Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer synonymous with backyard barbeques, beer, and boats. If you’ve yet to dust off your grill in preparation, don’t. We found the best cities to book a last minute flight to that are perfect for a long weekend getaway.
Washington, D.C.
Get a selfie with Abraham Lincoln 
Take a tour of the White House 
Indulge at Georgetown Cupcake
The nation’s capital is a great backdrop for Memorial Day weekend complete with monuments and museums galore. After you watch the iconic Memorial Day Parade, you can pay your respects at the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery, or one of the many historic memorials around the city. When you get your fill of site-seeing, catch a Washington Nationals game or stop at one of the city’s best watering holes.
San Diego, CA
Take a stroll or bike ride down Mission Beach Boardwalk 
Go surfing at Pacific Beach 
Catch the sunset at the pier
For a warm-weather weekend, head to the sandy beaches of San Diego. It’s the best of both worlds for beach bums and city slickers alike. Spend half a day catching rays and waves, and then head downtown for yummy seafood and cute cocktail bars. Patriotic swimwear encouraged.
Nashville, TN
Go bowling, swimming, or play bocce ball at Pinewood 
Track down Amelia’s Flower Truck 
Grab a drink and listen to live music on Broadway
Nashville is known for its lively bars full of rowdy day drinkers, line dancing, and hot chicken. Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Broadway? Spend a day exploring these laid back neighborhoods instead. And if you don’t own some already, be sure to pick up a pair of cowboy boots before you leave. It’s a must.
Chicago, Illinois
Enjoy the view with a drink at Cindy’s 
Catch a show at the Chicago Theater Visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory
Chicago is the perfect spot for long-weekend shenanigans, including one of the grandest Memorial Day parades which begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at Daly Plaza. After you watch the parade, head to Cindy’s for rooftop drinks with a view, book a riverboat tour for a lesson in Chicago architecture, and then be sure to snag a reservation at one of the Windy City’s newest restaurants for killer bites. And don’t forget to catch the firework show at Navy Pier.
Austin, Texas
Paddle board or kayak on Lady Bird Lake 
Enjoy the nightlife scene on 6th Street
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Take a dip at the Hamilton Pool Preserve
Go for the finger-licking barbeque and stay for the live music. Austin brings the heat in the food, music, and outdoor adventure department with a happening downtown to boot. Start your day with a hike on Mount Bonnel and then cool off with a float down the San Marcos River. Come sun down, walk to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge for a phenomenon like no other: thousands of bats taking flight from beneath the bridge into the night sky.
For even more inspiration, check out our city guides here!
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