Memorial Day Weekend Getaways
Looking for a Memorial Day weekend getaway idea? What fun! I think that this is the perfect time to enjoy warm weather, outdoor adventures, and festive gatherings. In just a few days, you can relax on sun-drenched beaches, hike through scenic national parks, and enjoy fun parades. Here are some of the most unique places I came across that I hope you’ll enjoy too.
1. Utah - Desert Pearl Inn
This inn is one of my favorite places to stay near Zion National Park, and it’s an underrated gem for a Memorial Day vacation.
We drove from St. George in just under an hour, the road winding deeper into red canyons until the cliffs of Zion rose around us and led to the Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale.
I pulled into Springdale as the cliffs of Zion blazed red in the afternoon sun. The air smelled of dust and juniper as I stepped onto the balcony of my room at Desert Pearl Inn.
Just minutes from the park entrance, the inn combines natural beauty with a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for both romantic escapes and family adventures.
What I loved most is how seamlessly the design blends into the red rock landscape. The rooms are spacious and filled with natural light, featuring handcrafted woodwork, stone accents, and large windows that frame stunning views of the cliffs.
The pool area is another highlight, surrounded by canyon views that make even a simple swim feel extraordinary. After a long day of hiking in Zion, relaxing by the pool or soaking in the hot tub felt like pure bliss.
For Memorial Day, when Zion is buzzing with energy, this inn offers a calm, comfortable retreat at the end of each adventurous day.
To book, check availability or prices for Desert Pearl Inn.
What I loved best:
My favorite feature was the private balcony overlooking the Virgin River—it was the best spot to sip coffee in the morning or watch the stars at night.
In addition, location-wise, this place couldn’t be better. I could walk to nearby restaurants, shops, and cafés in Springdale, while still being close enough to the park to catch the shuttle or start early morning hikes. It felt like the perfect balance of convenience and seclusion.
2. InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf
I was really impressed by this luxury waterfront hotel on my Memorial Day weekend visit that perfectly blends sleek design with an upscale, cosmopolitan vibe.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by airy, modern interiors featuring clean lines, marble-inspired accents, warm wood tones, and curated art pieces that gave the space a refined yet inviting atmosphere.
The setting felt both polished and relaxing, striking a beautiful balance between urban energy and waterfront serenity.
My guest room for three days was a highlight, spacious, bright, and stylishly designed with a king-sized bed dressed in plush linens, a smart TV, and subtle wood-paneled accents.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offered sweeping views over the Potomac River and the Wharf, a feature that instantly made the space feel open and connected to the city.
The spa-like bathroom, complete with rainfall shower and luxury bath products, added a touch of indulgence that I loved.
The rooftop pool and terrace were my favorite spots to unwind. Lounging with panoramic city and river views felt like a hidden escape right in the heart of D.C. Dining was also a treat, whether it was a handcrafted cocktail at the chic rooftop bar, fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant, or a casual coffee in the lobby café, I never had to go far for something delicious.
To book, check availability or prices for InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf.
What I loved best:
Best of all, the location was unbeatable. Nestled right on The Wharf, the hotel put me steps away from vibrant restaurants, live music, and waterfront strolls, while still being just minutes from D.C.’s iconic monuments and museums. I found myself thinking about the fond memories from all of our D.C. trips over the years while exploring new attractions.
3. Idaho - The Wallace Inn
The inn sits at the edge of downtown, surrounded by pine-covered hills and history.
We drove east from Spokane for about an hour and a half, the road threading through forested mountains and narrow valleys before reaching the old mining town of Wallace.
I drove into Wallace just as the sun dipped behind the Bitterroot Mountains. The streets were quiet, lined with brick buildings and old mining signs, and I thought,
What I loved most about The Wallace Inn is its warm, lodge-style atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with plush beds, simple but thoughtful décor, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. My favorite touch was the view of the surrounding mountains—it made waking up here feel peaceful and refreshing.
My room had a view of the mountains and the scent of wood smoke hung lightly in the air.
The location is another highlight. Wallace is a charming historic town, known as the “Silver Capital of the World,” with preserved 19th-century architecture, quirky shops, and a surprising number of local restaurants and breweries.
To book, check availability or prices for Wallace Inn.
What I loved best:
From the inn, I could easily explore the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes for biking, visit nearby mines, or take a scenic drive through the mountains.
4. The Jacquard Denver
I was so impressed by this chic boutique hotel in the stylish Cherry Creek North neighborhood, which masterfully blends modern luxury with an artistic, fashion-forward edge.
We drove about 35 minutes from Denver International Airport, the Rocky Mountains rising in the distance as we reached Cherry Creek. The neighborhood mixed boutique shops, art galleries, and tree-lined streets, and when we pulled up to The Jacquard, I felt like we had found a modern, stylish base in the middle of it all.
For this trip, I wanted to explore both Denver’s cultural side and the outdoors, splitting time between museums, city walks, and evenings relaxing at the hotel’s rooftop.
From the moment I entered the sleek lobby, adorned with polished stone surfaces, dramatic lighting, and curated art, I knew I was in for a sophisticated yet welcoming stay.
The hotel’s design strikes the perfect balance between contemporary elegance and approachable comfort, making it feel cosmopolitan without being overwhelming.
Our guest room for four days was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that filled the space with natural light and gave us sweeping views of Denver’s skyline and the Rocky Mountains. Our plush king-sized bed, dressed in premium linens, paired beautifully with sleek wood accents, geometric décor, and a spa-like bathroom featuring a rainfall shower and luxury bath products.
I also loved the hi-tech touches, from the smart TV to intuitive lighting controls, that made the room both stylish and functional.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Narrative, quickly became a favorite spot, offering elevated New American cuisine and an impressive wine library in a chic, relaxed setting.
Located right in Cherry Creek, The Jacquard placed me within steps of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cafés, while still being just minutes from downtown Denver. This hotel truly stood out for its blend of modern design, upscale amenities, and an unbeatable location that made my stay both stylish and memorable.
To book, check availability or prices for The Jacquard.
What I loved best:
The rooftop pool and bar were absolute highlights! Lounging high above the city with 360-degree views and sipping a hand-crafted cocktail at sunset felt like a quintessential Denver experience.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
