Memorial Day: What To Do In New York City

Are you visiting New York this Memorial Day weekend? We have put together a list of all of the different things you can do. If you are planning on staying in the city, it’s a good weekend to visit the different attractions in New York as they tend to be quieter as many New Yorkers travel out of the city for the weekend.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Its origins date back to the end of the Civil War when it was known as Decoration Day. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

It’s also the unofficial beginning of the summer season!

Fleet Week

Fleet Week offers members of the Navy and Marines the opportunity to experience New York City, while giving the public a chance to meet members of today’s maritime services. You can tour Navy ships, watch military formations or see a special screening of Top Gun on the deck of the USS Intrepid.
For a full list of events taking place, make sure you check out their website. Many of the events are free, so if you’re in town be sure to check them out.

Little Neck Douglas Memorial Day Parade

The largest of the city’s Memorial Day parades and takes place on Monday, May 27th. You can honor those lost in battle by cheering on veterans, the local members of the military, marching bands, brownie troops and boy scouts marching from Northern Boulevard in Queens from Great Neck to Douglaston. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Monument in the courtyard of St. Anastasia Church elegantly finishes off the parade.

Visit Coney Island

A trip to Coney Island is the perfect day out for all the family! With rollercoasters, an aquarium, lots of restaurants and shops, it’s a day out that everyone is sure to enjoy. If you’re thinking of visiting, then make sure you check out their website coneyislandfunguide.com

Memorial Day Concert

The annual Memorial Day concert at Green-Wood Cemetery, in Brooklyn features the New York City Symphonic Band in a free afternoon performance at 2.30pm. There are also local vendors are on hand to provide food and refreshments. To find out everything you need to know, then make sure you take a look at their website green-wood.com

Central Park

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to Central Park, located between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue and running from 59th Street to 110th Street, it is the most visited urban park in the United States. We’ve picked some of our favorite places for you to visit so make sure you check out our previous blog.

And if you’re planning to visit New York later in the summer, make sure you check out our new special offers.