Remember & Honor: DMV Memorial Day Celebrations & Getaways
Happy Memorial Day weekend from all of us at Jennifer Young Homes! As we pause to honor the brave men and women who’ve given their lives for our country, it’s also the perfect time to recharge with family and friends. Whether you’re seeking a meaningful local observance or a quick getaway beyond the Beltway, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our favorite DMV-area Memorial Day activities and long-weekend escapes.
Best Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day in the DMV
1. National Memorial Day Parade (Washington, DC)
- Website: https://www.memorialdayparade.com
- IG: @memdayparade
The National Memorial Day Parade marches down Constitution Avenue each Memorial Day, showcasing colorful floats, marching bands, and veterans’ groups in a celebration of service. It’s the only federally sanctioned parade of its kind, drawing participants and viewers from across the country. Families line the sidewalks as you’ll often see veterans exchanging handshakes and cheering crowds along the two-mile route. After the parade, local food trucks and live music on 7th Street keep the festive spirit rolling.
2. Wreath-Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
- Website: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
- IG: @arlington_natcemetery
Each Memorial Day, dignitaries and family members place fresh wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in a deeply moving ceremony. The solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony happens around the clock, but on this day the program features special guest speakers and military honors. You’ll feel the weight of history as you walk the rolling hills dotted with white headstones, each marking a life of sacrifice. Afterward, plan to catch the Memorial Amphitheater’s commemorative concerts and readings just a short walk away.
3. Gravelly Point Memorial Picnic & Flyover
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/gwmp
- IG: @nationalparkservice
Gravelly Point, right beside Reagan National Airport, offers one of the best front-row seats to airport runways—perfect for a Memorial Day picnic with a patriotic twist. During the holiday weekend the NPS often coordinates special flyovers by military aircraft, adding an awe-inspiring backdrop to your riverside lunch. Spread a blanket on the grassy bank of the Potomac and enjoy watching everything from commercial jets to historic warbirds overhead. When you’re done, the adjacent Mount Vernon Trail invites you to stretch your legs with scenic river views.
Top Long-Weekend Getaways Near the DMV
1. Annapolis, MD
- Website: https://visitannapolis.org
- IG: @visitannapolismd
Annapolis’s colonial charm and waterfront location make it a perfect blend of history and leisure for a long weekend. You can tour the U.S. Naval Academy, browse artisan shops along City Dock, and set sail on a Chesapeake Bay cruise at sunset. Don’t miss the chance to sample fresh oysters at a seaside tavern or unwind with cocktails on a rooftop overlooking Spa Creek. Nearby Hotels: The Historic Inns of Annapolis; Graduate Annapolis.
2. Shenandoah Valley, VA
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/shen
- IG: @shenandoahnps
Winding Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park delivers breathtaking overlooks, woodland hikes, and abundant wildflowers in late spring. Hike to Dark Hollow Falls or catch sunrise at Big Meadows Amphitheater, then keep an eye out for deer and songbirds along the way. After your outdoor adventures, head to Breaux Vineyards for a local wine tasting or cozy up in a Bavarian-style lodge for dinner. Nearby Hotels: Skyland Resort; Big Meadows Lodge.
3. Virginia Beach, VA
- Website: https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com
- IG: @visitvabeach
Virginia Beach pairs a three-mile boardwalk with Atlantic waves and a festive holiday calendar—think live concerts, sandcastle competitions, and nightly fireworks over the oceanfront. Rent a paddleboard in the calm Bay inlet, then explore the Virginia Aquarium’s interactive exhibits up close. By evening, the ViBe Creative District comes alive with street art, coffee shops, and live music. Nearby Hotels: The Cavalier Hotel; Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
4. Charlottesville, VA
- Website: https://www.visitcharlottesville.org
- IG: @charlottesvilleva
At the foot of the Blue Ridge, Charlottesville artfully balances Monticello’s history with a vibrant food-and-wine scene. Spend your Memorial Day touring Jefferson’s estate before hitting the Monticello Wine Trail for tastings at Pippin Hill Farm and King Family Vineyards. For a bit of adventure, bike through Shenandoah vistas or float the gentle Rivanna River. Downtown’s pedestrian mall is perfect for gallery hopping and café-side people-watching when you need a break. Nearby Hotels: Boar’s Head Resort; Graduate Charlottesville.
Wishing You a Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend
From all of us at Jennifer Young Homes, thank you for honoring our nation’s heroes this Memorial Day. Whether you’re participating in a heartfelt observance or escaping to one of these charming nearby destinations, we hope your weekend is both meaningful and rejuvenating. Safe travels, happy memories, and a reminder that—no matter where life takes you—you always have a place to call home with us.
