast in an excellent location. For future stays, The Gettysburg Hotel is located in the town square, this historic property mixes 18th-century architecture with modern touches.
Dine in Gettysburg’s oldest house, offering candlelit meals, hearty colonial fare, and their famous crab cakes! Visit Dobbin House Tavern for more details. Reservations are recommended.
Brevard, North Carolina
Looking for a serene and soulful Memorial Day escape? Tucked into the lush Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard, North Carolina, offers small-town patriotic charm wrapped in a stunning natural backdrop.
Outdoor lovers will be captivated by the Pisgah National Forest, home to over 250 waterfalls. Perfect for scenic hikes and peaceful photo stops. For seasoned hikers seeking some exercise over the weekend, the Farlow Gap Trail offers a rugged 3.3-mile (one-way) adventure through lush forests and scenic ridgelines. Need to cool off, the Whale Back is a serene swimming spot featuring a distinctive granite rock formation resembling a breaching whale.
Culture seekers can catch a patriotic performance at the Brevard Music Center, where the mountains come alive with classical music under the stars. For a quiet moment of reflection, stop by Veterans Memorial Park, a local tribute surrounded by mountain views.
Check out these accommodations available for a last-minute stay.
When hunger strikes, head downtown to The Square Root, a beloved local bistro serving up Southern favorites like shrimp & grits alongside craft cocktails in a stylishly restored building.
Totally random, but Brevard is home to a unique population of white squirrels, a rare variant of the Eastern gray squirrel. Keep your eyes peeled for the white squirrel!
Fort Scott, Kansas
For travelers seeking history, heart, and a peaceful small-town atmosphere this Memorial Day, Fort Scott, Kansas, is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Rich in frontier heritage, the Fort Scott National Historic Site offers a fascinating walk through 19th-century military life, complete with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and stories of early American expansion. On Memorial Day, join the local community for a heartfelt flag-raising honor service called the Symbols of Sacrifice, which is a touching tribute that reflects the town’s patriotic spirit. Spend the afternoon strolling historic downtown Fort Scott, where antique shops, charming facades, and mom-and-pop boutiques make for a nostalgic and relaxing experience. An architectural marvel, the Bourbon County Courthouse, was built between 1929 and 1930, showcasing Neoclassical design with its grand Corinthian columns and stately brick facade.
For a fun and interactive way to discover Fort Scott’s hidden treasures, consider participating in the Fort Scott Frolic Adventure. This self-guided scavenger hunt takes you through downtown, unveiling fascinating stories and secrets of the city’s historic landmarks.
Check out the private homes for a restful stay in this area of Kansas. For a bite to eat, don’t miss Nu Grille, a classic diner serving up old-fashioned burgers, crispy fries, and creamy shakes in a retro setting that’s full of Americana charm.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
For a Memorial Day weekend that blends powerful history with natural beauty, Harpers Ferry is an off the beaten path travel idea. On Memorial Day, join the heartfelt town procession, a touching tribute by the local community.
Nestled at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, this charming town offers rich Civil War history alongside scenic adventure. Tour John Brown’s Fort and wander the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where the cobblestone streets tell stories of the past. Outdoor lovers can hike part of the Appalachian Trail or paddle along the river for a refreshing perspective.
Perched above the town, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church built in 1833 as a Gothic Revival church is one of the few buildings that survived the Civil War intact. Its elevated location provides panoramic views of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
Named after Thomas Jefferson, who once stood here and proclaimed the view “worth a voyage across the Atlantic, “Jefferson Rock offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding rivers and mountains.
Recommendations for this area is a private home for a comfortable stay. Stop in for a bite to eat and a souvenir at Snallygaster’s General Store & Cafe or The Rabbit Hole with a creative menu like duck fat fries and gourmet burgers.
Conroe, Texas
Just north of Houston, Conroe, Texas, is a lakeside retreat filled with small-town charm, patriotic spirit, and just the right touch of luxury. Spend your Memorial Day weekend at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park, where the community gathers for a powerful and heartfelt observance honoring our nation’s heroes. After the event, head to downtown Conroe for live music and local theater, part of the town’s vibrant arts scene.
Take in the sunshine with a boat ride on Lake Conroe. For hidden gems, don’t miss The Lone Star Monument and Historical Flag Park, a quiet and educational space honoring Texas’s journey to independence. Explore W. Goodrich Jones State Forest, just a short drive away, for hiking trails under towering pines and birdwatching.
For a future stay, check into the Historic Hill House and Farm, a peaceful boutique property offering farm-to-table dining, a spa, and a serene hill country setting with fire pits perfect for starry evenings. There are plenty of hotel options for a long weekend.
When it comes to dining, Honor Café is a veteran-owned, and steeped in Southern hospitality, their hearty brunches and fresh coffee are local favorites. A beloved spot for Southern comfort food, Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish serves up hearty portions of catfish, chicken-fried steak, and other classic dishes in a family-friendly setting. Personally, I want to go just for the name alone!
Travel Tips for Last-Minute Planners
Don’t sweat the last-minute game! Book it now, don’t wait! Hotels in small towns can fill up fast on holiday weekends. Use the resource page for trusted hotel links!
Drive smart: Avoid peak times (1–8 p.m. Friday/Monday) and check road closures. 🚗
Pack layers: Weather can vary in May, especially in the mountains and the Midwest.
Be respectful: Memorial Day is a solemn holiday. Attend events with gratitude and take time to reflect. 🕊️
You don’t need to fight crowds or break your budget to have a meaningful Memorial Day.
Book your trip, pack your flag, and get ready to create new memories while honoring those who gave everything.
Where will you go this Memorial Day? Let’s plan your summer travel with @TravelCharlee!