Where to go on Memorial Day weekend in San Diego?

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Experts predict the number of people traveling over Memorial Day weekend will hit a record high this year, soaring past pre-pandemic levels.

The Auto Club of Southern California expects about 3.5 million people will travel by car, plane or other modes of transportation over the holiday weekend, it announced Monday. Nationwide, AAA expects 43.8 million people will travel between Thursday, May 23 and Monday, May 27.

According to Auto Club data, the top five destinations for Southern Californians to visit will be:

1. Las Vegas
2. San Diego
3. The Grand Canyon
4. Hawaii
5. Seattle/Alaska cruises

However, San Diegans don't have to travel far or spend much money, thanks to some local events. Check out the following ways to enjoy the holiday weekend and observe Memorial Day on May 27 in San Diego County.

Miramar National Cemetery Veterans Memorial Service

On Sunday, May 26 from 1 to 2 p.m., Miramar National Cemetery is hosting its free Memorial Day ceremony with a special program to honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, troops from the U.S., the British Commonwealth and their allies invaded the coastline of Normandy, France to fight Nazi Germany during World War II, a turning point in military history. Miramar National Cemetery is located at 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122.

Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day Ceremony

The event at Fort Rosecrans is one of San Diego's largest memorials dedicated to fallen servicemembers. It's hosting a free Memorial Day ceremony that open to the public on Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery was designated a registered historical landmark in 1932 and was placed under the Veterans National Cemetery Administration system in 1973. Fort Rosecrans is located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, CA 92106.

Mt. Soledad's Memorial Day Ceremony

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m. to noon. This event is also free to attend. This year, the ceremony will pay special tribute to 25 Marines of the Third Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, whose call sign was "Darkhorse." The 3/5 Marines fought in the Battle of Sangin and sustained the most casualties of any unit during the war in Afghanistan. Mt. Soledad is located at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037.

Coronado Summer Concert Series

A series of 16 free concerts kicks off Memorial Day weekend at Spreckels Park as part of an annual summer series organized by Coronado Promenade Concerts. The concerts will happen every Sunday from May 26 until Sept. 1. The first concert will be at 4:30 p.m. with a performance by Coronado Concert Band followed by a 6:30 p.m. show by Laurie Beebe Lewis and the Electric Underground. For a full schedule of performances, click here. Spreckels Park is located at 601 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118.

Vista Strawberry Festival

This family-friendly event in North County offers a bit of everything for strawberry lovers! It takes place on Sunday, May 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities, vendors and performances can be found throughout Vista's Main Street area, including musical acts by Mariachi Olmos de San Diego and Oceanside's School of Rock, Encinitas Ballet Academy and more. There will also be a Little Ms. Shortcake pageant and a strawberry pie eating contest. For a full schedule of events, click here.

Whether you attend a ceremony in honor of fallen soldiers or choose to spend the weekend with your family and friends, there will be plenty of options to participate in Memorial Day activities without leaving the county.