Summary
- Celebrate Memorial Day at Ellis Island with a guided tour and museum tour.
- Explore the birthplace of Memorial Day in Waterloo, New York, with a grand parade and family activities over the weekend.
- Visit Charleston, South Carolina to discover historic sites and stunning beaches to commemorate Memorial Day in a meaningful way.
Initially known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and mourns military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. Memorial Day is commemorated each year at Arlington National Cemetery and a small American flag is placed on each grave.
Respectful Memorial Day festivities also include some of the best summer destinations in the United States. as popular travel locations. Over the years, some fantastic places in the United States have become popular destinations for celebrating Memorial Day weekend, both on the American and American side. East Coast steeped in history and the robust and beautiful west coast of America.
A project 43.8 million Americans expected to pack their bags for trips over 50 miles or more during this year's holiday weekend. However, these are some of the most underrated places to go for Memorial Day in the United States that welcome summer with a salute.
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7 Ellis Island, New York
Celebrate the first point of entry into America for 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954
On January 1, 1892, Ellis Island opened as an immigration station for the United States of America. It is a federal island located in New York Harbor and has a cafe to take a break from and a museum and library to visit. There are two ways to enjoy the museum, all at no additional cost: a guided tour with a park ranger or a self-guided tour (with or without audio guidance).
Ellis Island is only accessible by boat. Ferries are operated by Cruises in the city of statues and departure from The Battery in Lower Manhattan in New York. The first ferry departs at 9 a.m. and the last ferry leaves Ellis Island at 6 p.m. Opening hours are extended in summer and during holidays.
In November 1954, Ellis Island officially closed as an immigration station. From 1984, Ellis Island underwent a $160 million renovationthe largest historic restoration project in U.S. history.
Simply visiting Ellis Island is a celebration of the lives of those who died protecting the land of the free, and Ellis Island was the entry point to this land.
6 Waterloo, New York
Celebrate the birthplace of Memorial Day in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.
Named after Waterloo in Belgium, where Napoleon was defeated, Waterloo in New York is located between the two central Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake.
In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation recognizing Waterloo as the birthplace of Memorial Day. The 25th annual Celebrate Commemorate celebration, taking place the weekend of May 24-26 and May 30, will bring thousands of people “home” to Waterloo. The celebration will include musical performances, arts and crafts shows, children's games, a youth essay contest and a grand parade celebrating American freedom at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25.
5 Williamsburg, Virginia
Virginia's colonial capital is known for its restoration and recreation of 18th-century America.
Williamsburg and surrounding areas Jamestown and Yorktown, forms the Historic Triangle, a place that captivates more than 4 million tourists each year. At its heart is Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum where visitors step back in time and experience daily colonial life on the streets, shops and workshops, all brought to life by actors in period costumes.
The city invites people to explore America's founding ideals and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of them on Memorial Day weekend, a solemn and important occasion. This year, the event will take place from Friday to Monday, May 24 to 27.. Admission is free for all active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen and their immediate dependents.
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4 Rapid City, South Dakota
A gateway to iconic Mount Rushmore, with many historic and family attractions
Known for its historical significance, proximity to Mount Rushmore and a long list of things to do, the city of presidents, Rapid City in South Dakota, is a great place to spend Memorial Day weekend.
Known as the “City of Presidents” because of the life-size bronze president statues downtown, Rapid City neighbors the Black Hills, home to Mount Rushmore, which has more history behind it than most people could imagine. To the east of the city is Badlands National Park.
Rapid City Memorial Day Race is a red carpet invitation, in honor of the brave, for all active and retired military personnel with free registration for the race on May 27. Rapid City welcomes various events and festivals all year round to match all interests, budgets and lifestyles. Summer Nights is a weekly concert series which takes place every Thursday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
3 Carlsbad, California
Memorial Day celebrations among sandy beaches and fields of blooming flowers
North of San Diego and away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Carlsbad is the ultimate coastal playground. The little seaside town just outside Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is perfect for an action-packed getaway or relaxing retreat. It is also an ideal place to attend the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27a heartwarming event where the community and resident service members come together in a spirit of unity and belonging to honor the fallen.
In spring, Carlsbad comes alive with the colors of thousands of species of flowers. and it is a beautiful flowery destination. The military town is also home to bars and a vibrant nightlife.
2 St. Augustine, Florida
America's oldest city is a historic but underrated beach destination for Memorial Day weekend
On the old cobblestone streets of St. Augustine, Memorial Day weekend takes on special significance as the the country's oldest city pays tribute to fallen soldiers on May 27. Throughout the weekend, various events and activities honor the military and commemorate the holiday, including a solemn tribute and wreath-laying ceremony.
Saint Augustine is an integral part of Florida's rich history, with beaches, historic sites, good food and much more to do. Still, it's one of the most underrated cities in the state. A perfect stretch of subtropical sand often overshadowed by the city's abundant history. Its historic city center seems a thousand miles from the city's coastal dunes.
1 Charleston, South Carolina
With historic sites, numerous war memorials, and great beaches, it's a great place to spend Memorial Day weekend.
Founded in 1670 and defined by its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, Charleston, South Carolina, holds an important place in American military history. There's also plenty to do on Memorial Day, including a ceremony on May 27. THE Aiken Memorial Day Parade takes place on Laurel Street and Park Avenue.
Visitors are drawn to Charleston in all seasons for the variety of things to do and see in Charleston, ranging from historic sites such as Patriot Point Or Fort Sumterwhere the first shots of the civil war were fired, to the new and inspiring Lowcountry Children's Museum and the South Carolina Aquarium.
Several Charleston area beaches, such as Madness Beach Or Sullivan's Islandare fantastic attractions and a great place to spend time with family and friends or even for a solo trip, whatever the time of year.