Memorial Day is just around the corner, marking the unofficial start of the summer season. Welcome the warm weather with an unforgettable long weekend in New York State. Beaches and parks are officially open, the sun is out, and everyone is ready to celebrate. Whether you’re with a significant other, family, friends, or all of the above—here are some great destinations to kick off your summer right!

Updated 04/21/2025 | Originally published 05/10/2019

Jones Beach on Long Island is home to more than six miles of white sandy beaches along the Atlantic. Soak in the sunlight and enjoy a nice swim by day and explore the many activities the boardwalk has to offer by night. Shake the sand out of your shoes and visit a historic exhibit and catch a game of miniature golf or shuffleboard nearby. Catch the FourLeaf Air Show, one of the largest events on Long Island, on Memorial Day weekend (May 24-25). The United States Army Golden Knights will perform high flying stunts and maneuvers that never fail to disappoint.

Waterloo is the perfect place to celebrate Memorial Day for any history buff, as it’s where the holiday was first observed! Enjoy a weekend-long lineup of dozens of events, including a car show, wagon tours, cannon firing demonstrations, fireworks, and so much more. Also be sure to check out the National Memorial Day Museum, where visitors can explore military uniforms and artifacts and learn about the history of the holiday from the aftermath of the Civil War to today.

Pay a visit to this museum dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and disseminating the stories, history, and records of New York State’s military forces and veterans this Memorial Day Weekend. Travel through time with stories of the Native American Warriors to today’s Homeland Defense Forces via unique exhibits and tours. Saratoga Battlefield, where the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga marked the turning point of the Revolutionary War, is nearby.

Celebrate the holiday weekend at one of America’s most important historic landmarks! Step back in time and experience military history through Continental Army soldier reenactments during the REAL TIME REVOLUTION Living History Event: Memorial Day Weekend or sail around Lake Champlain and take a guided tour on the Carillon. There will be daily tours in the fort, weapons demonstrations, and museum exhibits.

Learn about the boating history of the St. Lawrence River and get out on the water. Tour the French Bay on a St. Lawrence skiff, take a speedboat ride in a triple cockpit runabout, and take a peek inside George Boldt’s houseboat from 1903. The Antique Boat Museum officially opens for the summer season on May 3!

Stay in the shade and explore 15 acres of the Paleozoic ocean floor at Panama Rocks, believed to be the most extensive formation of glacier-cut, ocean-quartz conglomerate in the world. Climb along crevices reaching 60 feet in height and venture through caves. Hike through the ancient forest and avoid the blistering summer sun.

A grand symbol of our nation, the Statue of Liberty has been a historic New York landmark since 1886. Take the ferry to Liberty Island and tour the monument that has welcomed generations of people to the United States. Learn about the history of this gift from France by taking a guided tour or visiting the museum inside the pedestal. Make sure to book a trip to see the Lady, as it is a very popular venture!

Back for its 44th year, the Hudson Valley kicks off every summer with their Memorial Day weekend Arts & Crafts Fair in New Paltz. Shop around the festival for unique homemade products created by some of our nation’s finest artisans and craftspeople. Enjoy free crafting demonstrations, live entertainment, and local Hudson Valley food and drink.

Credit: Destination Niagara USA

Feel the cool mist on your face as you take a boat ride past the base of Niagara Falls. This 20-minute tour will show you the rock formations that help tame the falls and the immense falls themselves. Don’t be afraid to get a little wet—approximately 3,160 tons of water flow over the Falls every second!

Grab your tickets to this year’s Memorial Day weekend of fun at the National Baseball Hall of Fame for three days of events for the whole family! The highlight of the weekend will be the grand opening of the museum’s newest exhibit, “Getting the Nod” on Saturday, where you’ll get to take a look at some 900 bobblehead dolls from former Miami Marlins owner Jeffery H. Loria. Children ages 7-12 can learn from former big league players like Vince Coleman, Clint Hurdle, and Jason Kendall at the Cooperstown Clinic at 10am on Saturday, May 24 at the iconic Doubleday Field. Be sure to check the schedule for the Hall of Fame Film Series, showing classics throughout the weekend. If you’re a golfer, don’t miss the Hall of Fame golf tournament for an unforgettable day on the historic Leatherstocking Golf Course. 

Don’t forget to share your summer vacation with us on Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!