It’s the end of April and it’s time to start thinking about your Memorial Day weekend plans. However if you want to avoid dealing with the thousands of other beach goers, check out this list of unique vacation ideas for Memorial Day Weekend. These vacation spots will keep you away from the traffic, long lines, and rowdy beaches.

It includes more artsy cities, hiking experiences, and some cultural immersion as well. Perhaps through this list you’ll find your new go-to spot for Memorial Day Weekend.

Unique Vacation Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend

St. Michaels, Maryland

If you’re looking for a more lowkey Memorial Day Weekend destination outside of Washington, D.C. consider heading about an hour and a half outside of the city to St. Michaels, MD. This quant coastal town is great destination for all types of water sports, fishing, and more. Indulge yourself in incredible restaurants, breweries, and wineries.

This is definitely a sleepy town and not meant for the usual party goer, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy a relaxing and crowd-free Memorial Day Weekend here.

If you’re looking for a hotel, consider the luxurious Inn at Perry Cabin. Book through a travel advisor, like myself, to receive the following perks (as of April 2025):

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining (credit is non-cumulative)
• $100USD equivalent Hotel or Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

The more popular Memorial Day Weekend vacation spots in South Carolina are Hilton Head, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach. However, another option that may not be as crowded is Daufuskie Island. This quiet island allows for calm activities such as boat tours, horseback riding, and calm beach days. This beautiful island is the southernmost inhabited island of South Carolina and the perfect spot for a more unique Memorial Day Weekend.

Ojai, California

This small city outside of Los Angeles is one of the best places to go for Memorial Day Weekend. Ojai is known for its incredible landscapes, art scene, and rejuvenating retreats. This is the ideal trip for someone not looking for a lay on the beach vacay, but more of a holistic escape from the city. Explore the cute boutique shops downtown and try some of the incredible vegan meals at places like Hip Vegan.

If you’re looking for a hotel, consider the luxurious Ojai Valley Inn. Book through a travel advisor, like myself, to receive the following perks (as of April 2025):

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

Pacific Grove, California

If you’re someone who wants to go to Carmel-by-the-Sea, but you’re looking for a more lowkey Memorial Day Weeknd destination, consider Pacific Grove. You’ll have the option of staying in Pacific Grove, but you can still drive into Carmel-by-the-Sea to experience all of the action there.

Pacific Grove offers beautiful views, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Natural History museum. And if you’re in PG you can’t skip Asilomar Beach!

Taos, New Mexico

Taos is the only Native American community that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also a National Historic Landmark. This Pueblo has homes that have been inhabited for over 1000 years and a downtown area where you can visit museums and learn more about the culture.

Visiting Taos for your Memorial Day Weekend getaway would be a culturally immersive experience with opporutnites to learn about the people, try new foods, and hike the landscape.

Cape May Point, New Jersey

As a Jersey girl myself, going to the shore for Memorial Day Weekend is basically a given. But if you’re looking for unique vacation ideas for Memorial Day Weekend, Cape May point could be a great option. It’s close to the action of Wildwood and Cape May, but the beaches there may be a bit quieter. Also, fun fact, there’s a greater chance of seeing dolphins at Cape May Point!

Marfa, Texas

Marfa is a completely different vibe from the usual Memorial Day Weekend vacation. I included this for the artsy types who aren’t particularly interested in the beach. I’d also recommend this for people who live in Texas or other nearby areas.

Marfa is a great place to see the stars at night (at McDonald Observatory), visit some of the art installations or more. I wouldn’t say spend the entire weekend there, but there are decent things to do in Marfa! This is something you could also combine with a trip to Big Bend!

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If you’re looking for unique vacation ideas for Memorial Day Weekend that won’t be too touristy feel free to reach out to me for travel advising services!

Some other posts:

• Check out my post on packing essentials to buy for your next beach vacation!
• Or tech travel gadgets that will make your travel experience a breeze!