19 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

This was such a lovely month to visit this charming harbor city — mild sunshine, flower-filled gardens, and the start of sailing season made the waterfront sparkle without the summer crowds. I timed my trip for the photogenic May Day Flower Basket Celebration and 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 — my base for five mellow days filled with scenic boat rides, alfresco dinners at City Dock, and meanders through indie boutiques, inviting cafés, and the artisan-filled Anne Arundel County Farmers Market.

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

My highlights…

• Gorging on maple mustard glazed pretzels washed down with a hoppy, citrusy Movin’ Cosmos craft beer at the first nano brewery in the city, Forward Brewing!

2. Block Island, Rhode Island

May was perfect for a peaceful escape — wildflowers were blooming, breezes were mild, and the light crowds made it ideal for bike rides along scenic coastal roads and bird-spotting on nature trails. I loved the intimate local vibe and even caught the indie film-filled Block Island Film Festival.

I took the one-hour ferry from Newport and stayed at the romantic Blue Dory Inn — biking 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 on Crescent Beach’s soft sands.

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 was a treat — 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 late spring — warm, sunny weather, blooming tulips and cherry blossoms, and lively outdoor dining and festivals made the streets buzz, all with fewer crowds and great hotel deals. It was great to see Spruce Street Harbor Park reopen with its colorful hammocks and beer gardens, a sure sign the city had shaken off winter! 

I timed my trip for the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival and South Street Spring Festival, which packed the streets with food stalls, live music, and a fun, local vibe. Flying into Philadelphia International Airport, I spent five days strolling Old City for the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, dining al fresco at Rittenhouse Square, and browsing Fishtown’s cool shops and eateries.

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

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. It was a little too chilly to swim, but discovered it was just right for lounging on the sand and water sports.  

A 2-hour-45-minute drive from Philadelphia brought me to the funky Aloft Ocean City, where I spent a spirited 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!

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

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

May turned this tranquil barrier island into my own private paradise — warm breezes, peaceful beaches, and the start of loggerhead turtle nesting season made it ideal for hiking, kayaking, and soaking up the calm coastal beauty before summer crowds arrived. I especially loved experiencing both Turtlefest and the Turtle Tide Art Reveal, which celebrated the turtles’ return with buzzy educational events and local art!

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, spotting nesting turtles, and exploring Botany Bay Plantation!

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

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 

Early 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 the American River Parkway.

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

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 — 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!

After a three-hour drive from Portland, I holed up at the delightfully quirky McMenamins Old St. Francis School and packed my week with adventure — tackling the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock, rafting the roaring Deschutes River, and toasting the days with a Bochi Bochi lager at the trendy Crux Fermentation Project! I have to admit though — while the days were warm, the nights turned surprisingly chilly, so I was glad I’d packed a few 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

May turned out to be an idyllic time to vacation in picturesque Texas Hill Country — warm, sunny days, fragrant bluebonnets still blanketing the hills, and perfect shoulder-season weather for hiking, cycling, river tubing, and winery-hopping. There was also lighter crowds, awesome off-peak hotel deals and spring events such as the creative Whimsy & Wonder Art & Music Festival and the popular 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 Jacob’s Well, 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 29 °C

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 month was an idyllic time to visit Savannah — warm, sunny days and blooming magnolias, azaleas, and jasmine made it just right for strolling shady squares, exploring the historic district, and dining alfresco under moss-draped oaks before the summer humidity set in. Hotel rates were still reasonable, and lively events such as the family-friendly Savannah Scottish Games and the creative Art & Soul Music Festival were held this month.

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: 24°C to 29°C

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 crisp Georgia Chardonnay paired with smoky roasted red pepper crostini!

10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah completely charmed me this month — mild weather, vibrant wildflowers and mountain laurels, roaring waterfalls, and crowd-free trails made it unforgettable, and I loved catching the park’s annual Wildflower Weekend!

Flying into Washington Dulles International (IAD), I drove 1.5 hours to the Front Royal Entrance and spent five peaceful days at rustic-chic Big Meadows Lodge which was located inside the park. I hiked the wildflower-dotted Dark Hollow Falls and Hawksbill Summit trails, cruised Skyline Drive and gazed at Blue Ridge Mountain views, and spotted deer and even a black bear in Big Meadows!

Location: Mid-Atlantic, South USA | Vibe: scenic mountain escape | Avg temp: 16°C to 24°C

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 this month — crisp 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 spotting 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 divine)!

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!

12. Yosemite National Park, California

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

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.

Location: Central California, West USA | Vibe: awe-inspiring wilderness | Avg temp: 16°C to 24°C

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 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: 18°C to 29°C

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, fudgy vegan Double Dose chocolate cake!

14. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Late spring made this lakeside town feel magical — 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 Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, I drove 1.5 hours 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: 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!

15. Port Aransas, Texas

This laid-back beach town on Mustang Island made the perfect May getaway — warm but not too hot or humid, Gulf waters perfect for swimming and dolphin-watching, and uncrowded beaches created a relaxed, early-season vibe which I adored! Accommodation was plentiful and well-priced, and both the Spring Kite Fly and Color Splash Dash took place during this month.

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: 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!

16. 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 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: 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!

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, wildlife watching, and biking island trails.

Location: Southwest Florida, South USA | Vibe: tropical island escape | Avg temp: 21°C to 29°C

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

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 smaller crowds, it was perfect for scenic drives and Navajo tours, and I loved watching the annual Hashkènìinii Road Race (Navajo Nation event

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: 16°C to 27°C

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!

19. Las Vegas

May turned out to be a prime time to experience this nonstop party city — sunny but comfortable days (September to November are the city’s coolest months) made it ideal for pool lounging, Strip adventures, and epic shows, with great hotel rates and a full lineup of EDC, Lovers & Friends Festival, and high-energy pool parties.

Driving four hours from Los Angeles, I spent a long weekend exploring iconic hotels such as The Venetian and Bellagio, dining at celebrity chef restaurants, trying out the incredible delis and the fun rollercoaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino (the herby mustard potato salad at the classic Greenberg’s Deli was my favorite!) and ending with a jaw-dropping Cirque du Soleil show!

Location: Southern Nevada, West USA | Vibe: glitzy entertainment city | Avg temp: 16°C to 32°C

My highlights…

• Staying in a 4-star MGM Grand West Wing room, I loved the sleek dark decor, smooth marble surfaces, moody lighting, and the fun surprise of a TV hidden in the bathroom mirror!