Memorial Day weekend is short, but these trips make the most of it

6. Telluride, Colorado

Mountains, mild springtime weather and a little bit of history — what’s not to love? Located in southern Colorado, the Telluride Historic District, spanning 80 acres, was once a home for miners during the gold-mining boom. And if the history and crisp mountain air aren’t enough for you, the annual Telluride Mountainfilm festival, featuring up-and-coming documentaries, also takes place on Memorial Day weekend.

7. San Francisco, California

Californians, you’re in luck — the West Coast has historical ties, too. While the famous Haight-Ashbury district dates back to the 1960s, the Golden Gate bridge, considered one of the most famous landmarks in America, was built some 80 years after the Gold Rush, in 1933. Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point was used in the 1800s to protect the San Francisco Bay from naval attacks. As icing on the cake, the 38^th annual San Francisco Carnaval will take place on Memorial Day weekend.

8. Shiloh, Tennessee

If rolling green hills and the country music scene aren’t enough to draw you to Tennessee, maybe the Shiloh National Military Park will. With more than 23,000 casualties, the largest battle in the Civil War’s Mississippi Valley Campaign ended in a Union victory in 1862. The military park preserves both the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields, with special events, self-guided tours, kids’ activities and living history re-enactments taking place year-round. This Memorial Day weekend, the Shiloh National Military Park will host a free night of Civil War music performed by a brass band.

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9. Las Vegas, Nevada

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect excuse for a quickie vacation, and Las Vegas (unsurprisingly) delivers a double whammy. Of course, you’re going to find plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars and casinos to while away the weekend, but don’t forget that Las Vegas and the surrounding area has historical significance. We recommend taking a break from Sin City to check out local landmark spots like the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park and the Hoover Dam.

10. Austin, Texas

Like Vegas, Austin is a fun and feisty city that’s bustling from morning ’til night, but we can’t overlook our nation’s deep roots in South Texas. A short drive to San Antonio can put you at the footsteps of the Alamo — though you’ll have more than enough to see in the state capital, starting with the Capitol Building located in downtown Austin. As a family-friendly city, there’s also no shortage of free stuff in Austin to keep you busy on Memorial Day weekend.

Updated on 5/9/2016