Memorial Day Weekend: My FLORIDA GIRL Game Plan
Three days of sandy feet, salty hair, poolside cocktails, and the outfits I'm picking out for all of it.
Memorial Day weekend in New Smyrna is its own kind of magic. The town fills up, the beach is packed by 8 AM, Flagler Avenue is buzzing until last call, and somewhere between the beach and the bar, you have to look cute without melting into the pavement.
I've lived here long enough to know exactly how this weekend goes — sand in everything, at least one outfit change between the beach and dinner, a pool day that turns into happy hour, and a slow Monday morning recovering with coffee on the porch.
Here's what I'm wearing, where I'm going, and how I'm pacing myself through three days of Florida summer at its peak.
Friday: Easing Into It
Friday is the "set the tone" day. I keep it low-key — usually a late lunch on Flagler, a walk down to the beach for the golden hour, and drinks somewhere with the windows open.
What I'm wearing: A fun, festive romper, gold hoops, my go-to leather sandals, and a small crossbody or clutch. Add a denim jacket for when the AC inevitably hits sub-arctic at dinner.
Where I'm going: Drinks at JB's Fish Camp or a sunset cocktail at The Garlic. Both feel quintessentially NSB.
Saturday: Beach Day, Then Bar Hop
This is the main event. Beach in the morning before it gets unbearable, lunch with toes still sandy, maybe a margarita (or two), then out for the night.
Beach outfit: A blue bikini I love, an oversized button-down as a coverup, a cute straw tote, and some chic sunglasses. SPF 50 reapplied like it's my full-time job.
Night out: If there’s no time for a full outfit change, I will throw on a white sheer skirt over my bikini, tie up my oversized button-down, and let the chips fall where they may! Comfortable sandals are non-negotiable — Flagler Avenue is a walking strip and your feet will thank you. Hair in a slicked-back low bun because by Saturday night, fighting the humidity is a losing battle.
Where I'm going: Starting at The Breakers for sunset, then making my way up Flagler — Peanuts, Trader’s and Tayton’s are a must.
Sunday: Pool Day at a Friend's
Sunday is for floating in the pool with a frozen drink in hand and pretending Monday isn't a thing.
What I'm wearing: A polka-dot bikini (I save the fun prints for pool days), a pair of retro terry shorts, cropped tee, lace-up sandals - because why not, and a wide-brim hat. Minimal jewelry because I'm getting in the water — just a beaded necklace and maybe an anklet.
What I'm bringing: A cooler bag with seltzers, a bag of limes, and chips & guac. The unspoken rule of pool days: never show up empty-handed.
Monday: The Slow Down
Coffee on the porch. Beach walk before the crowds. Maybe brunch if I'm feeling social, maybe leftovers in pajamas if I'm not.
What I'm wearing: An oversized linen set or my favorite worn-in tee and bike shorts. Hair air-drying. No makeup. The whole point of a long weekend is the long part.
The Non-Negotiables I'm Picking Out for All of It
SPF 50 — reapplied religiously
A wide-brim hat that survives wind and humidity
5--6 swimsuits minimum — one always needs to dry
Slip-on sandals that don't ruin your feet
An oversized button-down that works as a coverup, a jacket, and a "I need to throw something on" piece
A small crossbody so my hands are free
Hydration — LMNT and Ultima in my bag at all times
Memorial Day in NSB isn't about overplanning — it's about saying yes to the beach walk, the extra drink, the impromptu pool invite. The trick is having a few outfits ready so you're not standing in your closet sweating while everyone else is already poolside.
Cheers to the unofficial start of summer. 🌴
