Best Places to Visit in May
Searching for the best places to visit in May? Well, you are in the right place! What we love about traveling in May is a chance to pause and breathe between the busyness of spring and the rush of summer. Without the peak-season crowds, we found time to slow down, get curious, and let each place reveal its charm in its own way. We didn't need to have reservations for the most famous attractions, found great deals on hotels and public transportation wasn't overcrowded. I’ve gathered my favorite May destinations and experiences on my four week road trip this month, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Folsom, CA
Stretching along the American River and nestled beside rolling foothills, this is one of the most appealing outdoor destinations I’ve found in Northern California, and I think it’s one of the best May getaways near Sacramento. Why? Folsom offers sparkling lakes, miles of scenic trails, and a relaxed small-city vibe. I think it's ideal for anyone craving sunshine, water views, and quiet nature without going too far into the mountains.
After flying into Sacramento International (SMF), I drove 40 minutes and spent four days at 3-star Hilton Garden Inn Folsom, exploring boutique shops, lakeside parks, and the Saturday Farmers Market.
I loved my bike ride along the American River Parkway, watching kayakers glide past, and dining outdoors in Historic Folsom. You can also visit the Folsom Prison Museum, watch the sunset over the lake, and have great burgers at Plank Craft Kitchen + Bar.
- Location: Northern California, in Sacramento County, east of Sacramento near Folsom Lake
- Average temperature: 50°F – 76°F (10°C – 24°C)
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
My highlight was sitting outside and listening to live music drifting through the plaza.
2. Lincoln, NE
Set in the rolling prairies of eastern Nebraska, this is one of the most unexpectedly charming cities I’ve explored in the Midwest, and I think it’s one of the best underrated cultural destinations between Denver and Chicago.
May is an incredible time to explore this city because you get sunny afternoons, blooming parks, and lively downtown streets made the city shine without the crowds. I love that I can stroll through the Sunken Gardens, catch live music on a patio in the Historic Haymarket, and dine outdoors with the scent of sizzling Midwest barbecue in the air.
Flying into Lincoln Airport (LNK), I drove just 15 minutes and spent four days at the stylish Kindler Hotel, browsing indie shops, and cozy cafés.
You can also check out Sheldon Museum of Art and Historic Haymarket District on your trip to the "Star City."
- Location: Southeast Nebraska, in Lancaster County, southwest of Omaha on the Great Plains
- Average temperature: 53°F – 71°F (12°C – 22°C)
- Map & Directions
What I loved best:
I timed my trip for the Lincoln Marathon & Half, which fills the streets with energy and celebration, my favorite highlight.
3. Canby, OR
This is one of my favorite small towns to visit in the Willamette Valley because it blends riverside scenery, farmland views, and a friendly, slow-paced charm. I love that it’s easy to reach from Portland. In addition, in late spring or early fall I can enjoy those crisp mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons that make exploring the parks, trails, and quiet downtown feel effortless.
I loved my walk along the Molalla River State Park trails, crossing the historic Canby Ferry, and dining outdoors downtown with the scent of fresh flowers carried in the breeze.
I timed my trip for the Canby Wine, Food & Brew Festival, which brings together local vintners, craft brewers, and chefs.
Flying into Portland International Airport (PDX), I drove 35 minutes and spent a day at 2-star Motel 6 Canby, OR, exploring nurseries, riverside parks, and the charming shops in downtown Canby.
You can check out Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Dahlia Festival, ride the historic Canby Ferry across the Willamette River, and explore the Molalla River corridor.
- Location: Northwestern Oregon, in Clackamas County, south of Portland along the Willamette River
- Average temperature: 43°F – 66°F (6°C – 19°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
The Canby Farmers Market, overflowing with fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods was my favorite highlight!
4. Kingston, NY
Set along the Hudson River with the Catskills rising in the distance, this is one of the most atmospheric small cities I’ve explored in New York, and I think it’s one of the best under-the-radar weekend getaways north of Manhattan. Why? First off, Kingston offers a mix of galleries, charming boutiques, lively restaurants, and beautifully preserved architecture. In addition, I loved the relaxed, creative vibe that feels worlds away from the city.
May turned out to be an incredible time to explore this town with warm sunshine, blooming riverfront parks, and the start of boating season made this Hudson Valley gem glow without the peak summer crowds. When I moved to New York, I loved my stroll through the Rondout waterfront, watching sailboats drift along the Hudson, and dining outdoors on the historic Strand with the scent of wood-fired pizza wafting through the air.
From New York City, I drove about two hours north along the Hudson and stayed two days at the historic Hotel Kinsley. I wandered through the Stockade District with its 17th-century Dutch architecture, explored the Hudson River Maritime Museum and Rondout waterfront, and admired contemporary works at local galleries. May was perfect for strolling the bluffs of Hasbrouck Park, and taking a scenic boat cruise on the Hudson. Evenings meant cozying up in inventive farm-to-table restaurants. Dining at Ship to Shore... their seasonal strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream was the sweet standout of spring!
- Location: Eastern New York State, in Ulster County, along the Hudson River at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains
- Average temperature: 48°F – 69°F (9°C – 20°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Browsing the outdoor farmers’ markets bursting with fresh produce and flower was one of my personal highlights!
5. Pelham, AL
This is one of my favorite places to visit in the Birmingham area because it blends outdoor beauty, small-town comfort, and a relaxed Southern atmosphere.
I loved my hike through Oak Mountain State Park, spotting wildlife along shaded trails, and dining outdoors with smoky Southern barbecue perfuming the air.
I also timed my trip for the Pelham Palooza Festival, which brought local vendors, live music, and family fun to town, and the Oak Mountain Spring Bird Walks, where naturalists guided visitors through forests alive with songbirds.
Flying into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), I drove 25 minutes and spent four days at the relaxing Hampton Inn & Suites Pelham (around $153/night), exploring nearby wineries, cozy cafés, and the Saturday farmers market.
- Location: Central Alabama, in Shelby County, south of Birmingham near Oak Mountain State Park
- Average temperature: 61°F – 81°F (16°C – 27°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Catching a live show under the stars at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre was my personal highlight.
6. The Berkshires
Spread across the rolling hills of western Massachusetts, this is one of the most enchanting destinations I’ve explored in New England, and I think it’s one of the absolute best places for anyone craving a mix of art, nature, and cozy vibes.
From Boston, I drove about two and a half hours west along the Mass Pike and stayed three days at the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. You can tour the Norman Rockwell Museum, explore The Mount (Edith Wharton’s stately estate), and visit the gardens of Naumkea. May was perfect for hiking Monument Mountain and strolling through the Berkshire Botanical Garden, while downtown Great Barrington and Lenox buzzed with cafés, bookstores, and galleries.
- Location: Western Massachusetts, spanning Berkshire County along the Appalachian Mountains near the New York border
- Average temperature: ~ 45 °F – 72 °F (7 °C – 22 °C)
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Dinner at Old Inn on the Green was my personal highlight... their rhubarb tart with fresh cream was the sweet springtime standout!
7. Tombstone, AZ
This is one of my favorite Old West towns to visit because it blends fascinating history, big blue skies, and that unmistakable Arizona desert charm. In addition, I love that it’s easy to reach from Tucson.
May here meant warm desert sunshine, blooming cactus flowers, and lively reenactments on historic Allen Street made the Old West town come alive without the peak summer heat.
- Location: Southeastern Arizona, in Cochise County, east of Tucson in the high desert near the Dragoon Mountains
- Average temperature: 55°F – 82°F (13°C – 28°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
I loved my stroll past wooden boardwalks, watching costumed gunfighters stage showdowns, and dining outdoors with mesquite-grilled steak perfuming the evening air.
8. Colchester, VT
Set along the shores of Lake Champlain with views stretching toward the Adirondacks, this is one of the most refreshing waterfront destinations I’ve explored in Vermont, and I think it’s one of the best low-key getaways in the Champlain Valley. Why? First off, Colchester offers scenic beaches, calm coves, and forested paths. In addition, I loved the relaxed, neighborly feel that’s wonderfully removed from downtown Burlington’s bustle.
From Burlington, I drove just fifteen minutes north and stayed two days at the welcoming Inn at the Round Barn Farm. I strolled along the Colchester Causeway over Lake Champlain, explored the sandy shores of Malletts Bay, and wandered through the town’s historic green. May was perfect for kayaking on the lake, hiking through Niquette Bay State Park, and browsing local farm stands bursting with early spring produce.
- Location: Northwestern Vermont, in Chittenden County, along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain just north of Burlington
- Average temperature: 45°F – 65°F (7°C – 18°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Dining at Rozzi’s Lakeshore Tavern was my personal highlight - their maple bread pudding drizzled with warm caramel sauce was the sweet standout!
Places to Visit Abroad in May
Last but not least, here are some international recommendations in May...
9. Mugla, Turkey
Stretching along some of the most beautiful coastline in the entire country, this is one of the most captivating destinations I’ve explored in Turkey, and I think it’s one of the absolute best regions for a coastal getaway.
May is a great time to visit this sun-drenched region where pine-clad mountains meet the turquoise Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Check into Villa Mandarin which offers traditional charm, and modern comfort, a peaceful retreat tucked among olive groves and citrus trees near the coast.
From Mugla, you can explore the nearby towns of Akyaka and Göcek, wander through ancient sites like Kaunos and Knidos, and take leisurely boat trips around hidden coves and islands.
- Location: Southwestern Turkey, in the Aegean Region, near the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts including Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye
- Average temperature: 59°F – 77°F (15°C – 25°C)
- Location: Location Map
May is ideal — warm enough for swimming and alfresco dining, yet still quiet before the summer rush.
What I loved best:
Breakfast on the terrace at Villa Mandarin was one of my favorite highlights - browse local markets bursting with fresh produce and spices, and watch golden sunsets over the hills.
10. Lexington, KY
I thought this was one of the best places to visit in May. Why? In the spring, Lexington, KY has a laid-back, small-town vibe, elegant historic districts, a proud horse-and-bourbon-and-bluegrass heritage. In addition, I thought that a backdrop of white-fenced pastures summed up everything I love about Kentucky in one compact city!
From Frankfort, I drove about half an hour southeast and stayed two days at the 4-star boutique 21c Museum Hotel that completely won me over. You can gour stately Keeneland and its storied racetrack, explore the Mary Todd Lincoln House and Ashland (Henry Clay’s estate), and browse art galleries and exhibits at the University of Kentucky Art Museum. I joined a behind-the-scenes distillery tour at Woodford Reserve, and soaked in the energy of the Distillery District. Evenings were all about hearty Southern cooking and craft cocktails. Dining at Carson’s Food & Drink... their bourbon bread pudding with vanilla crème anglaise was the sweet highlight!
- Location: Central Kentucky, in the Bluegrass Region, southeast of Louisville
- Average temperature: 56°F – 75°F (13°C – 24°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
For me, Lexington, KY is one of the best places to visit in May because it's historic and unique!
Strolling through the Arboretum State Botanical Garden was my favorite highlight.
11. Pula, Croatia
Ready for a history-rich Adriatic escape? Check out Pula, a real standout! We spent two wonderful weeks in an Airbnb in this seaside city with a laid-back, small-town vibe, ancient Roman ruins, and a backdrop of Adriatic blue!
From Trieste, we drove about an hour and a half south along the coast, toured the magnificent Roman Arena, explored the Temple of Augustus and Arch of the Sergii, and strolled the marble-paved streets of the Old Town.
May was perfect for wandering along the waterfront promenade, relaxing on pebble beaches, and savoring the first hints of summer without the high-season crowds.
- Location: Southwestern Croatia, on the Istrian Peninsula along the Adriatic Sea
- Average temperature: 53°F – 70°F (12°C – 21°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
Browsing local markets brimming with olive oils, truffles, and wines, and soaked in the sunsets over the Adriatic.
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
