The choice of top Memorial Day weekend getaways depends on how you want to celebrate the holiday. For many families, it represents the beginning of summer and want to enjoy time together they’ve been planning throughout the winter. They need to relax and savor the time they can spend together.

For those families, theme parks and beach weekends may be the most attractive. All will have special Memorial Day events to go with their usual attractions. Some of the popular Memorial Day destinations include:

1. Atlantic City, New Jersey: The venerable weekend vacation spot still attracts thousands to its famed Boardwalk, long stretches of sandy beaches, salt water taffy, rousing Steel Pier entertainment and fabulous seafood restaurants. Now, a generation after gambling arrived at the seashore town, the glittering casinos bring busloads of vacationers more interested in the inside attractions, or are determined to indulge in both.

2. Malibu, California: On the other coast of the continent, there’s the sunny Pacific Ocean paradise to attract movie stars, muscles, bikinis and just plain families out to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday together. At this time of the year, Malibu surfing USA is at its best, and every member of the family can try it, from young amateur to mature expert.

3. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida: The Happiest Place on Earth will be a bit stuffed with celebrating families during the Memorial Day weekend. However, if you’ve made your flight and hotel plans early enough and can get a good room or suite for the family, it can be a memory-making vacation for all at the famed Park.   

4. Las Vegas: This Memorial Day destination is primarily for adults, although there are some all-family features everyone can enjoy. Some of the luxury resort hotels have fantastic pools, including waterfalls and actually surfing wave areas. Family-friendly free entertainment next to Las Vegas Boulevard includes nightly volcano eruptions, pirate ship battles, lion habitat, circus acrobats and sky-high dancing waters. There’s also a huge overhead music and video display over downtown Fremont Street.

5. Patriotic destinations: If you have the time and can travel for the Memorial Day weekend getaway to one of the important historical sites, suggestions include:

a. Pearl Harbor: If you’re in Honolulu, Hawaii, for a fun holiday, take a few hours to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. The actual battleship is still there under the memorial chapel dedicated to the men who died during the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. If you had relatives or friends who served then or are serving now, toss in a wreath of flowers into the nearby waters to honor them.

b. Independence Square: If your Memorial Day weekend takes you to Philadelphia, spend some time at the hallowed ground where the United States was born. If you have children with you, discuss our history on a tour of Independence Hall and visit to the Liberty Bell.

c. Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia: If your Memorial Day travels take you to Washington, D.C., plan a visit to the vast, green resting place of American heroes. Everyone from buck privates to Presidents are there, and if you visit graves of friends or relatives at Arlington, say a silent prayer of thanks for their service to and sacrifice for our nation.

Choosing the top Memorial Day weekend getaway depends on whether you want to make yours a fun vacation or a time to honor the holiday’s theme. If you plan it right, perhaps you'll feel more satisfied if you can do both.