Memorial Day travel guide

Memorial Day marks the start of summer for many, where al fresco dining and seaside travel adventures await. With the three-day weekend fast approaching, there’s no better time to scratch your travel itch, connect with family, or escape the city and explore with Memorial Day weekend getaways.

If you’re planning where to go this Memorial Day weekend, you’ll be joining millions of fellow Americans. A 2024 survey conducted by Hertz found that 58% of Americans plan to travel over 50 miles, with the vast majority using cars for transportation.

Whether you’re visiting sun-soaked shores, bustling cities or vast mountains, you’ll want to make your journey as smooth as possible. Buckle up and discover everything you need to know about Memorial Day with our travel ideas guide. Ready? Let’s go.

Memorial Day travel ideas

Memorial Day weekend trips start with good planning, here are our suggestions to make it truly memorable.

Best day trips

Hudson Valley, New York

Just a short drive with your Hertz car rental from New York City, get out of the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple on a road trip with stunning river views, charming towns, and lush hikes to get your walk flow on. Enjoy picturesque, postcard-like scenery in the Hudson Valley.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Take in this surreal desert escape just a short drive from Palm Springs. It’s a Hollywood road trip movie-style backdrop with giant boulders and twisted Joshua trees amidst abundant blue skies – an Instagram-worthy pic haven. Hidden Valley and Barker Dam trails are easy hikes, allowing you to reconnect with nature at this Californian paradise.

Weekend getaways

Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is an idyllic Memorial Day weekend road trip travel staple. Pique your wanderlust in hiking terrain that’s easy on the eye. Feed your creative soul with a trip to an art gallery or visit the historic Biltmore Estate. Downtown is a vibe too, a relaxing break with character and charm.

Sedona, Arizona

Drive your Hertz rental car to Sedona, Arizona, to soak up stunning red rock landscapes and gorgeous sunsets for a tranquil escape. Disconnect from the humdrum of daily life and unwind in bliss. It’s touted as ‘nature’s wellness sanctuary’ where you can ground yourself on the sacred earth. Awaken your soul with a trip to Sedona.

Longer road trips

Pacific Coast Highway, California

It’s almost as if the Pacific Coast Highway is designed for road trips by spanning the distance from San Francisco to San Diego. Drive along with ocean views in your periphery, wind in your hair, and dramatic cliffs as the scenic backdrop. Along the way, Monterey and Santa Barbara have a unique charm, and the panoramic vistas are a photographer’s dream.

The Great River Road

For a memorable weekend, getaways don’t come much better than cruising along the Mississippi River on The Great River Road. A 3,000-mile byway that goes from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s culture, history, and recreation all in one, as you travel through states such as Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and more. Strap in and hit the road for an unforgettable trip. 

Best time to travel on Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day travel sounds pleasing, but it can be tricky if you don’t plan it. Remember – preparation prevents poor performance. It can get busy. As one of the peak travel periods in the U.S, the most congested times on the Friday are usually between 12 noon and 7pm, traveling before or after those times would be ideal for a smoother experience. For the return journey, peak traffic hits on Monday afternoon – around 3pm to 7pm.

If you’re planning on renting a Hertz car for your Memorial Day getaway, we advise you to book early by planning your pickup and drop off points. You have the choice to bring it back to the place you picked it up from or take advantage of our one-way rentals. You can even speed things up with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and Ultimate Choice.

Book Now for a Memorable Weekend

Travel tips for Memorial Day weekend

For successful Memorial Day weekend travel, follow these tips:

• Pack early: Avoid last-minute stress by packing at least a few days before. Don’t leave things to the last minute.
• Book Early: It’s one of the busiest times of the year, and many people choose to rent. So, get in there early, ahead of the pack. Some cars, like convertibles and SUVs are popular, booking early is key for these types of models.
• Use digital check ins and skip the counter: Speed up your pickup by checking in online and making use of the skip the counter feature.

What car to rent for Memorial Day

Spoilt for choice? The following overview of our fleet might help you make your Memorial Day travel decision.

Compact car

A compact car does what its name suggests – a simple choice to make getting from A to B a breeze. Easy to maneuver, straightforward to park, and may be more economical when compared with some other models. It’s a safe bet that you can rely on every time.

Book a compact car

Mid-size SUV

Something a little bigger that offers space for family vacations, a mid-size SUV is perfect for packing your camping gear and the like for those road trip adventures in the wild. They’re a mix of performance, style and flexibility, meaning you get comfort, as well as power.

Book a Mid-size SUV

15-passenger van

These vehicles are great for larger groups and when extended family members want to join you on your Memorial Day weekend getaways. It’s great for saving money, instead of traveling separately, as you’re able to come together and go in one vehicle. An efficient way to transport a large crowd.

Book a 15-Passenger Van Rental

Convertibles

Want something flashier? A Hertz convertible rental will do just that. They’re smaller, so ideal for small families, or couples. Perhaps you want to whisk your loved one for an amorous Memorial Day weekend getaway? This is a good choice for that.

Rent a convertible

Get more from your trip with Hertz

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards lets you enjoy some perks that non-members don’t such as exclusive member-only prices, one-way rentals, and other add-ons that make booking a Memorial Day getaway easy. Best of all, you can join for free. Save time and tally up those reward points for money off future rentals.

 Reserve car rental with Hertz today