3 reasons to book a Martin Luther King Day getaway

In 2027, MLK Day falls on January 18th—the third Monday in January, as always, to mark Dr. King's birthday on January 15th. Alongside commemorating his legacy, Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend provides a moment to reflect and reconnect at the start of the new year.

Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed nationwide. From the farthest reaches of Alaska to the deepest point of Texas, banks are shuttered, schools are closed, and many employees get to enjoy an extra day of vacation—making MLK weekend getaways a popular choice.

Pay homage to the man himself with a trip to his birthplace of Atlanta, where you can even visit his first home at 501 Auburn Avenue NE and learn about how the King family used to live. Alternatively, head to Birmingham, a crucial city in America's struggle for civil rights. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of King's followers on the Civil Rights Memorial Trail or discover more about the movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Of course, it would be remiss not to consider Washington, DC—where Dr. King gave his iconic “I have a dream” speech by the Lincoln Memorial—and Memphis, where he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968, both of which are apt places to go for MLK weekend.

It's certainly one of the more affordable times of year to get away—the festive peak is over, and January is the low season for most destinations. If you're planning to go somewhere popular on your MLK weekend trip, though, it's still worth booking early to snap up some of the best deals.

It's fitting to spend MLK weekend in places that played a major role in the civil rights movement, like Selma or Nashville. San Antonio, Texas, hosts the nation's biggest march for the holiday, and is worth a visit for that alone. However, your Martin Luther King weekend getaway doesn't necessarily need to have any connection to the man himself: It can also simply be a chance for a long weekend in the sun, reconnecting with your nearest and dearest.

Up and down the US, cities and towns hold parades, educational workshops, and volunteering campaigns to mark MLK Day. LA's annual Kingdom Day Parade, for instance, is one of the biggest and sees floats, marching bands, and drill teams take to the street to commemorate Dr. King's legacy. Some cities organize readings of his speeches, while others host screenings of movies on civil rights-related issues or run special exhibitions on the topic.

It's a great opportunity for a weekend getaway. With MLK Day being a federal holiday, many people end up with a 3-day weekend—the perfect excuse for some time away. Plus, with January being low season, there are often plenty of travel deals around MLK weekend.

Head to coastal destinations across the US (and beyond) if you're looking to catch some rays on your MLK weekend getaway. Miami is a classic choice, with temperatures sitting around 70°F and clear skies nearly guaranteed. On the other side of the country, sunny San Diego is also a popular pick—or go inland to Palm Springs for a laid-back weekend of golf and galleries. Looking for somewhere further afield? The Mexican city of Cancun, nestled against the Caribbean Sea, has all the swaying palm trees and picture-perfect views you could hope for.