Here Are The 14 Absolute Best Places To Visit In May Across The United States
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Chris Muras
Author
For much of the United States, May is when spring feels like it has sprung. And what better way to celebrate spring than with a family trip, solo adventure, or romantic getaway? Let’s get right to it and show off a few of the best places to travel in the US in May so you can start planning your adventure. Whether you want to avoid crowds, enjoy stellar weather, or discover hidden gems, there’s a unique destination for everyone featured here.
This article is part of our Best Places to Visit in the USA series. If you’re looking for the top places to visit around the country in each month of the year then look no further, our guides will give you all the seasonal travel inspiration you need to find the perfect location for your next getaway:
| SPRING IN USA | SUMMER IN USA | FALL IN USA | WINTER IN USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | June | September | December |
| April | July | October | January |
| May | August | November | February |
Best Places to Visit in The USA In May
Let’s start our May travel plans with a few areas that are special in their own unique ways. From beaches to barbecues with a dash of baseball and beer – what better way is there to celebrate spring?
1. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, VA, USA
- Location: Virginia Beach, VA
- Why Visit In May: May is a lovely time to visit Virginia Beach because the summer crowds haven't rushed to the beaches yet so you can enjoy the warm spring sun (temps in the mid-70s) without all of the noise.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy an oceanfront getaway in a cute cottage on the beach. A Coastal Dream II sleeps six on the quiet north end of Sandbridge Beach.
Visiting Virginia Beach, VA in May is a joyous time as spring reaches its peak and we look forward to the summer beach season. The vibe is so vibrant at this time of year with the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival in early May and the oceanfront Beach Music Cruise-in roaring into town with live music and hot classic cars around mid-May. As the temps warm up the music festivals heat up as well. There really is nothing like hearing your favorite bands with a beach bonfire blazing bright.
2. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, OH, USA
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio
- Why Visit In May: Visiting Cleveland in May will treat you to mild weather with temps in the 60s and 70s. It's when spring starts to really feel like spring, and the Guardians start warming up their bats.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay at a luxury corner penthouse with a rooftop hot tub while you are in town hitting up a little spring baseball at Progressive Field
Cleveland, Ohio may not be on your radar as a vacation destination, but you'll be surprised by its vibrant art scene, cool museums (the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is here), and its culinary chops. A fun thing to do in May is to go on a brewery tour to some of the local breweries. If enjoying the light spring air and golden sun out on a patio with an award-winning IPA is your idea of a good time, a visit to the Cuyahoga Riverfront area of Cleveland is in order.
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3. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, MO, USA
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Why Visit In May: Some say Kansas City is the barbecue capital of the world. Make sure you come to visit to test out that theory in May when the temps outside remind us why we love springtime in Missouri.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay at a cool retro-styled home in Kansas City near all the great restaurants, shops, and activities you'll find in the Plaza Entertainment District. You are also conveniently located near one of the best BBQ joints in the state - Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Visiting Kansas City, Missouri in May will have your taste buds screaming for signature KC BBQ. When spring rolls around, the grills get hot and the dry rubs get mixed. Kansas City's unique take on BBQ dates back to the 1920s when Henry Perry fired up his outdoor pit outside his streetcar barn and served up the most amazing smoked meat slathered in a sweet hickory smoked sauce to people coming from miles around.
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Best Attractions To Visit In The USA In May To Avoid Crowds
Sometimes you want to get away from the crowds and frantic tourists. Here are a few places to do just that while having the time of your life.
4. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains
Sierra Nevada, California, USA
- Location: Bishop, California
- Why Visit In May: Visiting the Sierra Nevada Mountains in May is the perfect time to enjoy a hike to see these iconic trees before summer temps start blazing across this arid landscape.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay at the beautiful Noble Nest cabin near Mammoth Lakes with stunning mountain views and a hot tub in the forest. Easy access to Highway 395 which will take you to Bishop and the Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Many people are aware of the ancient Sequoya in Sequoia National Park, but the Bristlecone Pine is actually the oldest tree in the world. The oldest and most famous is Methuselah in California's Inyo National Forest. This tree is an astonishing 4,850-plus-year-old tree. Visit the visitors center in Bishop, California to learn about and see some of these ancient trees in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
5. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, TN, USA
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee
- Why Visit In May: Visiting Nashville in May is a great way to avoid the summer tourist season while still enjoying nice warm weather.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Far enough outside the city so you can enjoy some peace and quiet but close enough to all of the action downtown. The Nash Nest is a cool, modern home in East Nashville with a rooftop deck to enjoy beautiful May weather in Tennessee.
Nashville, Tennessee is such a vibrant beautiful city. Nashville is home to so many world-famous music venues such as the Grand Ole Opry House and local hot spots such as Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, an iconic Honky Tonk that launched the careers of many famous musicians like Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, and Waylon Jennings. Throw in some of the best foodie spots in the nation, and you have a city that exudes charm and excitement.
Best Places To Visit In The US In May For Outdoor Adventure
Many of us love our summer vacations, but if we can get an early start in May the weather can be even better for outdoor adventures. Here are a couple of outdoor adventures that will get your heart pumping.
6. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
- Location: Springdale, Utah
- Why Visit In May: Zion National Park is amazing any time of year but springtime in Utah is something special.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are ready for a Zion adventure, book this cool casita minutes from Zion National Park. Go mountain biking on 50-plus miles of singletrack trails right out your backdoor, then return home for a dip in the swimming pool. The best part is the surprisingly affordable rate for this lovely two-bedroom home.
Visiting Zion National Park in May allows you to experience the world coming alive after the snow melts. The waterfalls are bigger, the canyon rivers run fast, and the air just seems fresher. And the way the vibrant green trees pop against the red rock canyon walls is epic. Hiking at Zion in the spring is ideal because it is still cool enough to enjoy a vigorous trek, but warm enough so you can ditch a few layers as the day heats up.
7. Bend, Oregon
Bend, OR, USA
- Location: Bend, Oregon
- Why Visit In May: Visiting Bend, Oregon in May is a great idea if you get a thrill out of spending time in nature surrounded by the emerging beauty of spring.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Your stay in Bend will be even more epic when you book this luxury three-bedroom cabin in the woods on your own private lake. The Hillside Cabin is absolutely beautiful and the views aren't too shabby either.
From exploring lava tubes in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument to rock climbing in Smith Rock State Park or rafting the Deschutes River, Bend can be your home base for outdoor adventures in Oregon. With beautiful waterfalls nearby like Tumalo Falls to the west and miles of hiking trails to explore, Central Oregon was made for nature lovers who like to spice up their life with a few adventures.
Best Places To Visit In May For Events
Spring festivals and events are a fun way to celebrate the greenest season. Here are a couple of the best places to go in May in the USA for special events.
8. Oahu, Hawaii
O‘ahu, Hawaii, USA
- Location: Oahu, Hawaii
- Why Visit In May: Visiting Oahu in May is incredibly beautiful when the spring flowers bloom with rich colors and intoxicating aromas. Hawaii in the springtime is simply magical, plus the more affordable flights and hotels never hurt.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The charming Honolulu cottage in Diamond Head is just a short walk to the famous Waikiki Beach and right next to the Honolulu Zoo and Kapiʻolani Park.
The Lei Day Celebration in Oahu celebrates May Day (May 1st each year) in the beautiful Kapiʻolani Park. Make your own Lei with beautiful local flowers, watch cultural demonstrations, and enjoy some of the best Hawaiian food you can imagine. Get your hula on while listening to live music that welcomes spring in the most festive of ways.
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9. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Why Visit In May: Visiting Charlotte, NC in May is fantastic because this warm-weather state can heat up quickly in the summer. May is also the season for many cool festivals from art celebrations to music, food, and of course the epic Cinco de Mayo festival.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Make sure you don't miss a second of this spring foodie festival by booking this lovely three-bedroom home only a few minutes from Uptown Charlotte.
What would you say if we told you Charlotte is home to one of the most epic food festivals you'll ever attend? The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is bad to the bone with brisket, beer, bourbon, and blues music to let the good times roll. This event toward the end of May is only one reason to visit this cool city in North Carolina.
Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US in May
Let’s round out our journey to the best places to travel in May in the USA with five hidden gems you may not have had the chance to visit yet.
10. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, USA
- Location: McHenry, MD
- Why Visit In May: Visiting Deep Creek Lake in May is just about perfect when the weather is warm and the bugs have not yet burst onto the scene with the summer heat.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Wake Up Grateful is a beautiful three-bedroom home right on Deep Creek Lake. With a super cool movie room, a bunk bed room for the kids, and a hot tub for relaxing by the lake after a day of boating. Perfect!
The man-made Deep Creek Lake in Maryland is perfect for late spring activities as the water begins to warm up and the trees blossom with color. Enjoy kayaking, fishing, and dipping your toes in the water as the sun warms the sandy beach beneath your toes. If you are wondering where to visit in May in the USA, a trip to Maryland is a great choice.
11. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, AR, USA
- Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Why Visit In May: Visiting Hot Springs in May can be fantastic for hiking or even walking around town and enjoying cute little shops because the summer crowds haven't descended on the city and you won't be cooked alive by the summer sun.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy a romantic getaway in Hot Springs, AR when you book The Love Nest. This cool modern cabin is filled with luxury amenities and is within walking distance of Hot Springs National Park and Bathhouse Row.
If you enjoy slipping into a hot pool of water warmed by the earth itself, a trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas should be on your bucket list. The Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas are beautiful and Hot Springs National Park is a mecca for thermal baths.
12. Canyon de Chelly, Arizona
Canyon de Chelly, Canyon De Chelly, Arizona 86503, USA
- Location: Chinle, AZ
- Why Visit In May: May is the perfect time to visit Canyon de Chelly as summers get extremely hot. Any earlier and you may not be able to access the canyon due to snow and ice.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Since Canyon de Chelly is surrounded by Indian reservations you'll have to drive in from Sedona or Flagstaff. This colorful fun two-bedroom home in Flagstaff sleeps four and is close to the charming downtown area.
The beautiful and historic area of northeastern Arizona is simply breathtaking. When you think of the native people who have lived here for nearly 5,000 years the significance of this mesmerizing and sacred place really hits home. Many areas of the canyon require a guide in order to enter. White House Ruin trail is the only area open to all without a guide. If you get a chance to explore this area the views will fly straight to your heart. Visiting Canyon de Chelly in May will treat you to comfortable temps in the 70s.
13. Stanley, Idaho
Stanley, ID 83278, USA
- Location: Stanley, Idaho
- Why Visit In May: When the Sawtooth Mountains are reflected back at you in the crystal clear Stanley Lake you will think you've gone to heaven.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This cool log cabin is perfect for your family getaway to beautiful Stanley, Idaho. With the Sawtooth Mountains rising up in your backyard, both Redfish Lake and Stanley Lake only about ten miles away, and views of the Salmon River from your balcony, the vibe couldn't be better.
When thinking about the best cities to visit in May in the USA, Stanley, Idaho is probably not on your list. But it should be. This hidden gem of only about 100 permanent residents is a calm oasis surrounded by natural beauty. In May, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area comes alive with life. And it's simply magical. Stanley Lake at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains is picture-perfect and is a must-visit destination if you love kayaking or paddle boarding. The hiking in this area is amazing as well.
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14. Boundary Waters, Minnesota
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely, MN 55731, USA
- Location: Ely, MN
- Why Visit In May: If you are itching to get into the BWCA, May is about the earliest you can do so.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Ely, Minnesota is the main western entry point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This beautiful three-bedroom cabin is a gem and the perfect place to call home base for your family vacation to the BWCA.
Camping, canoeing, hiking, fishing - complete silence. This area of Northern Minnesota is absolute bliss. It is one of the few areas of the world designated as a Wilderness Quiet Park and only one of two in the United States. Not only that but it is also recognized as a rare Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful night sky to its fullest. With 800,000 acres of untamed wilderness visiting the Boundary Waters in May is ideal if you love to be surrounded by nature.
Now that you have gotten the travel bug, which of these destinations inspires you the most to pack your bags and explore the US? Where do you think the best places to travel in the US in May are? Share your top picks with a comment.
If your idea of a great vacation is relaxing while all your needs are taken care of, check out this list of all-inclusive resorts in the US.
5 Amazing All Inclusive U.S. Resorts You’ll Actually Want To Visit
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More to Explore
Best Trips In The US In May
What are some of the best places to visit in the US in May?
We have taken some of our best vacations in the US in May. The weather is starting to warm up and spring flowers bloom on hiking trails around the nation. If you are planning a May vacation take a look at some of the best places to visit in the US in May:
- Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA: One of our favorite spots to go on a stargazing adventure is in Joshua Tree. There is something special about the vast desert landscape with shadowy mountains in the background and a sky so dark you feel like you can reach out and touch each and every star. If you are looking for a remarkable place to stay near Joshua Tree, try The Invisible House. This luxury rental is completely covered in windows that reflect the surrounding landscape making it appear to be invisible.
- Ellijay, Georgia: Just outside of Atlanta is this charming small town of around 2,000 residents. If you enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking, you'll find your bliss in Ellijay. Hop right onto the Appalachian Trail, or hit the Benton MacKaye Trails for picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Speaking of picturesque, make your stay incredibly unique by renting The Lens Lodge - a cabin shaped like a camera! gaze at some of Georgia's most beautiful mountains right from your bed in the lens of the camera.
- McMinnville, Oregon: If you feel we aren't alone in the universe head to the McMenamins UFOfest in May. This epic alien festival celebrates a famous UFO citing that happened in 1950. You'll see plenty of aliens at this fun festival, most of them are probably just humans, but you never know. With creative costume parties, the Alien Abduction Dash 5K, a Kids Fun Run, guest speakers, live music, an Alien Pet Costume Contest, and even an Alien Costume Ball where aliens of a feather flock together, you'll have a busy weekend being as weird as you want to be.