14 Best Places to Visit in the U.S. in May: From Hidden Gems to Outdoor Adventures

For much of the United States, May is when spring feels like it has sprung. And what better way to celebrate spring than with a family trip, solo adventure, or romantic getaway? Let's get right to it and show off a few of the best places to visit in May, so you can start planning your adventure. Whether you want to avoid crowds, enjoy stellar weather, or discover hidden gems, there's a unique destination for everyone featured here. Plus we have a Hilton hotel recommendation or vacation rental spotlight for each destination.

Best Places to Visit in the U.S. in May

Let's start our May U.S. travel guide with a few areas that are special in their own unique ways. From beaches to barbecues with a dash of baseball and beer, what better way to celebrate spring?

1. Virginia Beach, Virginia

• Why Visit in May: May is a lovely time to visit Virginia Beach because the summer crowds haven't rushed to the beaches yet. You can enjoy the warm spring sun (temps in the mid-70s) without all of the noise.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Enjoy an oceanfront getaway in a beachside hotel with an outdoor swimming pool. Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront has an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and concierge.

Visiting Virginia Beach in May is a joyous time as spring peaks, and we look forward to the summer beach season. The vibe is so vibrant at this time of year with the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival in early May and the oceanfront Beach Music Cruise-in roaring into town with live music and hot classic cars around mid-May. As the temps warm up, the music festivals around this beach town heat up as well. There is nothing like hearing your favorite bands with a blazing, bright beach bonfire.

2. Cleveland, Ohio

• Why Visit in May: Visiting Cleveland in May will treat you to mild weather with temps in the 60s and 70s. It's when spring starts to really feel like spring, and the Guardians start warming up their bats.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay downtown at the Hilton Cleveland so you're within close distance to the city's top landmarks and sporting venues.

Cleveland, Ohio, may not be on your radar as a vacation destination, but you'll be surprised by its vibrant art scene, fabulous museums (the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is here), and its culinary chops. A fun thing to do in May is to go on a brewery tour to some of the local breweries. If enjoying the light spring air and golden sun out on a patio with an award-winning IPA is your idea of a good time, a visit to the Cuyahoga Riverfront area of Cleveland is in order.

3. Kansas City, Missouri

• Location: Kansas City, Missouri
• Why Visit in May: Some say Kansas City is the barbecue capital of the world. Make sure you come to test out that theory in May, when the temperatures outside remind us why we love springtime in Missouri.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay at a cool, Art Deco hotel in the Power & Light District — don't miss the speakeasy in the basement. Hotel Phillips Kansas City has two restaurants, connecting rooms, and a fitness center as well.

Visiting Kansas City, Missouri, in May will have your taste buds screaming for signature KC BBQ — this is the BBQ capital of the world, after all. When spring rolls around, the grills get hot and the dry rubs get mixed. Kansas City's unique take on BBQ dates back to the 1920s when Henry Perry fired up his outdoor pit outside his streetcar barn and served up the most amazing smoked meat slathered in a sweet hickory smoked sauce to people coming from miles around. Believe me, you'll want to add KCMO to your list of May travel destinations USA.

Best Attractions to Visit in the U.S. in May To Avoid Crowds

Sometimes you want to get away from the crowds and frantic tourists. Here are a few places to do just that while having the time of your life.

4. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Sierra Nevada Mountains

• Why Visit in May: May is the perfect time to visit the Sierra Nevada Mountains, to enjoy a hike, and to see these iconic trees before summer temperatures start blazing across this arid landscape.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay at the beautiful Lover's Getaway with stunning mountain views and a hot tub in the forest. Easy access to Highway 395, which will take you to Bishop and the Bristlecone Pine Forest.

Many people are aware of the ancient Sequoia in Sequoia National Park, but the Bristlecone Pine is actually the oldest tree in the world. The oldest and most famous is Methuselah in California's Inyo National Forest. This astonishing 4,850-plus-year-old tree is a must-see. Visit the visitors center in Bishop, California, to learn about and see some of these ancient trees in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

5. Nashville, Tennessee

• Why Visit in May: Visiting Nashville in May is a great way to avoid the summer tourist season while still enjoying nice, warm weather.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown is centrally located less than a block from Broadway. Enjoy the rooftop pool (open seasonally), on-site dining options, and walkability to Music City's best attractions.

Nashville, Tennessee, is such a vibrant, beautiful city. Nashville is home to so many world-famous music venues such as the Grand Ole Opry House and local hot spots such as Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, an iconic Honky Tonk that launched the careers of many famous musicians like Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, and Waylon Jennings. Throw in some of the best foodie spots in the nation, and you have a city that exudes charm and excitement. Add Nashville to your list of May travel destinations to visit in the U.S.

Best Places to Visit in the U.S. in May for Outdoor Adventure

Many of us love our summer vacations, but if we can get an early start in May, the weather can be even better for outdoor adventures. Here are a couple of outdoor adventures that will get your heart pumping.

6. Zion National Park, Utah

• Why Visit in May: Zion National Park is amazing any time of year, but springtime in Utah is something special.
• Where To Stay Nearby: Cliffrose Springdale is less than a half mile from the park entrance and has a free local shuttle that brings you to the visitor center. This is clutch for those who know that parking can be tough at this popular national park. Located riverside, the historic lodge has two heated outdoor pools and hot tubs as well as all-day dining, and yes, free parking.

Visiting Zion National Park in May lets you experience the world coming alive after the snow melts. The waterfalls are bigger, the canyon rivers run fast, and the air seems fresher. And the way the vibrant green trees pop against the red rock canyon walls is epic. Hiking at Zion in the spring is ideal because it is still cool enough to enjoy a vigorous trek, but warm enough to ditch a few layers as the day heats up. E-biking is another fun way to enjoy the park, and several outfitters in town rent bikes.

7. Bend, Oregon

• Why Visit in May: Visiting Bend, Oregon, in May is a great idea if you enjoy spending time in nature, surrounded by the emerging beauty of spring.
• Where to Stay Nearby: The Newberry Hotel Bend is the perfect home base for exploring both downtown and the area's outdoor recreation highlights.

From exploring lava tubes in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument to rock climbing in Smith Rock State Park or rafting the Deschutes River, Bend can be your home base for outdoor adventures in Oregon. With beautiful waterfalls nearby like Tumalo Falls to the west and miles of hiking trails to explore, Central Oregon was made for nature lovers who like to spice up their lives with a few adventures.

Best Places to Visit in May for Events

Spring festivals and events are a fun way to celebrate the greenest season. Here are a couple of the best places to go in May in the U.S. for special events.

8. Oahu, Hawaii

• Why Visit in May: Visiting Oahu in May is incredibly beautiful when the spring flowers bloom with rich colors and intoxicating aromas. Hawaii in the springtime is simply magical, plus the more affordable flights and hotels never hurt.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Ka La'i Waikiki Beach offers a residential experience for guests with rooms either having a kitchenette or full kitchens. There's also a full-service restaurant, pool, and wellness facilities.

The Lei Day Celebration in Oahu celebrates May Day (May 1 each year) in the beautiful Kapiʻolani Park. Make your own Lei with beautiful local flowers, watch cultural demonstrations, and enjoy some of the best Hawaiian food imaginable. Get your hula on while listening to live music that welcomes spring in the most festive ways.

9. Charlotte, North Carolina

• Why Visit in May: Visiting Charlotte in May is fantastic because this warm-weather state can heat up quickly in the summer. May is also the season for many cool festivals, from art celebrations to music, food, and of course, the epic Cinco de Mayo festival.
• Where to Stay Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center puts you in the middle of Uptown near restaurants, museums, and venues hosting springtime events.

What would you say if we told you Charlotte, is home to one of the most epic food festivals you'll ever attend? The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is bad to the bone with brisket, beer, bourbon, and blues music to let the good times roll. This event, toward the middle of May, is only one reason to visit this cool city in North Carolina.

Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the U.S. in May

Let's round out our journey to the best places to travel in May in the U.S. with five hidden gems you may not have had the chance to visit yet.

10. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

• Why Visit in May: Visiting Deep Creek Lake in May is just about perfect when the weather is warm and the bugs have not yet burst onto the scene with the summer heat.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Wake Up Grateful is a beautiful three-bedroom home right on Deep Creek Lake. With a super cool movie room, a bunk bed room for the kids, and a hot tub for relaxing by the lake after a day of boating.

The man-made Deep Creek Lake in Maryland is perfect for late spring activities as the water begins to warm up and the trees blossom with color. Enjoy kayaking, fishing, and dipping your toes in the water as the sun warms the sandy beach beneath your toes.

11. Hot Springs, Arkansas

• Why Visit in May: Visiting Hot Springs in May can be fantastic for hiking or even walking around town and enjoying cute little shops because the summer crowds haven't descended on the city and you won't be cooked alive by the summer sun.
• Where to Stay Nearby: The Waters Hot Springs is right across from Bathhouse Row, less than 5 minutes from the national park. The hotel has on-site dining, a rooftop bar, fitness center, and daily breakfast.

If you enjoy slipping into a hot pool of water warmed by the earth itself, a trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas, should be on your bucket list. The Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas are beautiful, and Hot Springs National Park is a mecca for thermal baths. If you're looking for a relaxing springtime getaway that's underrated, visit Hot Springs, Arkansas.

12. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

• Why Visit in May: May is the perfect time to visit Canyon de Chelly, as summers get extremely hot. However, due to snow and ice, you may not be able to access the canyon earlier.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Since Canyon de Chelly is surrounded by Indian reservations, you'll have to drive in from Sedona or Flagstaff. Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is located just outside of the main town so you can enjoy the scenery and solitude of this special place.

The beautiful and historic area of northeastern Arizona is simply breathtaking. When you think of the native people who have lived here for nearly 5,000 years, the significance of this mesmerizing and sacred place really hits home. Many areas of the canyon require a guide to enter. The White House Ruin trail is the only area open to all without a guide. If you get a chance to explore this area, the views will fly straight to your heart. Visiting Canyon de Chelly National Monument in May will treat you to comfortable temps in the 70s.

13. Stanley, Idaho

• Why Visit in May: When the Sawtooth Mountains are reflected back at you in the crystal clear Stanley Lake, you will think you've gone to heaven.
• Where to Stay Nearby: This cool log cabin is perfect for your family getaway to beautiful Stanley, Idaho. With the Sawtooth Mountains rising in your backyard, Redfish Lake and Stanley Lake nearby, and views of the Salmon River from your balcony, the vibe couldn't be better.

This hidden gem of only about 100 permanent residents is a calm oasis surrounded by natural beauty. In May, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area comes alive with life. And it's simply magical. Stanley Lake at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains is picture-perfect and is a must-visit destination if you love kayaking or paddle boarding. The hiking in this area is amazing as well.

14. Boundary Waters, Minnesota

• Why Visit in May: If you are itching to get into the BWCA, May is about the earliest you can do so.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Ely, Minnesota, is the leading western entry point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This beautiful three-bedroom cabin is a gem and the perfect place to call home base for your family vacation to the BWCA.

Camping, canoeing, hiking, fishing, all in complete silence? Sign me up! This area of Northern Minnesota is absolute bliss. It's one of the few areas of the world designated as a Wilderness Quiet Park and is one of two in the United States. It's also recognized as a rare Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful night sky to its fullest. With 800,000 acres of untamed wilderness, visiting the Boundary Waters in May is ideal if you love to be surrounded by nature.