Memorial Day weekend: Forecast, travel tips, events & fun at the shore
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Memorial Day weekend is here, and people are headed out for the unofficial start to the summer.
Here's everything you need to know for the weekend:
Unlocking of the ocean
In Atlantic City, the ocean was ceremonially unlocked by the mayor on Friday, with lifeguards ready to guard the beaches.
It was a similar sight in Ocean City, where folks from local businesses marched into the ocean. It's a sign that the summer season is here and the shore is open for business.
"We thrive on our seasonal visitors, so it's really great to have the summer here," said Pat Logue, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway.
Local economic and tourism experts recently said they're optimistic about this summer at the shore, but are facing uncertainty because of the economy and international travel issues.
Weekend forecast
Monday will be the nicest day of the weekend. Temperatures will be below average, breezy and mainly dry.
Check your latest AccuWeather forecast at 6abc.com/weather.
Spending the holiday near Philadelphia?
If you're staying in the city for the holiday weekend, there's still a lot to do.
From concerts and museum exhibitions to Memorial Day ceremonies and parades, there's something for everyone.
Laurel Hill Cemetery is the site of Philadelphia's first Memorial Day commemoration in 1886. There will be ceremonies there on Sunday, and new grave stones will mark three previously unmarked veterans.
Eastern State Penitentiary is holding a weekend of reflection and discussing the impact of military service on prisoners and staff.
Doylestown will hold its annual Memorial Day parade -- one of the oldest in the country. It ends with a wreath-laying and memorial services at the Doylestown Cemetery.
The National Constitution Center has free admission Saturday through Monday, and special programming to mark the holiday.
But if music is more your scene, Metallica is playing Friday and Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, and Post Malone is playing on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.
Travel tips
AAA estimates that 525,000 Philadelphia-area residents will travel over the long weekend, a 3% boost in Memorial Day travel from last year.
Of those, 90% will travel by car.
Friday was the peak travel day. You should expect it to be busy on Saturday afternoon, Monday afternoon and evening.
If you're traveling back on Monday, the most congested travel time will be between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For the latest conditions on area highways, check 6abc.com/Traffic.
Prices at the pump
Gas prices are about 50 cents lower per gallon than this time last year and haven't been this low over Memorial Day since 2021.
AAA said supply and demand are playing a role in this year's lower prices as crude oil supply is currently surpassing demand.
Nationwide, AAA predicted that over 45 million people - 1.4 million more than last year - would venture at least 50 miles from their homes between Thursday and Monday, with the vast majority going by car.
The holiday's previous domestic travel record was set 20 years ago.
