15 Places to Visit in the United States This May
Looking for somewhere to visit in the United States during the month of May? There's plenty of options depending on the amount of time you have and your budget. In this article, travel journalist Amy Sward looks at some of her favorite May-friendly locations.
Last updated: May 1, 2024
9 min read
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May is the sweet spot for travel. Far enough removed from the busy spring breakers and before the high tourism season of the summer, May combines gorgeous warm weather with excited rejuvenation from a cold winter.
May brings patios to life, hiking and biking trails are less muddy, and festivals return to cities across the country. While beaches start to become the norm before summer, there are plenty of locations for the urban explorer with perfect end of spring travel weather. Here is a list of 15 of my favorite places to travel in the month of May across the United States!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Activities
Santa Fe Plaza, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Canyon Road, Palace of the Governors
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The outdoors spring to life in May in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The town’s famous outdoor weekend market returns after a winter hibernation. The market is held in the town square and is an amalgam of local artists.
Being the second oldest city in the United States, Santa Fe offers rich history dating back to as early as 1050 when Pueblo Indians occupied the area. You can visit Native American ruins and learn about the history in one of the many museums, including the living history museum El Rancho de las Golondrinas, which is open to private tours in May.
Santa Fe hosts the Santa Fe Century every May. The 100-mile bike ride takes cyclists from Santa Fe, through the Ortiz mountains and the Galisteo Basin before returning to Santa Fe. Don’t worry if you can’t quite go 100 miles, there are shorter races and even a kids race with gorgeous views, as well.
Nashville, TN
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Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, The Parthenon, Broadway Honky Tonks
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Aptly named Music city, Nashville is home to live music, country music fame, and world-famous music venues, like the Grand Ole Opry House and the Ryman Auditorium. But May kicks off the beloved Musicians Corner music series in downtown Nashville.
Head to Centennial Park each weekend for this free family-friendly event. The series runs May, June, August, and September and has featured some top artists like Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, and Chris Stapleton. If you need a place to stay, we recommend staying at The Hermitage Hotel, the only hotel in Tennessee on the registry of historic sites.
Visiting Nashville in May means warmer temperatures but without the smoldering humidity of the summer. There are also fewer crowds, as summer tends to be the busiest time of year, except for Broadway which seems to be busy all year long! Two of my favorite activities are the open-air trolley around town and a dinner cruise along the Cumberland River.
Denver, Colorado
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Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Denver Botanic Gardens, Union Station
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With more than 300 days of sunshine (plus no humidity!), Denver is the perfect spot for a spring vacation. Head downtown to visit one of its many museums, like the Denver Mint, one of only four mints in the country. Or get outdoors with a trip to Red Rocks Amphitheater either for a concert, yoga, or to just walk around. Denver is home to more than 150 breweries, so grab a pint of craft beer and enjoy that Colorado sunshine.
The beauty of Denver is that it’s close to the mountains, so if you want to ski, you may be able to find a run or two open at Arapahoe Basin about an hour and a half west of Denver. The resort is often open until June. The snow will be mushy, but there’s something cool about saying you’ve skied in May. I, personally, have skied in the morning, hiked in the afternoon, then caught a Colorado Rockies game in the evening in May. It is literally the perfect Colorado day.
South Lake Tahoe
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Skiing and Snowboarding, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe Cruises, Heavenly Village
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Come for the winter but stay for the summer. That’s how many would describe South Lake Tahoe. Typically, a large draw in the winter due to its many ski resorts and excellent snow, Lake Tahoe itself is the main draw in the spring. The water may not be warm enough to swim in, but with an average high of 60, there are still plenty of activities to partake in during your stay.
A sunset cruise on Lake Tahoe is a must for any visitor. It’s a great way to see different parts of the lake and learn about its history. Or take a hot air balloon ride from the lake to see it from overhead. While the ski areas are closed for skiing, Heavenly Resort still has its gondola open for sightseeing. If you’re into biking, the Tahoe Rim Trail is challenging and has excellent views of the lake.
Holland, Michigan
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Windmill Island Gardens, Holland State Park, Nelis’ Dutch Village, Holland Museum
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Tulips are the main draw to Holland, Michigan in May. The Dutch-inspired town has thousands upon thousands of tulips around town. And the Tulip time Festival in May celebrates that. Thousands gather for the Tulip Parade, kids’ events, fireworks, and Dutch dancing. New to the festival is a full tulip immersion experience where you can walk among 50,000 raised tulip beds and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Walking round Holland is an experience in itself. The entire town pays homage to its Dutch roots with cute shops, restaurants, and architecture. While visiting, make sure to visit the Windmill Island Gardens. It is home to the De Zwann, the only functioning Dutch windmill in America, turning wheat into flour.
Also in the gardens, is a street organ gifted by the Dutch people and a hand-painted carousel. There are also, of course, tulips with a garden devoted solely to them in Windmill Island Gardens.
Key West, Florida
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Mallory Square, Duval Street, Key West Aquarium, Harry S. Truman Little White House
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Florida is a mecca for sun seekers around spring break and in the summer, making May an optimal time to visit if you’re looking for fewer crowds. With an average high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s just the right amount of warmth before the scorching heat of the summer sets in. The temps make relaxing on the beach, swimming in the water, or just walking along the beach pleasurable.
Key West has some of the most stunning beaches in Florida. A big draw to Key west in May is its annual Key West Songwriters Festival. The five-day event is the largest of its kind and features more than 200 artists who sing their original tunes and talk about the stories behind them.
Alaska
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Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Anchorage Museum, Mendenhall Glacier
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Hotels
May is the beginning of the cruising season in Alaska. The high season typically happens in July and August, so cruising in May comes with cheaper cruise and airline fares. But the tradeoff is the weather. It can be a bit chilly, with an average high of 55 degrees, but there is still 16 hours of daylight in May, making it ideal for seeing the magnificent sights.
If cruising is not for you, consider visiting after May 15, as that’s when all the shops, restaurants, and tour companies officially start their season. The weather warms up significantly by the end of the month and the wildlife begins to emerge.
Bears come out of hibernation, moose are having their babies, and birds are returning from their southern migration. There are even two festivals in May to celebrate the birds returning: Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival and Copper River Shorebird Festival. You can also hope to see orca or humpback whales as they start to return to the area in May.
Monterey Bay, California
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Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, 17-Mile Drive
Weather
Head to the coastal town of Monterey Bay, California in May to go whale watching. May is when the whales migrate south, so you have a good chance of seeing different types of whales, including humpback whales, killer whales, and blue whales. In fact, Monterey Bay is home to 27 species of marine life, including the whales and even dolphins.
Monterey Bay is crisp in May with temperatures ranging from 49 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 62 degrees, so a light jacket may come in handy at night or in the morning. It’s a great time to be outside whale watching or seeing the colorful blooms in nearby Garrapata State Park. There you will see California poppies, calla lilies, and wild irises.
Zion National Park, Utah
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Hiking, Scenic Drives, Canyoneering, Rock Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Ranger Programs
Weather
Spring runoff brings Zion National Park to life in May. The snow runoff makes the waterfalls bigger and the vegetation lush. With an average high temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect time to hike and bike before the smoldering summer temperatures set in. Camping is also at its peak in May, with nighttime temperatures reaching an average of 42 degrees. Dressing in layers is perfect for this time of year, so you can shed warmer clothes as the temperature warms up.
For a unique experience, head about an hour north to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Here, you can partake in its stargazing nights. Bring a blanket, warm clothes, and a sense of adventure as you gaze at the night sky.
The event runs for an hour and a half and allows you to peer through a telescope in the hopes of seeing planets and stars. The program is limited, so make sure you reserve your spot early. It is free to attend, but it does cost $10 to enter the park.
Kauai, Hawaii
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Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, Wailua Falls, Poipu Beach Park
Weather
Known for its lushness, Kauai is in full bloom in May. Go early in the month and you will experience Lei Day. The festival begins the morning of May 1st and lasts until the next day. Lei Day celebrates Hawaiian culture and it’s common for locals to gift each other leis on this day simply to say “aloha.” Schools even celebrate by electing Lei Day kings and queens and there is a lei contest. Each Hawaiian Island has its own Lei Day symbol, with Kauai’s being green Mokihana flowers.
Kauai is dubbed the “Garden Isle” for its greenery and flowers. Since summer is the high tourism season for Kauai, visiting in May is perfect because there are fewer crowds. In May, the weather is a warm 73 degrees Fahrenheit with lows only getting into the upper 50s., making outdoor adventures very pleasant. You can hike or bike its many trails, snorkel in the clear water, or kayak down one of Kauai’s many rivers.
Louisville, Kentucky
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Kentucky Derby Museum, Louisville Mega Cavern, Waterfront Park, Muhammad Ali Center
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Horse racing is the center of attention in Louisville, Kentucky in May. The Kentucky Derby, the famous first race of the Triple Crown, takes place every first Saturday in May. It is a bucket list item for sure if you can score a ticket. If not, don’t worry, you can take part in the month-long annual Kentucky Derby Festival. This event features hot air balloon rides, outdoor concerts, fireworks, and more. The Kentucky Reggae Festival is also in May and celebrates Jamaican culture, food, and music.
Once the Derby is over, you’ll want to check out Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Experience. It’s a trail that winds through the city stopping at bourbon distilleries and cocktail bars. Or venture out to explore Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail which features some distilleries in Louisville.
Asheville, North Carolina
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Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, Downtown Asheville, River Arts District
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It’s all about the outdoors in Asheville in May. The town comes to life after the winter hibernation and is ready to celebrate! To experience downtown Asheville, go to the Downtown After 5 event. Every third Friday, there are free concerts, local beer, and food along Lexington Avenue. It’s a great way to get a taste of the town.
Also in May is the Get in Gear Fest where local and regional companies converge to offer the upcoming season’s best gear. You can demo bikes, hammocks, and tents. The family-friendly event also has live music, food trucks, and local beer.
Craft beer is another reason to visit Asheville, and doing so in May means you can enjoy that brew outside in the sun. Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. There are about 100 local beers in Asheville, meaning you can plan an entire trip just around local breweries. And while you’re at it, check out Foodtopia, Asheville’s bustling and eccentric food scene. With restaurants ranging from casual to elegant, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
New York City, New York
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Central Park, Times Square, Empire State Building, Museum Mile, Broadway Shows
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Though it’s always a bustling city, New York City gets overrun around the holidays and in the summer, making May an opportune time to visit. Take a walk in Central Park to see all the flowers blooming or visit the Central Park Zoo as the animals start to emerge from the harsh winter.
I loved going to the Top of the Rock, an observation deck on the top of 30 Rockefeller Center to take a picture on The Beam, a homage to the famous 1932 picture “Lunch Atop A Skyscraper.” But be sure to book tickets in advance (the sunset hours tend to fill up quickly). Or head to the ice-skating rink there; it turns into an urban oasis during the spring. Round out the day with an authentic Italian meal in Little Italy. La Mela is a personal favorite (get the chicken parmesan!) and then head to Ferrara, which boasts itself as the first espresso bar in the U.S.
Charleston, South Carolina
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Historic Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, Charleston Tea Garden
Weather
There are festivals galore in Charleston, South Carolina in May. At the beginning of the month, there is the North Charleston Arts Fest. The five-day event highlights local artists from the genres of dance, art, music, theater and more. In the middle of the month, head to the Greek Festival to learn about Greek culture and taste Greek food. Or if you want to learn more about Charleston itself, take a walking tour of the charming city or a boat tour along the coast.
The spring also brings warmer temperatures to Charleston which makes enjoying the beach a relaxing activity. Plus, it’s not nearly as crowded in May as it is in the summer months. Want some outdoor exercise? Head to Kiawah Island. It has 30 miles of paved trails to explore. Plus, it’s on the water so you can always take a dip anytime you need to.
Sedona, Arizona
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Red Rocks, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock Trail
Weather
Sedona, Arizona is known for its rugged outdoors and beautiful hikes. But, getting outdoors in the summer is way too hot here, which makes May the perfect time to visit. It’s also just before the monsoon season starts. The moderately-rated Cathedral Rock hike is not to be missed. Or for an easier jaunt, try Fay Canyon. It is a two-mile trail with little elevation gain. Another popular trail is Devil’s Bridge. The four-mile trek is also rated easy.
Early in the month, Sedona is one of the best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo because of the city’s ties to Mexican culture. The Cinco de Mayo celebration has dancers, musicians, food, and more. The only downside to visiting in May is that it is one of the more popular times for tourists, so there may be some crowds. But the tradeoff is cooler and drier weather.
