Today I want to share my guide to the best Memorial Day weekend getaways in California with you. If you want to know where to travel over the three-day weekend in May, the Golden State has plenty of fun places you can visit. From national parks to sunny beaches and fun cities, there’s something for every type of traveler. Read on for my top picks for long weekend escapes. I’ve included a map of all the places on my list as well.
Memorial Day Weekend Getaways in California
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and people often ask me where to go for Memorial Day weekend in California. From family trips to Lake Tahoe to exciting adventures in Big Sur and sunny escapes to San Diego, I’ve covered a lot of ground over the three-day weekend in late May.
Which is how I know there are so many great places to kick off the start of summer in California. Whether you want sunshine in Santa Monica or outdoor activities in Yosemite National Park, the Golden State has no shortage of great places to visit.
If you’re in the mood to attend a commemorative parade or ceremony, hike up a mountain, sunbathe on the beach, or get out on the Pacific Ocean, there are lots of trips you can take on the last Monday in May.
Tips for Memorial Day Travel in California
Before choosing where to go for your Memorial Day getaway in California, keep in mind that some places will be crowded over the long weekend. This is particularly true when it comes to national parks, beaches, cities, theme parks, and other sites that are popular with travelers at the beginning of summer.
As such, it’s a good idea to book reservations for things like accommodation as far in advance as you’re able to. You’ll find you have a better chance of getting lower rates and having a wider range of properties to choose from. You can see options and book a place to stay here.
The same goes for popular theme parks and big attractions. If you’re planning to go somewhere like Disneyland, Legoland California Resort, or Universal Studios Hollywood, getting your tickets well ahead of time can ensure you get to go on your desired dates.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco is my top pick for Memorial Day weekend getaways in California. The City by the Bay is an ideal vacation destination at this time of year, not least because the weather can be drier than in winter and sunnier than in the peak summer months.
There’s a lot you can do in San Francisco for Memorial Day weekend, too. Each year the city cooperates with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Presidio Trust to put on the Memorial Day Commemoration. Established in 1868, the event takes place in the Presidio and includes a ceremony, parade, music, speakers, and a 21-gun salute.
There are other special events and festivals going on in San Francisco, too. One highlight is Carnaval San Francisco. This free 2-day event in the Mission District is the largest multicultural festival on the West Coast. It brings together Latino, Caribbean, and African traditions with music, festivities, and more.
There’s also Sunday Afternoon Sail on San Francisco Bay, which features an iconic schooner with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and other landmarks. Add to that sporting events like Giants baseball games, and there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Even if you miss the events, San Francisco is a fun Memorial Day trip. You can explore popular areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, get tickets for sell-out attractions like Alcatraz, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. My 3-day San Francisco itinerary can give you additional ideas, too.
If this sounds like your kind of early summer vacation, you can book a place to stay in San Francisco here. There are lots of options, from waterfront hotels to apartment rentals with views. My favorite place to stay is Hotel Triton. It’s right by Union Square and I love the decor. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is my top pick for where to visit on Memorial Day weekend in Southern California. With warm weather, an abundance of attractions, fun beaches, and amazing restaurants, LA has a lot to entertain visitors.
There’s no shortage of events and ceremonies taking place in Los Angeles County on Memorial Day. The most famous is LA Fleet Week. This annual multi-day celebration of the Sea Services is held on the waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles each year. It’s a fun place to see military displays, live entertainment, and aircraft flyovers.
There’s also the annual Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, the Memorial Day celebration event at Forest Lawn Cemetery, and the annual Memorial Day Parade in the San Fernando Valley’s Canoga Park.
There are festivals going on, too. Fiesta Hermosa in downtown Hermosa Beach features free concerts, street vendors, carnival games, and food. The Happy Face Music Festival in Simi Valley offers live music and food for the whole family, and the Topanga Days Festival has bands, a parade, and games.
Beyond the events, Los Angeles offers a lot in the way of sightseeing and activities. From Griffith Observatory to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Manhattan Beach, and the rides at Universal Studios, there’s loads for visitors to enjoy. My itinerary for 3 days in Los Angeles can give you more ideas.
If this sounds like your kind of weekend escape, you can book a place to stay in LA here. I like staying at the STILE Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. This boutique hotel is known for its downtown location and rooftop bar. If you want to call this place home-away-from-home, you can book a room here.
3. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is next on my list of the best Memorial Day weekend getaways in California. I spent a lot of time here when I was growing up, and it remains one of my all-time favorite spots for a summer vacation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
There’s a lot going on here over Memorial Day, too. This is the official start of summer in Tahoe, and there’s all kinds of live music, dining specials, and activities on offer. Most marinas are open by the end of May, too.
Additionally, there are events and festivals going on. The South Lake American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony is held each year at the Happy Homestead Cemetery. The free Made in Tahoe Festival at The Village at Palisades Tahoe celebrates all things local, too.
Beyond events, Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer visitors at this time of year. From the shops and restaurants in Truckee and Heavenly Village to the fun bars in Tahoe City, there’s something for every type of visitor. In years with heavy snowfall, there are even a few ski lifts still open.
Whether you want to go out on a motorboat, hike, bike, dine, soak up the views, or get pampered at a spa, there’s something for everyone. My itinerary for 4 days in Lake Tahoe has more ideas, too.
If the Sierra Nevada Mountains sound like your kind of place, you can book accommodation in Tahoe here. My favorite place to stay is The Village at Palisades Tahoe Hotel. It’s in an ideal location for the Made in Tahoe Festival festival, and the village has plenty of restaurants, bars, entertainment, and boutiques. You can book a room here.
4. San Diego
San Diego is another of my top picks for Memorial Day weekend getaways in California. With warm weather, excellent beaches, and fun attractions and nightlife, this beach city in SoCal is a great place for visitors of all ages.
There’s a lot going on in San Diego County over Memorial Day weekend. Visitors can tour the USS Midway, visit the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park, or attend the Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day celebration to honor veterans.
There are events, too. The annual Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival features “Broncs, Bulls, Barrel Racers and the ever-popular Wild Donkey Race & Calf Scramble”. There’s also the Kuumba Festival, which is San Diego’s longest-running celebration of black youth, family, community development, health, art, culture, and heritage.
If you’re visiting with children, San Diego is a great family destination. From Ocean Beach to La Jolla Cove and Mission Beach, there are fun places for playing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Legoland in Carlsbad is popular with kids, as are the San Diego Zoo and the Birch Aquarium.
If you’re looking for something more grown up, you can enjoy golfing or paragliding in Torrey Pines, shopping in Del Mar or La Jolla, doing a bar crawl in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or partying in Pacific Beach.
There are great attractions for people of all ages, too. You can go on a harbor cruise, visit Cabrillo National Monument and its tide pools, and tuck into delicious Mexican food.
If this sounds like your place to kick off summer, you can book a place to stay in San Diego here. My favorite is the Andaz. A boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, it’s not only in a great location, but it also has a rooftop pool. When I stayed, I loved the decor and atmosphere. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
5. Big Sur
On the Central Coast, Big Sur is next on my list of the best Memorial Day weekend getaways in California. This is one of the most popular places to visit in the Golden State because the natural beauty is unparalleled. The coastal scenery draws travelers from all over the world, and there are plenty of great hotels and restaurants here.
From hikes with views to bolder-studded beaches and spectacular waterfalls, this part of California’s Central Coast has a lot to offer visitors. It’s beautiful in late May when the wildflowers are out, and local restaurants and bars host live music events over Memorial Day weekend.
Whether you want to hike in Andrew Molera State Park, photograph Bixby Bridge, tuck into a sunset dinner at Post Ranch Inn or Nepenthe, go surfing, soak up the views of McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, or just admire the amazing scenery this area is known for, there are lots of fun ways to spend your time here.
If you want more ideas, take a look at my Big Sur itinerary. It has all kinds of things to do and see along this iconic stretch of Highway 1 over Memorial Day weekend. Just make sure to check for road closures before you plan your visit, as landslides can often cause damage on this part of the California Coast.
If you want to, you can do a road trip and combine this area with a visit to some equally exciting places nearby. My Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey itinerary will show you how. If you have more time, Santa Cruz and Capitola are just up the coast and they’re easy to visit, too.
If this sounds like a fun California vacation, you can book accommodation in Big Sur here. Whether you want to go glamping, camping, or stay at a hotel in Big Sur, there are lots of options for every style and budget. I’ve stayed everywhere from Treebones Resort to Glen Oaks and Deetjen’s, and they’ve all been great.
6. Palm Springs
Another of the best Memorial Day getaways in California is Palm Springs. If you can handle the heat, this desert region is a fun travel destination thanks to the variety of events, festivals, and activities on offer.
Palm Springs has a range of things to do on Memorial Day. The Palm Springs Air Museum’s annual Air Fair & Flower Drop pays homage to veterans, and cities throughout the desert host ceremonies and celebrations to commemorate the occasion.
There’s also Desertopia. This queer festival features music, dancing, and art in Palm Springs. It has everything from a pool party to a big club night and an outdoor afternoon festival against the picturesque backdrop of Mount San Jacinto.
Memorial Day weekend is also an ideal time to cool off at places like Splashtopia at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage and HyTides Water Park at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa. They’re fun family destinations that will help keep kids of all ages cool on hot days.
As if that’s not enough, Palm Springs is home to great restaurants, golf courses, mid-century modern architecture, and the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway. They’re fun things to see and do while you’re in the area.
If this part of Southern California sounds ideal for a vacation, you can book accommodation in Palm Springs here. My top pick for a place to stay is The Saguaro. Surrounded by mountains in Coachella Valley, this hip boutique hotel is a colorful spot to soak up the sun in the desert. You can book a room here.
7. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is next on my list of places to visit in California over Memorial Day weekend. It’s a great destination to kick off the summer season if you enjoy soaking up the sun and the island vibes.
There’s plenty to entertain visitors over the 3-day weekend in May. From outdoor activities like the Garden to Sky Hike to shopping, adventure tours, spas, museums, dining, and boating, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here.
If this sounds like your kind of escape, you can book accommodation on Catalina here. There are plenty of options, including house rentals, hotels, and B&Bs. My favorite place to stay is the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel. It has beautiful rooms and great views over Avalon. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here.
8. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is another of the best Memorial Day weekend getaways in California. One of the most famous places in the state, Yosemite is popular for its natural scenery.
Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, so you can easily visit them in late May regardless of how much snow there was in winter. Just be prepared for crowds, as this is a very popular time to visit the park.
There’s a lot you can do in Yosemite on Memorial Day, too. Most hikes from the valley, Hetch Hetchy, and Wawona are snow-free by the last Monday in May, so you’ll likely be able to take your pick of trails. From the famous Mist Trail to the Panorama Trail, the Wawona Meadow Loop, and Half Dome, there’s something for every skill and fitness level.
Yosemite’s waterfalls are at their best in May, too, so you’ll be able to see them at their fullest. From Yosemite Falls to Bridalveil Fall, you can admire some of the most famous from the valley floor. My itinerary for 3 days in Yosemite can give you more ideas.
As if that’s not enough reason to go, the Mariposa Grove Road usually opens by sometime in April. Even if it doesn’t, you can hike the Washburn Trail to get to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The Tioga Road and Glacier Point usually open in late spring or early summer each year, so you’ll likely have the whole park to explore when you visit.
Even if you don’t, you can spend time at places like The Ansel Adams Gallery, drive around the Yosemite Valley Loop, watch the climbers on El Capitan, and admire the vistas from Tunnel View.
If this sounds like your kind of early summer trip, you can book accommodation in Yosemite here. My top pick is The Ahwahnee. Built in 1927 and designed to highlight its natural surroundings, this place is known for its heritage interiors and unusual Arts and Crafts architecture. It’s one of the most unique places to stay in California. You can book a room here.
9. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is another of my top picks for Memorial Day getaways in California. This coastal city is known for its temperate weather, beaches, shops, wine tasting rooms, and amazing hotels. There’s great food and plenty of sightseeing on offer as well.
There’s a lot going on in Santa Barbara on Memorial Day. The annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival turns the plaza at Old Mission Santa Barbara into an al fresco art gallery. You can also go to the beach, visit museums and cultural attractions, cycle, or head out to the Channel Islands National Park.
And that’s to say nothing of the seafood restaurants on Stearns Wharf, the tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail, the murals in the Funk Zone, the blooms in the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden, the delicious stalls in the Santa Barbara Public Market, the mission, and the shops. My 2-day itinerary for Santa Barbara can show you the highlights.
There’s a lot you can do on the water over the 3-day weekend, too. From parasailing to sailing, surfing, and kayaking, there are plenty of things to get excited about.
It’s worth seeing some of the rest of Santa Barbara County, too. From the beaches in Goleta to the shopping in Montecito, the wine tasting in the Santa Rita Hills, the cute towns of Santa Ynez and Los Olivos, the old stagecoach stop at Cold Spring Tavern, and the unusual Danish town of Solvang, there’s no shortage of places to visit here.
If this sounds like your kind of place to kick off summer, you can book a place to stay in Santa Barbara here. There are options throughout the city and surrounding area, from iconic hotels in Montecito to beachfront apartments and more. I love staying at El Encanto. This luxurious hilltop hotel is a treat. You can book a room here.
10. Joshua Tree National Park
Another of my top picks for the best Memorial Day weekend getaways in California is Joshua Tree National Park. This otherworldly part of the state is nothing short of magical, and there are a lot of options for getting outdoors and into nature while you’re visiting.
In addition to the annual Memorial Day observance ceremony, there are plenty of things to do in Joshua Tree National Park on the last Monday in May. The weather is milder at this time of year than in the peak summer months, when temperatures can be very hot. It’s a great time to see Joshua Trees, dusty red rocks, and unique desert plants.
There are lots of great activities in Joshua Tree in late May, too. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the national park, and there’s a range of trails and routes you can take. They include Ryan Mountain, the Lost Palms Oasis Trail, Barker Dam, Hidden Valley, and the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail.
If you’re interested in other things, you can go rock climbing, stargazing, horseback riding, and take guided tours while you’re here. They’re great things to do in May, not to mention unique ways to experience the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park.
Just make sure to book things in advance if you plan to visit over Memorial Day. It’s one of the most popular times to visit Joshua Tree, and the park gets very crowded. You’ll want to plan ahead to make sure you get to do the things you’re interested in.
If this sounds like your kind of vacation spot, you can book accommodation in Joshua Tree here. My top pick for a place to call home-away-from-home is Sacred Sands. This hotel has great views, and it’s close to the West Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. You can book a room here.
11. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is another of the best Memorial Day getaways in California. Mammoth is known for offering a range of outdoor activities, and you can do all kinds of adventure sports here. In years with heavy snow, you can even go skiing. My itinerary for 3 days in Mammoth Lakes in summer will give you more ideas.
You can also visit the famous mountain lakes in and around Mammoth. From Mono Lake to the bodies of water along the June Lake Loop, they showcase the eastern Sierra Nevada’s natural beauty in all its glory.
If you like history, well-known ghost towns like Bodie are accessible by road from Mammoth Lakes. They’re unique spots to dig into California’s Gold Rush days and see what life was like in this part of the state in years past.
Late May is also a great time to go fishing, play a round of golf, enjoy mountain biking, hike up Sky Meadows Trail or walk around Snowcreek Meadow to see the wildflowers, or admire the geothermal vents bubbling up in Hot Creek.
Additionally, there are annual events going on. The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival takes place each year over Memorial Day weekend. There’s also the Mammoth Yacht Club Boat Races, gondola rides to the summit at Mammoth Mountain, and the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area.
If this summer vacation appeals, you can book a hotel in Mammoth Lakes here. I’ve stayed at The Village Lodge at Mammoth, and I like that it’s located right in the heart of the area. The rooms are great, too. If you want to do the same, you can book a room here.
12. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is another of the best places for Memorial Day weekend getaways in California. This area is one of the most famous wine regions in the Golden State, if not the world. There’s more to it than just vineyards and tasting rooms, though.
The majority of visitors come to Napa Valley for wine tasting tours, and for good reason. This part of Northern California’s wine country is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. There are award-winning wineries littered across the area, and they’re worth visiting.
If you don’t want to spend the whole long weekend wine tasting, you can shop in downtown Napa, kayak or stand-up paddle board on the Napa River, hike in the hills, boat and jet ski on Lake Berryessa, or go hot air ballooning. My 3-day Napa itinerary and my other Napa itineraries can show you more.
There are great towns and restaurants to discover, too. There’s a lot to love about St Helena and Calistoga, and the restaurants in Yountville are world-class (it’s where The French Laundry is located).
There are great events taking place here over Memorial Day Weekend, too. The most famous is BottleRock. This annual music festival offers 3 days of the best in live music, food, and wine in the heart of the city of Napa. It’s one of the most popular events of the year here.
If a wine country getaway for Memorial Day weekend sounds good to you, you can book accommodation in Napa Valley here. My top pick for a place to stay in the area for BottleRock is the Archer Hotel. This beautiful hotel is one of the closest to the festival, and it’s a great place to stay. You can book a room here.
13. Mount Shasta
Another great Memorial Day getaway in California is Mount Shasta. While the peak season here is June and July, late May is a great time to come to this part of the Golden State for a number of reasons.
The first is that the waterfalls here are spectacular to see in late spring. From Burney Falls to McCloud Falls, Faery Falls, Ash Creek Falls, Whitney Falls, and Hedge Creek Falls, they’re amazing to witness when the glacier runoff is at its peak.
The second is dependent on the year’s snow conditions. The best time to climb Mount Shasta is usually from May to mid-July when the days are long and the weather is (usually) at its best. Event in dry years, thin snowpack creates peak climbing conditions throughout May and into early June.
That makes late May the perfect time to plan a trip to Mount Shasta. This is especially true if you’re planning well in advance and you don’t know how the upcoming winter’s snowfall will impact climbing conditions on the mountain.
Regardless of the snowpack, you can enjoy visiting Stewart Mineral Hot Springs, walking through spring meadows, golfing and spa treatments at Mount Shasta Resort, and hiking on low and mid-elevation trails like the Gateway Trail, along the McCloud River, and in the Castle Crags. The high desert of the Shasta Valley a great place to go, too.
If this sounds like a good place to kick off summer, you can book a place to stay in Mount Shasta here. My top pick is Summit Lofts Boutique Hotel. This upscale hotel in the heart town has a variety of contemporary rooms and suites. It’s an ideal place to base yourself while you’re visiting. You can book a room here.
14. Ojai
Ojai is another great Memorial Day weekend getaway in California. Situated northwest of LA in Ventura County, it’s nestled in a valley in the Topatopa Mountains. Popular with those who seek spiritual experiences, this part of the Golden State is known for everything from New Age shops to meditation retreats.
The last Monday in May is a great time to visit Ojai. There’s an annual Memorial Day Community Celebration here, and it features a breakfast, a concert at Libbey Bowl, and a barbecue.
The free Art in the Park festival takes place every year over Memorial Day weekend, too. Established in 1977 by local artists at the Ojai Art Center, it offers artists a place to sell their work. Set among the oak trees in Libbey Park, the fair showcases a diverse mixture of artworks in a variety of media.
There are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy, too. From hiking to mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis, jeep tours, and golf, there’s no shortage of things to do. If you like to go at a more leisurely pace, you can spend time shopping, gallery hopping, and dining while you’re visiting. The city center is fun to walk around as well.
Then come the spas. They’re perfect places to relax at the start of summer, and they offer a range of experiences to choose from. Whether you want a massage or a communal treatment with self-applied desert clays, there’s something for everyone.
When it comes to accommodation, you can book a place to stay in Ojai here. My top pick is the Ojai Valley Inn. This famous property has been named one of the best resorts worldwide, and it has an amazing spa. You can book a room here.
15. Big Bear
Big Bear is another of my top picks for Memorial Day getaways in California. Located near Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains, this alpine destination is popular with travelers interested in adventure sports and outdoor activities.
Right on Big Bear Lake, visitors flock here in winter to go to ski resorts like Bear Mountain, Snow Valley, and Snow Summit. But there’s plenty to do at the start of summer, too.
The main event at the end of May is the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park. The park is a lakeside number with beautiful views. A cooperative effort between the Big Bear Lake Rotary Club, the Veterans Alliance, First Mountain Bank, and the City of Big Bear Lake, it features a memorial, a bandstand, and benches.
Beyond the event, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in Big Bear over Memorial Day weekend. These include Segway tours, ziplining, outdoor scavenger hunts, helicopter rides, off-roading, and horseback riding.
If you want to stay inside, Big Bear has spas, yoga, and other wellness activities. There’s plenty of great dining and lots of fun bars around Pine Knot Ave as well.
If this sounds like your kind of place to start summer, you can book a place to stay in Big Bear here. My top pick is NP Boutique Lodge. The cabins and houses feature contemporary mountain design and rustic-chic atmosphere and decor. If that appeals, you can book one here.
Map of California Memorial Day Weekend Destinations
As promised, I’ve created an interactive Google map of all the Memorial Day weekend destinations in California on my list. You can see it here. If you click on the pins, you can find more information and my relevant blog posts about each one.
Best Memorial Day Weekend Getaways in California
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to where to go for Memorial Day in California, and that it’s inspired you to head out and discover more highlights of the Golden State. There are lots of exciting places to discover in late May, and this time of year is a great one to be here. Happy travels!
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