*Updated for May 2018
Memorial Day on Florida’s Gulf Coast is everything it should be. A time for family and friends. A time for relaxing. And most importantly, a time for remembering and honoring. You can find all of this plus the added benefits of unending Florida sunshine, blue-green Gulf of Mexico waters, and white sugar sand. What’s not to love?
We’ve put together the Ultimate Guide to Memorial Day on the Gulf Coast to help you find the highlights of the holiday weekend. Here’s what you need to know!
Memorial Day Events & Ceremonies
Set aside some time this Memorial Day to honor the true meaning of the day that goes beyond the beaches and the barbecues. Here are a few of the Memorial Day events and ceremonies that can help you do just that.
Waves of Honor Program: Active Duty Free Admission to Busch Gardens Tampa
Did you know that the Waves of Honor program permits any U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman to one complimentary admission per year for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents? It does! And it just so happens that Busch Gardens Tampa is a proud participant of the program. Find out the details of the Waves of Honor Program at Busch Gardens Tampa and start making your plans to cash in.
Tampa Bay Rays Salute to Veterans
The Tampa Bay Rays invite you to celebrate and recognize Armed Forces veterans all over the country as well as in the Tampa Bay community on the Sunday before Memorial Day. Enjoy a specially priced seat in the Lower Level and receive a Rays Hat for just $29! (normally a $48 value). Groups of 10 or more receive an additional discount, preferred seating, and a scrolling scoreboard welcome. More details on the Tampa Bay Rays Salute to Veterans here.
Honor Our Heroes 5K Run in Tampa Bay
Get your run on this Memorial Day weekend! Honor our service men and women by running in a 5K through the charming city of Oldsmar and along the northern portion of upper Tampa Bay on the Saturday before Memorial Day. Celebrate with a post-race party. Race starts at 8a.m. Details on the Honor Our Heroes 5K Run here.
Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony in Largo Central Park
Join the City of Largo in honoring those who have lost their lives while fighting for our country. The annual Memorial Day ceremony is held on Memorial Day Monday at 7p.m. in Largo Central Park’s Military Court of Honor. The evening includes a color guard presentation, music and a wreath presentation in remembrance of our fallen soldiers. This event is free and open to the public. Details on the Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony here.
Beach Time, All the Time
It’s beach time all of the time here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Set aside some time for a little peace and quiet on Indian Rocks and Indian Shores beaches this Memorial Day. Sit back, relax and sink your toes into the sand. Enjoy a little barrier island bliss! Make Memorial Day extra special with a picnic on the beach with your family and friends. Or, head over to Clearwater Beach and watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico while you enjoy the Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival with family fun, live entertainment and coastal crafts and vendors.
Celebrating in Your Gulf Coast Vacation Rental
Rest and relax this Memorial Day holiday in your vacation home away from home—your Gulf Coast vacation rental! It has everything you need for your Memorial Day holiday celebration. Put your vacation rental kitchen to good use for a Memorial Day holiday meal or cookout. Need some ideas? We have an awesome Memorial Day menu just for you. Then all that’s left to do is enjoy quality family time together in a beautiful place where there’s enough room for everyone to eat, kick back and take in the breathtaking views. Why not make it an annual family tradition? Memorial Day on the Gulf Coast is the ideal way to celebrate this year and every year.
See you on the beach and around town!
We’re remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day and wishing you a safe, fun and meaningful holiday. Let us know if you’ll be here to celebrate with us on the gorgeous Gulf Coast of Florida.
