Are you looking for the best places to travel in Spring? This guide will help you find the best places to travel in the US in May.
In May, many Spring break vacationers have already returned to work and school in the US. Temperatures are beginning to rise, but hotel rates are generally very reasonable throughout the entire month until the official summer season kicks off on Memorial Day weekend.


May is an excellent time to go on a vacation in the USA if you are looking for outdoor adventure and a great deal. Some of the best places to travel in the US are made even better in May.
Is May A Good Time To Visit USA?
As traveling homeschoolers, our family loves to take advantage of travel in May because the schools are not out yet, but the weather is already getting warmer.
Our family has chosen to travel in May for vacations for over 25 years, and it continues to be one of our favorite times of the year to road trip in the US.
Many of our favorite vacation memories are from hiking in the national parks free from mosquitos in May or lounging on a nearly deserted beach in South Florida.

Whether your family loves to hike, camp, or just sit on the beach, there is a great US destination to suit your tastes. The list is endless, and the time of year can’t be beaten.
Indeed, you can pick the type and location for your May family vacation. Consider these ideas:
- Hiking In US National Parks
- RV camping in Your Local State Park
- Get a Florida Vacation Rental and Have the Beach To Yourself
- Relax in a Cabin in the Smoky Mountains
- Take A Road Trip To See Historic Sites Along The East Coast
Best USA Travel Destinations For May
There are plenty of destinations around the United States that are just lovely to visit in Spring, including many national parks.
Here are 7 of the best places to visit in the USA in May.
May is generally a great time of year to visit the National Parks all across the US. Because most US schools are still in session in early May, you can experience smaller crowds which definitely makes May one of the best times of the year to hike in the National Parks. While crowd levels, in general, are up across all national parks in the US and you won't have the trails completely to yourselves, May is generally one of the better times of year to visit most of the US National Parks.
In many of the National Parks across America, the temperatures will be mild. You will experience cooler temps in the higher elevations, but the sunny days will generally be plenteous. Check out this list of 25 National Parks to hike with the kids which make a great adventurous vacation in May.
Santa Barbara, California is always a great place to visit in the month of May. If sunshine, good food, and the beach sounds like your idea of a great vacation in the month of May, then head to the Pacific Coast and spend the weekend enjoying the Spanish architecture, seacoast breezes, and maybe even a hike in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains.
Another wonderful California spot to visit in the month of May is Monterey, California. The temperatures are cool and crisp in the early morning as you rise to take in the beautiful sunrise over Monterey Bay and the quaint town and amazing food make for a relaxing and peaceful retreat during the month of May.
Arizona is home to one of the most famous US national parks, The Grand Canyon, but did you know that Arizona also has some amazing and less-known National Monuments with just as much wow factor as the Grand Canyon?
May is the perfect time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains in upper northeast Tennessee. The southern humidity has not set in yet and the spring flowers and waterfalls will be at their peak performance. If fresh mountain air, sweeping vistas, and wildlife observation sounds like your idea a fabulous family vacation, then definitely consider the Smoky Mountains
Anna Maria Island, Florida is Florida's best kept secret. Our family spent nearly 3 weeks on this charming old Florida island in the month of May. Despite growing in popularity and swelling summer crowds, May offers the warmth of the Florida temperatures, emerald green blue ocean waters, and some of the best seafood you will ever eat without the bustling crowds of the months to come.
For our final selection of best places to travel in the US in the month of May, we had to include Hilton Head, South Carolina. While this island is known for golf, gators, and grub, it is also known for biking, beach, and blistering summer temperatures. Taking advantage of the lower temperatures before the mosquitos and muggy humidity takes over makes the month of May the perfect time to experience this low country island in South Carolina.
Best Warm Places To Visit In May In USA
May can be a great time to soak up some sunshine as the spring reaches its end. Here are some warm places to visit in May in the USA.
- South Padre Island. Found at the southeastern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is a popular Spring break destination. With its over 33 miles of beaches, restaurants, family-friendly hotels, resorts, and various attractions, it’s definitely the perfect destination for any age in May.
- Honolulu, Hawaii. Spring for some parts of the US means increased rain, but not in Hawaii. In May you will also start to experience a rise in temperature ranging from a very comfortable 80 to 85 F. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water with the whole family.
- Miami Beach. For many vacationers, one of the best times to visit Miami Beach is in May when the weather presents temperatures ranging from the high 70s and low 80s during the day. May in Miami beach means endless sunbathing, and lots of time to stroll around the beach and splash around the water.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. May is a great time to visit Myrtle Beach as the summer crowd hasn’t fully arrived yet. Relax, dig your toes into the sand and take a dip in the ocean or perhaps try out a new water sport when you visit Myrtle Beach in May.
More Places to Travel in the US
- Best Places To Travel With A Baby In The US
- Best Places To Travel In The US In June
- Best Places To Travel In The US With Toddlers
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
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kristie
Monday 18th of April 2022
I would like to try Anna Marie Island in Florida, or Chattanooga.