Before summer vacationers arrive, the best places to go in may is your last chance to take advantage of shoulder season’s cheaper rates, nice weather, and smaller crowds. This month may be an excellent time to visit a national park, a sunny Caribbean beach, or one of the many culinary, wine, music, and flower festivals in the United States and throughout the globe. We asked the locals for their best travel advice, and now you can start organizing your next long weekend or week-long vacation.
These are the top destinations for travel in May, both domestically and internationally.
best places to vacation in may
The Hamptons, New York
In eastern Long Island, May is shoulder season. It’s a great time to visit nearby vineyards, eat at fresh produce stands, take beach walks, and dine at restaurants that soon have reservations waiting lines. Visit the oldest lighthouse in New York State, Montauk Lighthouse, or go on nature trails in Montauk Point State Park. You can also drive or ride a bike there. “May is quite remarkable. Fresh lettuces, green onions, peas, and other delicious green foods are in season, and asparagus is one of them, according to winemaker James Christopher Tracy. New pink and crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are also released in the spring. Longer days, more excellent weather, and delicious food everywhere!
Carmel, California
One of California’s most picturesque locations in May is the Monterey Peninsula, which stretches from Carmel Valley to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Perfect for a round of golf or a trip to Garland Ranch Regional Park, which boasts hiking trails, a waterfall, and breathtaking views, the weather is bright and cool. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s restaurants, shops, art galleries, and Carmel Beach are accessible by driving toward the ocean. May 17–19 is the Carmel Art Festival, which features live performances and art sales. When you’re thirsty, drink the local wine at the tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea and the vineyards in Carmel Valley.
San Diego, California
The weather in May is ideal for touring Balboa Park, motorcycling, strolling along the beach, and visiting Carlsbad for the last weeks of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. Old Town Fiesta May 3 is Cinco de Mayo, a celebration with events like a ballet folklórico competition, Latin rock, and mariachi music. From May 9–12, Gator by the Bay offers Louisiana-style cuisine and zydeco, Cajun, swing, salsa, and rock music, evoking a sense of Mardi Gras.
Memphis, Tennessee
The World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest will return to the annual Memphis in May International Festival on May 15–18. On May 25, runners will traverse downtown and the Mississippi River as part of The Great American River Run. Popular Memphis attractions all year round include Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Beale Street live music, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
The Palm Beaches, Florida
The coastal towns and communities of Florida’s Palm Beaches, about 70 miles north of Miami, provide luxurious resorts, upmarket shopping, and about 50 miles of beaches. The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach has a remarkable collection and rotating special exhibitions best viewed on Friday nights during “Art After Dark.” Housed in an elegant Gilded Age estate previously owned by Henry Flagler, the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. From May 3–5, West Palm Beach will host the SunFest waterfront music event, including Nelly and Bill Idol as headliners.
Charleston, South Carolina
While Charleston is a great place to visit all year round, Tyler Wright Friedman, the creator of Walk and Talk Charleston, says that May offers something extra. “Spring is giving way to summer, which means it’s time for the arts and Spoleto as well as boats and beaches.” Spoleto is the highly regarded yearly performing arts event from May 24 to June 9. However, the North Charleston Arts Fest (May 1–5) showcases the visual arts, literature, dance, music, and drama. Charleston was voted America’s best city (again) in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. With temperatures in the mid-80s, May is a great time to take advantage of everything the city offers.
Lucia
May, the shoulder season month, offers pleasant temperatures in the 80s and dry weather, making it an excellent time to visit St. Lucia. In addition to enjoying the delectable food of the island, guests may zipline over the forested canopy, swim in the hot springs, relax on the stunning beaches fringed with palm trees, and trek along the majestic Pitons volcanic mountains, which are designated as a World Heritage Site. Local and international musicians showcase various genres during the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival from April 30 to May 12.
Belize
Belize has 450 islands in the Caribbean Sea and a mountainous, rainforest-covered mainland. May is a great month to dive on the world’s second most extensive coral reef, the Belize Barrier Reef, or the well-known Blue Hole, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is warm and dry. A boat journey to Hol Chan Marine Reserve is exciting for snorkelers since it allows them to swim with tropical fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Visitors may see the annual Chocolate Festival in southern Belize from May 17–19.
Balearic Islands, Spain
The Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean Sea have a pleasant climate all year round, but May is the ideal month to take advantage of the nice weather and fewer tourists. While May offers more tranquil trips to markets, beaches, and the mountain town of Dalt Vila, summertime in Ibiza is still very exciting. Formentera, the smallest populated island, cherishes its natural beauty, while Menorca offers a more laid-back vibe. Mallorca is the largest island, with enough to see and do. The Balearic Islands offer the ideal spring vacation, whether your goals are nightlife, water sports, charming villages, or a peaceful getaway.
Dublin, Ireland
Although May is one of Dublin’s wettest months, there’s still a chill in the air in Ireland, so now is a good time to pack a jacket and explore the city before the summer crowds (and higher prices) arrive. Explore the vast Phoenix Park or the conveniently situated St. Stephen’s Green, visit Trinity College to view the renowned Book of Kells, and discover Irish history at Kilmainham Gaol and the National Museum of Ireland. Take advantage of Dublin’s pubs’ music, good times, and welcoming environment. Before enjoying the Gravity Bar’s 360-degree city views, pour a decent pint at the Guinness Storehouse.
Baden-Baden, Germany
Situated in the Black Forest in southwest Germany, Baden-Baden is renowned for its profusion of natural thermal springs and its well-known spa culture. Among the most famous baths are Friedrichsbad Spa and Caracalla Therme, situated on the site of ancient Roman baths that date back 2,000 years. The horse racing season begins in May with the Spring Meeting, which attracts thoroughbreds worldwide for three days of competition. Germany’s oldest casino, the lavish Baden-Baden Casino, is worth a visit.
