Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, honors members of the U.S. armed forces who died in military service. For many Americans, the long weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer, with trips to beaches, lakes, parks and family gatherings. That means airports, coastal towns and popular trailheads can be especially busy.
Airports
Holiday weekends can push airport parking to capacity. A few habits help:
- Check options early. Many airports list their garages, economy lots and shuttle services on their official websites, and some allow advance reservations.
- Allow extra time. Busy lots mean longer searches for a space and longer shuttle waits.
- Consider alternatives. Private off-site lots, rideshare drop-offs or a ride from a friend may be easier on peak days.
- Note where you parked. After a few days away, a photo of the level and row sign is worth having.
Beaches and coastal towns
Beach communities often have limited parking and detailed rules, including metered areas, resident permit zones, time limits and seasonal regulations that may start around Memorial Day. Rules can differ from one beach access to the next. Before you go, check the town’s or county’s official website, and when you arrive, read every posted sign.
Arriving early in the day is one of the most reliable ways to find a space. Reserved private parking near the beach, booked in advance, can also save time on a crowded morning.
Parks and trailheads
National, state and local parks can see heavy visitation on the holiday weekend. Some popular parks use timed entry or reservation systems during busy seasons. Check the park’s official page, such as the park’s site on nps.gov for national parks, before you leave. If a trailhead lot is full, do not park along the road unless signs clearly allow it. Roadside parking can block emergency vehicles and damage vegetation.
Road trips and rest stops
If you are driving a long distance, plan where you will stop for fuel, food and rest. Busy holiday weekends can mean crowded rest areas and full lots at popular roadside stops. Leaving early or traveling at off-peak times can help. When you reach your destination, check whether your hotel or rental includes parking, and ask about any rules for oversized vehicles or trailers.
Family gatherings at home
If you are hosting a cookout, think about where your guests will park. Ask them to avoid blocking neighbors’ driveways, mailboxes and fire hydrants, and to follow posted street rules. Carpooling helps on busy streets.
Amid the travel, many communities hold Memorial Day observances at cemeteries, memorials and town centers. These can bring temporary road closures and parking restrictions. Check your city’s official website for details if you plan to attend, and give yourself time to arrive quietly and respectfully. The weekend’s traffic is a small thing next to the reason the holiday exists.
A Holiday Weekend Parking Checklist
Busy travel weekends reward people who sort out the details before they leave home. Run through this list a few days ahead:
- Know where you will park at each stop. Airport, beach, park, hotel or a relative’s home. Write down a first choice and a backup for each.
- Save confirmations offline. Reservations for parking, timed park entry or lodging should be easy to find even without a signal, which can be weak at trailheads and crowded beaches.
- Check vehicle fit. If you are towing a trailer, hauling a boat or carrying bikes on a roof rack, confirm that your parking options allow it and that height limits will not be a problem in garages.
- Carry a way to pay. Some beach lots and park kiosks use apps; others take cards or cash. Know which before you arrive.
- Plan the timing. Arriving early or later in the afternoon often means less competition for spaces.
Smart Habits for Each Kind of Stop
At the airport
Photograph your parking spot and the nearest sign or column marker when you park. Write the lot name in your phone’s notes as well. When you return, you will be tired and possibly arriving late at night. Also check whether your lot requires you to keep a ticket or receipt for exit, and store it somewhere safe, not on the dashboard in the sun.
At the beach
Bring everything you need from the car in one trip if you can, since the walk back can be long on a crowded day. Watch your parking time if the space is metered or time-limited. Some beach towns enforce rules carefully on holiday weekends. Rinse sand off before getting back in the car to make the drive home more comfortable.
At the trailhead
Arrive early, since many popular trailhead lots fill soon after sunrise on busy weekends. Do not leave valuables visible, and lock your car even if the lot seems quiet. If a lot is full, consider an alternate trail rather than squeezing onto the shoulder of the road.
Common Holiday Weekend Mistakes
- Assuming last summer’s rules still apply. Seasonal regulations and rates can change from year to year.
- Waiting until you arrive to look for parking. On the busiest days, that can mean long searches or turning back.
- Parking in a resident permit zone without a permit. Many coastal and park-adjacent neighborhoods use these zones, and they may be enforced strictly on holiday weekends.
- Leaving pets in parked cars. Late-May sun can heat a car quickly. Plan for pets to stay with you or at home.
- Forgetting about the drive home. Monday afternoon traffic can be heavy. Consider leaving earlier or later than the main rush.
Questions Readers Ask
Is it worth reserving parking for a beach day?
On a busy holiday weekend, a reserved space can save time and remove the uncertainty of finding a spot. Read the listing for the walking distance to the beach and any rules about early arrival or late departure.
What should I do if a park is at capacity?
Follow the directions of rangers and staff, and consider visiting a nearby park or returning later in the day. Some parks post capacity updates on their official pages or social channels.
How do I find out about Memorial Day observances near me?
Your city or town’s official website, local veterans organizations and community calendars often list ceremonies, along with any road closures or parking guidance.
Can I park at a cemetery to attend an observance?
Many cemeteries provide parking for ceremonies. Follow posted signs and staff directions, and keep roadways clear for processions and other visitors.
