Having a three-day weekend is a perfect excuse to get out of town or stay local and enjoy some rest and relaxation. There are tons of places that are just a quick drive away. Looking to just sneak away for the day?
Lots of resorts offer resort passes, which allows guests to spend the day using the resort amenities without staying overnight. Keep in mind, Memorial Day weekend is a busy weekend for traveling, so book early!
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Last Year's Featured Get Aways and Staycations
Westgate Resorts WATER PARK
️ Get ready for a splash-filled adventure at River Country Water Park! ️
Splash through thrilling water slides, take a refreshing dip in the pool, and enjoy plenty of kid-friendly attractions perfect for the whole family. Whether you're soaking up the sun or relaxing poolside, there's no better place in Lake Wales for a full day of fun. Plus, book early at RiverCountry.com and score free water park tickets, making your stay even more unforgettable. Don't miss out on the ultimate family getaway!
Beach Games, Fireworks & More at TradeWinds Resort
Friday to Monday, May 23–26
TradeWinds Resort 5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach is celebrating Memorial Day Weekend with a full lineup of festive activities and beachside fun. The long weekend kicks off Friday with games like a Frozen T-Shirt Contest and Cornhole Tournament. Saturday brings more excitement with a Watermelon Eating Contest and Red, White & Blue Tie-Dye sessions. On Sunday, guests can enjoy a Salute to Summer party, a high-energy Glow Bash, and the Twilight on the Lawn dinner experience, capped off by a dazzling fireworks show.
Florida residents can take advantage of 20% off with the resort’s exclusive rate.
More details at JustLetGo.com.
Get away for the weekend at these other great locations!
Tampa Bay and the surrounding area have some amazing beaches. Anna Maria Island and Honeymoon Island are two of our favorite local getaways.
However, if you feel like getting away from the busier crowds, check out Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island. These quaint, historic beach towns are about two hours south and are perfect for a three-day weekend. These gorgeous islands welcoming guests back after recovering from sever hurricane damage from Ian. This is a great way to support a local community. Be sure to visit the Mucky Duck on Captiva to sit outside with a cocktail and witness a sunset like no other.
Closer to home is the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach with the benefits of being a local. The package includes up to 30% off of the best available rate, $20 valet parking, 10% off at the property’s dining outlets, and more.
There are also tons of other hotels and resorts around town that offer Florida Resident discounts.
If you're wanting to travel a little further or are looking to do something other than the beach, there are some great spots that only take a few hours to get to. Our Drivecation Ideas for a Florida Getaway by Car this Summer can give you some ideas for trips like swimming with the manatees, exploring historic towns, and more.
If you want to get out of town but don't feel like going far, our Day trip: Day Passes to Orlando Resorts and Hotels guide can give you some great ideas to relax by the pool and feel like you're on vacation, even if you're not.
Head to The Beach
What better way to kick off summer than to head to the beach? We have some of the most beautiful beaches, but they can get busy. Indian Shores is one of our favorite spots for a quieter, more relaxing day at the beach. We've put together an itinerary for a Beach Day at Indian Shores.
If you want more of a social environment, there are some great local beach bars to check out in St. Pete. Whether you work up an appetite after splashing around in the ocean or have a craving for a fruity, frozen drink, check out our suggestions for the Beach Bars in St. Petersburg.
Prefer to stay put and spend the whole day on the sand? Some beaches and parks have strict “no alcohol” laws, but there are a few sandy spots that allow you to bring coolers with your favorite boozy beverages. Our guide to Beaches That Allow Drinking in Tampa Bay will tell you where it's OK to set up your own mini beach bar.
Take it Outdoors
Nothing's more outdoorsy than a good old fashioned camping trip. If you want to unplug and unwind, there are some awesome campgrounds around the Tampa Bay area. Here are some of our favorite picks for the Best Local Campgrounds this Summer.
Not a saltwater fan? Tubing down Florida's springs is a refreshing way to cool off and relax. Florida actually has one of the largest concentrations of natural springs in the world.
Explore the waterways with The Best Spots to Go Tubing in Florida this Summer and check out Springs in Florida, which ones you should visit? for our favorite springs to visit, whether you want to go tubing, diving, or come face to face with mermaids.
Another one of our favorite freshwater activities is to go swimming with the manatees. Although it's not legal in all areas, there are a few places that will allow you to safely swim with these gentle giants. Take a look at A Bucket List Date Day Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River to learn where and how you can have this awesome experience too.
With so much to do over Memorial Day weekend, you may not want to spend all your time in just one spot. If you want a bit of luxury and relaxation but don't want to commit to spending all your time in one spot over the weekend, check out The Best Hotel Day Passes in Tampa Bay to find local hotels that will allow to hang out for the day.
A few more ways to explore Tampa Bay this Memorial Day Weekend!
Enjoy quiet time at Bok Tower Gardens
Visit Bok Tower Gardens. While peak bloom has ended, the gardens are still full of color and winding secret pathways to explore. Enjoy complimentary admission the first Thursday and Friday of the month beginning in May through September, thanks to Wawa. Registration is required.
Explore the St. Pete Pier
The St. Pete Pier is the perfect spot for a date day or night. Take in the stunning ocean views and enjoy one of the many amazing restaurants, whether you want a casual lunch or dinner with a rooftop view.
Related: Best Things to do on Date Night at the St. Pete Pier
Dine outdoors
See how many of these restaurants with great outdoor seating you can make it to in the span of the long weekend.
Hang out at Sparkman Wharf
Sample local treats and enjoy some fresh air at Sparkman Wharf.
Take a sunset cruise
Beat the heat by taking a sunset cruise. Options range from kayaking and catamarans to a private chartered tiki boat that's BYOB.
Try an “Only in Florida” adventure
There are some things you just can't do anywhere else. Enjoy a unique experience by trying one of these only in Florida adventures.
ROAD TRIP NEAR ORLANDO? If you see yourself being in the Orlando area then scope out these Memorial Day Weekend Day Deals and Getaways in Orlando.