Summer with its parties and pools and BBQ and family and fun is officially kicking off. It's time to explore some Memorial Day Weekend getaways with the big day coming up on Monday, May 27, 2024.
If you're feeling the need for a little escape this Memorial Day Weekend, maybe a quick day trip or weekend getaway to somewhere new is the move!
In Case You're Interested:
>> Free Things to do in Orlando
>> Secret Florida Islands
>> Fun Outdoor Activities
>> April Events in Orlando
And hey – Florida is a tourist hotspot in the summertime for good reason. There are so many places to visit and take advantage of your days in the sun – explore our list of day trips from Orlando.
Explore even more deals with these Florida Resident discounts or escape to one of these luxury resort pools without staying overnight.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND HOTEL DEALS
Take advantage of the holiday weekend and book a staycation at one of these Orlando hotels or a getaway not too far from home. We've found multiple hotel deals for the summer. Some of these deals do not apply on Memorial Day weekend, but take a look and find a getaway that works for you.
Orlando World Center Marriott
Towering above the main gates to Walt Disney World the Orlando World Center Marriott is an incredible resort. The River Falls Waterpark available to all hotel guests features a 575ft. zero entry lazy river; 3 waterslides and an aqua playground with bubbling nozzles and other fun features. What an awesome way to spend Memorial Day Weekend.
The Getaway in Our World package includes:
- Up to 25% savings on our best available rates
- $25 nightly resort credit
- Complimentary room upgrade when available
- Self-parking for one vehicle per night
- Promotional Code: ZJL
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
One of our absolute favorite hotels near Walt Disney World, JW Marriott Bonnet Creek is blissful. Its modern design somehow pairs beautifully with the surrounding Bonnet Creek nature preserve and the magic of Walt Disney World within sight. The dining and the spa here are superb.
Check their special offers for any current deals.
Feature image is of JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek, by Dani Meyering
Dive into luxury Gulf Front experiences with our exclusive calendar of Memorial Day Weekend events at JW Marriott’s beachfront resort. Enjoy Dive-in movies under the stars, unwind with specialty spa offers, embrace whimsy with kid’s face painting and fairy hair in the lobby. Reserve nighttime adventures for the little ones at our Hideaway Hangout kid’s club, savor beachfront BBQ delights, indulge in pop-up ice cream shops, and elevate your rooftop pool experience with the Tattinger champagne cart. Your unforgettable beach escape awaits!
Resort Packages available.
WYNDHAM GRAND CLEARWATER BEACH
Enjoy the benefits of being a local and enjoy a getaway to Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach! Find paradise just a short drive from Orlando with the white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of one of America’s best beaches. Experience the tranquil Pallavi Spa and dine waterfront at the four-diamond Asian-fusion restaurant, Ocean Hai.
Florida residents can take advantage of the Florida and Georgia Resident Rate with special savings of up to 25% off, discounted valet parking, and 10% off at all dining outlets.
Package Includes:
- Save up to 25% on their Best Available Rate
- $20.00 Valet Parking
- 10% off at their dining outlets, including Ocean Hai, eSKPades, and DocK's Pool Bar & Grille (excludes alcohol)
Take 2 Package at AC Hotel Tampa
Available through December 2024
Make it a date night at the AC Hotel Tampa with their Take 2 Package, which includes 2 tapas & 2 cocktails in the AC Lounge and a 2pm check-out! Explore Memorial Day weekend festivities around Tampa and then relax in luxurious guest rooms, soak up the sun at their pristine outdoor pool and unwind by the fire pit to complete your stay. Book your romantic getaway today!
THE ALFOND INN
Explore Winter Park's Park Avenue and nearby Hannibal Square, both within walking distance of this boutique hotel. The Alfond Inn boasts a top-notch restaurant, bar, stunning artwork (free art tours available), a pool and more.
It's also pet friendly ($50/night pet fee applies).
The Adventures in the Park Package includes:
- Two night stay in a Classic Room
- Two tickets to Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
- Two tickets to The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
MORE ORLANDO HOTEL DEALS FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:
- Caribe Royale Orlando: Florida resident offer available
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando: 4th night free offer available
- Margaritaville Resort Orlando: A variety of special offers, including a three-day weekend to save up to 25% off Sunday night
- Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate: 20% off for Florida Residents plus a voucher for a free round of mini golf per person each day of stay
MEMORIAL DAY WATER PARK FUN
Originally by Natalie Monzon, updated April 2024 by Dani Meyering
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Discovery Cove is spreading a little extra sunshine by offering 40% off 2024 reservations! Florida residents can book any date through December 31, 2024 – but reservations must be made by April 28, 2024.
Buccaneer Bay
There are tons of water parks around Florida but none is quite as unique as this spring-fed water park. It's the perfect Memorial Day Weekend day trip from Orlando. Buccaneer Bay is located inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. There's a sandy white beach, a swimming area, and four water slides. Three of the slides drop you off into the natural springs. If you're not up for the thrill you can rent a tube and flow along the natural lazy river. You can also rent a kayak or canoe for a DIY adventure.
Don't be surprised if you spot a mermaid swimming around the crystal-clear waters. This water park is the perfect mix of nature and fun.
Epperson Lagoon
I found the perfect place to kick back and relax this Memorial Day Holiday! Epperson Lagoon has everything you could ever need for a day in the sun. There's a swim-up bar with a variety of beer and specialty drinks and tons of activities for everyone to enjoy. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent for those who don't feel like swimming.
There's even a floating obstacle course if you're seeking a little bit of adventure. This seven acre lagoon is located within the Metro Places Lagoon communities.
Make sure to get your Memorial Day holiday tickets in advance; it's common for the park to sell out, and with so many people wanting to escape for somewhere cool this Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, a sellout is possible.
Related: Day Trip to Epperson Lagoon for Fun in the Sun
If you're interested in exploring more of the Tampa Bay area then consider a scalloping trip. It is a popular thing to do in the summer. Here's your Ultimate Guide to the 2023 Scalloping Season in Tampa Bay.
Island H2O Live! on Memorial Day
Orlando is famous for its theme parks and water parks any day of the year, but particularly on Memorial Day Holiday Weekend. Cool off this Memorial Day by taking a trip to Kissimmee and checking out the latest water park addition. Island H2O Live! has eight slides, a lazy river with lighting effects, a pool for adults 21 and up only, and live entertainment. It's an interactive water park with games that allow you to earn points towards food and merchandise discounts.
Admission is $65.99 for one day. Get your tickets online and look for special deals, so you don't have to wait in the ticket line at the entrance. The lines at security and to get into the park itself will be long enough.
This fun waterpark is within walking distance (or a short trolley ride) of Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, a shopping and dining district.
Editor's pick – If you're going to visit a waterpark on Memorial Day weekend then Island H2O Live! is a good choice mostly because of one thing: private cabanas. Normally a private cabana in a water park is way too pricey. But at Island H2O they are relatively affordable on weekdays $199.99 and weekends $249.99. There are even cabanas just for adults in the adults-only pool area.
Island H2O Live! Cabanas include:
- In-Cabana food and beverage service
- Refrigerator
- Four bottles of Dasani water
- Table for four
- Two lounge chairs
- Private locker (small pod style)
Volcano Bay
It can be hard to decide which Orlando water park is best for the best Memorial Day experience. If you're looking for total Memorial Day immersion, in a place that feels like paradise, you may want to consider Universal's Volcano Bay. Besides tons of water slides, there is a lazy river, and a fast river, plus a gorgeous beach and multiple pools. And, it has some of the best food and drinks in any water park. Plan your day with Volcano Bay Tips for Couples.
CITIES TO EXPLORE FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
These Memorial Day Weekend getaways are within an hour or so drive from Orlando.
St Pete
St. Pete is definitely a more artsy city – and a lovely Memorial Day destination! The murals–a huge part of the city's culture–will have you walking around for hours and are a huge part of the city's culture. There's also a collection of museums that are unique to the city. Located by the waterfront, the Dali Museum houses the largest collection of Dali's works outside Europe.
Also located in St Pete, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest in the country. It was built as a living memorial for those who suffered and perished due to the holocaust. For an outdoorsy adventure, head to Sunken Gardens, a botanical garden lush with tropical foliage, waterfalls and flamingos.
Foodie and craft beer highlights include Bodega on Central (amazing Cubans), Engine No. 9 (burgers) and Green Bench Brewing.
There's so much to see and do in this city that sometimes a day doesn't feel like enough. When you're done experiencing all of the art and culture, enjoy one of St Pete's best qualities — the beach.
Memorial Day Weekend calls for all things tropical. If you enjoy the St. Pete area then consider exploring the many Tropical and Authentic Tiki Bars around Tampa Bay.
Memorial Day-Trip Worthy Attractions
Brevard Zoo
The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne is perfect for your Memorial Day Weekend if you're into getting up close to cute animals. You can feed a giraffe, enter a room with a ton of hungry birds, pet a llama, and walk alongside kangaroos. The zoo's mission is to conserve wildlife through education and participation. Every animal is housed in an environment that resembles its own in the wild. You'll encounter a mob of meerkats, rhinos, gators, monkeys, and so much more.
If you’re tired of walking, you can take a different route by experiencing the zoo via kayak. Or, et a bird’s eye view of everything from the zip lines up above the zoo. There's so much to do here that an entire day won't seem like enough. This is one of the more adventurous Memorial Day Weekend getaways on our list.
Tampa's Riverwalk for Memorial Day Weekend
Most Floridians love being near water. It's where we feel most at home. The Tampa Riverwalk has it all. You can hop on the Pirate Water Taxi to take in the scenic views while making various stops around the city. It's $20 for an all day pass and stops at various places like the History Center, Straz Performing Arts Center, Ricks on the River, and more. It even stops at some restaurants where you can enjoy waterfront dining, Ulele being the most popular.
For something a little more educational, you can visit the Tampa Museum of Art on a Memorial Day getaway. The exhibits are constantly changing so you can keep going back and never get bored. It has interactive exhibits that everyone will enjoy.
Tampa's Riverwalk also reaches one of my favorite places – and a great Memorial Day adventure! Armature Works is a fully restored mixed-use building with eateries, shops, and a rooftop bar. You get such a beautiful view of the city and the water, and it's perfect for a Memorial Day getaway.
