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As spring begins to fade out into the summer, May has all the right elements for travel in the US. During this month, the days are getting warmer and longer, while nature thrives to create colorful landscapes and reintroduce plenty of unique regional wildlife that you can’t find elsewhere. Whether you want to adventure outdoors in some cool mountain air or relax on the coast for Memorial Day, there’s no shortage of good May vacation spots in America.
Get ready to pack your bags and see a new side of the country with our list of our 12 Best Cities in the US to visit in May!
Looking for more adventure in May? Check out our blog on Best Places to Visit in Europe!
12 Best Cities in US to Visit in May
1. San Diego, California (Warm)
Average temperature: 60°F - 72°F
San Diego is where to travel in May for unforgettable beach days and lively events under the California sun. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Old Town with music, dance, and authentic Mexican food, then wander through Balboa Park’s scenic gardens. With fewer crowds, it’s the best time to visit LEGOLAND California, surf in La Jolla, or catch a Padres game at Petco Park. Afterward, head to Sunset Cliffs to catch an epic view of the Pacific or dive into the local craft beer scene with a night tour of the city’s top breweries.
Related: Weekend Getaways in Southern California
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan (Cool)
Average temperature: 45°F - 65°F
You might love May getaways to Mackinac Island, Michigan if you need a break from sitting in traffic. Well-known for being a car-free destination, this quaint Great Lakes town moves at a slower pace, where strolls along the waterfront set the tone for relaxation. Get around town on bike or a horse-drawn carriage, experience the vibrance of the Tulip Festival, take a ferry ride for sweeping sunset views, or watch people compete in the Fort 2 Fort 5-Mile Challenge foot race. And before you leave, don’t forget to grab some of the town’s fudge—celebrated for its unique flavor achieved by traditional cooking methods.
Related: 10 Best Weekend Getaways in Michigan
3. Outer Banks, North Carolina (Warm)
Average temperature: 60°F - 75°F
Outer Banks, North Carolina is one of the best places to travel in May in the United States, offering great beach weather in the sweet spot between the Spring Break rush and the summer crowds. Its wide shores and towering dunes make it perfect for kiteboarding, coastal fishing, or wild horse tours. If you’re into aeronautical history, you could pay a visit to Kitty Hawk to see where the Wright brothers took their first successful powered flight in 1903. May also brings the Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular at Jockey’s Ridge, where pilots take to the skies in a thrilling display. Spring Restaurant Week rounds out the experience with a chance to savor the region’s coastal cuisine.
4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (Cold)
Average temperature: 35°F - 65°F
Yellowstone National Park is one of the best US destinations in May, offering a rare chance to see its geothermal wonders and wildlife during a seasonal transition. As snowmelt feeds the park’s rivers and waterfalls, bison and elk roam more freely, and bear sightings become more frequent. Apart from the signature Old Faithful, Yellowstone's lesser-known hot springs, such as Mammoth Hot Springs, are especially captivating in May. Their vibrant terraces and steaming pools create a truly surreal atmosphere. The springtime environment also makes it a great time for hiking Lamar Valley or catching Old Faithful’s eruptions, though chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall mean layering up is key.
Related: Most Underrated US National Parks
5. Austin, Texas (Warm)
Average temperature: 65°F - 85°F
Austin, TX is one of the top warm places to go in May, offering sunny days perfect for outdoor festivals and exploring the city's parks and trails. Kick off the month with live music and more at the Pecan Street Festival on historic Sixth Street. Later in the month, the Hot Luck Festival brings together top chefs for a true taste of Austin’s culture. If you’re looking for more laidback activities, consider kayaking on Lady Bird Lake or sipping a rooftop cocktail with skyline views before the Texas heat sets in for summer.
Related: Weekend Getaways in Texas
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Cool)
Average temperature: 50°F - 70°F
With a blend of spring tranquility and Memorial Day excitement on the calendar, Cape Cod, Massachusetts offers one of the best holidays in America in May. Early May is full of New England enchantment with daffodil and hydrangea wildflower blooms, quiet beaches, and lobster roll spots reopening for the season. Things get livelier at the end of the month, as Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer with parades, music, and the Figawi Race—a popular sailing competition from Hyannis to Nantucket.
8. Bend, Oregon (Cool)
Average temperature: 40°F - 70°F
If you’re a thrill-seeker wondering where to go on May vacation, don’t miss Bend, Oregon. Offering adventure in every direction, central Oregon city gives you a chance to carve down Mt. Bachelor’s at the tail end of the ski season, mountain bike the trails, or hit the Deschutes River for kayaking and whitewater rafting. Camping is a popular way to experience the area, but keep in mind that campsites fill fast this time of year—especially during Memorial Day weekend—so make sure to reserve spots early.
9. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (Cool)
Average temperature: 50°F - 75°F
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is among the most beautiful places to visit in May in the USA with springtime nature reaching its peak within the Blue Ridge Mountains—much of which can be experienced on the 105-mile Skyline Drive that runs through the park. If you want to explore on foot, there are over 500 miles of hiking trails where you can spot everything from cascading waterfalls to wild black bears. The park’s diverse ecosystems also make it a haven for birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts alike.
10. Charleston, South Carolina (Warm)
Average temperature: 65°F - 80°F
Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the hot locations in May for people visiting the South. Here, warm temperatures set the stage for outdoor relaxation and cultural events, all while exuding both modern and historic southern charm. Founded in 1670, this coastal city is full of top historic spots: the colorful buildings along Rainbow Row, the Public Market, or the Charleston Museum—the oldest in the city. May also brings several festivals celebrating local culture, such as the North Charleston Art Festival.
11. Kauai, Hawaii (Warm)
Average temperature: 70°F - 85°F
With dry weather and mild temperatures, Hawaii is one of the best US states to visit in May, offering the perfect blend of culture and nature. Kauai ranks high among the Hawaiian, as it’s a great place to snorkel in the clear waters of Tunnels Beach or enjoy the surf at Hanalei Bay. Beyond the ocean, you can get a deeper sense of Kauai’s history at Waimea Canyon or discover local art in Hanapepe Town.
12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina (Cool)
Average temperature: 50°F - 75°F
If you're wondering where to visit in May in the USA, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see. Rent a cabin to stay right in the heart of nature and be a step away from mountainous hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing. In May, enjoy the annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival, where you can experience traditional Appalachian music and crafts. While you're there, take a trip to nearby Gatlinburg for towering views from the SkyLift or head to Dollywood for thrilling rides and a taste of local amusement.
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