Memorial Day weekend is the starter pistol for summer. Pools open. Grills fire up. White pants come out of storage. And about 43 million Americans hit the road for the long weekend. The problem with 43 million people traveling simultaneously is predictable: hotel prices spike 40-60% for Friday-Monday, and popular destinations feel like rush hour at a theme park. Which they literally are, in Orlando's case.
Resort vacation deals on Memorial Day weekend sidestep the price spike because their promotional rates are tied to timeshare presentations, not seasonal demand. While hotels are charging $300-400/night for a standard room, you can book a full resort suite for $69-129/night over the same weekend. The catch is the 90-minute presentation — a tiny trade for savings that let you start summer on the right foot. Browse our current vacation deals to find Memorial Day availability.
Top Memorial Day Weekend Vacation Deals
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — From $89/Night
Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff to Myrtle Beach summer season. Ocean water is warm enough to swim (mid-70s), the boardwalk is in full swing, and the energy is electric. Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront offers 3-4 night Memorial Day packages from $89/night for oceanfront suites. Watch the fireworks over the ocean from your balcony — multiple Grand Strand locations host Memorial Day fireworks shows.
The Hot Summer Nights festival launches Memorial Day weekend with free concerts, fireworks, and beach events along the boardwalk. It's the single best weekend to visit Myrtle Beach if you want peak summer energy without the mid-July crowds.
Orlando, Florida — From $89/Night
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of extended theme park hours at Disney and Universal. Orlando resort deals from $89/night at Westgate and Wyndham give you access to the fun without the financial pain of booking regular hotels during a peak weekend. The resort pools are in full summer mode, and many properties host their own Memorial Day events — poolside BBQs, live music, and kids' activities.
Las Vegas, Nevada — From $69/Night
Vegas pool season officially launches Memorial Day weekend. The massive resort pool complexes — lazy rivers, wave pools, waterslides — are all fully operational and staffed. Hilton Grand Vacations and Westgate Las Vegas offer Memorial Day deals from $69/night. The Strip is buzzing with summer energy, and the restaurants and shows are packed with the first wave of summer tourists.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee — From $69/Night
Late May in the Smoky Mountains is gorgeous — wildflowers are blooming, the rivers are running strong, and the temperatures are perfect for hiking (70s-80s). Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort's Memorial Day packages from $69/night put you in the mountains for the long weekend. The park's synchronized firefly display in late May/early June is a once-a-year natural phenomenon that draws visitors from around the world.
San Antonio, Texas — From $79/Night
Memorial Day in San Antonio features patriotic celebrations, River Walk events, and the beginning of summer at SeaWorld and Six Flags. Wyndham resort deals from $79/night for the holiday weekend are solid value. The city's Memorial Day ceremonies are among the most meaningful in the country, given San Antonio's deep military heritage.
Memorial Day Vacation Deals Comparison
| Destination | Price | Weekend Highlight | Weather | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $69/night | Pool season launch | 95°F | HGV, Westgate |
| Gatlinburg | $69/night | Wildflowers + hiking | 78°F | Westgate |
| San Antonio | $79/night | Patriotic celebrations | 88°F | Wyndham |
| Myrtle Beach | $89/night | Beach season opener | 82°F | Westgate |
| Orlando | $89/night | Extended park hours | 88°F | Westgate, Wyndham |
Planning Your Memorial Day Resort Weekend
Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25th. The ideal booking format is a 3-4 night stay: Thursday evening through Monday, or Friday through Monday. Book 8-10 weeks in advance (early March) for the best selection. Travel early on Thursday or Friday morning to avoid the weekend traffic surge.
If you're driving, check real-time traffic apps and consider leaving before 6am or after 8pm on Friday. The worst traffic window is typically 2-7pm on the Friday before Memorial Day. Many families avoid this entirely by leaving Thursday after work.
Memorial Day Resort Activities
Most resorts host special Memorial Day programming: poolside BBQs, patriotic-themed activities for kids, outdoor movie nights, and sometimes live music or DJs. Ask the front desk about holiday events when you check in. These resort activities are typically free for guests and add a festive atmosphere to the long weekend.
The Bottom Line
Memorial Day weekend at a resort is the perfect way to launch summer. Deals from $69/night at full-service properties beat regular hotel pricing by 40-60%, giving you the long weekend experience without the financial hangover. Book early, pack sunscreen, and start your summer right. Check our deals under $100 for the most affordable Memorial Day options.