Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer across the United States, and for South Florida—home to large Cuban, Colombian, Venezuelan, and Puerto Rican communities—it's a time for family gatherings, beach trips, and backyard barbecues. But before you head out on Monday, May 25, 2026, it pays to know what's open, what's closed, and how public transit will run in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Government offices, schools, and mail services shut down
As a federal holiday, Memorial Day brings a full pause to the administrative machinery. Public and private schools in both counties will be closed. Courthouses, city halls, and licensing bureaus won't operate. The U.S. Postal Service will suspend deliveries and branch services, resuming on Tuesday, May 26. Public libraries across the region will also keep their doors locked.
For those needing last-minute documents or permits, plan ahead—no government services will be available on Monday.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, and retail: mostly open
Unlike the public sector, most major retailers will welcome shoppers. Walmart, Target, Aldi, Publix, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods will all operate on regular hours. Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Navarro will be open, though some locations may have reduced hours.
The notable exception is Costco Wholesale, which will be closed entirely on Memorial Day. If you're planning a big cookout, stock up before Monday.
Beaches, parks, and cultural sites open with special rates
South Florida's natural attractions are ready for the holiday crowd. All public beaches and parks in Miami-Dade and Broward will operate normally. Florida State Parks will offer free day-use admission throughout the long weekend—a great opportunity to explore spots like Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park or John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Two historic sites are also open: Deering Estate will offer a reduced admission rate of $8, while Vizcaya Museum and Gardens will keep its regular hours from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Both are excellent options for a cultural outing with family or friends.
Public transit: Sunday schedules and reduced service
Getting around South Florida on Memorial Day requires some planning. Miami-Dade Transit will run Metrorail and Metromover on a weekend schedule. Metrobus and MetroConnect feeder routes will operate on Sunday schedules. The MetroLink express route will not run at all on Monday.
In Broward, Broward County Transit (BCT) will also follow a Sunday schedule, meaning its high-speed Express and Breeze routes will be suspended.
For regional travel, Tri-Rail—the commuter train connecting Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade—will run on its weekend timetable. Transit officials recommend checking official apps for real-time updates, especially if you're connecting to other services.
If you're flying into or out of Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, note that the Memorial Day 2026 travel boom is expected to bring heavy traffic. Allow extra time for rideshares and taxis, as reduced transit frequencies may affect your journey.
Plan ahead for a smooth holiday
Whether you're a longtime resident or visiting from Bogotá, Caracas, or San Juan, knowing these changes can save you time and frustration. Stock up on groceries before Monday, check your transit app, and enjoy the beaches and parks while they're free and open.
For more on how other cities are handling the holiday, check out our coverage of NYC's World Cup neighborhood passport program and LA Metro's new multilingual transit app.
