10 Best Places to visit in the US in May

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While May announces the end of spring in the US, and many are looking forward to warmer days and summer hiking trips. There are plenty of places to visit in the US in May like amazing small towns in the east coast and lesser-known towns before it gets crowded and expensive.

If you’re wondering why and where to go to in the US in May, you may be happy to discover that there are gorgeous US destinations that are best to visit in May!

Best US Cities to Visit in May

The US in May hosts many unique festivals and events which can transform into memorable experiences. Enjoy splendid weather and gorgeous flowers at these getaways:

1. Antelope Valley

The Antelope Valley is a desert closed basin that straddles northern Los Angeles County, California. Its home to a wide range of plants and animals and widely known for its  1,700-acre park of poppy-blanketed hills. It’s one of the best places to visit in the US in May to see wildflowers.

Best Places to Visit in the US in May -  Antelope Valley
A naturalised crop of the vivid orange flowers, the California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, flowering, in the Antelope Valley California poppy reserve. Papaveraceae.

2. Cape May 

Cape May is a seaside resort at the tip of southern New Jersey’s Cape May Peninsula. It’s known for its grand Victorian architecture houses with beautiful gardens. It’s the best US destination to visit in May and can be explored on foot or by trolley tours. While visiting be sure to attend The Cape May Spring Festival, go whale watching, and climb the historic Cape May Lighthouse – It was first lit in 1859 and opened to the public in 1988.

3. Charleston

Charleston in South Carolina is one of the most romantic cities in the US and a great option for spring break destinations in May. The weather is perfect for exploiting the cities historic downtown, eating your way through The Charleston Farmers Market (which closes in the winter and reopens in April), or even attending the Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens.

Charleston - Best Places to Visit in May in the US
Charleston Pier

4. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana, on the Canada–United States border. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for travelers seeking wilderness and solitude. Visiting in May means you’ll find fewer crowds and some trails will still be covered in snow, but this is the best US destination to bike through snow-capped mountain scenery with colorful flowers blooming

Glacier National Park - USA May Destinations
The landscape of Glacier National Park to Mount Reynolds peak, and Logan Pass. Water flowing over rocks.

5. Ladew Topiary Gardens

Established in the 1930s, Ladew Topiary Gardens are nonprofit gardens with a topiary located in Monkton, Maryland. This English-inspired garden is home to acres of opulent plant life including bushes shaped into an entire fox and an oval library (listed as one of the “most beautiful rooms in America.”

6. Oahu

Oahu is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and one of the best US destinations to visit in May! This month has fewer, festivals are plentiful and airfare and room rates are at their lowest. You can enjoy miles of bright blue water and white sand or hit the ocean via kayak or outrigger.

Best Places to visit in May - oahu
Chairs Lined Up on the Beach in Ko Olina Beach Park, Oahu

7. Pella

Pella is a small town in south-central Iowa established by Dutch immigrants in 1847. It’s known for its Dutch heritage, a community of about 10,000, and the town has the Vermeer Mill – the country’s tallest working windmill. In spring the town hosts its annual Tulip Time Festival with colorful tulips, dutch food, and clothing.

8. Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak State Park is located between Casa Grande and Tucson near Interstate 10 in Pinal County, Arizona. It’s part of an eroded volcanic flow and is famous for its spring wildflowers. The uniquely-shaped peak is visible from downtown Tucson and the summit rises to 3,374 feet above mean sea level. The most noted event was when Confederate and Union scouting parties met in the Battle of Picacho Pass during the Civil War in 1862.

Picacho Peak

9. Savannah

Known for its Southern charm and dripping with Spanish moss, Savannah in Georgia is one of the best destinations to visit in May in the US for a romantic adventure. The year-round mild temperatures make for the perfect climate to stroll through the parks, hit the beaches, and indulge in some of the world’s finest foods.

Savannah, Georgia - Best US Destinations in May
Savannah, Georgia, USA tree lined sidewalks with hanging spanish moss.

10. Skagit Valley 

You don’t need to fly all the way to Holland to see some of the world’s prettiest tulip fields, you can drive just 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Fields. This is one of the best places to visit in the US in May. The region celebrates spring with tulip, daffodil, and wine festivals. Other fun things to do include whale watching, farmer market hopping, and exploring one of the most instagrammable destinations in America.

Skagit Valley - Washington
Skagit Valley in Washington

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One Comment

  1. Unfortunately, this year, we did not receive enough rain for the poppies to come out in full force. You can keep track on the poppy reserve website and see if that changes but as of right now we are barren 🙁 I live down the street lol

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