May can be the sweet spot for travel. Far enough removed from the busy spring breakers and right 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 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. If you’re catching the travel bug and looking for somewhere to visit this spring, here is our list of our favorite places to travel in the month of May across the United States!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The outdoors spring to life in May in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 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
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 throughout 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
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 just to 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, and then caught a Colorado Rockies game in the evening in May. It is literally the perfect Colorado day.
South Lake Tahoe
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
Tulips are the main draw to Holland, Michigan, in May. The Dutch-inspired town has thousands upon thousands of tulips around town. The Tulip Time Festival in May celebrates just that. Thousands gather for the Tulip Parade, kids’ events, fireworks, and Dutch dancing. Recently 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
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
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 are 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: the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival and the 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
Head to the coastal town of Monterey Bay, California, in May to go whale watching. May is when the whales migrate, 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 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
Zion National Park comes back 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
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
Horse racing is the center of attention in Louisville, Kentucky, in May. The Kentucky Derby, the infamous 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.
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
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.
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
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
There are festivals galore in Charleston, South Carolina, in May. 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
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.