Travel

Memorial Day Weekend 2025: Best Spots to Visit in South Florida

May 26, 2025

Hi there!
Welcome to the GQ Property Management Blog— Dive into our wealth of tips on property investment, sophisticated remodeling, and exclusive guest services
TOp categories

Memorial Day Weekend in South Florida blends remembrance and celebration. While the holiday honors those who served, it also signals the start of summer—and locals know how to do both with care and style. Whether you’re into military tributes, laid-back beach days, or a mix of music, food, and boating, this weekend has plenty to offer.

Here’s a round-up of the best places to go and things to do in South Florida during Memorial Day Weekend 2025—broken down by vibe, so you can pick what fits your plans.

Start with What Matters: Memorial Day Ceremonies

Lauderdale Memorial Park Ceremony

📍 Fort Lauderdale – Monday, May 26, 9 AM

This long-standing ceremony features local leaders, veterans, and community members coming together to honor fallen service members. Expect wreath-laying, speeches, and moments of silence.

Pompano Beach Parade & Ceremony

📍 Downtown to Pompano Beach Cemetery – Monday, May 26, 9 AM

Kick off the day with a small-town parade that leads into a respectful ceremony. It’s patriotic, family-friendly, and rooted in tradition.

Good to Know: These events are free and open to the public. Bring sunscreen, water, and a flag if you have one.

Big Events: Air Shows, Music, and Beach Energy

Hyundai Air & Sea Show

📍 Miami Beach – Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25

This massive show pulls in crowds for good reason. Expect fighter jets, parachute jumps, powerboat demos, and military displays right over the ocean. It’s loud, thrilling, and well-organized.

Miamibloco at the Bandshell

📍 Miami Beach Bandshell – Saturday, May 24

If you’re more into rhythm than roar, this Brazilian-style samba showcase is worth checking out. Live percussion, dancing, and high energy from a community-driven music collective.

Tip: Reserve your spot in advance—this one fills up fast, especially with locals.

Water Vibes: Boating & Sandbar Hangouts

Haulover Sandbar

📍 Biscayne Bay, North Miami

South Florida boaters already know—Haulover turns into a floating party during holiday weekends. Tie up, tune in to someone’s speaker, and enjoy the people-watching.

Islamorada Sandbar

📍 Upper Florida Keys

If you’re headed toward the Keys, this is the go-to spot for boaters. Shallow water, music, floating food vendors, and a laid-back crowd.

Boater’s Note: Get there early to anchor in a good spot. Pack coolers, sunshades, and water shoes.

Active & Outdoorsy: For a More Low-Key Day

Oleta River State Park

📍 North Miami Beach

If you’d rather paddle than party, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore mangrove trails at Oleta. It’s calm, scenic, and a good choice for groups or solo travelers looking for quiet nature time.

South Pointe Park

📍 South Beach, Miami

This waterfront park is perfect for picnics, sunset views, or just strolling the pier. It’s near the beach, but not in the thick of the party scene. Great for couples or anyone wanting to wind down the day peacefully.

Culinary Delights: Seafood and Festivals

Blue Crab Festival

📍 Palatka, FL – May 23 to 25, 2025

The Blue Crab Festival is a longstanding tradition in Palatka, Florida, celebrating its 30th year in 2025. Held along the scenic riverfront, the festival features a variety of seafood vendors, carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood while honoring the Memorial Day spirit.

Seafood Festival at SPC Clearwater Campus

📍 Clearwater, FL – May 24, 2025

For those on the Gulf Coast, the Seafood Festival at St. Petersburg College’s Clearwater Campus offers an afternoon of delicious seafood from local vendors, live entertainment, and activities for kids. The event runs from 3 PM to 9 PM and provides free parking, making it a convenient option for families looking to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Many local restaurants in areas like Coconut Grove or Fort Lauderdale offer Memorial Day food specials and waterfront dining, so keep an eye out for live music and festive menus even outside of official events.

Whether you’re traveling upstate or staying along the coast, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy fresh seafood and live music with family and friends.

Memorial Day Weekend in South Florida is what you make it. You can keep it meaningful with a quiet ceremony or go big with beach parties and air shows. You can explore nature, hit the water, or just enjoy great food with great people.

Whatever your pace, the options are there. And if you plan it right, you’ll walk away with the kind of weekend that feels like the start of summer should.

Add a comment
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Browse By Category

Invest

Manage

Design

Travel

Discover

Events

Press

Who are we?

GQ Property Management

Whether you're an investor looking to enhance your portfolio or a guest seeking an unforgettable stay, we've got you covered with a seamless, high-end experience. Partner with us to elevate your investment journey and achieve outstanding returns.

Know more
WORK WITH US

Are you an owner?

We help you buy, remodel, and list your property on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Our services include dynamic pricing management and fraud protection. 

WORK WITH US

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM EST

Sat-Sun: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST

We'd love to hear from you! We aim to reply within 24 hours..

Please use this form or email us

info@gqmgmt.co

+1 (305)204-6173

We'd love to hear from you! We aim to reply within 24 hours..

Please use this form or email us

Got questions?
WE'VE GOT ANSWERS

Instagram

Want to see more? 
Check out our amazing social media content!

@GQMGMT