Are you looking to travel to the best places to visit in may in the world then this an awesome time to take a break or go on a quick road trip. Almost every place in the Lower 48 has left behind the dullness of winter and overcome the rainy and muddy spring season. The places we are highlighting here offer you the perfect opportunity to make the most of the delightful temperatures and beautiful weather. We have put together a list of 12 best places to visit in May in the USA that are perfect to explore during the month of May.
Table of Contents
Chek these 12 best places to visit in may in the usa in 2023
Washington D.C is the Best Places to Visit in May
If you are looking for the best places to visit in the usa in may then Washington D.C., fondly referred to as “The District” by locals, is the center of American power and national pride. The National Mall is home to towering landmarks that represent American history and some of the world’s most exceptional museums. If you’re planning a visit to Washington D.C., it’s helpful to know that most significant memorials are situated near the National Mall.
To have a more comprehensive experience of the city, we suggest booking a hotel in a different area if it’s convenient for you. Popular neighborhoods like Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and NoMa offer great restaurants and plenty of local charm. However, staying downtown is also an excellent option. Also Read: The 30 Best Ways to Travel for Cheap This Summer
By venturing beyond the federal district, you’ll gain a wider perspective of the city. DC can be the Best Places to Visit in May in the USA as it’s past the crowded cherry blossom season and before the uncomfortable heat and humidity of June and July.
New Orleans
New Orleans, aka “The Big Easy,” is a place where cultures come together. Known for its lively music, Creole heritage, and love for festivals, this city is packed with affordable attractions. Your tour can start in the French Quarter, located along the Mississippi River near Jackson Park.
Nearby, the Presbytère is a state museum with exhibits exploring Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city in 2005. After exploring the Quarter, take a streetcar west into the Garden District, where you’ll see tree-lined boulevards and impressive mansions that were once home to aristocratic families. You can also enjoy a peaceful walk in Audubon Park near the Loyola University campus, or visit Greenwood Cemetery to see the elaborate aboveground tombs.
Once the sun goes down, head back to the French Quarter and join the lively party that goes on into the late night. The best part is that you can enjoy all of this without spending much beyond the cost of a tram ticket! New Orleans is one of the best places to visit in may as when the city’s flowers are in bloom, and the daytime temperatures are comfortable.
Holland, Michigan
Holland is a charming town that’s famously associated with a tulip festival. And that is why I choose it to be as Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. People from all around the Great Lakes region visit this quintessential Midwestern American city, which also has a hint of European flair.
The best time to visit Holland is when the tulips are in full bloom, which usually happens during the first weeks of May when the annual Tulip Time Festival takes place. This festival is ranked as one of the best small-town festivals in the United States and is a lively celebration. If you’re planning a day trip, Holland is easily accessible from nearby Grand Rapids or Chicago.
Start exploring the town around Centennial Park and then wander around the beautiful Hope College campus. Before heading downtown, take a peek into the Kruizenga Art Museum.
In the central area of Holland, you’ll find all the shops, cafes, and restaurants you need, including Butch’s Dry Dock or the Alpenrose Restaurant, which has a Bavarian theme and feels like an authentic German bakery. North of town, Windmill Island Gardens is a must-see attraction during the tulip season.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a beautiful park located in Southwest Utah, close to St. George. What makes Zion unique is its diverse habitats, which provide a home to many different plant and animal species.
To get there, the best options are to arrive from Las Vegas or St. George. Springdale, a small town outside the park, has many hotels and guest houses. Zion National Park is open all year, but the best way to get around is with a car. You can also use the shuttle service into Springdale.
If you’re entering the park through Springdale, stop at the Zion Nature Center and Zion History Museum near the entrance to get some tips on conservation efforts and local trail conditions. May is a great time to visit, but be aware of sudden rainstorms and listen to the advice of park rangers.
Temperatures can vary quite a bit, so dress in layers. With proper planning and care, Zion National Park is an incredible treasure that you won’t want to miss.
Chicago
Chicago, located on the western shores of Lake Michigan, is a huge city that has something for everyone. It started as a small trading outpost but has grown into the third-largest city in the US. Visitors to Chicago will be amazed by all it has to offer, from its stunning architecture, delicious food, world-class museums, and great outdoor recreation. How can we miss Chicago in our Best Places to Visit in May in the USA right?
One of the best places to start exploring the city is along the Chicago Riverwalk. This network of walking paths offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. You can stroll along the river for as long or as little as you like, or choose a specific section to explore.
For some amazing photo opportunities, head to the area near Wacker Drive, the Franklin-Orleans Street Bridge, and the Wells Street Bridge. Another must-visit spot is the Adler Planetarium, which offers a circular walking path that boasts a stunning view back towards the Loop.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to visit the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. May is a fantastic time to visit Chicago because the temperatures are mild and comfortable, and you can avoid the high humidity of summer.
Roanoke, Virginia
Situated in Southwest Virginia, Roanoke serves as the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and stands out from other cities on our list with its distinctive ambiance. Despite this, there is an abundance of activities to partake in.
Begin your exploration of Roanoke at the Taubman Museum of Art, which boasts a modernist design by Randall Stout featuring smooth-flowing curves. Housing over 2,000 pieces from distinguished American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, the museum’s collection is sure to impress.
The nearby Science Museum of Western Virginia has interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. One of Roanoke’s most prominent tourist attractions is the Mill Mountain Star, the largest illuminated free-standing star in the world, often dubbed the “Hollywood Sign of the East Coast.”
At night, Mill Mountain provides a magnificent view of the town below. As the city’s most beloved landmark, a visit to Roanoke is incomplete without a stop at the star. If you have an interest in history, culture, art, architecture, nature, or classic American charm, Virginia is the perfect destination for you. May is an ideal time to visit Roanoke, which is one of the finest towns in the state.
Savannah, Georgia
While Atlanta may receive a significant amount of attention, it’s important not to overlook coastal Savannah, which offers a diverse array of artistic styles and tastes to discover. A great starting point for your tour is Forsyth Park, where the lush summertime foliage provides a romantic atmosphere.
The Savannah College of Art and Design is located near the park’s northeast corner and showcases works by talented students who are exploring different aesthetic forms and striving to establish themselves in the art world.
Another must-visit is the Mercer Williams House Museum, which was famously depicted in John Berendt’s bestselling book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
As you make your way towards the river, be sure to stop by the Savannah City Market, described as the “art and soul” of Savannah, and explore its galleries. Lastly, take some time to immerse yourself in the artistic charm of this quintessentially Southern town.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a city that caters to everyone’s interests. From the awe-inspiring natural landscapes of Red Rock Canyon to the monumental engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam, and not to forget, the glitz and glamour of the world’s most luxurious casinos.
The Strip, also known as South Las Vegas Boulevard, is home to the city’s finest casinos and entertainment venues, and no visit to Vegas is complete without exploring it. Once the epicenter of the city’s action, Downtown Las Vegas, now known as the Fremont Street Experience, preserves its legacy through its lively entertainment and performance shows.
Visitors can ride the zip line or browse for souvenirs under the barrel vault canopy. With advancements in digital projection, lighting, and sound technology, Las Vegas shows have become impressive spectacles. And this is a must-included city in our exclusive Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. Also big touring acts play limited shows, so planning ahead is recommended here.
Cirque du Soleil shows are a must-see, and there are other regular performances taking place at different casino resorts. If you haven’t seen a Cirque performance yet, book a ticket and treat yourself to a memorable experience.
New York City
New York City’s bright lights, broad avenues, and irresistible allure make it a contender for the title of the greatest city in the world. While London, Paris, and Tokyo are all incredible destinations, none can match the frenetic energy of a city that appears to be teetering on the edge of chaos.
Underneath its tough exterior, New York City reveals its tender side in unexpected ways. With its high-density population, getting around Manhattan is a breeze via public transportation, while travel in the outer boroughs may require a bit more effort, but it’s still manageable by combining different transit options.
New York boasts one of the most comprehensive public transportation systems in the United States, comparable to those found in major European and Asian cities. For first-time visitors to New York City, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of glass and steel and the fast pace of the city’s constant movement towards the next big thing.
With its sheer size, New York City is virtually impossible to explore in a limited time, but no matter what you’re searching for, you’re sure to find it there. Once you visit, it’s hard to leave.
If you’re planning a trip, for the Best Places to Visit in May in the USA then this is a great time to visit before the high temperatures and humidity turn the city into a sweltering sauna.
San Antonio, Texas
Texas is a state with a unique personality and a vast expanse of land. Texans are known for their fierce pride, considering their state a country in its own right. To experience this Lone Star culture, head to San Antonio, a charming and affordable destination with a wealth of attractions.
The city center is easy to navigate, and the River Walk is a must-see, offering a network of trails lined with restaurants, shops, and green spaces that wind alongside the San Antonio River.
Recent investment efforts have turned the downtown sections into a popular gathering place for locals. With 15 miles of continuous trail, there are plenty of interesting spots to explore, like the Briscoe Western Art Museum showcasing art and artifacts celebrating the American West.
Don’t miss taking pictures of Rosita’s Bridge or crossing it to explore La Villita Historic Arts Village while going to this Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. And when the sun goes down, enjoy a drink at Casa Rio, Rainforest Café, or Coyote Ugly Saloon.
Nashville, Tennessee
While the Grand Ole Opry may be the most famous attraction in Nashville, this vibrant city has so much more to offer.
Music is at the heart of this Southern destination, with a rich history connected to country legends like Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, and Earl Scruggs, as well as icons like Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, Little Richard, and Etta James. Beyond music, Nashville boasts unique attractions like a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon in Athens.
Visitors can also explore the numerous distilleries in Central Tennessee, many of which have been in operation since Prohibition days. From arts and entertainment to sports and education, Nashville has something for everyone.
Nature lovers will appreciate the city’s many parks and recreation areas. Don’t miss out on exploring Nashville, Tennessee, a perfect destination to visit in May.
Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan
The Keweenaw Peninsula is the northernmost part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Houghton is the region’s main city and is served by Houghton County Memorial Airport. Once you arrive, work your way up to Copper Harbor at the very northern tip of the Keweenaw.
From there, you can enjoy Brockway Mountain Drive, a 9-mile scenic road leading west away from Copper Harbor. Brockway Mountain Drive is the highest paved road between Rockies and Alleghenies.
It is also one of the best places to visit on a refreshing springtime road trip in May. If you happen to be near Brockway Mountains around sunrise or sunset, the views are heavenly. Brockway Mountain Drive is a seasonal road and it is possible for a late season’s snowfall. Nevertheless, the views from the highest points on this road extend up to 50 miles on clear days and are well worth the trek.
Conclusion
Looking for a great travel destination in the USA to visit in May 2023? There are plenty of options to choose from in the Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. Las Vegas is a popular destination with amazing natural landscapes, monumental engineering, and glitzy casinos.
In the Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, New York City’s bright lights and fast-paced energy are hard to resist, and San Antonio offers plenty of Texas charm with its River Walk, Western Art Museum, and historic arts village. Nashville is a also the best places to visit in the us in may for music lovers, with connections to country stars and great distilleries to explore. Whether you’re seeking arts, entertainment, sports, education, or just a good time, these destinations have plenty to offer.