Memorial Day Cruise in Los Angeles with City Cruises
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Special Events & Holidays / United States

A Guide to an Unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles (2025)

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a time to honor and remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. In Los Angeles, Memorial Day offers a unique blend of patriotic ceremonies, outdoor adventures, and festive activities. Whether you’re a local or visiting the City of Angels, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this meaningful holiday weekend – most notably on a unique experience on the water with City Cruises! Picture yourself aboard a luxurious yacht, surrounded by the iconic sights of Southern California, indulging in delicious cuisine, and enjoying the company of loved ones. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to start your summer? Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating Memorial Day in Los Angeles, complete with everything from solemn tributes to lively gatherings.

Honor the Fallen at Patriotic Memorial Day Ceremonies

Los Angeles hosts several Memorial Day ceremonies that allow people to pay their respects and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. One of the most poignant events of the weekend is the Los Angeles National Cemetery Ceremony, which includes a flag-placing event, guest speakers, and a moment of silence to honor those heroes who have sacrificed everything. Located in San Pedro, the USS Iowa hosts a moving ceremony onboard the retired battleship, featuring special performances and presentations.

Start Your Summer the Right Way in LA

Memorial Day often signals the unofficial start of summer, making it the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline. Spend the day exploring or take a hike up to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views as far as the eye can see. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers excellent hiking and biking trails if you’re up for an adventure. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature while staying close to the city.

Memorial Day in Newport Beach with City Cruises
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Special Events & Holidays / United States

Start Your Summer in Newport Beach for Memorial Day Weekend 2025

Memorial Day in Newport Beach offers the ideal opportunity to honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes while embracing the start of summer. When it comes to summertime fun in the sun, few places top Southern California. In Newport Beach, Memorial Day weekend comes alive with its stunning coastline, lively harbor, and festive atmosphere. It’s the perfect location for a long weekend filled with relaxation, remembrance, and recreation. This year, elevate your holiday weekend plans with an unmatched experience on the water with City Cruises. Join us as we dive into some fun things to do around Newport Beach during Memorial Day weekend and how City Cruises can make your holiday unforgettable.

The Meaning of Memorial Day

While Memorial Day is seen as a fun long weekend to start the summer, it’s important not to forget the reason for the holiday. It’s a time to reflect and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Consider paying your respects to those who sacrificed everything for our safety, freedom, and well-being. You can begin your weekend by attending a local ceremony or visiting one of the nearby memorials. Located in nearby Costa Mesa, Veterans Memorial Park is a beautiful spot for quiet reflection. It features plaques and dedications to the armed forces, offering a moment of solemn appreciation. Many locals and visitors gather for the Memorial Day Service at Pacific View Memorial Park. This annual service honors the fallen with speeches, wreath-laying ceremonies, and a moment of silence.

Guys enjoying a bachelor party onboard City Cruises in Southern California
City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / Special Events & Holidays / United States / Wedding

The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Bachelor Party in Southern California

A bachelor party is the ideal opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your closest friends before the big day. Planning can be stressful—you’ll want to create something extraordinary, epic, and perfectly tailored for the groom-to-be. In Southern California, you’re spoiled for choices when it comes to stunning locations, fun activities, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re hitting the links, savoring craft beer at a local brewery, or soaking up the sun on a private beach, SoCal offers countless ways to make the groom’s send-off spectacular. But if you want to elevate the celebration to an entirely new level, hosting your bachelor party with City Cruises is the ultimate way to celebrate. From luxurious yachts to dynamic dining experiences on the water, City Cruises offers a variety of options to make the last hurrah genuinely epic. Here’s your guide to planning the perfect bachelor party in Southern California.

Set the Scene for Your Bachelor Party: Why Southern California?

Southern California is the perfect playground for an epic bachelor party. Known for its beautiful coastlines, vibrant nightlife, unbeatable weather, and endless outdoor activities, the region offers countless ways to celebrate the man of the hour in style. From the iconic beaches of Malibu to the vibrant nightlife of San Diego, SoCal caters to every type of bachelor party group. City Cruises happens to be home to several picture-perfect locations in Southern California. This means booking with us gives you the pick of the litter! Locations include:

Wedding event in Southern California with City Cruises
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / Special Events & Holidays / United States / Wedding

Host Spectacular Wedding-Related Events in Southern California

Picture it now: You and your fiancé are driving down the coast of Southern California, looking out at the ocean and beaches and thinking, “How great would it be if we could get married on the water?” Luckily, that dream can be a reality when you book with City Cruises in Los Angeles. You can host all of your wedding-related events on a City Cruises vessel in Southern California. We can host bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, post-wedding brunches, engagement parties, and the wedding itself! You’ll have access to the best event planning staff in the business, who will guide you every step of the way and nail down all the logistics. From the menu and on-board entertainment to the day-of details, our expert event coordinators are here to help. You can choose from top-of-the-line vessels, including Entertainer, Marina Hornblower, Just Dreamin, and Cabaret. Read on to learn more about how to make your Southern California wedding adventure happen.

Types of Wedding-Related Events in Southern California with City Cruises
Besides your actual wedding, which we’d love to host as well, City Cruises is the perfect choice for all your wedding-related celebrations, including:

Waterfront dining in San Francisco with City Cruises
California / City Cruises / Eat & Drink / San Francisco Bay Area / Things To Do / United States

Good Eats and Great Views: Waterfront Dining Options in San Francisco

There’s no city quite like San Francisco. This cultural metropolis is full of things to do. It is an exciting destination filled with history, world-famous attractions, museums, distinct neighborhoods, the theater and opera, a wonderful nightlife and dining scene, and a bustling waterfront.

Known as the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco has been sung about by various artists, which is not surprising. You leave your heart there after visiting, and it draws you back repeatedly because of its distinct beauty and charm. From the famous Golden Gate Bridge and the cable cars to Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf, this is a place that locals love, and visitors keep coming back to for more.

When in San Francisco, you won’t have to go far to see the breathtaking views of the Bay Area from its unique and popular waterfront. You will find some of the best dining spots along the waterfront, especially for seafood. Start with City Cruises, a top place for dining on the water in this great city.

Enjoy Brunch with City Cruises for Waterfront Dining in San Francisco

The best dining on the water in San Francisco starts onboard a City Cruises yacht. We have just what you need if you are looking for the perfect outing for brunch. Our San Francisco Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise will show you the true meaning of waterfront dining. It begins on the water in our 2-hour elegant cruise on the Bay.

Along with a delicious chef-prepared buffet, you will enjoy inviting cocktails, wine, and beer from our well-stocked cash bar. Free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider will pair perfectly with your meal. Everything on the menu is freshly prepared, including breakfast pastries, Scottish smoked salmon, and French toast for the early risers onboard. Late risers can indulge in Caesar salad, Greek salad, oven-roasted salmon, and more.

Los Angeles meeting space on City Cruises
California / City Cruises / Corporate Events / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / Special Events & Holidays / United States

Unique Meeting Spaces and Venues in Los Angeles

When most people think of the word “meeting,” they tend to envision boring conference rooms or mundane Zoom calls. Both can seriously lack inspiration for innovation. That’s why many companies are enhancing the experience by venturing outside and offline. In fact, one of the best settings for gatherings has been shown to be near or on the water, and that’s an area where City Cruises excels. Our fleet of vessels is among the largest and most luxurious in its class. They offer a range of amenities and provide unforgettable views to inspire every employee, existing client, or potential partner to align with the organization’s goals and objectives. When comfort, care, and a quality meeting space are prioritized, attendees naturally rise to the occasion, especially in a sunny region like Los Angeles.

The Uniqueness of a City Cruises Venue for Meetings
When it comes to unique meeting spaces, nothing beats City Cruises—for several reasons. Our Los Angeles area–based experiences boast exceptional views of the skyline and Southern California’s beautiful marina, towering yachts, and gorgeous homes. Something about being on the water, immersed in fresh air, and underneath blue skies makes a meeting mindset seem like anything but work. The novelty of a floating venue is that it creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for fostering communication and collaboration. With customizable packages and amenities, booking a venue with City Cruises for meetings means companies can design an event that caters to their exact specifications and needs.

The City Cruises Los Angeles Meeting Experience
The Marina del Rey Harbor is celebrated worldwide for its breathtaking beauty and stunning views of Los Angeles. Traveling along the Southern California coast creates an unforgettable and unique setting for any organization looking to elevate the standard experiences expected from a typical workplace endeavor. With meeting spaces that boast climate-controlled interiors and open-air outdoor decks, City Cruises’ vessels offer ideal venues for hosting any corporate event in the area. Add our food and beverage options that feature chef-prepared menus and full bar service, and you have a recipe for success. Our Los Angeles Group & Private Events page reveals several unique experiences to choose from that decision-makers can easily plan—and within budget.

Couple celebrating their rehearsal dinner onboard City Cruises in Los Angeles
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / Special Events & Holidays / United States / Wedding

An Exclusive Guide for Hosting a Rehearsal Dinner in Los Angeles

Planning a wedding involves numerous celebrations, and the rehearsal dinner is one of the most meaningful events. It’s a chance for family and close friends to come together, toast the soon-to-be-married couple, and set the tone for the big day. If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner in Los Angeles, you’re in for a treat. Los Angeles is known for its glamour, stunning vistas, and vibrant dining scene. When it comes to planning an event, the city offers countless options. If you want to create a truly unforgettable experience, a City Cruises yacht is the way to go. Combining breathtaking views, exceptional dining, and a touch of maritime magic, City Cruises transforms this pre-wedding tradition into a celebration you and your guests will cherish forever. Here’s your comprehensive guide to planning a rehearsal dinner in Los Angeles, from choosing the perfect venue to incorporating personal touches that will make the night truly special.

Choosing the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner Venue in Los Angeles

The rehearsal dinner traditionally follows the wedding rehearsal and is an intimate celebration that gathers close family members, the wedding party, and special out-of-town guests. It’s a time to relax, share laughs, and toast the journey ahead. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Los Angeles, you can tailor your wedding-related event to reflect you and your fiancé’s personality and style. Whether you dream of a casual beachside gathering, an elegant rooftop dinner, or a unique event aboard a yacht, LA has it all. One venue option sets itself apart by allowing couples to celebrate with loved ones off the Southern California coast on a luxury yacht. Raise your rehearsal dinner to the next level with a yacht charter. City Cruises offers a unique and elevated approach to event hosting, offering private yacht experiences that combine mouthwatering dining, stunning waterfront views, and a breathtaking atmosphere.