Things To Do Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend is the start of summer in Southern California, even though the official first day of summer is not until mid-June. We have compiled a list of the fun and exciting things to do over Memorial Day weekend. Our picks are in no particular order and not ranked. We have included the most popular things to do, plus a few hidden gems. Your trip starts here.
Take a day trip to Catalina Island
Catalina offers plenty of fun outdoor activities for a fun day. Rent a kayak, ride in a glass-bottom boat, enjoy a sightseeing tour, or relax on the beach. Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens is another good place to start your day on Catalina Island. Five campgrounds are on the island if you plan on spending the weekend. The most popular way to travel to the island is via Catalina Express, which operates From Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point.
Enjoy a day at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Knott’s Berry Farm is way cheaper than Disneyland or Universal Studios. Just as much fun and half the price with our exclusive discount tickets. Knott’s offers every member of your family something to see and do. Knott’s Soak City will be open on Memorial Day weekend and is a great place to start the summer season.
Camping on the Beach
If you want a campsite on the beach for Memorial Day Weekend, don’t delay. Reservations are a must. You can always visit the beach for the day, but camping on the beach is so much fun. Popular camping spots include San Clement State Beach, Doheny State Beach, and Refugio State Beach.
Visit Beautiful Palm Springs
Palm Springs, it doesn’t get any hotter than this. Palm Springs and the surrounding vicinity offer an almost endless list of things to do and see for Memorial Day. Soak in a hot spring, hike to a hidden plan oasis, go shopping along Palm Canyon, or take the kids to the Living Desert Zoo.
Soak Up Some Rays Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is one of Southern California’s most popular Memorial Day destinations. Huntington Beach has the longest stretch of uninterrupted beachfront on the West Coast. Adjacent to the beach and running from Newport Beach to Seal Beach is the beach trail. A pathway that offers an ongoing parade of visitors. Fire rings are available here; however, they will be snapped up fast. So arrive early if you want an evening beach fire.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Southern California’s most affordable attraction is the Long Beach Aquarium. Kids and adults will love the aquarium’s touch tanks and be amazed by Shark Lagoon and the Penguin Habitat. Nearby attractions include the Queen Mary and Rainbow Harbor restaurants and Shoreline Village. For history buffs, the USS Iowa Museum is only a few miles away in San Pedro.
Kern River Rafting, Camping, and Fishing
The Kern River and Lake Isabella are beautiful places to visit on Memorial Day weekend. The Kern River Valley is nestled between two sections of the Sequoia National Forest. Only three hours north of Los Angeles or one hour northeast of Bakersfield. We recommend visiting Lake Isabella or the upper Kern. The lower Kern gets the most visitors due to its proximity to Bakersfield.
Wild Rivers Waterpark Irvine
Wild Rivers water park is extensive, with 20 acres and 20 rides. Wild Rivers aims to be Southern California’s premier waterpark for families wanting an affordable thrilling day of water fun. Wild Rivers first opened in July 1986. The water park was built on the former Lion Country Safari site. Today the park is located in Irvine’s Great Park.
Santa Barbara Day Trip
Santa Barbara and the surrounding area offer plenty of things to do for Memorial Day weekend. First-time visitors head to Stearns Wharf. On the historic pier, there are several restaurants, plus you can take in some stunning views of Santa Barbara and the mountains beyond. Nearby attractions include Solvang Danish Village, Santa Barbara Wine Country, and Lake Cachuma or Jalama Beach camping.
Take The Family to Legoland California
Theme Park, Water Park, and Aquarium. Legoland offers loads of fun for the whole family. With over 60 rides and attractions geared for smaller children, LEGOLAND is one of the best places in California to take children for a fun day of play.
Hidden Gems and Side Trips
Get off the beaten path this Memorial Day. We have compiled a list of exciting places to visit that may be less crowded. Locals like to keep these places secret, but these days, nothing, no destination, is secret. So check out our top picks for Southern California hidden gems.
Southern California Adventures
Get your heart pumping with these thrilling Southern California adventures and outdoor activities for the more adventurous day-trippers. Soar above the treetops on a zip line, explore sea caves by kayak, or discover off-the-beaten-path natural wonders.
Visit a Theme Park
Visit a theme park and save with exclusive discounts. Southern California has some of the best amusement parks in the nation. Yes, there will be lines, but we have excellent deals on theme parks and water parks. So if you are ready for some fun this Memorial Day, head to a theme park and save.
Fiesta Hermosa Beach
Along with arts & crafts, visitors enjoy live music on two stages featuring live music. The main pier stage features tribute bands performing classic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, and Fleetwood Mac. The second stage in the beer and wine garden features country-western and rhythm and blues music.
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