May stands out as an exceptional month for travel within the United States. It perfectly bridges the gap between the spring break rush and the peak summer tourism, offering travelers pleasant weather and a sense of revitalization after the colder months.
As patios reopen, hiking and biking trails become more accessible, and cities across the nation host vibrant festivals, May provides a diverse range of travel experiences. While beach destinations gain popularity leading into summer, urban centers also offer ideal conditions for exploration. For those seeking the perfect late spring getaway, here are 15 top destinations across the United States to consider in May.
1. Santa Fe, New Mexico: A Blend of Culture and Outdoor Rejuvenation
Website: Visit Santa Fe Official Website
Things to Do: Santa Fe Plaza, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Historic Canyon Road, Palace of the Governors, El Rancho de las Golondrinas
Typical May Weather: Expect comfortable temperatures with sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities.
Recommended Hotels: Explore Santa Fe Hotels
May in Santa Fe, New Mexico, marks the vibrant return of outdoor activities. The city’s renowned outdoor weekend market, a showcase of local artists, reopens in the historic town square after the winter break. This cultural hub, the second oldest city in the U.S., boasts a rich history stretching back to 1050 with Pueblo Indian settlements.
History enthusiasts can explore ancient Native American ruins and delve into the past at numerous museums. El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum, offers private tours in May, providing an immersive historical experience. For cycling enthusiasts, the annual Santa Fe Century takes place in May. This event includes a challenging 100-mile ride through the scenic Ortiz Mountains and Galisteo Basin, with shorter routes and kids’ races available for all skill levels.
2. Nashville, Tennessee: Music and Southern Charm in Bloom
Website: Official Nashville Government Site
Things to Do: Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, The Parthenon, Broadway Honky Tonks, Musicians Corner at Centennial Park
Typical May Weather: Warm and inviting, avoiding the intense summer humidity.
Recommended Hotels: Find Nashville Hotels
Nashville, the celebrated “Music City,” comes alive in May, perfectly timed with the start of the Musicians Corner music series. This free, family-friendly event in Centennial Park showcases a range of artists every weekend in May, June, August, and September. Past performers include country music icons like Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, and Chris Stapleton.
May in Nashville offers pleasant warmth without the heavy humidity of summer, and fewer tourist crowds compared to the peak summer months. While Broadway remains lively year-round, exploring the city is more comfortable in May. Enjoy a leisurely open-air trolley tour or a relaxing dinner cruise along the Cumberland River to fully appreciate Nashville’s charm. For a historic stay, consider The Hermitage Hotel, Tennessee’s only hotel recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
3. Denver, Colorado: Sunshine, City Life, and Mountain Access
Website: Denver Official Tourism Website
Things to Do: Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Denver Botanic Gardens, Union Station, craft brewery tours
Typical May Weather: Abundant sunshine with low humidity, ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Hotels: Discover Denver Hotels
Denver, Colorado, with its 300+ days of annual sunshine and dry climate, is a prime spring destination. Explore downtown attractions like the Denver Mint or immerse yourself in nature at Red Rocks Amphitheater. This iconic venue hosts concerts, yoga sessions, and scenic walks. Denver’s thriving craft beer scene, boasting over 150 breweries, is best enjoyed in May’s pleasant weather.
Denver’s proximity to the mountains offers a unique May travel perk: potential late-season skiing. Arapahoe Basin, about 90 minutes away, often stays open into June. Imagine skiing in the morning, hiking in the afternoon, and attending a Colorado Rockies baseball game in the evening – a quintessential Colorado day, especially in May.
4. South Lake Tahoe, California: Lakeside Beauty and Mountain Views
Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, California, with clear blue water surrounded by green trees and mountains.View Location on Google Maps
Website: City of South Lake Tahoe Official Website
Things to Do: Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe Cruises, Heavenly Village, Tahoe Rim Trail, Gondola Rides
Typical May Weather: Mild days, cool nights, transitioning from winter to summer.
Recommended Hotels: Find Hotels in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe transitions beautifully from winter wonderland to spring paradise in May. While renowned for winter sports, Lake Tahoe itself becomes the main attraction in spring. Though the water might be too cool for swimming, the average high of 60°F is perfect for lakeside activities.
A sunset cruise on Lake Tahoe is a quintessential experience, offering stunning views and historical insights. For a unique perspective, consider a hot air balloon ride over the lake. Heavenly Resort continues to operate its gondola for sightseeing even after ski season. Biking enthusiasts will find the Tahoe Rim Trail challenging yet rewarding with its panoramic lake vistas.
5. Holland, Michigan: Tulip Time and Dutch Heritage
Website: City of Holland Official Website
Things to Do: Tulip Time Festival, Windmill Island Gardens, Holland State Park, Nelis’ Dutch Village, Holland Museum
Typical May Weather: Pleasant spring weather, perfect for enjoying outdoor festivals and gardens.
Recommended Hotels: Explore Holland Hotels
Holland, Michigan, becomes synonymous with tulips in May, hosting the renowned Tulip Time Festival. This Dutch-inspired town is blanketed with thousands of tulips, creating a spectacular floral display. The festival features parades, children’s activities, fireworks, and traditional Dutch dancing. A new highlight is the tulip immersion garden, allowing visitors to wander through 50,000 raised tulip beds.
Exploring Holland is a cultural experience, with Dutch-themed shops, restaurants, and architecture throughout the town. Don’t miss Windmill Island Gardens, home to De Zwann, America’s only authentic working Dutch windmill. The gardens also include a Dutch street organ, a hand-painted carousel, and dedicated tulip gardens, making it a must-visit during Tulip Time.
6. Key West, Florida: Sunshine, Beaches, and Songwriters
Aerial view of Key West, Florida, showing beaches, turquoise waters, and residential areas.View Location on Google Maps
Website: City of Key West Official Website
Things to Do: Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, Duval Street Stroll, Key West Aquarium, Harry S. Truman Little White House, Key West Songwriters Festival
Typical May Weather: Warm and sunny, perfect beach weather without extreme summer heat.
Recommended Hotels: Find Key West Hotels
Escape to Key West, Florida, in May to avoid the spring break and summer crowds. With average highs of 86°F, the weather is ideal for enjoying Key West’s renowned beaches and water activities without the intense summer heat.
A major May highlight is the Key West Songwriters Festival, the largest festival of its kind. This five-day event hosts over 200 artists performing original songs and sharing the stories behind their music. It’s a unique cultural experience in a beautiful tropical setting.
7. Alaska: Early Cruise Season and Wildlife Awakening
Website: Alaska Travel and Tourism Information
Things to Do: Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Anchorage Museum, Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching tours
Typical May Weather: Cooler temperatures, but increasing daylight hours, perfect for sightseeing.
Recommended Hotels: Explore Alaska Hotels
May marks the start of the cruise season in Alaska, offering a chance to experience its stunning landscapes at lower prices before the July-August peak. While temperatures are cooler, averaging around 55°F, the 16 hours of daylight provide ample time to explore.
For land-based travelers, post-May 15th is ideal as most businesses and tour operators begin their season. Wildlife emerges in May, with bears leaving hibernation, moose calving, and migratory birds returning. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival and Copper River Shorebird Festival. Whale watching opportunities also begin in May, with orcas and humpback whales returning to Alaskan waters.
8. Monterey Bay, California: Whale Migration and Coastal Blooms
Humpback whale breaching in Monterey Bay, California, during a whale watching tour.View Location on Google Maps
Website: Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Things to Do: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, 17-Mile Drive, Whale Watching Tours, Garrapata State Park
Typical May Weather: Mild and crisp, with cool mornings and evenings, ideal for outdoor adventures.
Recommended Hotels: Find Monterey Bay Hotels
Monterey Bay, California, is a prime location for whale watching in May, as whales migrate south. You’re likely to spot humpback, killer, and blue whales, among the 27 marine species inhabiting the bay, including dolphins.
The weather in Monterey Bay in May is cool and refreshing, ranging from 49°F to 62°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Explore the vibrant blooms at nearby Garrapata State Park, where California poppies, calla lilies, and wild irises create a colorful landscape. A light jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and mornings by the coast.
9. Zion National Park, Utah: Spring Runoff and Stargazing
Website: Zion National Park Official Website
Things to Do: Hiking iconic trails, Scenic Drives, Canyoneering, Rock Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Ranger Programs, Stargazing at Cedar Breaks National Monument
Typical May Weather: Warm days and cool nights, perfect for hiking and camping.
Recommended Hotels: Discover Hotels near Zion National Park
Zion National Park in Utah flourishes in May thanks to spring runoff, which enhances waterfalls and enriches vegetation. With average daytime temperatures of 69°F, it’s an ideal time for hiking and biking before summer heat intensifies. Camping is also popular in May, with average nighttime lows of 42°F. Layering clothing is advisable for comfortable transitions between day and night.
For a memorable evening, venture to Cedar Breaks National Monument, about an hour north of Zion, for stargazing nights. These 90-minute programs offer telescope views of planets and stars. Reservations are recommended for this free event, which requires a $10 park entrance fee.
10. Kauai, Hawaii: Lei Day Celebrations and Garden Isle Beauty
Website: Go Hawaii – Kauai Tourism Information
Things to Do: Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, Wailua Falls, Poipu Beach Park, Lei Day festivities
Typical May Weather: Consistently warm and pleasant, perfect for beach and outdoor activities.
Recommended Hotels: Explore Kauai Hotels
Kauai, known as the “Garden Isle,” is exceptionally lush in May. Early May visitors can experience Lei Day, a Hawaiian cultural celebration starting May 1st and extending into the next day. This festival honors Hawaiian traditions, with lei exchanges symbolizing “aloha.” Schools celebrate with Lei Day royalty and lei-making contests. Kauai’s Lei Day flower is the green Mokihana.
May in Kauai offers warm 73°F weather with comfortable evenings, ideal for exploring its natural beauty with fewer summer crowds. Enjoy hiking, biking, snorkeling, or kayaking in Kauai’s stunning landscapes and rivers.
11. Louisville, Kentucky: Derby Festivities and Bourbon Trails
Website: Louisville, Kentucky Official Website
Things to Do: Kentucky Derby Museum, Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville Mega Cavern, Waterfront Park, Muhammad Ali Center, Urban Bourbon Experience
Typical May Weather: Warm and inviting, ideal for outdoor festivals and bourbon trail explorations.
Recommended Hotels: Find Louisville Hotels
Louisville, Kentucky, is synonymous with horse racing in May, hosting the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday of the month. Even without Derby tickets, visitors can enjoy the month-long Kentucky Derby Festival, featuring hot air balloon rides, concerts, and fireworks. The Kentucky Reggae Festival in May also adds to the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Post-Derby, explore Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Experience, a trail of distilleries and cocktail bars within the city. For a broader experience, venture onto the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which includes Louisville-based distilleries and those in the surrounding region.
12. Asheville, North Carolina: Outdoor Adventures and Craft Beer Scene
Aerial view of Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains.View Location on Google Maps
Website: City of Asheville Official Website
Things to Do: Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drives, Downtown Asheville exploration, River Arts District, Downtown After 5 events, brewery tours
Typical May Weather: Pleasant and mild, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying Asheville’s beer gardens.
Recommended Hotels: Explore Asheville Hotels
Asheville, North Carolina, emerges from winter in May, ready for outdoor celebrations. Downtown Asheville’s “Downtown After 5” events, held every third Friday, feature free concerts, local brews, and food on Lexington Avenue, offering a taste of Asheville’s vibrant culture.
May also hosts the Get in Gear Fest, showcasing outdoor gear for the upcoming season. This family-friendly event includes gear demos, live music, food trucks, and local beers. Asheville’s renowned craft beer scene is best enjoyed in May, with numerous breweries and beer gardens to explore. Complement your beer tour with Asheville’s diverse “Foodtopia,” offering everything from casual eateries to upscale dining.
13. New York City, New York: Spring Blooms and Urban Exploration
Website: NYC Official Website
Things to Do: Central Park strolls, Times Square visits, Empire State Building views, Museum Mile exploration, Broadway Shows, Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Typical May Weather: Mild and comfortable, perfect for walking and outdoor city exploration.
Recommended Hotels: Find New York City Hotels
New York City, always vibrant, is especially appealing in May, avoiding holiday and summer crowds. Central Park bursts into bloom, and the Central Park Zoo comes alive after winter.
Visit Top of the Rock for panoramic city views and a photo on “The Beam,” a tribute to the iconic “Lunch Atop A Skyscraper” photograph. Pre-book tickets, especially for sunset hours. The Rockefeller Center ice rink transforms into a spring oasis. Conclude your day with authentic Italian cuisine in Little Italy, perhaps at La Mela, and espresso at Ferrara, claiming to be the first espresso bar in the U.S.
14. Charleston, South Carolina: Festivals and Coastal Charm
Historic street in Charleston, South Carolina, with colorful buildings and lush greenery.View Location on Google Maps
Website: Charleston, SC Official Website
Things to Do: Historic Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, Charleston Tea Garden, North Charleston Arts Fest, Greek Festival, Kiawah Island trails
Typical May Weather: Warm and sunny, ideal for beach visits and exploring historic sites.
Recommended Hotels: Find Charleston Hotels
Charleston, South Carolina, in May is festival season. The North Charleston Arts Fest at the start of May showcases local dance, art, music, and theater. Mid-May brings the Greek Festival, celebrating Greek culture and cuisine. Walking and boat tours are excellent ways to explore Charleston’s historic charm.
Spring in Charleston means warmer weather, perfect for beach days with fewer crowds than summer. Kiawah Island, near Charleston, offers 30 miles of paved trails and beach access for outdoor enthusiasts.
15. Sedona, Arizona: Hiking and Desert Beauty Before the Heat
Website: Visit Sedona Official Tourism Website
Things to Do: Red Rock State Park hikes, Chapel of the Holy Cross visit, Boynton Canyon trail, Cathedral Rock Trail, Cinco de Mayo celebrations
Typical May Weather: Warm and dry, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities before summer monsoons.
Recommended Hotels: Find Sedona Hotels
Sedona, Arizona, renowned for its stunning red rock landscapes and hiking trails, is best visited in May before the intense summer heat and monsoon season arrive. Popular hikes include the moderately challenging Cathedral Rock Trail and the easier Fay Canyon and Devil’s Bridge trails.
Sedona’s strong Mexican cultural ties make it a lively place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with dancers, musicians, and food. While May is a popular tourist month, the pleasant, dry weather makes it worth the visit.
