9 Underrated Memorial Day Weekend Road Trip Ideas for 2025

Ditch the crowds and discover these hidden gems this Memorial Day.

Memorial Day weekend 2025 marks the unofficial start of summer—and an ideal time to hit the road. While popular spots like Yellowstone and Cape Cod draw massive crowds this time of year, we’ve got a few hidden gems up our sleeves that won’t have you barreling through tour groups just to catch a view. The U.S. is packed with off-the-radar road trip destinations boasting history, natural beauty, and quiet charm.

Based on data from AAA, the majority of Memorial Day travelers choose to drive, with almost 90% opting for road trip destinations. If you’re looking to avoid traffic jams, we’ve rounded up 10 underrated Memorial Day weekend road trip ideas—from the forests of California to the historic beachfront of New Jersey. So pack your road trip gadgets and get moving.

This article was reviewed for accuracy by Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor and full-time traveler.

Crystal Cove State Park, California

Nestled between Newport and Laguna Beach, this state park along the Pacific Coast Highway offers ocean views, rugged cliffs, tranquil hiking trails, and even a dedicated historic district. It’s a much quieter alternative to Santa Monica and ideal for the outdoorsy type trying to avoid L.A. beach crowds.

• Total miles: Approximately 100 miles round trip from Los Angeles, CA
  
  
• Estimated hours driven: 2–3 hours total
  
  
• Top sights and activities: Tide pooling, hiking, Crystal Cove Historic District

Crystal Cove’s 3.2 miles of shoreline are speckled with tide pools where you’re likely to spot sea urchins, small fish, and (if you’re lucky) vibrant starfish. Just inland of the beach, you’ll find more than 17 miles of trails weaving through coastal canyons and bluffs, all with a grand view of the Pacific. The park’s Historic District has a cluster of restored 1930s beach cottages—some of which can be reserved for overnight stays (just be sure you plan ahead if you want to snag one). And lastly, don’t forget to pop over to Bear Flag Fish Co. for seafood and the Shake Shack for some unique milkshake flavors.

Manteo, North Carolina

Manteo is a small town with a big history located on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks. It’s quieter than its neighboring beach towns (which can get pretty swamped in the summer months) and offers cultural depth, like Elizabethan gardens and maritime museums. If you like Netflix’s OBX, you’ll get all the history here without the crazy pogue x kook party scene.

• Total miles: Approximately 300 miles round trip from Raleigh, NC
  
  
• Estimated hours driven: 6-7 hours total
  
  
• Top sights and activities: Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, Elizabethan Gardens, The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse offers views of the bay and a look into the region’s nautical past. Stop off nearby at Elizabethan Gardens to wander through lush grounds inspired by 16th-century England. But the real sight to see is the Lost Colony outdoor drama—a long-running production that tells the story of America’s first mystery. Go ahead and swing by Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop if you need a bite between stops.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida & Mississippi

So large it spans two states, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers a coastal alternative to Florida’s more crowded beaches. The white sands and crystal-clear water (we’re talking Caribbean-esque beach vibes) will surely make for a relaxing long weekend. Think, a nice mix of nature, quiet adventure, and vintage seaside charm.

• Total miles: Approximately 200 miles round trip from Mobile, AL
  
  
• Estimated hours driven: 4-5 hours total
  
  
• Top sights and activities: Fort Pickens, Perdido Key beaches, Naval Live Oaks Trail

Fort Pickens (at the park’s western edge) will give you a look into the area’s Civil War history—at one point, it was even home to Geronimo. For a tranquil beach day, hit up Perdido Key, which is great for swimming, snorkeling, or just working on your tan. Hikers, this one's for you: the Naval Live Oaks Trail takes you through one of America’s first protected tree farms. Pro tip, pack a picnic. 

Georgetown, South Carolina

Often overlooked as tourist crowds flock to Charleston, Georgetown is one of South Carolina’s oldest towns—and frankly, we think it is just as charming as CHS. This old port city boasts tree-lined streets, antebellum homes, and a rich connection to Gullah Geechee culture.

• Total miles: Approximately 200 miles round trip from Charleston, SC
  
  
• Estimated hours driven: 4-5 hours total
  
  
• Top sights and activities: Harborwalk, Gullah Museum, Swamp Fox Tours

Georgetown’s Harborwalk features waterfront restaurants (we personally love The Independent), boutiques, and cotton candy sunset views over the Sampit River. The Gullah Museum gives you a look into the African American communities who helped shape the region’s identity. And for a fun and educational overview, the Swamp Fox tram tour will guide you through the city’s centuries-old streets.

Big Sur, California

Yes, Big Sur is legendary—but somehow the majority of this rugged coastline still feels untouched (especially in the spring). You’ll likely spot early-season wildflowers and run into fewer crowds, making the dramatic coastal views even more spectacular. Plus, the drive itself is half the fun.

• Total miles: Approximately 300 miles round trip from San Francisco
  
  
• Estimated hours driven: 6-7 hours total
  
  
• Top sights and activities: Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls

Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed spots on the Pacific Coast Highway. Google it: We bet you’ve unknowingly set a picture of it as your desktop background at some point. Pfeiffer Beach is famous for its purple sand and huge sea arches, but it is tucked down a narrow road that’s quite easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled. And please don’t skip Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park—here, McWay Falls tumbles 80 feet down straight into the Pacific. Stop at Nepenthe for lunch on your drive, and if you can afford the high nightly price tag, you absolutely have to stay at Alila Ventana.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Often overshadowed by Utah’s Zion, Bryce or Arches National Park, Capitol Reef is a spectacular, less-trafficked destination still packed with red rock cliffs and natural arches. If you’re seeking the iconic desert views Utah is known for without swimming through a sea of travelers to get there, this park has you covered.

• Total miles: Approximately 400 miles round trip from Salt Lake City, UT
  
  
• Estimated hours driven: 6-7 hours total
  
  
• Top sights and activities: Scenic Drive, Hickman Bridge Trail, Fruita Historic District

The Scenic Drive winds through cliffs, domes, and slot canyons with photo ops galore. The Hickman Bridge Trail is short, but it takes you straight to a massive natural arch. In the Fruita Historic District, you can explore pioneer-era buildings and pick fruit (depending on timing, likely cherries or apricots) from century-old orchards. And honestly, Capitol Reef is one of the few national parks where you actually may not see another person for miles on your hike.

Cape May, New Jersey

This may be the Jersey Shore, but it’s not the Jersey Shore you’re thinking of. Think: Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and a laid-back seaside vibe. It's one of the oldest beach resorts in the country, but it typically flies under the radar because of its neighbors, like Atlantic City. That’s a common travel mistake though—we consider it one of the best Memorial Day weekend trips on the east coast.

• Total miles: Approximately 300 miles round trip from Philadelphia, PA
  
  
• Estimated hours driven: 4-5 hours total
  
  
• Top sights and activities: Cape May Lighthouse, Victorian Historic District, Sunset Beach

Cape May’s lighthouse offers 360-degree coastal views—well worth the 199-step climb. The town’s Historic District packs hundreds of preserved 19th-century homes. And at Sunset Beach, you can search for naturally polished “Cape May diamonds” as the sun sets into the Delaware Bay. A can’t-miss here? Taco Caballito Tequileria.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Looking for remote calm? Sleeping Bear Dunes towers above Lake Michigan, and is much more peaceful than most other national parks this time of year. It’s a local favorite, and early summer is the perfect time to beat the high-season crowds.

• Total miles: Approximately 350 miles round trip from Detroit, MI
  
  
• Estimated hours driven: 6-7 hours total
  
  
• Top sights and activities: Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Glen Arbor, Empire

The Dune Climb is a steep, sandy ascent with epic lake views at the top. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive takes you through forests and dunes with multiple overlook stops for panoramic photos. After a long day of hiking and exploring, pop off to Glen Arbor or Empire. Both towns are known for their pie shops, breweries, and art galleries. If you can stomach a cold plunge, be sure to bring your swimsuit and hop into the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan, too.

FAQs

What is the best day to travel by car Memorial Day weekend?
The best day to travel by car over Memorial Day weekend is typically early Friday morning or late Thursday evening. Avoid driving during peak midday hours on Friday, which tends to have the heaviest traffic, especially around cities. Returning home, Monday morning tends to be quieter than late afternoon.

How to beat Memorial Day traffic?
Leave early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid rush hour and weekend congestion. Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps to reroute around accidents or backups. If possible, extend your trip by leaving a day earlier and/or returning a day later. 

Is Memorial Day weekend expensive to travel?
Yes, Memorial Day weekend is generally more expensive due to increased demand for lodging and gas. Prices for hotels and vacation rentals often surge, especially in popular beach, national park, and city destinations. Memorial Day weekend road trip ideas in the USA can be a more budget-friendly travel option if you book accommodations early. For cheap places to go for Memorial Day weekend, consider less-crowded and underrated destinations.

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