Five Fun Memorial Day Beach Getaways

Memorial Day means beach weather–and there’s nowhere we’d rather be than dipping our toes in the sand. Before you head out on your official weeklong summer vacay, consider these drivable beach destinations that will tide you over during the long holiday weekend.

Looking Up on Long Island

Just a short drive from NYC onto Long Island, there’s no need to head out to the Hamptons to get in some beach time. Jones Beach State Park–which had its original heyday in the 1920s when the Art Deco-style West Bathhouse went up on the six-mile long beach–has seen a restoration of late. The newly reopened dining room, now called The Landing, a revitalized two-mile boardwalk, and a buzzy summer concert schedule at the adjacent amphitheater has brought this architectural gem back to the top of beach daytripping must-lists. On Memorial Day weekend, aside from the swimming, strolling the boardwalk, dining and taking in some mini-golf that’s available all summer long, the Blue Angels will perform their annual Air Show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Snag tickets at the amphitheater for the best view. And don’t forget to check out the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, a modern-day architectural gem recently added to the landscape.

Feeling French in Santa Barbara

Megan Markle has recently brought attention to Santa Barbara’s nickname as The American Riviera (see: the Duchess’ new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard). While the nickname may be under the radar for those of us not of that stratosphere, a long weekend frolicking on the beaches of Santa Barbara (on this side of the gated mansions) is still attainable for Los Angelenos looking for a mini break. A 2.5 hour jaunt up on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner puts you in the middle of the laid back action. We love Butterfly Beach in Montecito–a public beach in a celebrity playground. Known for its location that makes for stunning views of sunrises and sunsets, there’s plenty to do in between. Relax on the sandy stretch of beach, read a beachy novel, soak in the surf, and when you’re ready for a meal, walk the five minutes to Coast Village Road, where there are plenty of restaurants and shops. Butterfly also comes with a view of the Channel Islands in the distance, where dolphin and whale sightings are common.

Family Fun in Bethany Beach

Washingtonians know Bethany Beach is the quieter cousin of Rehoboth Beach in Delaware–and a go-to for Memorial Day Weekend (or any summer weekend for that matter) getaways. Jump in the car for the short drive to Bethany, where a string of lovely hotels and inns put you beachfront and along the boardwalk. Stroll along the boardwalk, shop at the kitschy Candy Kitchen, and wheel your wagon onto the beach for some epic sandcastle making with the kids. Head over to the Freeman Arts Pavilion when you’re ready for a beach break. And don’t miss the annual Poseidon Festival that will have you interacting with mermaids, pirates and luau dancers.

Making Waves in Marblehead

Vogue has called Marblehead “New England’s Best Kept Seaside Secret.” Feels accurate. Marblehead is a quintessential New England town (and a short drive from Salem if you have a thing for witchy history) that offers plenty of historic sightseeing when you’re ready to step away from your beach towel. But for Memorial Day weekend, we say start with a stop at Devereux Beach. Five acres of soft sand gives you plenty of space to lay out your picnic blanket, enjoy the surf and soak in the sun. Post-dip, wander Washington Street for its restaurants and independent shops. Then, from Fort Sewell to Abbott Hall to Old Burial Hill, there’s plenty of Revolutionary War history to explore. Of course, you’re in New England, make time to have a Lobster Roll.

Loving Summer in Lake County

Chicagoans are used to traversing the Illinois border to Wisconsin for some #lakelife fun, but a mini break in Lake County lets you keep it local. Start your weekend visit to the summer spot with a visit to Illinois Beach State Park for some swimming along its six miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Trails for hiking and biking can also add to your outdoor day. When you’re ready for some more summer fun, head to Six Flags Great America, where you can take part in another quintessential warm weather activity, riding roller coasters. Illinois Beach State Park offers camping facilities or, if you’re vacationing with the kids, a Great Wolf Lodge is nearby.

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