16 Awesome Places to Visit in May in the USA

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

I discovered that May was an awesome time to visit this charming harbor city — there was mild sunshine, flower-filled gardens, early sailing season, and lively events like the May Day Flower Basket Celebration and Naval Academy Commissioning Week.

After landing at Baltimore/Washington airport, I checked into the romantic 1313 West Luxury Boutique Hotel for five charming days of boat rides, City Dock dinners, and checking out indie boutiques, cafés, and the buzzy Anne Arundel County Farmers Market.

Location: Mid-Atlantic USA | Vibe: Historic, nautical, and charming | Avg temp: 18°C to 24°C

My highlights…

• Gorging on maple-mustard-glazed pretzels and washing them down with a hoppy, citrusy Movin’ Cosmos craft beer at Forward Brewing, the city’s first nano brewery.

2. Block Island, Rhode Island

May felt to me like it was made for a peaceful escape, with pretty wildflowers, gentle breezes, and light crowds that were just right for coastal bike rides and bird-spotting on nature trails. The intimate local vibe sealed it though, along with the indie-packed Block Island Film Festival! 

A quick one-hour ferry from Newport brought me to the romantic Blue Dory Inn, where I biked the quiet Greenway trails, scaled the Mohegan Bluffs (and felt the wind whip off the Atlantic!), and slowed things right down on Crescent Beach.

Location: New England, North USA | Vibe: Peaceful, windswept island | Avg temp: 10°C to 18°C

My highlights…

• Browsing New Shoreham’s galleries and boutiques, particularly The Glass Onion, with its pretty sea-glass bracelets in ocean-blue hues!

3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia really shone for me in late spring — warm sunshine, tulips and cherry blossoms galore, lively outdoor dining, and fewer crowds with great hotel deals too!

I flew in and arrived at peak spring energy — festival crowds at Rittenhouse Row and South Street, long lunches outdoors in Rittenhouse Square, and lazy wanders through Fishtown’s indie cafés and boutiques filled my fun five-day stay!

Location: Mid-Atlantic USA | Vibe: historic, creative, and food-loving | Avg temp: 18°C to 24°C

My highlights…

• My suite at the boho-chic 4-star Lokal Hotel felt wonderfully personal from the clean cedar-and-linen scent to the invisible service that made it feel like my own tucked-away apartment! 

4. Ocean City, Maryland

I took a break in this lively Atlantic resort town and loved it — it was warm but not yet too hot, had low humidity, uncrowded beaches, and great hotel deals; too cool for swimming, but awesome for lounging and water sports!

I drove 2 hours and 45 minutes from Philadelphia to funky Aloft Ocean City, then spent a spirited week soaking up the boardwalk buzz, spotting dolphins offshore, and exploring intriguing Assateague Island and its gorgeous wild ponies.

Location: Mid-Atlantic Coast USA | Vibe: family-friendly beach resort | Avg temp: 15°C to 25°C

My highlights…

• Discovering Northside Park — the salty Assawoman Bay breeze, smooth paved paths, and shady stretches made biking here a total joy! 

5. Edisto Island, South Carolina

I found the quiet barrier island at its dreamy best in May — there were soft sea breezes, peaceful shores, and even the first loggerhead turtles returning to nest. I love the kayaking, hiking, and slow coastal days just before peak season hit, as well as lively events like Turtlefest and the Turtle Tide Art Reveal.

Flying into Charleston International Airport, I drove 50 miles of Lowcountry scenery to Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge, where I filled a peaceful week with empty beaches, salt-marsh kayaking, and photogenic walks around Botany Bay Plantation.

Location: South Carolina Lowcountry, Southeastern USA | Vibe: rustic coastal retreat | Avg temp: 24°C to 29°C

My personal highlights…

• A guided eco-tour along the tea-colored Edisto River — earthy, mossy air, swamp lilies, and bald cypress cloaked in creepy-looking Spanish moss!

6. Sacramento, California 

Early May was peak spring magic in Sacramento – I discovered warm sunshine, flowers everywhere, light crowds, farmers’ markets in full swing, and the buzzy Sacramento County Fair — it was ideal for biking the American River Parkway and eating outdoors as the city sprung back to life! 

Driving six hours from Los Angeles, I stayed at the trendy 4-star Exchange Hotel and funky farm-to-fork restaurants, Old Sacramento Waterfront strolls, a relaxed river cruise, and sunset over the American River Parkway rounded out my wonderful days here!

Location: Northern California, West USA | Vibe: laid-back, historic, and farm-to-fork | Avg temp: 20°C to 29°C

My favorite highlights…

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

7. Bend, Oregon

With sunshine, low humidity, wildflower hikes, and wildlife sightings, I found out that this cool high-desert city made a brilliant shoulder-season escape — especially with pre-summer hotel deals, buzzing patios, and lively events like Bend Brews & Beyond Festival and the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle.

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 I have to admit made me grateful for extra layers!

Location: Pacific Northwest, North USA | Vibe: trendy mountain town | Avg temp: 15°C to 24°C

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the Oregon Badlands Wilderness, 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 – I loved the golden sunshine, bluebonnets, and comfortable weather which was great for hiking, biking, lazy river tubing, and winery-hopping, as well as quieter roads, bargain hotel rates, and fun festivals like Whimsy & Wonder Art & Music Festival and Kerrville Folk Festival.

Touching down at Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), I spent ten days driving the Insta-worthy Willow City Loop, sipping Tempranillo and Viognier at Becker Vineyards 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: 18°C to 35°C

My favorite highlights…

• Waking up in an Insta-worthy Nature Pod at SKYE Texas Hill Country Resort to a Texas Pecan brew from Independence Coffee Co., mockingbird calls, and porch-side lounging in an Adirondack chair.

9. Savannah, Georgia

I caught Savannah at its prettiest, with warm sunshine, flowers out in bloom, and jasmine-scented air setting the scene for square-hopping, historic-district wanders, and outdoor meals beneath live oaks, as well as good hotel deals and lively events like the Savannah Scottish Games and Art & Soul Music Festival!

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

Location: southeastern Georgia, South USA | Vibe: romantic, historic and elegant | Avg temp: 24°C to 29°C

My personal highlights…

10. Monterey, California

It was a joy to visit this quirky coastal city this month — crisp blue skies, colorful wildflowers, and migrating humpback and blue 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 and spent it spotting cute sea otters and seals along the coastal trail, exploring Point Lobos, cruising 17-Mile Drive, and dining at Lalla Oceanside Grill (the creamy Custard Bread Pudding was heavenly)!

Location: Central California, West USA | Vibe: quirky and cultured seaside town | Avg temp: 10°C to 18°C

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!

11. 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 spring-flower filled Zilker Botanical Garden, catching Blue’s music on South Congress, and exploring downtown’s very trendy restaurants and shops.

Location: Central Texas, South USA | Vibe: energetic and eclectic city | Avg temp: 18°C to 35°C

My favorite highlights…

• The Picnic food cart pod near Zilker Park totally delivered — Mighty Cone’s crunchy avocado cone followed by Hey Cupcake’s ultra-fudgy vegan Double Dose cake!

12. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Late spring gave this spot a dreamy edge — I experienced soft sunshine, flower-edged paths, and pre-summer stillness, broken up by boat rides on Lake Winnipesaukee and they had spring events such as the Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair and the Great Smith River Canoe and Kayak Race too – bonus!

I flew into Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM), drove just over an hour, and settled into a cozy week at Wolfeboro Inn, mixing lake boat rides, the quiet Cotton Valley Rail Trail, and antique shops (loved the cute Wolfeboro Antiques & Artisan Barn!) and cafés — though were some still running limited pre-summer hours.

Location: New England, North USA | Vibe: upscale lakeside town | Avg temp: 15°C to 20°C

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!

13. Port Aransas, Texas

I loved May here — calm, clear Gulf waters, crowd-free beaches, mellow early-season energy, affordable accommodation, and light-hearted events such as the Spring Kite Fly and Color Splash Dash made it all feel perfectly timed.

I flew into Corpus Christi (CRP), followed Highway 361 for 45 minutes, and settled into a laid-back week at the funky Seaside Boutique Hotel — wide sandy beaches, dolphin-watching cruises, and wildlife-packed boardwalks at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.

Location: South Texas, South USA | Vibe: relaxed beach town | Avg temp: 24°C to 29°C

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!

14. Atlanta, Georgia

It was a whole lot of fun visiting “Hotlanta” during this month — warm, sunny days and flower-lined parks made it perfect for exploring before the summer heat and humidity arrived. With the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Decatur Arts Festival, live music, buzzing 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 wandered the Atlanta BeltLine, caught an outdoor concert in Piedmont Park, and explored colorful exhibits at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 

Location: Southeast Georgia, South USA | Vibe: energetic Southern metropolis | Avg temp: 18°C to 27°C

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!

15. Monument Valley, Arizona

Late spring felt like the best time to experience this desert wonder — warm days, clear blue skies, and beautiful light which was great for photographing the towering sandstone buttes, as well as lighter crowds for scenic drives, Navajo-led tours, and even the annual Hashkènìinii Road Race!

Driving three hours from Flagstaff on a road trip, I spent four extraordinary days basing myself at the impressive View Hotel (the views from my balcony were wow-inducing!) and toured Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, marveled at all the icons, and drove the seriously stunning 17-mile Valley Loop Road. Note: Navajo tours must be booked in advance.

Location: Northern Arizona, West USA | Vibe: otherworldly desert landscape | Avg temp: 16°C to 27°C (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, sage-scented air and soaked up the desert’s hushed silence!

16. Las Vegas

May totally hit the sweet spot for this nonstop party city — warm sunshine, everything in full swing (with the shoulder season not kicking in until September to November), great hotel rates, as well as pool lounging. I saw there were epic shows, high-energy pool parties and even major events like EDC and the Lovers & Friends Festival!

A four-hour road trip from LA dropped me into Las Vegas for a long weekend of blockbuster Strip hotels, indulgent celebrity-chef dining, a scream-worthy spin on the Big Apple Coaster, and an unforgettable Cirque du Soleil finale!

Location: Southern Nevada, West USA | Vibe: glitzy entertainment city | Avg temp: 16°C to 35°C

My highlights…

• Staying in a 4-star MGM Grand West Wing room, I loved the sleek dark decor, black marble surfaces, moody lighting, and watching Ocean’s Eleven on the TV hidden in the bathroom mirror!