Martin Luther King Jr. Day is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to plan an impromptu getaway for MLK weekend. Whether you’re planning on spending time with family and friends, or need some alone time to recoup, consider these travel destinations to change up your setting for MLK weekend.
Spend MLK Weekend In These 6 Great Destinations
1. San Diego, California
Catch the 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade Sunday, Jan. 15 on Harbor Drive in San Diego, California. This celebration is one of the largest of its kind, filled with dazzling floats, bands, drill teams and appearances by various organizations. You’ll be among thousands gathered to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. If crowds aren’t your scene, head for San Diego to soak up the sun and to check out the city’s other attractions. The San Diego Zoo is a beloved spot for families with children, while the city’s mouth-watering Mexican cuisine is a huge draw for all.
San Diego, California
2. San Diego, California
For a full-fledged celebration in honor of MLK Jr., head to Atlanta, Georgia where you’ll find homage to Dr. King and the greatest nonviolent movement for justice at The King Center. The center is part of the “official, living” memorial dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy, a part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. The grounds include unique exhibits illustrating MLK Jr.’s life, his birth home and his final resting place. The King Center launched 10 days of events filled with performances and lectures based on King each year. There’s no better place to delve into the life and legacy of the man than in his hometown of Atlanta.
San Diego, California
3. Mount Snow, Vermont
Plenty of ski resorts offer MLK specials for a weekend filled with snow, sports and steaming hot cocoa. Mount Snow, located in the Green Mountains area of southern Vermont, is just a short drive away from many northeast cities including NYC and Boston. The skiable area spans just under 600 acres, with 10 terrain parks and slopes suitable for all levels. This resort offers a special 15% holiday discount on lift tickets and features events including a torchlight parade and fireworks. Also in Vermont, Okemo Mountain Resort, Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Sugarbush Resort also offer premium specials for the holiday weekend.
San Diego, California
4. San Diego, California
Walk part of the 54-mile historic trail from Selma to Montgomery, a route that traces the voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama gives visitors the chance to envision the march, follow the path of the foot soldiers and take in sights along the way. Thousands of supporters took part in the final march, which ended at the Alabama State Capitol on 600 Dexter Avenue. Also in Selma are the National Voting Rights Museum, Old Depot Museum and Slavery & Civil War Museum. Make this year’s MLK weekend all about the learning experience in one of the leading landmarks from the American Civil Rights Movement.
San Diego, California
5. San Diego, California
Image credit: Jeremy Sorrells/Flickr/CC-BY 2.0
Did you know the civil rights leader was assassinated at a hotel in Memphis? Dr. King was staying at the Lorraine Motel, where he was shot on April 4, 1968. The city has since built the National Civil Rights Museum around the hotel, showcasing the story of the civil rights movement. Memphis holds a number of events every year to remember the civil rights leader, including King Day, which takes place at the museum. Head for this southwestern city for your fill of live music, speeches and performances dedicated to Dr. King.
San Diego, California
6. Cruise from Florida to the Bahamas
It’s not too late to book a cruise for MLK weekend. January is one of the drier months on the Caribbean islands, making the Bahamas a popular destination in the winter. While staying on the Bahamas can get pricey, booking a cruise might be your way to cut costs. Typically, cruise guests will get to spend most or part of a day in various cities on the islands. The ship will dock in the morning, allowing for a full day of touring the island destination, and head back out to sea in the evening, allowing guests to enjoy the ship’s amenities under the starlight. Consider an MLK weekend cruise for a romantic getaway or as an adventuresome singles trip with friends.
This article was written by Hanna Choi.