7 Memorial Day Weekend Flight Deals to Book Right Now
by Meredith Carey
And just like that, it's time for summer to begin.
If, like us, you didn't realize the first long weekend of the summer was so soon, as in three weeks from now soon, you're in luck. We partnered with Airfarewatchdog to find flight deals to the likes of Seattle, New Orleans, and Nantucket, all for less than $360 round-trip over Memorial Day Weekend. See a fare you like? Get moving: These deals can expire at any time, so it's in your best interest to book now. Our other hot tip is to be flexible, as the best MDW flight deals are found on off-peak days, so consider leaving Thursday and heading home on Sunday to get a great last-minute fare.
This gallery was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with new information.
New York City to Nantucket
From $265 round-trip, on JetBlue
Just a one-hour flight away from the hustle of New York City, Nantucket has always served as a summer refuge for the Northeast's elite. But with round-trip flights to the island off of Cape Cod costing less than $300, it's easier than ever to see the iconic shingled, weather-worn buildings and spend time on the windswept beaches yourself. Once you've made it to Nantucket, make your first stop Young's Bicycle Shop, which has been doling out two-wheelers since the 1930s. Almost everything in town is within biking distance, including the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Brant Point Lighthouse, and the Nantucket Culinary Center.
Planning a trip to Nantucket? Read more here.
Courtesy Waldorf Astoria
Newark to Orlando
From $355 round-trip, on United
Planning to visit Walt Disney World, especially on a holiday weekend, is going to take more foresight than booking flights three weeks out (we recommend starting six months out for a Disney vacation). But that doesn't mean you can't have a great vacation in Orlando. Our first stop? The Waldorf Astoria, an oasis away from the theme parks with an 18-hole championship golf course, cabana-lined pool (pictured), and an Astoria After Dark for evening kids activities. If you do want to get in on the theme park action, we've got full guides to tackling Universal Resort (which includes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and SeaWorld.
Need more off-park suggestions? Here are the best things to do, restaurants in Orlando.
Los Angeles to Seattle
From $298 round-trip, on Alaska
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of L.A. (and get some fresh air for once), we'd start by working through some of our 10 favorite hikes in and around Seattle. Start with Discovery Park Loop, a 2.8- or 5.1-mile loop inside the city limits with views of snow-capped Mt. Rainier when the clouds behave. Then, check the calendar of the Seward Park Audubon Center, which hosts nature walks and bird and owl-watching excursions. Once you've worn yourself out, hunker down in the coffee shops and cafes that Seattle is known for.
Check out our destination guide for Seattle for more trip-planning tips.
Atlanta to New Orleans
A weekend trip to New Orleans is not for the faint of heart—and you'll want to pack your stretchiest pants for all of the meals you'll be eating. Post up in the colorful, design-forward Hotel Peter and Paul, which made its way onto our Hot List this year. Then, explore the surrounding Marigny neighborhood and nearby Bywater, with stops at local artist Brandon Odums Studio Be, the Spotted Cat for some of the city's best jazz, and Bywater American Bistro.
Exploring New Orleans? Take our editors' advice with you.
Miami to New York City
From $297 round-trip, on American Airlines
The perk about traveling to New York City for Memorial Day Weekend is that most New Yorkers have left the city, leaving it quieter than usual. That means you can head up to the roof of the Met museum to see Polish-German artist Alicja Kwade's ParaPivot installation, enjoy a tribute to singer Leonard Cohen at The Jewish Museum, and grab a drink at one of the city's many rooftop bars without the usual crowds. Plus, a ton of new hotels have opened since last Memorial Day Weekend, including the Times Square Edition, Sister City, an affordable off-shoot of the Ace Hotels, and the Hoxton Williamsburg.
Find a full list of things to do, places to eat, and bars to drink at in our New York City destination guide.
Dylan + Jeni/Courtesy Bavel
You could technically make a long weekend out of driving the scenic route, but for $127 round-trip on a flight (compared to at least $120 round-trip in gas) you're getting to experience all of L.A., without having to sit in the holiday weekend gridlock on Highway 1. If you are going, be sure to head to Hollywood Forever Cemetery's outdoor screening website now to snag tickets for the Memorial Day Weekend Legally Blonde and Rear Window showings. As for dining, we'd head to Bavel (pictured), République, and N/naka.
Get your full itinerary planned with the help of our Los Angeles destination guide.
Denver to Houston
From $213 round-trip, on Southwest
Houston is all about the high-low. One afternoon, you'll be wandering the U.S.'s first free-standing building dedicated to modern drawing at the Menil; the next, you'll be wandering through the Beer Can House, which is, well, exactly what it sounds like. Don't forget to schedule in some BBQ at Killeen's, Gatlin's, or Pinkerton's.
Houston is enormous. We broke it down into manageable chunks in our destination guide.