25 Great Things To Do Memorial Day Weekend 2026 on Florida’s Suncoast – From Tampa to Naples
Memorial Day Weekend on Florida’s Suncoast is one of the best times of the year to explore everything the Gulf Coast has to offer. From patriotic parades and waterfront festivals to beaches, baseball, live music, shopping, boating, and family attractions, there is something happening from Tampa all the way south to Naples.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach day, a patriotic event, a foodie adventure, or live entertainment, here are 25 great things to do this Memorial Day Weekend across Florida’s Suncoast.
Patriotic Events and Memorial Day Traditions
1. Attend the Sarasota Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Sarasota hosts one of the region’s premier Memorial Day parades honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. For more area event details, visit Escape to Sarasota’s May events guide.
2. Visit the “Remembering Our Fallen” Memorial in Bradenton
This powerful memorial exhibit along the Bradenton Riverwalk honors military personnel lost since 9/11, including many from Florida. Details are also listed through Escape to Sarasota.
3. Honor the National Moment of Remembrance
At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute to honor fallen service members. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Beach Days and Waterfront Favorites
4. Spend the Day on Anna Maria Island
White sand beaches, waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, and spectacular sunsets make Anna Maria Island one of the hottest Memorial Day destinations on the Suncoast. Plan your visit through AnnaMariaIsland.com.
5. Relax at Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach remains one of Florida’s most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches with picnic areas, walking paths, food vendors, and turquoise Gulf waters. Check county beach information through Manatee County.
6. Take a Sunset Cruise at Clearwater Beach
Dolphin cruises, sunset sails, and waterfront dining make Clearwater Beach one of the Gulf Coast’s most popular holiday weekend destinations. Visit Visit St. Pete-Clearwater for Clearwater Beach information.
7. Spend the Day at Siesta Key Beach
America’s famous powdery white sand makes Siesta Key one of the most visited beaches in Florida during Memorial Day Weekend. The Suncoast Post has also covered things to do on Siesta Key for readers planning a beach-focused weekend. Visitor details are available from Visit Sarasota County.
8. Relax at Englewood Beach
Englewood Beach offers a quieter Gulf Coast experience with shelling, waterfront dining, and stunning sunsets. Learn more through Visit Florida’s Englewood guide.
Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Bradenton Highlights
9. Explore the Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is packed Memorial Day Weekend with restaurants, bars, museums, parks, and entertainment along the waterfront. Start with The Tampa Riverwalk for visitor details.
10. Visit The Florida Aquarium
One of Tampa’s top family attractions offers marine life exhibits, interactive experiences, and a cool escape from the holiday heat. Visit The Florida Aquarium for hours and tickets.
11. Attend the Tampa Bay Barbecue Festival
Barbecue, live music, food vendors, and waterfront fun combine for a festive holiday weekend event. Event details are available at Tampa Bay Barbecue Festival.
12. Catch a Tampa Bay Rays Game
Memorial Day Weekend is always a great time to enjoy air-conditioned baseball and one of Major League Baseball’s hottest teams. Check the Tampa Bay Rays schedule.
13. Visit St. Armands Circle
Dining, cocktails, shopping, and people-watching make St. Armands Circle one of Sarasota’s busiest Memorial Day hotspots. Visit the St. Armands Circle Association for shopping and dining information.
14. Enjoy Live Music in the Historic Fishing Village of Cortez
The waterfront village of Cortez comes alive Memorial Day Weekend with seafood, tiki bars, and live entertainment. Popular spots include Swordfish Grill and Cortez Kitchen.
15. Walk the Bradenton Riverwalk
The Bradenton Riverwalk offers splash pads, public art, playgrounds, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Manatee River. Visit Realize Bradenton for Riverwalk information.
16. Catch a Bradenton Marauders Baseball Game
Family-friendly baseball at historic LECOM Park remains a great Memorial Day Weekend activity for sports fans. Check the Marauders schedule before heading out.
17. Shop and Dine at University Town Center
UTC offers shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment all in one destination. Visit University Town Center Sarasota for current listings.
18. Enjoy Rooftop Drinks in Tampa
Tampa’s rooftop bars will be packed Memorial Day Weekend with skyline views, cocktails, and live entertainment. Armature Works is one popular starting point for a night out.
Southwest Florida Day Trips
19. Explore Downtown Naples
Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are packed with upscale dining, shopping, art galleries, and nightlife. Plan a visit through Visit Naples.
20. Visit Naples Botanical Garden
One of Southwest Florida’s most beautiful attractions is perfect for families, photographers, and nature lovers. Visit Naples Botanical Garden for hours and ticket details.
21. Explore Historic Downtown Venice
Downtown Venice is filled with boutique shopping, sidewalk cafes, live music, and nearby Gulf beaches during Memorial Day Weekend. Visitor information is available from Visit Venice FL.
22. Spend the Day at Fishermen’s Village
Waterfront dining, boating, shopping, harbor views, and live entertainment make Fishermen’s Village one of Southwest Florida’s favorite holiday weekend destinations. Visit Fishermen’s Village.
23. Visit Times Square on Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach continues its strong comeback with restaurants, beach bars, shopping, and Gulf sunsets drawing visitors throughout Memorial Day Weekend. Learn more through Visit Fort Myers.
24. Discover Wellen Park
Wellen Park has quickly become one of the fastest-growing lifestyle destinations on the Suncoast with restaurants, kayaking, walking trails, and family-friendly activities. Visit Wellen Park for more information.
25. Experience the Florida Folk Festival
This legendary Florida tradition features music, crafts, food, and cultural performances throughout Memorial Day Weekend. Details are available from Florida State Parks.
Whether you spend Memorial Day Weekend relaxing on the beach, attending patriotic ceremonies, exploring waterfront communities, or enjoying live music and local restaurants, the Florida Suncoast offers endless opportunities from Tampa to Naples.
Most importantly, Memorial Day remains a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives serving our country.