![\"Annapolis](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Annapolis-Colorful-houses.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nI found that May is a very special time to travel around the USA – with longer days, mild weather, but with far fewer crowds! After living here for several years and exploring the country in spring, these are my favorite gems to visit in May, each offering something uniquely special this time of year…<\/p>\n
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This was such a lovely month to visit this charming harbor city \u2014 mild sunshine, flower-filled gardens, and the start of sailing season made the waterfront sparkle without the summer crowds. I timed my trip for the photogenic May Day Flower Basket Celebration<\/a> and the parade-filled Naval Academy Commissioning Week<\/a> also took place this month.<\/p>\n Landing at Baltimore\/Washington airport (BWI) I was soon settling into the romantic 1313 West Luxury Boutique Hotel<\/a> \u2014 my base for five mellow days filled with scenic boat rides, alfresco dinners at City Dock, and meanders through indie boutiques, inviting caf\u00e9s, and the artisan-filled Anne Arundel County Farmers Market.<\/a><\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Mid-Atlantic<\/a>, North USA | Vibe:<\/b> Historic, nautical, and charming | Avg temp: <\/b>18\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n May was perfect for a peaceful escape \u2014 wildflowers were blooming, breezes were mild, and the light crowds made it ideal for bike rides along scenic coastal roads and bird-spotting on nature trails. I loved the intimate local vibe and even caught the indie film-filled Block Island Film Festival.<\/p>\n I took the one-hour ferry from Newport and stayed at the romantic Blue Dory Inn<\/a> \u2014 biking the quiet Greenway trails, climbing the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs, touring the Southeast Lighthouse, spotting seabirds at the National Wildlife Refuge, browsing the Spring Street Gallery, and ending with a lazy afternoon on Crescent Beach\u2019s soft sands.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>New England<\/a>, North USA | Vibe:<\/b> Peaceful, windswept island | Avg temp: <\/b>10\u00b0C to 18\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Philadelphia was just awesome in late spring \u2014 warm, sunny weather, blooming tulips and cherry blossoms, and lively outdoor dining and festivals made the streets buzz, all with fewer crowds and great hotel deals. It was great to see Spruce Street Harbor Park reopen with its colorful hammocks and beer gardens, a sure sign the city had shaken off winter! <\/p>\n I timed my trip for the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival<\/a> and South Street Spring Festival<\/a>, which packed the streets with food stalls, live music, and a fun, local vibe. Flying into Philadelphia International Airport, I spent five days strolling Old City for the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, dining al fresco at Rittenhouse Square, and browsing Fishtown\u2019s cool shops and eateries.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Mid-Atlantic<\/a>, North USA | Vibe:<\/b> historic, creative, and food-loving | Avg temp: <\/b>18\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I took a break in this vibrant Atlantic resort town this month and didn\u2019t regret it \u2014 it was warm but not too hot, humidity was low, the beaches and boardwalk were open but wonderfully uncrowded, and hotel rates were far better than in peak season. It was a little too chilly to swim, but discovered it was just right for lounging on the sand and water sports. <\/p>\n A 2-hour-45-minute drive from Philadelphia brought me to the funky Aloft Ocean City,<\/a> where I spent a spirited week strolling the lively boardwalk, cruising with dolphins, attending the cool, classic car-filled Cruisin\u2019 Ocean City event<\/a>, and heading over to Assateague Island to see its iconic wild ponies and turtles!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Mid-Atlantic<\/a>, South USA | Vibe:<\/b> family-friendly beach resort | Avg temp: <\/b>15\u00b0C to 25\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n May turned this tranquil barrier island into my own private paradise \u2014 warm breezes, peaceful beaches, and the start of loggerhead turtle nesting season made it ideal for hiking, kayaking, and soaking up the calm coastal beauty before summer crowds arrived. I especially loved experiencing both Turtlefest and the Turtle Tide Art Reveal<\/a>, which celebrated the turtles\u2019 return with buzzy educational events and local art!<\/p>\n Flying into Charleston International (CHS), I drove 50 miles along the scenic Edisto Island National Scenic Byway and spent a peaceful week at the charming Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge<\/a> \u2014 wandering the shoreline, kayaking through salt marshes, hiking Edisto Beach State Park, spotting nesting turtles, and exploring Botany Bay Plantation<\/a>!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>South Carolina Lowcountry<\/a>, Southeastern USA | Vibe:<\/b> rustic coastal retreat | Avg temp: <\/b>24\u00b0C to 29\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Early May was the perfect time for a spring break in California\u2019s capital \u2014 warm sunshine, flower-dotted parks, light crowds, and lively farmers\u2019 markets (as well as the family-friendly Sacramento County Fair<\/a>!) made it ideal for cycling the scenic American River Parkway and dining al fresco at farm-to-fork restaurants as the city came alive again after its winter slumber.<\/p>\n Driving six hours from Los Angeles, I stayed at the trendy 4-star Exchange Hotel<\/a> \u2014 wandering the gardens of Capitol Park, strolling the Old Sacramento Waterfront, taking a picturesque river cruise, and watching the sun set over the American River Parkway.<\/p>\n Location:<\/b> Northern California<\/a>, West USA | Vibe:<\/b> laid-back, historic, and farm-to-fork | Avg temp: <\/b>20\u00b0C to 29\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This cool high-desert city made an ideal shoulder-season escape \u2014 sunshine, low humidity, and wildflowers made the hikes a dream, wildlife was out in force, and I scored great pre-summer hotel deals. Trails and patios were alive with people again, and both the Bend Brews & Beyond Festival<\/a> and the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle<\/a> took place this month!<\/p>\n After a three-hour drive from Portland, I holed up at the delightfully quirky McMenamins Old St. Francis School<\/a> and packed my week with adventure \u2014 tackling the Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock, rafting the roaring Deschutes River, and toasting the days with a Bochi Bochi lager at the trendy Crux Fermentation Project<\/a>! I have to admit though \u2014 while the days were warm, the nights turned surprisingly chilly, so I was glad I\u2019d packed a few extra layers!<\/p>\n Location:<\/b> Pacific Northwest<\/a>, North USA | Vibe:<\/b> trendy mountain town | Avg temp: <\/b>15\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n May turned out to be an idyllic time to vacation in picturesque Texas Hill Country \u2014 warm, sunny days, fragrant bluebonnets still blanketing the hills, and perfect shoulder-season weather for hiking, cycling, river tubing, and winery-hopping. There was also lighter crowds, awesome off-peak hotel deals and spring events such as the creative Whimsy & Wonder Art & Music Festival<\/a> and the popular Kerrville Folk Festival<\/a>. <\/p>\n Touching down into Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), I spent ten days driving the Insta-worthy Willow City Loop, sipping Tempranillo and Viognier at Becker Vineyards, swimming in clear Jacob\u2019s Well, and ending my nights with country and Americana tunes in Luckenbach\u2019s rustic dance hall! <\/p>\n Location:<\/b> Central Texas,<\/a> South USA | Vibe:<\/b> Scenic and rustic region | Avg temp: <\/b>18\u00b0C to 29 \u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Staying in an Insta-worthy glamping Nature Pod at the SKYE Texas Hill Country Resort<\/a>, I loved waking up to a rich Texas Pecan brew from Independence Coffee Co., sipping it in the Adirondack chair on my porch with birdsong all around! <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This month was an idyllic time to visit Savannah \u2014 warm, sunny days and blooming magnolias, azaleas, and jasmine made it just right for strolling shady squares, exploring the historic district, and dining alfresco under moss-draped oaks before the summer humidity set in. Hotel rates were still reasonable, and lively events such as the family-friendly Savannah Scottish Games<\/a> and the creative Art & Soul Music Festival<\/a> were held this month.<\/p>\n Landing at Savannah\/Hilton Head International (SAV), I spent five enchanting days soaking up Savannah\u2019s Southern grace \u2014 from its floral squares and river cruises to sunset dinners along River Street \u2014 but learned quickly to pack insect repellent for those balmy evening strolls!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b><\/span>southeastern Georgia<\/a>, South USA<\/a> <\/b>| Vibe:<\/b> romantic, historic and elegant | Avg temp: <\/b>24\u00b0C to 29\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Staying at the romantic 4-star Gastonian Hotel,<\/a> I was charmed by its elegant Regency-Italianate mansion and the sociable afternoon wine hour with crisp Georgia Chardonnay paired with smoky roasted red pepper crostini!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Shenandoah completely charmed me this month \u2014 mild weather, vibrant wildflowers and mountain laurels, roaring waterfalls, and crowd-free trails made it unforgettable, and I loved catching the park\u2019s annual Wildflower Weekend<\/a>!<\/p>\n Flying into Washington Dulles International (IAD), I drove 1.5 hours to the Front Royal Entrance and spent five peaceful days at rustic-chic Big Meadows Lodge<\/a> which was located inside the park. I hiked the wildflower-dotted Dark Hollow Falls and Hawksbill Summit trails, cruised Skyline Drive and gazed at Blue Ridge Mountain views, and spotted deer and even a black bear in Big Meadows!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Mid-Atlantic<\/a>, South USA<\/span> <\/b>| Vibe:<\/b> scenic mountain escape | Avg temp: <\/b>16\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Driving the scenic Skyline Drive – I liked how it curved through tunnel-like canopies of oak, hickory, and maple just bursting into fresh green leaves with the air filled with a sweet, earthy scent!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n It was a joy to visit this quirky coastal city this month \u2014 crisp skies, colorful wildflowers, and migrating humpback and blue whales made it perfect for coastal drives and whale watching, and the California Roots Music and Arts Festival<\/a> brought amazing live energy to Monterey!<\/p>\n Driving five hours up Highway One from Los Angeles, I kicked back for a week spotting sea otters and seals along the coastal trail, exploring Point Lobos, cruising 17-Mile Drive, and dining at Lalla Oceanside Grill<\/a> (the creamy Custard Bread Pudding was divine)!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Central California<\/a>, West USA<\/span> <\/b>| Vibe:<\/b> quirky and cultured seaside town | Avg temp: <\/b>10\u00b0C to 18\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I couldn\u2019t have picked a better month \u2014 May\u2019s roaring waterfalls, blooming meadows, and mild temperatures made this national park a dream to explore before the crowds. Scenic roads had reopened, rates were down, and I even glimpsed a black bear from a distance!<\/p>\n After a four-hour drive from San Francisco, I spent five epic days at the 4-star Tenaya at Yosemite<\/a> \u2014 hiking roaring Yosemite Falls, admiring wildflowers in Cook\u2019s Meadow, and taking in Glacier Point and Tioga Pass views I\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Central California<\/a>, West USA<\/span> <\/b>| Vibe:<\/b> awe-inspiring wilderness | Avg temp: <\/b>16\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Austin was buzzing in spring \u2014 warm sunshine, perfect paddle-boarding weather, and back-to-back festivals brought the city\u2019s creative spirit to life. I timed my trip for the Spring Pecan Street<\/a> and iHeartCountry Festival<\/a>, both packed with live music, great food, and pure local energy.<\/p>\n Flying into Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), I spent a lively long week at the trendy 4-star LINE Hotel<\/a> – paddle-boarding on Lady Bird Lake, strolling the bloom-filled Zilker Botanical Garden, catching live music on South Congress, and exploring downtown\u2019s trendy restaurants and shops.<\/p>\n![\"Annapolis](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Annapolis-Downtown.webp)
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2. Block Island, Rhode Island<\/h2>\n
![\"Block](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Block-Island-Rhode-Island.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Block](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Block-Island-Rhode-Island-2.webp)
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3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/My-photograph-of-Philadelphia-City-Hall-in-Philadelphia.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/My-snap-of-Reading-Terminal-Market-in-Philadelphia.webp)
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4. Ocean City, Maryland<\/h2>\n
![\"Ocean](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Ocean-City-Maryland.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-snap-of-Ocean-City-beach.webp)
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5. Edisto Island, South Carolina<\/h2>\n
![\"Edisto](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Edisto-Island-South-Carolina-1.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Edisto](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Edisto-Island-SC.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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6. Sacramento, California <\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-snap-of-Old-Sacramento-State-Historic-Park.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-shot-of-a-hip-cafe-in-Sacramento.webp)
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7. Bend, Oregon<\/h2>\n
![\"Bend,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bend-Oregon-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Bend](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Bend-Oregon-Spring.webp)
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8. Texas Hill Country<\/h2>\n
![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Texas-Hill-Country-Photo.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Garner](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Garner-State-Park-Texas-Hill-Country.webp)
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9. Savannah, Georgia<\/h2>\n
![\"Paddle-steamer](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-photograph-of-River-Street-Savannah-1.webp)
<\/picture>![\"River](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/River-Street-Savannah.webp)
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\n\n\n\n\n\n10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia<\/h2>\n
![\"Shenandoah](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Shenandoah-National-Park-Virginia.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Shenandoah](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Shenandoah-National-Park-Virginia.webp)
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11. Monterey, California
![\"Monterey](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Monterey-California.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-snap-of-Old-Fishermans-Wharf-in-Monterey-in-California.webp)
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12. Yosemite National Park, California<\/h2>\n
![\"Half](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-picture-of-Half-Dome-in-Yosemite.jpeg?resize=1000%2C664&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
![\"Sierra](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-shot-of-Sierra-Nevada-mountains-in-Yosemite.webp)
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13. Austin, Texas
![\"Austin](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Austin-Texas.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Barton](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barton-Creek-Bridge-Austin-Summer.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Downtown](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/My-photo-of-downtown-Austin-taken-2025.webp)
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