12 Best Places to Visit in the USA in May for Perfect Spring Adventures
May is the perfect time to travel across the US, with warm weather, blooming landscapes, and outdoor adventures in full swing.
National parks are at their best, with waterfalls rushing from snowmelt and wildlife actively roaming. Beach towns are warming up, but summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, making it a great time to relax by the coast.
Looking for ideas? Here are the 12 best places to visit in the USA in May to inspire your next trip!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
- 2. Outer Banks, North Carolina
- 3. San Juan Islands, Washington
- 4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- 5. Savannah, Georgia
- 6. Finger Lakes, New York
- 7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- 8. Chicago, Illinois
- 9. Asheville, North Carolina
- 10. San Diego, California
- 11. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
- 12. Glacier National Park, Montana
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Yellowstone shakes off winter in May, bringing lush green valleys, roaring waterfalls, and some of the best wildlife sightings of the year.
Located about 80 kilometers from Jackson, Wyoming, the park is alive with bison, elk, and even grizzly bears emerging from hibernation.
Geysers like Old Faithful are just as impressive, but with fewer tourists crowding the boardwalks. With cool mornings and mild afternoons, it’s the perfect time to explore without the intense summer crowds.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from -1 to 16°C (30-61°F), with chilly mornings and mild afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Drive through Lamar Valley early in the morning to spot wolves, bison, and grizzlies in their natural habitat.
💡 Tip: Some higher-elevation roads may still be closed due to snow, so check park conditions before planning your route
2. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks, a stunning stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, is perfect in May before the summer crowds arrive.
The weather is warm enough for beach days, wild horses roam freely in Corolla, and the ocean breeze keeps things comfortable. It’s also prime time for fishing, kayaking, and exploring Cape Hatteras National Seashore without the heat and humidity of peak summer.
Plus, with fewer visitors, you’ll have the scenic coastal roads mostly to yourself.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 16 to 26°C (61-79°F), with breezy, sunny days.
🎡 Best experience: Take a hummer tour in Corolla to see the wild horses grazing along the dunes.
💡 Tip: May waters can still be chilly, so bring a wetsuit if you plan on surfing or swimming for long periods.
3. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands, located off the coast of Washington near Anacortes (about 80 miles northwest of Seattle), are especially inviting in May.
Spring brings mild temperatures and clear skies that set the stage for outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and whale watching. This month also marks the start of orca migration, giving you a chance for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
With fewer visitors than in summer, May offers a tranquil escape to explore charming island towns and scenic coastlines.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 8 to 19°C (46-66°F), with crisp mornings and mild, sunny afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Take a whale-watching tour to see orcas and humpbacks in their natural habitat.
💡 Tip: Book your whale-watching tour early in the morning for calmer seas and the best lighting for photos.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park in May is unbeatable, with wide-open trails, crystal-clear views, and just the right amount of adventure before the summer crowds take over.
Mule deer and bighorn sheep are more active, and the Colorado River is at its most dramatic from spring runoff. Trails like South Kaibab and Bright Angel offer stunning views, and wildflowers add bursts of color along the rim.
May is also one of the last months you can comfortably hike into the canyon without triple-digit temperatures slowing you down.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 6 to 26°C (43-79°F), with crisp mornings and warm afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Watch the sunrise from Yaki Point, where the canyon glows in shades of red, orange, and gold.
💡 Tip: If you’re hiking into the canyon, start early—May offers mild mornings, but the sun gets intense fast.
5. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah in May is a dream, with warm but not sweltering weather, flowers in full bloom, and a calendar packed with outdoor events.
The city’s famous oak-lined streets and historic squares are even more magical when draped in spring greenery. You can stroll along River Street, take a ghost tour, or enjoy a picnic at Forsyth Park without the intense summer humidity.
It’s also one of the best months for visiting Tybee Island, where the beaches are warm but not overcrowded.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 18 to 30°C (65-86°F), with warm days and pleasant evenings.
🎡 Best experience: Take a riverboat cruise at sunset for stunning skyline views and live music.
💡 Tip: May temperatures range from 18 to 30°C (65-86°F), with warm days and pleasant evenings.
6. Finger Lakes, New York
Finger Lakes is at its best in May when the vineyards burst to life, waterfalls flow at full force, and the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures.
The region’s wine trails, especially around Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, are quieter than in summer, making for a more relaxed tasting experience. Wildflowers bloom along scenic hiking trails in Watkins Glen State Park, and boat tours return to the lakes.
It’s the perfect time to soak in the beauty without peak-season crowds.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 8 to 22°C (46-72°F), with crisp mornings and warm afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Hike Watkins Glen State Park, where 19 waterfalls cascade through a dramatic gorge.
💡 Tip: Visit midweek for a quieter experience at wineries and parks before weekend visitors arrive.
7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is breathtaking in May when wildflowers cover the forest floor and wildlife is most active.
The scenic Skyline Drive is in full bloom, offering stunning views of rolling green mountains and waterfalls at their peak. Hiking trails, like Old Rag and Dark Hollow Falls, are perfect with mild temperatures and clear skies.
With fewer crowds than summer and the park’s famous greenery at its brightest, May is an ideal time to visit.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 10 to 24°C (50-75°F), with warm afternoons and cool evenings.
🎡 Best experience: Hike Old Rag Mountain for one of the park’s most rewarding summit views.
💡 Tip: Arrive early—May weekends bring more visitors, and parking at popular trailheads fills up fast.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago in May is when the city truly comes alive. The weather is finally warm enough for outdoor festivals, lakefront strolls, and rooftop dining without the heavy summer crowds.
Millennium Park and the Riverwalk are buzzing, and events like the Mayfest street festival kick off the season. Baseball is in full swing at Wrigley Field, and the city’s parks are filled with blooming tulips.
It’s the perfect time to enjoy Chicago before summer tourists and humidity take over.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 11 to 22°C (52-72°F), with comfortable days and cool evenings.
🎡 Best experience: Take an architecture river cruise, where the skyline looks even more impressive in the fresh spring air.
💡 Tip: Bring layers. Chicago’s weather in May can be unpredictable, with warm afternoons but chilly lake breezes.
9. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is at its best in May when the weather is warm, wildflowers are blooming, and the mountain views are crystal clear.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is lined with lush greenery, making it a perfect time for scenic drives and hiking. Breweries and outdoor patios are buzzing, and festivals like LEAF Global Arts Festival bring live music and great food.
It’s an ideal mix of nature, culture, and mild temperatures before summer crowds arrive.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 11 to 25°C (52-77°F), with warm afternoons and cool mountain breezes.
🎡 Best experience: Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at Craggy Gardens for breathtaking panoramic views.
💡 Tip: May evenings can still be chilly in the mountains, so pack a light jacket for outdoor dining and late-night walks.
10. San Diego, California
San Diego in May is all about sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, and fewer tourists before the summer rush.
The beaches are warm enough for a swim, the famous Balboa Park is in full bloom, and outdoor patios in Gaslamp Quarter are buzzing with energy. It’s also peak season for spotting gray whales migrating along the coast.
With perfect weather for hiking at Torrey Pines or kayaking in La Jolla Cove, May is the best time to enjoy everything San Diego has to offer.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 15 to 22°C (59-72°F), with mild, sunny days and cool ocean breezes.
🎡 Best experience: Kayak through La Jolla Sea Caves, where you might spot sea lions lounging on the rocks.
💡 Tip: May brings May Gray, a morning coastal fog that usually burns off by the afternoon. Plan beach outings for later in the day.
11. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a sweet spot in May when the last traces of winter meet early summer vibes.
You can ski in the morning at higher elevations and then hike, bike, or kayak in the afternoon as lower trails and the lake thaw out. The crowds haven’t arrived yet, so you’ll have the scenic overlooks and crystal-clear water mostly to yourself.
With wildflowers blooming along the shores, it’s the perfect time for a mix of adventure and relaxation.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 2 to 19°C (36-66°F), with crisp mornings and mild afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Hike Eagle Falls Trail in Emerald Bay State Park for incredible views of waterfalls cascading into the lake.
💡 Tip: Many lakefront restaurants reopen for the season in May, so grab a patio seat for the best sunset views over the water.
12. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, near the Canadian border, is waking up in May as the snow melts and wildlife becomes more active.
While some high-elevation roads remain closed, lower trails and lakes start to open up, giving you a head start on summer adventures without the heavy crowds. Grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats roam freely, and the park’s waterfalls are at full force.
It’s a great time for scenic drives, hikes, and enjoying the crisp mountain air.
🌤️ Weather: May temperatures range from 1 to 15°C (34-59°F), with chilly mornings and mild afternoons.
🎡 Best experience: Take a boat tour on Lake McDonald, where the melting snow creates mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks.
💡 Tip: Many park lodges and visitor centers don’t fully open until June, so plan to bring food and supplies.
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