Memorial Day Weekend Trends: Groups Are Taking Plans Out of the Chat—and Onto the Water
Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Key takeaways
- Groups of five or more account for 90% of all Memorial Day Weekend bookings.(1).
- Searches for boat trips in beach destinations have surged 148% year-over-year (2).
- Industry reports highlight “waterculturalism”—exploring and connecting with nature through water-based experiences—as a key driver in outdoor recreation and tourism (3).
Find boat rentals for Memorial Day Weekend near you
Trip planning insights for Memorial Day Weekend
Guests are prioritizing quality time with friends and family this Memorial Day Weekend, whether it’s a family reunion on the water or a beach getaway with friends. Groups of five or more account for 90% of all MDW bookings, with “large” groups (eight or more) making up 65% (4). Notably, Guests are planning further in advance this year, with searches and bookings surging as early as February. Searches for boat trips in beach destinations have jumped 148% from 2023 to date, signaling a clear trend: this Memorial Day, groups aren’t just talking about plans. Below, you’ll find key trip-planning insights from our latest internal report.
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Sweet spot for time on the water: 4–6 hours is the go-to trip length for MDW.
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Fan-favorite float: Pontoons take the top spot as the most booked boat type.
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Cost-splitting win: Groups of 8 are averaging just $100 per person for a day on the water.
The Hyundai Air & Sea Show | May 24 and 25
If you’re looking for a unique activity to salute our armed forces this Memorial Day Weekend, book a boat rental in Miami Beach for one of the largest military equipment events in the nation. Enjoy unobstructed views of high-speed flyovers and choreographed demonstrations reminiscent of Top Gun. Check out our Air and Water Show Events Guide for full event details and the best viewing spots.
Trending destinations this spring
From beach picnics to exploring your parks by boat, boating is in full bloom in these trending spring destinations.
Miami Beach, FL
Go snorkeling in Biscayne National Park or anchor at Boca Chita Key for a beach picnic, or escape spring breakers and go north to West Palm Beach, the top in-state destination to explore by boat in Florida (5).
Cabo San Lucas, MX
Traveling to this sun-soaked destination is easy, with regular flights from almost anywhere in the U.S. and a variety of private boat rentals perfect for any adventure.
San Diego, CA
Take advantage of being close to the Whale Capital of the World and get on a private whale watching boat tour in Dana Point. Witness gray whales, as well as several wild dolphins through April.
Austin, TX
Looking to experience the fastest growing metro area of the country at a slower pace? Get on the water using this local’s itinerary and spend the day on Lake Austin.
Honeymoon Island State Park (FL)
Explore one of the state’s last remaining virgin slash pine forests, or anchor at a secluded cove and witness a spectacular Gulf sunset at Florida’s most visited state park.
25 Best Places to Explore by Boat this Spring
- Based on an internal data report around Memorial Day Weekend and holiday bookings. March, 2025
- Based on a year-over-year increase in searches from 2023 to year-to-date (YTD).
- Waterculturism is cited in the 2025 Spring Travel Trends report, as defined by TripAdvisor’s 2025 Trendcast.
- Trip planning insights derived from an internal data report around Memorial Day Weekend and holiday bookings. March, 2025.
- As cited in the 2025 Spring Travel Trends report, based on year-over-year increase in bookings for spring 2025 compared to spring 2024.
Gabriela dos Santos is an experienced Editor known for her insightful and engaging writing. Gabriela has been working in editorial writing for 3 years, with a background in writing for magazines and media outlets. In 2022, she joined the Boatsetter Team, bringing her dedication, passion for storytelling and factual accuracy to the Boatsetter Blog. She is always on the lookout for stories of connection and community; to inform, to entertain, to inspire! In her free time, Gabriela loves traveling and spending time by (or on) the water.
