Memorial Day Weekend in Coastal North Carolina
Every year, Memorial Day weekend ushers in the unofficial start of summer with a long weekend spent in the sunshine with family and friends.
And in coastal North Carolina, there’s even more to love about this annual celebration of the summer season! With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, not to mention thriving communities with events and attractions galore, it’s no wonder that locals and visitors alike opt to spend the holiday in our region.
So what will you be up to for Memorial Day? Whether you’re thinking of hitting the beach, staying close to home, or heading into town for the festivities, there’s something for everyone, and your local experts on the Michelle Clark Team have a few tips to help you make the most of the day off!
Soak up the sun
If the beach is your intended destination, we recommend getting there early! A lot of other tourists and local residents will want to appreciate the natural beauty and calming effects of a day spent on the sand. Since parking is limited, arriving earlier in the day ensures you have your pick of the parking lot as well as prime real estate on the shore itself. Plus, with the cooler temperatures and still climbing sun, morning beach trips can be much easier on the skin. You don’t want to attract a sunburn or get fatigued by the heat so soon that you can’t enjoy the rest of the holiday; we promise that getting out of bed earlier in the day will be well worth it!
Park and play
Holidays tend to bring everyone into cities like Wilmington for all sorts of entertainment, so if you’re driving, we suggest finding a good parking spot from the start and using other means to get around while in town. If the weather cooperates and gives you a bright, rain-free Memorial Day, take yourself on your own private walking tour. You’ll be able to take in the sights at your own speed, and avoid as much of the holiday traffic as you possibly can. Or, if you think you and your companions will want to hop from one location to the next at a faster pace, there are always services like Uber that can get you where you need to go without the hassle of hunting down a new parking spot every time.
Bring supplies
No matter what your plans end up including, it’s important to keep in mind that late springtime in our area means strong sunshine, heat, and often humidity. If you’re not from the area, you might not be used to that kind of climate, so it pays to keep a few necessary items within reach. Travel-sized sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle are a few things every tourist or resident should have while sightseeing or lounging on the beach. We would also recommend dressing for the weather, and that can mean a light jacket or sweater for later when the sun goes down.
So while you’re counting down the days to that coveted extended weekend, don’t forget to plan ahead! In doing so, you’ll wring more fun out of the break, and look back on the experience as one you want to repeat year after year. For more coastal living pointers and must-sees, keep our blog on your radar.