Memorial Day weekend (May 22 -25) in Miami.
Celebrate Memorial Day in Greater Miami and Miami Beach
Memorial Day weekend in Miami and Miami Beach is a vibrant kickoff to summer, where sun-drenched shores meet moments of national reflection. The destination comes alive with a mix of high-energy festivities and meaningful tributes, most notably the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, where precision flyovers and military demonstrations take over the coastline. Beyond the spectacle, visitors can ease into the long weekend with beachside lounging, cultural programming, and a steady rhythm of live music and alfresco dining. Museums and local institutions offer nods to the holiday’s significance, grounding the celebratory atmosphere in remembrance. It’s a blend of reverence and revelry that feels distinctly Miami.
THINGS TO DO
Stroll Lincoln Road
Just minutes from the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, Lincoln Road offers the perfect place to keep Memorial Day plans going beyond the beach. Spanning eight walkable blocks in the heart of Miami Beach, the open-air promenade brings together more than 200 shops and restaurants, alongside galleries, public art and some of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions. Whether grabbing a relaxed post-show lunch, easing into an afternoon of shopping or settling in for dinner and drinks as the day winds down, the district moves at whatever pace the weekend calls for. With its palm-lined pathways, open-air energy and mix of local favorites and well-known brands, Lincoln Road offers a seamless way to spend the holiday—easy, social and distinctly Miami Beach.
Instagram: @lincolnrd
SPECIAL EVENTS
Hyundai Air & Sea Show
The Hyundai Air & Sea Show returns to Miami Beach May 24–25, 2026, transforming the shoreline into a high-octane showcase of precision, power and patriotism. Often dubbed “The Greatest Show Above the Earth,” the two-day spectacle features fighter jets flying in tightly choreographed formations overhead, along with offshore powerboats and tactical demonstrations along the Atlantic. On the ground, Lummus Park becomes an open-air showcase where visitors can explore military equipment, meet active-duty service members, and move between curated zones featuring live music, extreme sports and hospitality experiences.
STAMPED: AYA x Friends – Memorial Day Weekend at Arlo Wynwood
STAMPED returns to Arlo Wynwood for a special Memorial Day weekend edition, taking over the Higher Ground courtyard on Sunday, May 24, from 5-11 p.m. With sweeping views and an open-air setting in the heart of Wynwood, Higher Ground sets the stage for a sun-soaked celebration. AYA & Friends return for another #UnapologeticallyAfrican experience, where the soundtrack stays rooted in “sounds from the continent and the continent only.” Expect pulsating Amapiano, infectious Afrobeats and vibrant rhythms as the sun sets and the party comes alive. Tickets are available via Eventbrite, with prices increasing at the door.
Instagram: @arlohotels
Address: Arlo Wynwood, 2217 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL 33127
Watch the Air & Sea Show from The Betsy and LT South Beach
Celebrate Memorial Day at The Betsy – South Beach, a 130-room family-owned oceanfront hotel in Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco Historic District. On May 23-24, hotel guests and diners at LT South Beach (featuring cuisine by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel) can watch the Air & Sea Show from the rooftop Ocean Front Deck. Before or after the show, guests can enjoy live jazz at The Piano Bar, take in the beauty of “The Betsy Orb,” and explore poetry from Miami’s most influential voices etched along “The Betsy Poetry Rail.”
Instagram: @thebetsyhotel | @ltsteakandseafood
Address: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Community Heroes Receive Complimentary Access to Pool Parties at The Goodtime Hotel
From May 22 to 25, The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio hotel, is offering first responders, police officers, firefighters, EMTs and military personnel who are non-hotel guests and have valid identification complimentary access to its signature pool parties at The Pool at Strawberry Moon. The Instagram-worthy pool deck and bar, perched above the busy streets of South Beach, is inspired by vintage Miami glamour, dappled with scalloped cabanas and a pastel palette of mint, coral and pink. On Monday, May 25 enjoy the elevated poolside experience featuring performances by DJ Dysomnia and a festive grill out on the deck. Savor bold, summer-ready flavors like the Frita Burger ($24), stacked with a double beef patty, cheddar cheese, crispy potato sticks, garlic aioli and guava ketchup; the Pimento Cheeseburger ($26) with a double beef patty, creamy pimento cheese, lettuce and tomato; or the Choripán Asado Sandwich ($18) featuring grilled chorizo topped with chimichurri on a freshly baked baguette. Keep cool between bites with refreshing Ketel One Cosmopolitans ($14) and Espresso Martinis ($14), the perfect pairing for a sun-soaked holiday celebration by the pool. For more information, click HERE.
Instagram: @thegoodtimehotel
Address: 601 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Pre-Memorial Day Celebrations at Delilah Miami’s Sunday Jazz Night
Swap the typical holiday chaos for something more refined at Delilah Miami’s Sunday Jazz Night. Guests can sip the cheeky Ménage à Trois Drink Tower ($150), featuring 12 cocktails to mix and match, while sharing standout bites like Chicken Tenders & Caviar with a caviar bump kit and signature sauces, The Tower ($45), stacked with Chicken Tender Sliders and Tuna Tartare Cones, and Pigs in a Blanket made with wagyu beef hot dogs.
Instagram: @delilahmiami
Address: 301 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33101
WHERE TO STAY
Miami Beach
Balfour Miami Beach
Located in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood, Balfour Miami Beach, a Registry Collection hotel, is a stylish retreat just steps from the sand. Originally opened in 1940 as The Lord Balfour Hotel, the 82-room boutique property has been refreshed by Miami-based Bigtime Design Studios, blending historic charm with contemporary comforts. Designed by famed Miami Beach architect Anton Skislewicz, the hotel spans two art deco-style buildings connected by a lush tropical courtyard and lined with abstract artwork inspired by nature and coastal modernism. Guest rooms feature hardwood or herringbone floors, Lavazza coffee stations, in-room bar carts and sustainable bath products. Amenities include a rooftop deck, a plunge pool, bike rentals and beachfront access. Balfour also offers SoFi Coffee, an artisanal community café, and Laurel Miami Beach, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant led by Michelin-trained female Executive Chef Camila Olarte.
Instagram: @balfourmiamibeach; @soficoffeesouthbeach; @laurelmiamibeach
Address: 350 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Hotel Continental
Salute summer in style at Hotel Continental, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property. A cherished mainstay, the boutique lifestyle hotel offers an easy place to unwind at its 1950s Miami Modern (MiMo)-inspired pool area. The 10-story, 100-room property offers a nostalgic getaway with curated art, custom furnishings and thoughtfully designed social spaces. In honor of those who serve, Hotel Continental proudly extends exclusive savings to active military personnel, retired service members, veterans and their families with valid U.S. or Canadian military or veteran identification. Additional details can be found HERE.
Instagram: @hotelcontinentalmiamibeach
Address: 4000 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
Located in Miami Beach along the famous Beachwalk, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection is a 357-room oceanfront resort in the heart of Mid-Beach at 39th Street and Collins Avenue. Inspired by the glamour of the 1940s European Riviera, the resort pairs a preserved art deco aesthetic with original terrazzo floors, lush greenery, and a wraparound mezzanine overlooking the check-in and lounge area. Just beyond the lobby, guests will find The Lobby Bar, an intimate lounge where they can grab a drink or bite or linger over conversation. Outside, guests will find the resort-style family pool lined with palm trees and Miami pink design elements. A few steps away, the adult pool offers a more peaceful setting for relaxing under the sun or in a private cabana. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club offers direct beach access and full towel and chair service for those staying on the property. Visiting guests can stop by for a glass of wine at Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill, the charming beachside bar; settle in for an authentic Italian meal at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse, the hotel’s signature restaurant; or grab a quick snack at Il Merkato, the Italian market, coffee bar and gelateria. Additionally, the hotel offers a Seaside Savings package, which includes a complimentary bottle of prosecco and a $50 food and beverage credit with a minimum two-night stay.
Instagram: @cadillachotelmiamibeach
Address: 3925 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
The Gates Hotel South Beach
Located along the serene Collins Canal, The Gates Hotel South Beach offers a Memorial Day escape that blends the timeless allure of Miami Beach with modern comforts. This 235-room oasis blends midcentury-modern design with art deco-inspired architecture, creating a stylish retreat for relaxation. Guests can unwind at the expansive pool deck overlooking the canal, complete with custom double-sided cabanas for soaking up the Miami sun. For a more indulgent experience, enjoy massages and wellness treatments from K’Alma Spa, available in-room or on the third-floor Plunge Deck. Steps from cultural hot spots, The Gates offers easy access to Lincoln Road, the Bass Museum, and Miami Beach’s vibrant dining and entertainment scene. With the hotel’s Stay More, Save Moreoffer, guests can save up to 15% when they book three nights or more.
Address: 2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Arlo Wynwood
In the heart of Wynwood, Arlo Wynwood offers a stylish, culture-forward stay for Memorial Day weekend. As the neighborhood’s first hotel, the 217-room property places guests steps from world-renowned street art, cutting-edge galleries, and some of Miami’s best dining and nightlife. Designed by Meyer Davis, the hotel blends an industrial-chic aesthetic with more than 250 curated works of art, creating a gallery-like experience throughout. Guests can spend sun-soaked days at ART Wynwood, the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, featuring a 76-foot heated pool, private cabanas and sweeping bay views, or explore on-property programming like live music, comedy shows and wellness classes. For added value, Arlo Hotels extends an exclusive offer of up to 20% off for military members, veterans and their families—an ideal perk for a holiday weekend in Miami.
Instagram: @arlohotels
Address: 2217 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL 33127
The Elser Hotel & Residences
Trade your backyard barbecue for Biscayne Bay views at The Elser Hotel & Residences, a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami. From residential-style studios to spacious three-bedroom suites, every room features floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. Suites also feature fully equipped kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers, making the long weekend feel even more like home. Take the plunge into the 132-foot rooftop pool or soak up the sun on our 19,000-square-foot deck with unbeatable skyline views, including sights and sounds of the Air & Sea Show from across the bay. On May 23-24, the hotel’s expansive pool will come to life with a real-life mermaid in full costume, gracefully swimming and splashing through the water from noon to 2 p.m., creating a magical photo opportunity and a memorable experience for children. During the same dates, the property will also host a lively BBQ grill-out from noon to 4 p.m., offering guests a delicious way to celebrate the holiday. Sip refreshments at Bayview Rooftop Bar & Kitchen or catch a game on the massive 16-foot LED screen. Whether you’re gathering with friends or just kicking back for the long weekend, The Elser is an all-in-one summer kickoff spot. The Elser also offers an exclusive veteran and military special of 15% off the hotel’s best available rate to all veterans and active military personnel. Participants must have valid military credentials and ID at check-in.
Instagram: @theelserhotelmiami
Address: 398 NE Fifth St., Miami, FL 33132
Novotel Miami Brickell
Located in the heart of Brickell, Novotel Miami Brickell offers a colorful, contemporary escape for Memorial Day weekend. The 275-room hotel blends modern design with a lively social atmosphere, just steps from top dining, shopping and nightlife. Guests can spend the long weekend lounging at the climate-controlled rooftop pool with sweeping skyline views, sipping cocktails at Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge, or enjoying globally inspired fare at UVA Restaurant & Bar. With easy access to Miami’s cultural attractions, beaches and entertainment, Novotel serves as an ideal home base for a festive and relaxing start to summer.
Instagram: @novotelmiami
Address: 1500 SW First Ave., Miami, FL 33129
WHERE TO DINE
Miami Beach
Kung Fu Chicken
Spend Memorial Day weekend at Kung Fu Chicken, a new Miami Beach spot for crispy, flavor-packed Asian street food with a modern twist. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Yu Bi and Dr. Tingjun Lei, Kung Fu Chicken is known for its 24-hour marinated fried chicken, coated in a light tapioca starch breading and finished with signature sauces. Inspired by street food traditions across China, Japan, Korea and beyond, the menu delivers bold flavors in a fun, approachable format. Whether you’re grabbing takeout or stopping in for a quick bite, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the long weekend in Miami Beach.
Instagram: @eatkungfuchicken
Address: 1502 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Laurel Miami Beach
Grounded in Old World culinary traditions, Laurel Miami Beach is a New American restaurant with strong Mediterranean influences and an inviting setting. Named for the laurel herb, a symbol of achievement and prestige, the restaurant blends elegance and ease with an approachable, expertly crafted menu by Executive Chef Camila Olarte. Laurel’s beverage program features a sommelier-curated wine list with American and European varietals; a craft cocktail menu offering digestivos, classic cocktails, beers and seltzers; an extensive whiskey and gin selection; and zero-proof options. The terrace and courtyard serve as gathering places that reflect the restaurant’s philosophy that food and hospitality are meant to bring people together.
Instagram: @laurelmiamibeach
Address: Balfour Miami Beach, 350 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The Alley
Celebrate Memorial Day with pizza at The Alley, Chef Laurent Tourondel’s beloved Italian trattoria at The Betsy Hotel. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Ocean Drive, guests can take in incredible views of the Hyundai Air & Sea Show while enjoying 16-inch Roman-style pizzas with customizable bases and a crispy yet chewy crust. The menu also features fresh salads, artisanal salumi and formaggi boards, and house-made gelato, alongside Italian-inspired cocktails and spritzes. With its rustic stone pizza oven, eclectic interiors and outdoor patio overlooking “The Betsy Orb,” The Alley is a standout spot.
Instagram: @thealley
Address: The Betsy – South Beach, 1433 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Donna Mare Italian Chophouse
Donna Mare Italian Chophouse, located adjacent to the historic Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, brings the soul of Italy to the heart of Miami Beach. Led by Executive Chef Luigi Iannuario, the restaurant blends Italy’s rich culinary traditions with a bold, modern flair, creating a dining experience that celebrates both heritage and innovation. The menu features a carefully curated selection of handcrafted pasta, wood-fired pizzas made with a 50-year-old mother yeast, expertly aged steaks and sustainably sourced seafood. Each dish is designed to showcase the finest ingredients from land and sea, bringing the essence of coastal Italy to life with a Miami twist.
Instagram: @donnamaremiami
Address: 3921 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill
Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill is a beachfront bar and restaurant at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, open to hotel guests and the public. As one of the few beachfront restaurants in Miami Beach, Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill is a great midday spot for fresh juices, coffee and raw bar favorites. In the evening, guests can unwind with their feet in the sand and an extensive selection of rosés, wines and cocktails.
Instagram: @cadillachotelmiamibeach
Address: 3925 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
Brickell
Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Skip the backyard barbecue and head to Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge, where tropical flavors and sweeping Biscayne Bay views set the tone for a long weekend well spent. Perched above Brickell, the vibrant rooftop pairs retro Latin American flair with Miami’s signature energy, serving up shareable bites like tuna tiradito, short rib buns and crispy calamari alongside refreshing cocktails such as frozen piña coladas, berry margaritas, and the signature Vista House Punch. Whether lounging poolside by day or toasting under the city lights, Vista delivers a breezy escape that feels like a getaway without ever leaving the city.
Instagram: @vistarooftopbar
Address: 1500 SW First Ave., Miami, FL 33129
Wynwood
THRōW Social® Miami
Spend Memorial Day weekend at THRōW Social® Miami for a mix of games, food and entertainment. Located in Wynwood, the expansive indoor-outdoor venue offers interactive experiences like LED ping-pong, shuffleboard and oversized board games, alongside chef-driven shareable bites and creative cocktails. Stop by for weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas, then stay as the space transitions into an upbeat evening with DJs and live music—making it an easy all-day destination for the long weekend.
Instagram: @throwsocialmiami
Address: 2335 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33127
Wyn Wyn
Located on the buzzing ground floor of Arlo Wynwood, Wyn Wyn brings a globally inspired, high-energy dining experience to Miami’s creative epicenter. Helmed by Executive Chef Oumar Diouf, the menu embraces a “think globally, act locally” philosophy, blending international flavors with playful twists that reflect the spirit of Wynwood. Dishes are crafted with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and designed for sharing, making it an ideal spot for group gatherings over Memorial Day weekend. From laid-back brunches with a live DJ to lively evenings that start with Lucky Hour cocktails and stretch into dinner, Wyn Wyn strikes a balance between casual and celebratory. As both a neighborhood hot spot and destination dining experience, it captures the dynamic, social energy of Miami in every bite and sip.
Instagram: @wynwynmiami
Address: Arlo Wynwood, 2217 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL 33127
R House Wynwood
Located in the heart of Wynwood, R House Wynwood is a go-to destination for a high-energy Memorial Day weekend. The celebrated restaurant and entertainment venue pairs chef-driven, Latin-inspired cuisine by chef-owner Rocco Carulli with its signature lineup of drag performances and live entertainment. Guests can expect craveable share plates, steaks, burgers, seafood and hearty bowls alongside house cocktails and playful takes on classics. Best known for its iconic weekend Drag Brunch, R House keeps the energy going all weekend long with themed programming, dinner shows and happy hour—making it an ideal spot to gather, celebrate and kick off summer in true Miami fashion.
Instagram: @rhousewynwood
Address: 2727 NW Second Ave., Miami, FL 33127
Phone: 305.576.0201
Coconut Grove/Coral Gables
Da Angelino Cucina Italiana
Celebrate the long weekend at Da Angelino Cucina Italiana, where Italian tradition meets modern Miami flair. Located in the heart of Coconut Grove, Da Angelino is a love letter to Italy, serving soulful, house-made pastas, freshly prepared meats and seafood and a thoughtfully curated selection of wines from Italy and beyond. Inspired by the warmth of family gatherings, the restaurant blends Old World charm with contemporary elegance. Extend the evening next door at Al Bàcaro, where Venetian-style cicchetti, shareable bites and wines by the glass create a laid-back atmosphere for toasting the start of summer.
Instagram: @daangelinomiami
Address: 3015 Grand Ave., #120, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Mottai
Newly opened at The Plaza Coral Gables, Mottai offers a refined, technique-driven approach to Japanese cuisine. The menu goes beyond sushi, featuring raw preparations, composed small plates, grill-focused entrées, and a selection of nigiri and maki that balance traditional technique with a contemporary perspective. The space draws from French Japonisme, with hand-selected marble and clean architectural details, while lighting shifts throughout the day from bright and airy to intimate and evening-ready.
Instagram: @mottai.miami
Address: The Plaza Coral Gables, 2881 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134