Holidays & Occasions Memorial Day Top 20 Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the South By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on May 25, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Walter Bibikow/Getty Images Memorial Day weekend is finally here, and Yelp has given us some inside scoop on the top destinations in the South. To compile this list, Yelp looked at cities in the South that saw the biggest spike in search traffic during Memorial Day Weekend in 2017. The list of the best places to go is truly top notch, as it includes some of our South's Best winners for best beaches, prettiest cities, and more. Yelp went above and beyond and even suggested things to see and do and places to eat in these amazing Southern cities and towns. Those businesses and sites are among the highest rated in each city in Yelp's database. So whether you're going to one of these destinations this year for the kick-off-to-summer weekend or you want to plan an anytime trip, these cities and businesses are the best of the best. According to Yelp's data, these are the most popular Southern places to go for Memorial Day weekend. 01 of 20 1. Ocean City, Maryland Courtesy of Ocean City See: Ocean City Life-Saving Station MuseumVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsLearn about the history of Ocean City and the story of the “Storm Warriors” of the United States Life-Saving Service, predecessors of today’s Coast Guard, who stood watch to rescue sailors from ships wrecked offshore. Do: Odyssea Water SportsVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsGet active on the water and rent pontoon boats, jet skis, paddle boards, and kayaks from this family-owned business. Eat: HookedVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsYelpers love the crab dip, pesto fries, and French toast bread pudding at this local seafood spot. 02 of 20 2. Arlington, Virginia Yelp See: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsAt the Arlington National Cemetery rests an unidentified World War I soldier whose tomb is guarded by United States Army members. Unknown soldiers from World War II, Korea, and Vietman are also honored at the memorial. Do: Potomac Heritage Trail Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsDiscover the beauty of the Potomac Heritage train on foot, bicycle, horse, or boat. Eat: The Liberty TavernVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsYelpers rave about the fried chicken and Vermont pizza at this neighborhood restaurant and bar that’s been a local favorite for more than 10 years. 03 of 20 3. Saint Augustine, Florida John Coletti/Getty Images See: Castillo de San MarcosVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsWith a more than 340-year history, this former Spanish fort is one of the oldest structures in the United States. Do: Oldest House MuseumVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThe oldest house in Florida, as well as its surrounding garden and towering old oak trees, serves as a museum and popular wedding venue. Eat: Maple Street Biscuit CompanyVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsYelpers’ top choice is the The Squaking Goat, a fried chicken biscuit with fried goat cheese and house-made pepper jelly, as well as the sausage gravy at this local biscuit house that serves up Southern comfort. 04 of 20 4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Facebook/Dollywood See: Country Tonite TheatreVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis award-winning country music variety show goes way beyond singing and dancing. Do: DollywoodVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsEvery Southern family should make a trip to Dollywood at least once. You’ll never run out of things to do at this incredible Smoky Mountain destination. Eat: Local GoatVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsAccording to Yelp reviewers, the Deep Fried Deviled Eggs, Cheese Fondue and BGT Burger with goat cheese, crispy onions, and bacon jam are worth an order at this restaurant and bar that prides itself on making everything from scratch. 05 of 20 5. Galveston, Texas Wynn Myers See: Moody MansionVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis 1895 estate is 28,00 square feet and four stories of historical charm. Take a self-guided audio tour or a behind the scenes tour of the mansion. Do: Baywatch Dolphin Tours Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsSee the real locals of Galveston on a 45-minute dolphin tour on the water. Eat: Mosquito Café Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsIf you get brunch during your visit to Galveston, it needs to be at the Mosquito Café. The Mosquito Benedict and French Toast are most popular with Yelp reviewers. 06 of 20 6. Asheville, North Carolina Lissa Gotwals See: The Biltmore EstateVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThe largest privately owned house in the country and the original home of the Vanderbilt family, the Biltmore House and the entire Biltmore Estate are awe-inspiring. Do: Blue Ridge ParkwayVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsDubbed “America’s favorite drive,” Blue Ridge Parkway consists of more than 460 miles of views that cover mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and more. Eat: HomeGrownVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis Asheville spot is all about sourcing its food locally, and Yelpers can’t get enough of the Cheesy Grits, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, and Redneck Pot Pie. 07 of 20 7. Savannah, Georgia SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images See: Wormsloe Historic SiteVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThe gorgeous avenue of live oaks that leads up to this colonial estate is beautiful enough for its own visit, but the museum, complete with costumed interpreters, is educational and fun. Do: Free Savannah ToursVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsYou won’t miss a single bit of Savannah’s rich history with this guided walking tour. Eat: The Olde Pink HouseVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsGet a taste of true lowcountry cuisine in a restored 18th century mansion. According to Yelp, the Crab Soup, Pork Shank, and BLT Salad are worth an order. 08 of 20 8. Jacksonville Beach, Florida Facebook/VISIT FLORIDA/@2traveldads See: Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsSee tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, and more at this sanctuary for rescued endangered big cats. Do: Beach Life RentalsVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsHowever you want to explore Jacksonville Beach, whether on a beach bike, paddle board, kayak, or surfboard, Beach Life Rentals can make it happen. Eat: Gilbert’s Southern Kitchen and BarVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsAt this local joint, you’ll find modern versions of Southern comfort classics. Yelpers favorites include the Blue Crab Perlot, the 24 Hour Brined Southern Fried ½ Chicken (ask for it hot), and fresh seafood picks like shrimp and fish. 09 of 20 9. Corpus Christi, Texas Facebook/Visit Corpus Christi/@jacobtherealtor See: Art Museum of South Texas Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsCheck out modern art exhibits right on the waterfront. Do: USS Lexington MuseumVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis World War II aircraft carrier turned floating museum is full of educational exhibits, including a flight deck with 20 aircrafts, a flight simulator, and a 3D theater. Eat: Black Diamond Oyster BarVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsGet your fill of fresh oysters, cold beer, and live music at this sunny spot. Yelp reviewers recommend the Flounder, Fried Shrimp, and Mahi Mahi with Lemon Butter Crab Sauce—yum! 10 of 20 10. Panama City, Florida Facebook/Visit Panama City Beach See: St. Andrews State ParkVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsSwim, snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, canoe, fish, hike, watch wildlife, or simply chill out on the white sands of this park. Do: Lagoon PontoonsVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsLagoon Pontoons has more than pontoon rentals. Try out a double decker boat, a jet ski or boat dolphin tour, fishing boat rentals, sunset catamaran cruises, and more. Eat: Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood RestaurantVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsYelpers rave about the Grouper, Cheese Grits, and Crab Legs at this downhome seafood joint. 11 of 20 11. Columbus, Georgia Facebook/Visit Columbus, GA See: Chattahoochee RiverwalkVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis outdoor park stretches 15 miles along the Chattahoochee River. This is a great way to see the city and enjoy the outdoors. Do: National Infantry MuseumVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThere’s so much to learn at this museum that’s dedicated to honoring the U.S. Army Infantrymen. Browse current exhibits, sit back in the Giant Screen Theater and even have a virtual reality experience in combat simulators. Eat: 7th Street ProvisionsVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis restaurant is serving up French-inspired Southern dishes with a rotating menu that changes with the season’s fresh produce. If they’re on the menu when you visit, Yelp reviewers love the Mushroom Turnovers and Braised Lamb Shank. 12 of 20 12. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Getty Images/Aurora Open See: Coastal Discovery MuseumVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis isn’t your usual museum. With trails, gardens, a butterfly enclosure, historic homes, and more, there’s plenty to do other than look at indoor exhibits. Do: Live Oac Outdoor Adventure CompanyVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsGo on a dolphin tour, take a fishing trip on a chartered boat, or go tubing or boarding behind a boat. This company has whatever you need for any kind of boating trip. Eat: A Lowcountry Backyard RestaurantVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsSit back and relax with the comfort of a cozy lowcountry setting. Yelp reviews praise the Charleston Fried Green Tomato BLT, Potato Chip Meatloaf, and Banana Puddin’, which all sound right up our alley. 13 of 20 13. Wilmington, North Carolina Walter Bibikow/Getty Images See: Airlie GardensVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsAirlie Gardens features 67 acres of walking paths, gardens, sculptures, and more. It’s the most beautiful way to spend a day. Do: USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsTour this World War II battleship turned museum for a historical day on the water. Eat: Coppy PennyVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsYou can’t go wrong with this restaurant’s affordable menu of good eats, but Yelp reviewers can’t stop talking about the French Onion Soup, 109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich, and Asian Slaw. 14 of 20 14. Naples, Florida Facebook/City of Naples, FL – Government See: Keewaydin IslandVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsPull up to this island on boat and enjoy a day at the beach. Don’t bother packing a picnic basket—food trucks’ water cousins, food boats, will come by. Do: Collier-Seminole State ParkVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsHike, bike, bird watch, kayak, boat, or stay and camp out for the night at this state park that’s over 7,000 acres. Eat: 7th Avenue SocialVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis restaurant works with local vendors and farmers to bring only the freshest food to the table. The menu changes with the times, but Yelpers have raved about the Conch Sliders, Short Rib Pot Roast, and Fried Green Tomatoes. 15 of 20 15. Biloxi, Mississippi Getty Images See: Biloxi Lighthouse Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis 1848 lighthouse is the city’s signature landmark. Take a guided tour or visit for a photo opp. Do: Biloxi Shrimping TripVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsLearn about the shrimping industry and catch some Gulf Coast shrimp for yourself on this educational and interactive boat tour. Eat: Patio 44Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsRelax on the patio with creole-style cuisine fresh from the Gulf. Yelp reviewers love the Gouda Grits, Blue Crab Fondue, and Fried Green Tomatoes. 16 of 20 16. New Braunfels, Texas Courtesy Gruene Historic District See: Gruene Historic DistrictVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis charming town, founded by German settlers, has tons of attractions to offer, including restaurants, stores, a winery, and adorable bed and breakfasts. Do: Gruene HallVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsSee a show and experience the outdoor garden at the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. You’d be amazed at some of the big names that have played here. Eat: Gristmill River RestaurantVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis local restaurant has been open since 1977 beneath the city’s iconic water tower. Enjoy live music and Yelp reviewer favorites like the Beef Tenderloin Sandwich and the Spinach Artichoke Dip. 17 of 20 17. Annapolis, Maryland Westend61/Getty Images See: William Paca House and GardenVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis estate dates back to the 1760s and belonged to one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence. Take a tour of this incredibly restored house and its two-acre garden. Do: Kayak AnnapolisVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis isn’t just another kayak rental service. On this tour, you’ll hear the area’s history, too. Eat: Iron RoosterVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsIf breakfast for dinner is your favorite, this local favorite serves up breakfast options all day, as well as lowcountry entrees and fresh seafood. Yelpers give the Waffle Burger, French Toast, and Crab Cakes (Cakes on Cakes) rave reviews. 18 of 20 18. Charleston, South Carolina Peter Frank Edwards/Redux See: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsFounded in 1676, this historic plantation has a house tour, a nature train, a boat tour, and several other sites. Do: Palmetto Carriage Works Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsTake a tour of historic Charleston from a carriage with the oldest carriage company in town. Eat: Poogan’s Porch Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsStop by this beautiful Charleston favorite for brunch or dinner. Yelpers’ favorites are Chef Isaac’s She Crab Soup, Pimiento Cheese Fritters, and Pulled Pork Benedict. 19 of 20 New Orleans, Louisiana Sean Pavone Photo/Getty Images See: Old New Orleans RumVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsTour this rum distillery that only uses locally source Louisiana sugar cane to produce its rum. There’s a complimentary shuttle to the distillery, and you’ll get a sample, too! Do: Cajun Encounters Tour Company Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsTour the city of New Orleans, local plantations, or the swamps with this company that does it all. Eat: CochonVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsYou can find traditional creole flavor at this rustic spot. Yelp reviews can’t get enough of the Fried Alligator with Chili Garlic Mayonnaise, the Pork Cheek Sauce Piquant with Hominy Grit Cake, and the Wood-Fired Oysters with Chili Garlic Butter. 20 of 20 20. Charlottesville, Virginia Peter Frank Edwards/Redux See: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis incredible historic site features a house and plantation, a museum and research institute, a presidential library, and so much more. It’s a must-see if you’re in town. Do: Wish Wish Wine ToursVisit Website | View Yelp ReviewsTour several wineries and breweries in the Charlottesville area with a group big or small. Eat: Oakhart Social Visit Website | View Yelp ReviewsThis hip spot is dinner-only, so be sure to add it to your schedule. Yelpers can’t stop ordering the Shaved Salad, House Sausage Pizza, and Hanger Steak. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit