7 Places to Visit in May
I think that pre-Memorial Day May is the best time to get away. The weather is lovely, lots of flowers everywhere, and low crowds near my favorite lakes. Here are my absolute favorite May destinations and I hope you'll love them too.
Best Places to Visit in May in the Western USA
Springtime in the Western United States, for me, means great road trips, hiking, and dining...basically, enjoying the warmth of approaching summer without all the crowds. Here are the places that stood out the most.
Tombstone, Arizona
If you get a chance to visit Tombstone, Arizona in May, I promise it's totally worth your time. In fact, it's one of my favorite Old West towns to visit and it's still off the beaten path. In May, you'll get lots of sunny days pleasant mornings made for exploring.
I love that it’s easy to reach from Tucson, a little over an hour by car. I instantly noticed the blooming cactus flowers. We enjoyed strolling downtown, visiting Ok Corral, and seeing the reenactments on historic Allen Street with costumed gunfighters. End the day with live entertainment at Big Nose Kate's Saloon, my personal highlight!
I have to warn you that the closer you get to Memorial Day, the hotter the afternoons get in Tombstone. Be sure to wear sunscreen and have water with you.
Kingston, NY
While living in New York for ten years, this was one of our favorite springtime weekend getaways from NYC in May. It's located along the Hudson River and very scenic. May temperatures in this Hudson Valley gem are in the 60s. You can enjoy walking outside, with lots of sunny days.
Be sure to stroll through the Stockade District and see the 17th-century Dutch architecture. After, visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum. May was also perfect for strolling in Hasbrouck Park, and taking a scenic boat cruise on the Hudson.
Also...One word: Pizza! I love pizza and this town is made of pizza! You can choose from great wood-fired pizza at Sorry, Charlie, Picnic Pizza, and Vincenzo's Pizzeria & Ristorante (and a few other places I'm yet to try!).
In addition, we had a lovely family dinner at Ship to Shore... their seasonal strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream was the sweet standout of spring!
We stayed two days at the historic Hotel Kinsley (from $259)
Folsom, California
Looking for a unique place in Northern California not known to too many tourists? Check out Folsom, just just 30 minutes from Sacramento.
It's one of my favorite places to visit in May. Why? Folsom offers lakes, trails, and May temperatures in the 70s.
After flying into Sacramento International (SMF), we drove 40 minute to reach Folsom and spent four days there. I enjoyed the lakeside parks the most. For me, the Saturday Farmers Market was a highlight where I picked up affordable snacks.
Enjoy the Folsom Historic District, the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. We also learned about the city’s role in early hydroelectric power which my son especially enjoyed.
We had great burgers at Plank Craft Kitchen + Bar after exploring.
Colchester, VT
We discovered Colchester in Vermont by chance in May while living on the East Coast and it instantly became on of our favorite May getaways in New England. You'll find it on the shores of Lake Champlain.
While May is still too cold to go swimming, you can relax on scenic beaches, take heaps of photos and go hiking. With temperatures in the 50s and 60s, May was perfect for hiking through Niquette Bay State Park. For more excitement, you can easily drive just 15 minutes to Burlington.
When you get hungry, you have to try the maple bread pudding drizzled with warm caramel sauce at Rozzi’s Lakeshore Tavern.
We stayed two days at the welcoming Inn at the Round Barn Farm
Best Places to Visit in May in the South
I love March, April and May in the South! While summers are too hot for hiking and exploring, these spring months are absolutely perfect.
We live in Texas which is fabulous in May and I highly recommend visiting. It's warm enout for swimming but also cool enought for walking.
Pelham, AL
This is one of my favorite places to visit in the Birmingham area, and honestly, I thought it was the most perfect May road trip destination when we moved to the South! We visited during the Pelham Palooza Festival by chance and it was a perfect time. With temperatures in the high-70s and 80s, we dined outdoors a lot. I can still remember the smoky Southern barbecue in the air.
Hiking in Oak Mountain State Park outstanding. If you want an affordable place to stay, there is camping and RV spots in the park.
In the evening, catching a live show under the stars at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre was my personal highlight in Alabama.
Best Places to Visit in May Abroad
I love heading abroad in May, before Memorial Day so that we can get an affordable flight. Here's where Turkey and Croatia both really shine because of lower prices and warm weather in May.
Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotels, Turkey
Located on the cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey (Google Maps pin), this getaway has such incredible views that it instantly became one of our favorite romantic escapes!
From Dalaman Airport, we drove 35 miles (about one hour) to Fethiye. Our suite for four care-free days had a four-poster bed, and a private terrace. The terrace was such an amazing feature for morning coffee, and to return to in the evening for romantic stargazing. It honestly felt like magic. In addition, the infinity pool overlooking the sea was a great spot to relax together.
You'll also be close to the famous Butterfly Valley and the Lycian Way trail. The town has a population of about 170,000 and is historic. Visit the Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs (dating to the 4th century BCE).
- Check prices at Mandarin & Mango Boutique
What I loved best:
Fethiye’s old bazaar has spice stalls and some of the most incredible textiles.
Pula, Croatia
I visited this part of the Adriatic coast as a child and even then it left a lasting impression. When I returned with my own family, Pula had grown with shopping and tourism, but it's essence is still the same as 40 years ago. You can see the ancient Roman Arena, the Temple of Augustus and Arch of the Sergii. Don't rush your visit to the Old Town. You can take heaps of nice photos and find yummy grilled seafood dishes.
May was perfect for wandering along the waterfront promenade, with temperatures in the high 60s and 70s.
I think that Croatia is one of the best places you can visit abroad in May!
Best of all, prices were still very reasonable in May so we could stay longer.
A downside? I have to warn you that the beaches have pebbles and many are rocky. I recommend buying water shoes at one of the shops because sea urchins are very common and stepping on one can ruin your vacation.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
