While Florida heats up much earlier than Memorial Day Weekend, the date marks the official kickoff to the summer season, where thousands of beach-bound celebrators come to the Sunshine State for sun and surf. The weekend is a special time when we pause to remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Why not spend this time in one of Florida’s sun-drenched vacation destinations? From the hopping nightclubs in Miami to family-friendly activities on Sanibel Island, Florida is home to a wide variety of fun-filled escapes to suit your specific vacation needs. Perfect for a long weekend away, here are some of the best Memorial Day getaways in Florida.
Miami
Home to some of the best beach parties in the country, Miami is a vibrant melting pot of culture and ideal for those looking for some high-energy fun. The city’s intoxicating mix of cultures, languages, and food is worthy of a trip alone, but with its abundance of summer activities, visitors can choose how they want to spend their long weekend. Partygoers will want to check out the action-packed South Beach, while culture vultures might appreciate a day out at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. The Miami Beach Air & Sea Show and Music Explosion is a special Memorial Day event, where military and first responders are honored with a two-day event filled with flying jets overhead as offshore powerboat racing demonstrations, water-based activities, and a fireworks display.
Clearwater Beach
Not only is Clearwater Beach one of the top-ranked beaches in the country, but it’s an action-packed family-friendly destination year-round. While the white sand beaches will certainly be bustling with crowds on the holiday weekend, families will have plenty of activities to fill their itinerary, from the famous Pier 60 sunset celebrations to live concerts and special Memorial Day ceremonies. Those who want to honor our service men and women can lace up their tennis shoes and run the Honor Our Heroes 5K Run. Make sure not to miss the Memorial Day Ceremony at Largo Central Park, where a keynote speaker and wreath presentation honor our veterans.
Amelia Island
One of Florida’s most treasured vacation family-friendly destinations, Amelia Island and nearby Fernandina Beach boast white-sand beaches and a historic downtown area. With its compact size, the island never really feels crowded, so you can ensure you find that quiet time to lounge and relax. Days can be spent indulging in the area’s dining, shopping, and beach activities along its 13-mile coastline. Perfect for those new to the area, participate in the Amelia Island Historic Tour or go on one of the evening ghost tours to learn more about the history of the area.
St. George Island
Home of St. George Island State Park, St. George Island is what many consider to be a slice of paradise. Nestled on Florida’s Panhandle and surrounded by the picturesque waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola Bay, this barrier island offers 17 miles of paved bike paths and is one of the best beaches in the state. You’ll feel like you’re on your own on this uncongested barrier island, where it will be a challenge to pull yourself away from its soft sugary sands. Charming waterfront cafes line the area, where a day of snorkeling, spotting dolphins, or booking a fishing charter will certainly be the highlight of your long weekend.
New Smyrna Beach
The perfect beach escape for those looking for a laid-back beach vibe, New Smyrna is just an hour’s drive from Orlando on the Atlantic Coast. Known locally as NSB, this trendy little beach town is the perfect place to soak in the salty ocean breeze and let your worries melt away. The kids will love building sandcastles, surfing, and kayaking, while an array of “mom and pop” restaurants and sidewalk cafes offer a lovely respite from the sun and fun. Try your hand at surfing or sunbathing on its golden-hued sands before unwinding from a day of adventure in one of the area’s small hotels and charming bed and breakfast accommodations.
Jacksonville
Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville boasts lively riverside areas, family-friendly attractions, and access to the stunning coastline. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is held in the downtown area on Memorial Day weekend, accompanied by an art festival and lively downtown bars. Those looking for a quiet escape will enjoy being surrounded by nature at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and Little Talbot Island State Park, while craft brew enthusiasts can join the Jax Ale Trail for a self-guided tour of the city’s local breweries. A Memorial Day Ceremony honors Jacksonville’s fallen heroes at the Veterans Memorial Wall, where patriotic attire is requested.
Sanibel Island
Located just west of Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sanibel Island is a great Memorial Day weekend destination. You’ll find 12 miles of tranquil beaches, where the most popular activity is combing the beach for colorful shells that wash up on its shores. A great area to bring the entire family, here you’ll find a small-town ambiance with an absence of chain stores and traffic. Offering beautiful natural landscapes, spend a day exploring the wildlife at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, hop on a boat trip for snorkeling and diving, or travel to the unspoiled nearby Captiva Island.
*Sanibel Island suffered significant damage from Hurricane Ian. Check official sources for updates before you travel.
Fort Lauderdale
Located on Florida’s southeastern coast, Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, and cultural events. From the shops on Las Olas Boulevard to the natural landscapes at Port Everglades, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from. Over the Memorial Day weekend, visitors will find an array of military ceremonies scattered throughout the area as well as beach parties and concerts.
St. Augustine
America’s oldest city, St. Augustine is perfect for those interested in Florida’s history. Explore St. Augustine’s array of historical landmarks, walk along the cobblestone streets and browse the charming shops and cafes. Climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the city or dig your toes in the miles of sandy shoreline. For something unique, join a spooky ghost tour to learn about the city’s past, or head to nearby Palatka for the Blue Crab Festival. The kids will love the carnival rides and Ferris wheel, while everyone can enjoy the live music and fireworks show.
Tampa
Tampa is a vibrant city that appeals to a wide range of travelers, from families looking for thrills at Busch Gardens to art enthusiasts who can appreciate Dali’s Surrealism at the world-renowned Dali Museum in nearby St. Pete. The Sunset Music Festival and Tampa Bay Margarita & Music Festival will bring a high-energy crowd of revelers.
Siesta Key
An underrated vacation destination, Siesta Key and nearby Sarasota is a picturesque area that packs a lot of punch for its size. An 8-mile barrier island with pristine sugary sand, Memorial Day offers visitors fun in the sun with clear blue waters and lush palm trees. Boasting a fun-loving ambiance, enjoy a weekend of thrills by parasailing over the beach or renting a jet ski for a day of splashing in the water. Off the sand, the kids will delight in exploring the circus memorabilia at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and observing fascinating marine life at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. If you’re on the hunt for more outdoor activities, head to Myakka River State Park or Marie Selby Botanical Garden.
South Walton
From the beautiful Miramar Beach to the charming streets of Seaside, South Walton is actually comprised of 16 unique beach neighborhoods. Impossible to narrow it down to one, visitors will find the combination of sugar-white sand and turquoise waters along this 26-mile stretch of Florida’s Northwest coast to be an idyllic vacation destination, to say the least. Each with its own style, some of our other favorite family-friendly destinations include Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, and Sandestin. Perfect for those who want to get away from it all on Memorial Day weekend, you’re sure to find peace and serenity amongst the natural scenic beauty of this area.
