Memorial Day 2021 in Carlsbad

“Don’t wear white after Labor Day” is one of those weird things that just sticks in your head. Even if you can’t remember when you first heard it, what it means, or if you should even care – it’s one of those sayings that pop into memory at the most random times. Beyond remembering a silly fashion faux paux, this saying is a reminder of a day that hits the calendar at the same time every year. In today’s modern world, there seem to be hundreds of holidays. Keeping them all in line and figuring which ones to observe can be hard. Memorial Day, not unlike Labor Day, is one of the easier ones to remember. It falls on a three-day weekend, and for all intents and purposes is the perfect time to kick off summertime. But, there is much more to remember about Memorial Day than the barbeques that we use to celebrate it.

Memorial Day wasn’t technically celebrated in the U.S. until the late 19th century. The day commemorates exactly what it is named for – honoring those who have fallen in battle. One of the earliest arranged celebrations of fallen soldiers was organized by freed slaves. At the end of the Civil War, thousands of Union soldiers perished as prisoners of war. After the Confederate surrender, recently freed slaves and regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops gathered to provide a proper burial ground for their fellow soldiers. Approximately three years later, the commander-in-chief of the Union veteran’s Grand Army of the Republic issued a decree that designated May 30 as the nationwide day of memorial for the hundreds of thousands of soldiers that lost their lives in the Civil War. It officially became a federal holiday in 1971. Now, Memorial Day continues to honor veterans who have honorably served our country.  As a summer rite of passage and, more importantly, a day to remember – Memorial Day is a day to kick back, relax, and recall all of the sacrifices that those who came before us made.

Here are some ways to celebrate Memorial Day in Carlsbad this year:

Book a Stay at a Carlsbad Resort or Hotel

No matter what time of year you visit, the city of Carlsbad is a prime getaway destination. For Memorial Day, the coastline offers tourists a place to soak in the unique springtime sunsets of the west coast.

One of Carlsbad’s premier resorts, the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa recently reopened to locals and travelers. The resort has panoramic ocean views, two signature restaurants, pools, and ample outdoor space. For a limited time, guests can take advantage of a couple of different springtime discounts. Current packages include tickets to the Flower Fields and complimentary bicycles from the resort to get there. Through Memorial Weekend only, guests can hop on and off the Ride the Tide shuttle provided by the Westin. This open air-beach trolley drops guests off at destinations within a five-mile radius of the resort.

The Beach Terrace Inn is also running an enticing springtime deal that is perfect for Memorial Day weekend. Their Spring Revival pricing gives guests up to 20% off on various accommodations. These specials are a perfect excuse to shake off the winter chill and honor the holiday with a beach getaway that won’t break the bank.

For a luxury stay at an award-winning resort spa with eight sparkling pools and two championship golf courses – you can also consider booking a stay at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. For Memorial Day, guests can cash in on the Escape and Save package for up to 15% off when staying two nights or more.

Host a BBQ and Support Local Carlsbad Businesses

Modern-day Memorial Day festivities usually include good food, good drinks, and friends and family to match. For Memorial Day this year, many restaurants have reopened with takeaway options to support outdoor get-togethers.

If you are hosting a backyard barbeque for Memorial Day, or just want to kick back and enjoy a quiet meal outside – try any one of these options for a tasty summertime meal without the prep work:

– Park 101
– Notorious BBQ
– Felix’s BBQ with Soul
– Burger Lounge
– Pure Burger
– Eureka

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Alongside booking your stay, BBQs, and bike rides – Carlsbad beaches are a free way to enjoy the long weekend and experience the beauty of the coast.

Carlsbad has over 7 miles of pristine beaches, and each has something new to see. From expansive cliffs and drop-offs to boardwalks and sandy terraces – pack a beach chair and head to South Carlsbad State Beach or Tamarack Surf Beach to soak up the sun this Memorial Day.

Rouleur Brewing Memorial Day Ride

If bicycling is your thing, this year’s Memorial Day Ride is a fun way to pay homage to fallen soldiers and support one of Carlsbad’s local breweries all at the same time.

Rouleur Brewery was built on the love of cycling and a foundation of the principles that cycling is founded on. In French, ‘Rouleur’ quite literally translates to ‘having wheels’. They brew their beer with the balance and precision that comes with their name. On Memorial Day, the brewery is hosting its first official ride in over a year. They are offering two options for this year’s ride: gravel and pavement. Coffee will be available in the tasting room starting at 7 a.m. and beer will be available starting at 11 a.m. A food truck will also be onsite for sustenance after the ride.

Holidays are a reminder to celebrate important moments in history. On Memorial Day, use the three-day weekend to remember all of the fallen soldiers that have shaped our past and continue to shape our future.