19 Amazing Places to Visit in May in the USA I’d Visit Again

I found that May is a very special time to travel around the USA – with longer days, mild weather, but with far fewer crowds! After living here for several years and exploring the country in spring, these are my favorite gems to visit in May, each offering something uniquely special this time of year…

1. Annapolis, Maryland

This was such an awesome month to visit this charming harbor city, I found mild sunshine, flower-filled gardens, and it was also the start of sailing season which made the waterfront sparkle (but thankfully without the peak time prices)! I timed my trip for the photogenic May Day Flower Basket Celebration and I heard from locals that the parade-filled Naval Academy Commissioning Week also took place this month.

Landing at Baltimore/Washington airport (BWI) I was soon settling into the romantic 1313 West Luxury Boutique Hotel which was my base for five mellow days. I took scenic boat rides, alfresco dinners at City Dock, and meanders through cool indie boutiques, cute little cafés, and the artisan-stall filled Pennsylvania Dutch Market.

Location: Mid-Atlantic USA | Vibe: Historic, nautical, and charming | Avg temp: 64°F to 75°F

My highlights…

• Gorging on maple mustard glazed pretzels washed down with a unique Mexican-style ‘Blood of the Goat’ craft beer at the first nano brewery in the city, Forward Brewing!

2. Block Island, Rhode Island

My late May trip here was a beautiful peaceful escape, the wildflowers were out, the breezes were mild, and fewer tourists made it ideal for long bike rides along scenic coastal roads and bird-spotting on the quiet nature trails. I loved the intimate local vibe and even managed to catch the indie film-filled Block Island Film Festival!

I took the 30 minute high-speed ferry from Point Judith and stayed at the romantic Blue Dory Inn spending my days hiking the quiet Greenway trails, climbing the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs, touring the Southeast Lighthouse, spotting seabirds at the National Wildlife Refuge, browsing the Spring Street Gallery, and ending with a lazy afternoon lounging around on Crescent Beach’s soft sands.

Location: New England, North USA | Vibe: Peaceful, windswept island | Avg temp: 50°F to 64°F

My highlights…

• Checking out New Shoreham’s galleries and boutiques — I especially loved The Glass Onion and their delicate sea-glass bracelets in soft ocean blues that looked like they’d just washed up from the island’s shores!

3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia was just awesome in early May, the weather was warm and sunny, tulips were out in the parks, and the outdoor dining and festivals made the streets buzz with energy (but with fewer crowds and better accommodation prices than the summer).

I flew into Philadelphia International Airport and hit the city during the Rittenhouse Row and South Street Spring Festivals, when food stalls and live music took over the streets, before spending five days strolling Old City’s historic icons, dining al fresco at Rittenhouse Square, and checking out Fishtown’s cool indie shops and eateries (Pizzeria Beddia was a huge stand-out for me)!

Location: Mid-Atlantic USA | Vibe: historic, creative, and food-loving | Avg temp: 64°F to 75°F

My highlights…

• My suite at the gorgeous 4-star Lokal Hotel was a dream, I loved the boho-chic decor, the fresh cedar-and-linen scent, and the clever ‘invisible service’ that made it feel like my own hideaway!

4. Ocean City, Maryland

I took a break in this vibrant Atlantic resort town this month and didn’t regret it — it was warm but not too hot, humidity was low, the beaches and boardwalk were open but wonderfully uncrowded, and hotel rates were far better than in peak season. I have to admit, it was a little too chilly to swim but I discovered it was just right for lounging on the sand and water sports.  

A three hour drive from Philadelphia brought me to the boutique-style Harrison Hall Hotel where I spent a fun week strolling the lively boardwalk, cruising with dolphins, attending the cool, classic car-filled Cruisin’ Ocean City event, and heading over to Assateague Island to see its iconic wild ponies and turtles (they were great to see before the mozzies and greenhead flies get too bad in the heat of summer)!

Location: Mid-Atlantic Coast USA | Vibe: family-friendly beach resort | Avg temp: 59°F to 77°F

My highlights…

• Discovering Northside Park, one of the city’s prettiest green spaces, I loved the salty Assawoman Bay breeze and biking along its smooth, shady paved trails!

5. Edisto Island, South Carolina

I discovered that the quiet barrier island was at its dreamy best in May: soft sea breezes, peaceful shores, and the first loggerhead turtles returning to nest, setting the scene for kayaking, hiking, and slow coastal days ahead of peak season, as well as lively highlights like Turtlefest and the Turtle Tide Art Reveal,.

Flying into Charleston International (CHS), I drove 50 miles along the scenic Edisto Island National Scenic Byway and spent a peaceful week at the charming Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge, wandering the shoreline, kayaking through salt marshes, hiking Edisto Beach State Park, seeing the first marked turtle nests of the season, and exploring Botany Bay Plantation!

Location: South Carolina Lowcountry, Southeastern USA | Vibe: rustic coastal retreat | Avg temp: 75°F to 84°F

My personal highlights…

• Gliding along the tea-colored Edisto River on a guided eco-tour, I breathed in the earthy, mossy scent while passing swamp lilies and bald cypress trees draped in ghostly Spanish moss!

6. Sacramento, California 

I found late May was the perfect time for a spring break in California’s capital, warm sunshine, flower-dotted parks, light crowds, and lively farmers’ markets (as well as the family-friendly Sacramento County Fair!) made it ideal for cycling the scenic American River Parkway and dining al fresco at farm-to-fork restaurants as the city came alive again after its winter slumber.

Driving six hours from Los Angeles, I stayed at the trendy 4-star Exchange Hotel, wandering the gardens of Capitol Park, strolling the Old Sacramento Waterfront, taking a picturesque river cruise, and watching the sun set over Sacramento River.

Location: Northern California, West USA | Vibe: laid-back, historic, and farm-to-fork | Avg temp: 68°F to 84°F

My favorite highlights…

• Savoring wild ramp and potato ravioli in rich, earthy morel cream on Mulvaney’s garden patio — the former firehouse setting and fresh herb-scented air made every bite unforgettable!

7. Bend, Oregon

This cool high-desert city made an ideal shoulder-season escape. I took a trip here in late May and discovered sunshine, low humidity, and wildflowers made the hikes a dream, wildlife was out in force, and I scored great pre-summer hotel deals. Trails and patios were alive with people again, and both the Bend Brews & Beyond Festival and the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle took place this month!

I made the three-hour drive from Portland to the quirky McMenamins Old St. Francis School and packed my week with Misery Ridge hikes, Deschutes River rafting, and post-adventure Bochi Bochi lagers at Crux Fermentation Project — warm days, yes, but with chilly nights that made me grateful for extra layers.

Location: Pacific Northwest, North USA | Vibe: trendy mountain town | Avg temp: 59°F to 75°F

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the Flatiron Trail – I loved the scent of sun-warmed juniper and the otherworldly, castle-like reddish-gold rock formations towering around me! 

8. Texas Hill Country

This really was Texas Hill Country at its springtime best – golden sunshine, hills blazing with Firewheels (Indian Blankets) and Mexican Hats, and comfortable weather for hiking trails, bike rides, lazy river tubing, and winery-hopping, as well as quieter roads, bargain hotel rates, and festivals like Whimsy & Wonder Art & Music Festival and Kerrville Folk Festival.

Touching down into Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), I spent ten days driving the Insta-worthy Willow City Loop, sipping Tempranillo and Viognier at Becker Vineyards, swimming in clear Comal River, and ending my nights with country and Americana tunes in Luckenbach’s rustic dance hall! 

Location: Central Texas, South USA | Vibe: Scenic and rustic region | Avg temp: 64°F to 84°F

My favorite highlights…

• Staying in an Insta-worthy glamping Nature Pod at the SKYE Texas Hill Country Resort, I loved waking up to a rich Texas Pecan brew from Independence Coffee Co., sipping it in the Adirondack chair on my porch with birdsong all around! 

9. Savannah, Georgia

This was peak-pretty Savannah! I experienced warm sunshine, flowers everywhere, and that dreamy jasmine scent in the air, ideal for wandering the squares, soaking up the historic district, and eating outside under live oaks — as well as decent hotel deals and the awesome Art & Soul Music Festival.

Landing at Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV), I spent five enchanting days soaking up Savannah’s Southern grace — from its floral squares and river cruises to sunset dinners along River Street — but learned quickly to pack insect repellent for those balmy evening strolls!

Location: southeastern Georgia, South USA | Vibe: romantic, historic and elegant | Avg temp: 75°F to 84°F

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the romantic 4-star Gastonian Hotel, I was charmed by its elegant Regency-Italianate mansion and the sociable afternoon wine hour with a sweet, chilled Georgia Muscadine paired with smoky roasted red pepper crostini!

10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah completely charmed me on my early May trip, there was mild weather, pretty pink azaleas and trilliums, roaring waterfalls, and crowd-free trails made it unforgettable, and I loved catching the park’s annual Wildflower Weekend!

Landing at Washington Dulles (IAD), I made the 1.5-hour drive to Front Royal and spent five tranquil days at rustic-chic Big Meadows Lodge — a rustic-chic retreat inside the park — hiking the wildflower-lined Dark Hollow Falls and Hawksbill Summit trails, driving scenic Skyline Drive, and spotting deer and even a black bear.

Location: South-Atlantic USA | Vibe: scenic mountain escape | Avg temp: 61°F to 75°F

My favorite highlights…

• Driving the scenic Skyline Drive – I liked how it curved through tunnel-like canopies of oak, hickory, and maple just bursting into fresh green leaves with the air filled with a sweet, earthy scent!

11. Monterey, California

It was a joy to visit this quirky coastal city late on during this month, I found crisp skies, colorful wildflowers, and migrating humpback whales made it perfect for coastal drives and whale watching, and the California Roots Music and Arts Festival brought amazing live energy to Monterey!

Driving five hours up Highway One from Los Angeles, I kicked back for a week spotting sea otters and seals along the coastal trail, exploring Point Lobos, cruising 17-Mile Drive, and dining at Lalla Oceanside Grill (the creamy warm butter cake was divine)!

Location: Central California, West USA | Vibe: quirky and cultured seaside town | Avg temp: 50°F to 64°F

My highlights…

• Staying at the stylish 4-star Portola Hotel & Spa, I loved the crackle of the outdoor fire pits and being greeted with a gooey smoked-salt and brown-butter chocolate chip cookie!

12. Yosemite National Park, California

I couldn’t have picked a better month — late May’s roaring waterfalls, blooming meadows, and mild temperatures made this national park a dream to explore before the crowds hit. Scenic roads had reopened, rates were down, and I even glimpsed a black bear from a distance (nice)!

After a four-hour drive from San Francisco, I spent five epic days at the 4-star Tenaya at Yosemite — hiking roaring Yosemite Falls, admiring wildflowers in Cook’s Meadow, and taking in Glacier Point and Tioga Pass views I’ll never forget (note – Tioga Pass is sometimes still closed early May or later).

Location: Central California, West USA | Vibe: awe-inspiring wilderness | Avg temp: 61°F to 75°F

My favorite highlights…

• Stopping at Tunnel View on Highway 41, I was awestruck by the Instagram-worthy panorama — El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome glowing in the light, with the faint roar of the falls echoing through the valley!

13. Austin, Texas

Austin was seriously buzzing in spring — warm sunshine, perfect paddle-boarding weather, and back-to-back festivals brought the city’s creative spirit to life. I timed my trip for the Spring Pecan Street and iHeartCountry Festival, both packed with live music, great food, and pure local energy.

Flying into Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), I spent a lively long week at the trendy 4-star LINE Hotel – paddle-boarding on Lady Bird Lake, strolling the bloom-filled Zilker Botanical Garden, catching live music on South Congress, and exploring downtown’s trendy restaurants and shops.

Location: Central Texas, South USA | Vibe: energetic and eclectic city | Avg temp: 64°F to 86°F

My favorite highlights…

• Checking out The Picnic food cart pod near Zilker Park was a treat — I devoured Mighty Cone’s hot-and-crunchy avocado cone and ended with Hey Cupcake’s rich, fudge Double Dose chocolate cake!

14. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Late spring made this lakeside town feel magical to me — gentle sunshine, flower-lined trails, and a sleepy pre-summer calm set the scene for boat rides on Lake Winnipesaukee and quiet strolls along the waterfront. There were also spring events galore, from the Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair to the Great Smith River Canoe and Kayak Race. 

Flying into Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM), I drove just over an hour and spent a week at the cozy Wolfeboro Inn, taking boat rides on the lake, walking the Cotton Valley Rail Trail, and exploring quaint cafes and antique stores (the super cute Seven Suns Cafe and Wolfeboro Antiques & Artisan Barn were stand-outs!)  — though some attractions were still gearing up for summer with limited hours.

Location: New England, North USA | Vibe: upscale lakeside town | Avg temp: 59°F to 68°F

My highlights…

• Dining at the waterfront Garwoods Restaurant, I loved the glittering lake views, the laid-back vibe, and the sweet, nutty flavor of my freshly made butternut squash ravioli!

15. Port Aransas, Texas

I honestly think May delivered this Mustang Island beach town at its best – I experienced comfortable warmth, clear Gulf waters for swimming and dolphin-watching, crowd-free beaches, and a chilled early-season atmosphere, and plenty of well-priced accommodation and fun events like the Spring Kite Fly and Color Splash Dash.

Flying into Corpus Christi International (CRP), I drove 45 minutes along Highway 361 and spent a dreamy week at the funky Seaside Boutique Hotel. I relaxed on the wide sandy Port Aransas Beach, joined a dolphin-watching cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf, and explored the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center’s boardwalk through alligator-inhabited wetlands! 

Location: South Texas, South USA | Vibe: relaxed beach town | Avg temp: 75°F to 84°F

My personal highlights…

• Sailing with The Scarlet Lady on a dolphin-watching tour, I loved spotting playful dolphins, flocks of screeching seabirds, and the historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse against the gentle sea breeze!

16. Atlanta, Georgia

It was a whole lot of fun visiting “Hotlanta” later in this month, it was awesome to find warm, sunny days and rose-lined parks made it perfect for exploring before the summer heat and humidity arrived. With the Atlanta Jazz Festival, local-filled patios, and lower hotel rates, the city had an incredible spring energy! 

Flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), I spent four fun-filled days at the trendy 4-star boutique Hotel Clermont and spent it wandering the Atlanta BeltLine under blooming trees, catching an outdoor concert in Piedmont Park, and exploring colorful exhibits at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 

Location: Southeast Georgia, South USA | Vibe: energetic Southern metropolis | Avg temp: 64°F to 81°F

My favorite highlights…

• Spending an evening at the unique Flight Club, I sipped a zesty vodka-based Iguana cocktail and played darts in a lively, neon-lit space — a fun and unique dining experience!

17. Sanibel Island, Florida

I couldn’t have picked a better time to vacation on Sanibel Island — May’s warm sunshine, serene beaches, and colorful sunsets made this Gulf Coast island a dreamy escape, with wildlife thriving at J.N. “Ding” Darling Refuge and leafy bike trails to explore in peace.

Traveling just past peak season (December–April) brought great rates, pleasant humidity, and a friendly local buzz from the Islands Night parade and Sanibel Farmers Market. After flying into RSW, I drove 40 minutes across the causeway for ten beautiful days of shelling (and really trying to find a rare junonia!), ghost crab, sea turtle and pelican spotting, and biking island trails.

Location: Southwest Florida, South USA | Vibe: tropical island escape | Avg temp: 70°F to 84°F

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the chic Sanibel Island Beach Resort, I loved the breezy tropical decor, the cheerful, family-friendly vibe, and the salty scent of the beach just steps from my room!

18. Monument Valley, Arizona

I found that late spring was the perfect time to explore this desert wonder — warm days, clear blue skies, and dreamy light for photographing the towering sandstone buttes. With not so heavy crowds, I found it was just perfect for scenic drives and Navajo tours.

Driving three hours from Flagstaff on a road trip, I spent four unforgettable days basing myself at the impressive View Hotel (the views from my balcony were incredible!) and spent it touring Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, marveling at the iconic Mittens and Totem Pole, and driving the stunning 17-mile Valley Loop Road.

Location: Northern Arizona, West USA | Vibe: otherworldly desert landscape | Avg temp: 61°F to 81°F

 (although with strong winds some afternoons).

My highlights…

• Gazing at a fiery sunset from John Ford’s Point, one of Monument Valley’s most iconic views, I breathed in the dry, dusty, sage-scented air and soaked up the desert’s hushed silence!

19. Las Vegas

I found that Las Vegas was in full-on party mode during the spring. I usually head to the city between September and November but last year I decided to switch it up and check out the spring vibes instead. I made the MGM Grand Studio Tower my base and really liked the mid-century look (which was all funky reds) as well as watching Ocean’s Eleven on the TV hidden in the bathroom mirror!

There was pool lounging galore as well as epic shows, high-energy pool parties and even major events on like EDC. Honestly, forget what the doom-merchants say about Vegas being over, the energy is still seriously electric! I also managed to squeeze in a scream-worthy spin on the Big Apple Coaster and sit through a very impressive Cirque du Soleil finale.

Location: Southern Nevada, West USA | Vibe: glitzy entertainment city | Avg temp: 61°F to 95°F

My Hand Travel Tip…

• While May is technically shoulder season, it’s actually one of the busiest times to visit thanks to the more bearable weather, so I’d recommend going midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) instead. Sadly, those Vegas weekend price hikes are very real!