15 Best Places to Visit in the US in May
Looking for the perfect May getaway? These 15 incredible U.S. destinations are at their absolute best right now.
We’ve rounded up spots where the weather is just right, the crowds are still thin, and nature puts on an incredible show!
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1. Kauai, HI
The most laid-back Hawaiian island shows off its natural glory with perfect temperatures hovering around 75°F.
Waterfalls cascade down emerald cliffs along the dramatic Napali Coast, while golden beaches like Poipu offer prime snorkeling spots.
The rugged Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” puts on a spectacular show with its red rock formations and hidden valleys.
Where to Stay: The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay wows with its wellness focus and features an adult infinity pool overlooking picture-perfect Hanalei Bay.
2. Monterey, CA
California’s central coast truly shines in May when wildflowers carpet the coastline in vibrant purples and oranges.
Spot playful sea otters floating on their backs in the bay, or cycle along the scenic coastal trail with refreshing ocean breezes.
The weather is perfectly mild, making it ideal for outdoor adventures before summer fog rolls in.
Where to Stay: The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa sits dramatically above the water on stilts, offering rooms with binoculars for spotting dolphins from your seafront balcony.
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3. Virginia Beach, VA
With the iconic 3-mile boardwalk, Virginia Beach buzzes with energy as temperatures warm up to the perfect beach-going sweet spot.
Watch for dolphins playing in the waves, explore the creative ViBe District’s colorful murals, or paddle through the cypress swamps at First Landing State Park.
Where to Stay: The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club channels 1920s grandeur with its own distillery, six pools, and a century of hosting presidents and celebrities.
4. Charleston, SC
Wisteria drapes historic mansions in purple blooms while jasmine perfumes the air throughout this graceful Southern city.
Stroll past Rainbow Row’s candy-colored houses, feast on fresh seafood, and catch the sunset from a rooftop bar.
Where to Stay: The Pinch Charleston is located in the heart of the historic district and offers fully outfitted rooms with a warm atmosphere.
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5. Zion National Park, UT
Zion National Park puts on an incredible display with perfect hiking temperatures and sunny skies.
Towering sandstone cliffs glow in brilliant shades of red and orange, while the Virgin River creates refreshing oases in hidden canyons.
May offers smaller crowds than peak summer months, though some water trails might be closed due to spring runoff.
Where to Stay: Under the Eaves Inn captures rustic luxury with charming gardens and outdoor seating areas perfectly positioned for soaking in those magnificent canyon views.
6. Annapolis, MD
Maryland’s capital city shows off its maritime soul in perfect spring temperatures. Stroll past Georgian mansions and along brick-lined streets to the bustling City Dock, where sleek yachts parade through “Ego Alley.”
History buffs can tour the Naval Academy’s stunning chapel and explore America’s oldest state capitol still in use.
Where to Stay: The boutique 134 Prince offers a luxurious retreat in a historic building, steps from downtown’s best attractions.
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7. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans pulses with jazz spilling from Frenchmen Street clubs while jasmine scents the air.
Wander the French Quarter’s iron-laced balconies, then hop the St. Charles streetcar past grand Garden District mansions. The city’s famous festivals reach their peak, with music filling every corner.
Where to Stay: The Chloe, a vibrant 14-room hotel in a restored 19th-century Uptown mansion, combines classic charm with modern sophistication.
8. Savannah, GA
In Savannah, Spanish moss drapes over cobblestone streets while azaleas add splashes of color to the city’s famous squares.
Take a sunset river cruise, explore the trendy Starland District’s boutiques, or join a ghost tour through one of America’s most haunted cities.
Where to Stay: Hotel Bardo Savannah creates magic with its urban resort vibe, featuring a dreamy pool oasis, coastal Italian dining, and thoughtfully designed rooms that blend luxury with comfort.
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9. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco dazzles with perfect spring weather and fewer crowds than summer. Cable cars climb past colorful Victorian homes while sailboats dot the bay.
The Ferry Building’s Saturday farmers market buzzes with local food artisans and the city’s festival season kicks into high gear.
Where to Stay: Hotel Zetta brings playful style to Union Square with its sophisticated rooms featuring exposed brick walls and bold art, plus a game lounge perfect for unwinding after exploring.
10. Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach shows its best side with warm sunshine and refreshing ocean breezes. The iconic boardwalk buzzes with energy, while championship golf courses beckon.
May brings exciting events like the World Famous Blue Crab Festival and lively bike rallies.
Where to Stay: The Holiday Shores captures retro beach glamour with its thoughtfully restored rooms featuring vintage-inspired furnishings.
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11. Washington, DC
The nation’s capital buzzes with energy as cherry blossoms give way to perfect spring temperatures.
Stroll past iconic monuments on the National Mall, catch free outdoor movies at National Harbor, or join the Around the World Embassy Tour for a global adventure.
Where to Stay: The LINE DC occupies a converted church in Adams Morgan, featuring a rooftop with stunning views of the Washington Monument.
12. Canyonlands National Park, UT
Utah’s most dramatic landscapes show off their finest colors under clear spring skies at Canyonlands National Park.
The Island in the Sky mesa serves up jaw-dropping views at Grand View Point, while sunrise at Mesa Arch creates a golden spectacle that photographers dream about.
The park’s vast canyons stretch endlessly toward the horizon, carved by the mighty Colorado River.
Where to Stay: Desert Rose Resort & Cabins in Bluff offers southwestern charm with modern amenities, perfectly positioned for exploring both the Island in the Sky and Needles districts.
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13. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
The mighty canyon puts on an incredible show with perfect hiking temperatures and smaller crowds than summer months.
The South Rim trails beckon with panoramic vistas, while the North Rim opens on May 15th, offering a more secluded escape.
Where to Stay: El Tovar Hotel channels historic elegance right on the canyon rim, offering rooms with period furnishings and spectacular sunrise views.
14. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
Great Smoky Mountains National Park shows off their wild side with rushing waterfalls and endless wildflower displays.
Spot black bears in Cades Cove, climb to panoramic views at Clingmans Dome, or chase waterfalls on the Laurel Falls trail.
Where to Stay: Blackberry Farm blends luxury with mountain tradition, offering farm-to-table dining and elegant rooms with stunning mountain views.
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15. Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite National Park echoes with thundering waterfalls at their peak flow, while dogwood blossoms add splashes of white to the emerald landscape.
Evening primrose and western azalea carpet the meadows, creating a colorful display against granite walls. The longer days and warmer sun create perfect conditions for hiking and climbing.
Where to Stay: The Ahwahnee presents grand architecture and old-world luxury in the heart of Yosemite Valley, with rooms featuring stunning views of Half Dome.
