8 best less crowded Memorial Day getaways

Besides your backyard, other destinations for avoiding Memorial Day crowds can be easy to find. Across the United States, and a bit past its borders, various locations that might not first come to mind as a getaway still have many fun options. For a change of pace, here are eight places to consider checking out during the extended holiday weekend.

Also: The perfect long weekend in Minneapolis

Toronto

Toronto
: With the Canadian dollar taking a financial hit and Canadians not observing the U.S. holiday, end of May is a perfect time to head up north. Toronto will feature “Doors Open Toronto,” providing access to more than 100 significant buildings on May 28 and 29, “Inside Out LGBT Film Festival” from May 26-June 5 at TIFF Bell Lightbox and the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, a month-long event at various locations now until May 31. Festivals aside, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, the CN Tower, Fort York, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

WaterFire event in Providence, RI | Flickr CC: Liz West

Providence, RI: 
Rhode Island’s capital city has riverfront activities that can compete with the state’s beaches. For example, WaterFire, a bonfire spectacular, will light up the downtown area’s three rivers on May 28. Though closed on Mondays, RISD Museum is exhibiting a fashionable collection of works by 1990s designer Todd Oldham, plus a new collaboration with RISD students, on view until September 11. Visitors can also find an eclectic dining scene, such as Italian in Federal Hill’s DePasquale Square, and a number of nightspots like Rooftop at the Providence G.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, WI: 
Every Memorial Day Weekend the city hosts Brat Fest, a four-day, family-friendly event featuring concerts, carnival rides, a kids’ zone and, of course, brats! Sausages aside, this Wisconsin college town features attractions like the  Henry Vilas Zoo, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the Dane County Farmers’ Market and Memorial Union. Plus get some time on twowheels, as Madison provides some premiere ops for biking and was recently giving platinum status as a “bicycle friendly community” from the League of American Bicyclists.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
: If seeking something tropical, this U.S. territory has some natural wonders, particularly that it’s the most mountainous island in the Caribbean. Speaking of wonder, head to Coral World Ocean Park where The Butterfly Garden features these winged beauties from more than 25 different species and six countries. Also, get a good workout and view by exploring the 99 Steps at Charlotte Amalie.

Lincoln City, Oregon | Flickr CC: Abi Porter

Lincoln City
, OR: Two hours southwest of Portland, this coastal Lincoln City boasts one of the state’s longest beaches (7.5 miles to be exact). But what’s really hot on the sand is the annual Spring Break Glass Drop featuring handmade glass floats placed on the beach from mid-October through Memorial Day and organized by Finders Keepers. The annual tradition is the equivalent of an Easter egg hunt in that if you find it, you keep it. Plus, on Memorial Day there are plans to put more on the beach, so get on the hunt!

Mount Vernon

Alexandria
, VA: Neighboring Washington, D.C. may swell with pride on Memorial Day, but Alexandria holds its own as a patriotic getaway. Pay a visit to Mount Vernon, home to the first U.S. President George Washington, or join many other visitors in paying respect to our nation’s fallen at nearby Arlington National Cemetery. If jazz is your jam, catch the 39th annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival on Monday, May 30, in the district of Old Town. This free fest features a variety of jazz styles and performers plus the option of buying or bringing food—but bring a lawn chair for sitting.

Missouri Botanical Gardens

St. Louis
, MO: Many travelers know this Show MeState city for its Gateway Arch, but it’s got far more attractions to check out. Forest Park houses a zoo, art museum, history museum, and science center and its distinct neighborhoods have finds ranging from shopping excursions to outdoorsy gems. Suds lovers can visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and flora fans will dig the Missouri Botanical Garden. As for events, from May 27-29, Schlafly Art Outside features works by 50 local artists plus homegrown food and craft beer.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach
, CA: This seaside resort city in southern Orange County may be mild in climate, but still makes for a good California getaway. Along with galleries, spot more than 80 pieces of public art such as murals, sculptures, park benches, and signage. Heisler Park has amazing views of Laguna Beach’s coastline and Main Beach Park will be the location for an afternoon Memorial Day Concert on May 30. Also, view marine life—just looking, please—at various tide pools found along certain beaches.

Tagged: California, Caribbean