Memorial Day is a time to reflect and remember those who died while serving in the American armed forces but it's also the unofficial kickoff of summer. Many will spend the holiday weekend visiting cemeteries and memorials, grilling with family and friends, watching fireworks, attending concerts, breaking in the pool and, of course, heading to the beach. If you're eyeing a memorable Memorial Day celebration this May, consider one of these awesome places.

Memorial Day weekend in Myrtle Beach is special as the South Carolina resort town plays host to a plethora of exciting events this time of year, including Black Bike Week and a handful of races, including one-mile, 5K and 10K runs. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center will also host a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony.

Farther up the Atlantic Coast, the Outer Banks offer Memorial Day weekend travelers more sun, sand and sea. Beyond the beautiful beach, visitors can look forward to live music, food and beer at the Band in the Sand 5K at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head and OBX Paddle Palooza further south in Cape Hatteras on May 25.

The Big Easy does festivals better than anyone so it's an easy choice for Memorial Day weekend. The Birdfoot Festival celebrates New Orleans' International Music Chamber with live performances while the New Orleans Greek Festival features even more live music, food, family-friendly fun and entertainment in late May. Visitors also won't want to miss Memorial Day at the National WWII Museum. The event includes a concert and commemoration ceremony followed by a national moment of silence.

Looking to pay your respects at iconic memorials or nearby Arlington National Cemetery? The nation's capital is the place to be. There's a lot of fun to be had in Washington, D.C. too as the city will host a slew of lively events throughout the extended weekend, including concerts and parades.

For another memorable Memorial Day experience, head to Chicago. The Windy City is home to no shortage of enticing outdoor spaces, festivals and events. The annual Memorial Day Parade draws thousands while attractions such as the Pritzker Military Museum & Library and Navy Pier also stand out. The latter hosts fireworks all summer long beginning on the last weekend in May.

The Music City is generating plenty of buzz these days as people continue flocking to the ever-evolving Tennessee capital. Memorial Day weekend visitors will, of course, enjoy tons of live music and good vibes in addition to special events they won't find anywhere else like the Nashville Balloon Festival.

While everyone else is heading to the beach you might consider doing the opposite and taking a journey in the other direction to the Rocky Mountain State. The Denver Day of Rock is a massive block party at the 16th Street pedestrian mall May 25. What's more, the city will also host an arts festival and pinball showdown and game room expo Memorial Day weekend. Other events including special museum exhibitions are certain to keep you entertained as well.

South Padre Island is not only a sensational spring break destination. Memorial Day weekend brings about an incredible amount of fun in the sun including South Padre Bike Week, live music, daily bird walks and a special fireworks display over the bay after the sun goes down May 26.

Elsewhere on the Gulf Coast, Alabama's Orange Beach and nearby Gulf Shores are the places to be the final weekend in May. Country music star Thomas Rhett will be in town to perform in addition to a number of other talented artists. Meanwhile, visitors of all ages are certain to appreciate the Sparks After Dark fireworks show at The Wharf on May 27.

Like most beach destinations on Memorial Day weekend, visitors to Ocean City should expect to have plenty of company. Nonetheless, the crowds are worth it as there's so much to do and more than enough sand and ocean to go around. Families will have a laundry list of attractions to choose from ranging from miniature golf and water slides to go-karts and roller coasters while adults will love the plentiful nightlife options, including Seacrets and Fish Tales.

For a laid back Memorial Day weekend spent on the water, consider Lake of the Ozarks. Get your adrenaline pumping with some water sports, take a satisfying hike or simply sit back under the sun with a cold beverage. If you live in the Midwest and have access to a boat, the lake is a must.

Kick off summer in Northern Michigan in one of the country's most charming vacation destinations. No cars mean you're never in a rush, even though there are lots to explore. Fortunately, Mackinac Island's more than 1,400 bikes making getting around fun and easy. Check out the local shops, dig into the diverse cuisine and be sure to stick around after the sun sets for nightly entertainment throughout the island.

Las Vegas doesn't skimp when it comes to entertainment so expect a nonstop party when you arrive in Sin City this Memorial Day weekend. The all-new KAOS day club and nightclub at The Palms will be a hot ticket during a weekend of lively pool parties but well worth a visit after you've conquered The Strip.

Few places on the West Coast offer visitors as much to do for Memorial Day weekend than America's Finest City. Highlights will include live music from the likes of Steve Aoki, car shows and even a pancake festival. Legacy Week hosted by the USS Midway Museum is a must, however, as the four-day event will provide attendees with numerous ways to pay their respects and make an impact, including a Wreath Memorial ceremony, a benefit concert, family activities, a blood drive, interactive exhibits and more.

Hit the reset button in Cannon Beach this Memorial Day weekend. The Instagram-worthy coastal city offers tons of outdoor recreation from beachcombing to hiking. Newport and Florence are also fantastic options along Oregon's Pacific coast.

San Antonio is the place to be all summer long as the city has a jam-packed list of exciting events planned in 2019. The city's zoo will introduce "Wild Australia" Memorial Day weekend. Visiting families can also look forward to making lasting memories at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the Schlitterbahn water park, among other attractions.

Sun and fun seekers can't go wrong in the Florida Keys this Memorial Day weekend. Travelers can still get a decent rate on a hotel in Key West's historic district and can save even more by flying into South Florida and making the scenic drive southwest through the Keys.

Boston offers endless opportunities for Memorial Day celebration, from the Boston Calling Music Festival to the Freedom Trail, a collection of more than a dozen historically significant sites that tell the story of the American Revolution.

For a charming Memorial Day, head to Charleston. The annual Spoleto Festival USA returns for 17 days beginning May 24 and will include epic singing, dancing and acting performances throughout the city. Visitors can also dedicate a flag at the Charleston Field of Honor at Marion Square downtown.

The Texas capital is a blast no matter what time of year but takes it up a notch for Memorial Day. Enjoy the warm weather by Lady Bird Lake, dive into some delicious BBQ and be sure to save some energy for historic Sixth Street, one of the many highlights of the Live Music Capital of the World.

Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket will both be popular spots this Memorial Day but nearby Cape Cod won't disappoint either as visitors will be charmed by quaint towns and villages and relaxing sea views. Provincetown will also host the "Largest Lesbian Takeover in the Country" during the four-day Lesbian Nightlife Festival on Memorial Day weekend.

The start of summer is a busy time in Savannah but there's so much to do you likely won't think twice about the crowds. Kick things off with the largest bar crawl in the South in downtown Savannah and one of many Memorial Day ceremonies featuring cannon and musket demonstrations at surrounding forts.

Miami has got everything you need to celebrate the start of summer like a star, from world-class beaches and nightclubs to diverse cuisine guaranteed to win over even the most discerning foodies. Save some money by booking your accommodations somewhere outside of the city like nearby Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

Catalina Island is often overlooked because of its distance from mainland California but it's a worthwhile destination home to a handful of one-of-a-kind experiences that go well beyond the famous Catalina Wine Mixer. Even though it's less than 30 miles from Long Beach, visitors will feel a world away.

So much is happening in New York City this summer that you'll want to get there early. You can celebrate the three-day weekend however you like here, whether you're attending a Memorial Day parade, touring outdoor art exhibits, watching movies on the big screen under the stars or staying up late with live music and drinks.

Atlanta will be celebrating America's heroes and a whole lot more this Memorial Day weekend. The city boasts a loaded lineup of events, including the 32nd annual Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park and Urban Vegan Fest featuring all sorts of vegan delights, including vegan bacon, tacos and donuts.

Memorial Day weekend in Atlantic City kicks off with the annual beach ball drop. From there, the fun doesn't let up as visitors can enjoy the beach, partake in pool parties, try their luck at the casino, stroll the boardwalk and so much more.

South Lake Tahoe's Heavenly Village will host the Lake Tahoe Summer Kick Off Car and Bike Show May 24-27. Memorial Day visitors can also look forward to summer concerts, the Lake Tahoe Tango Festival and sensational happy hour at Brooks' Bar & Deck at Edgewood Tahoe.

A year-round destination with something to appeal to every interest, Los Angeles is the perfect city to kick off summer with a three-day weekend as you can hit the beach, attend a variety of festivals, catch an outdoor movie or concert or relax on any one of the cities many inviting rooftops.

Summertime in Palm Springs is long and hot, prompting the crowds to die down and hotels and resorts to offer reduced rates to attract visitors. You can likely score a last-minute deal around Memorial Day weekend and attend festive events like the annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop at the Palm Springs Air Museum.