Vrbo: where to go in May

Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Embrace the warmth with these early summer spots

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Planning a vacation in May is the chance to slip one last trip in before the summer break begins in earnest and many destinations become overrun with crowds. The sun and warm spring temperatures have usually made their full comeback by May, so the world is your oyster. City breaks, adventures in nature, trips to Europe, and beachscapes are all up for grabs. Charming beach towns like Galveston and Destin truly shine at this time of the year—not too warm, not too cold, not too crowded. What else could you ask for?

New York City and Boston make for great weekend getaways in spring. There's plenty to visit if it's your first time in the Big Apple or the Hub. If you're a return visitor, even better. Once you've worked through the crowd-pleasers, you can get to the heart of what makes both cities special. The Azores and Sicily are 2 of the best places to visit in May if you're looking for exciting island destinations in Europe. The Azores are all about nature and wilderness, while Sicily is a magnet for history buffs and fans of southern Italian cuisine.

Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach, Florida

#1 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

The seaside community of Fort Walton Beach in the Florida panhandle is one of the best places to visit in May for a quick and easy beach break. Come prepared for daily highs around 80°F and radiant weather that feels tailor-made for long days of lazing about on the sand and splashing around in the waves. There are 24 miles of white sand shoreline to explore, with plenty of opportunities for water sports. Little ones love the Krew of Bowlegs, a pirate-themed festival with treasure hunts, pirate parades, and live music on nearby Okaloosa Island.

 

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Galveston

Galveston, Texas

#2 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

May brings warmth and sun to Galveston, making the city a prime destination for a quality seaside getaway. Galveston is known for its beaches and pleasure pier complete with thrilling theme park rides, but there's so much more to explore in this historic Texas town. Fans of architecture and history will love the historic homes tour organized by the Galveston Historical Foundation. Visit 19th-century mansions across town and uncover the Victorian architectural heritage of the city. For an easy family treat, ride the free ferry across the bay. You're almost guaranteed to spot dolphins.

 

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Outer Banks

Outer Banks, North Carolina

#3 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

With 200 miles of barrier islands to explore, featuring everything from wild beaches to built-up settlements, North Carolina's Outer Banks is one of the best places to travel in May to get away from it all. Weather should be warm and sunny, but the ocean will likely be too chilly to swim. Instead, sunbathe, visit lighthouses, watch the sunset from atop high dunes, and indulge in water sports like windsurfing and kayaking. Head to Jockey's Ridge for the annual Hang-Gliding Spectacular festival to check out 4 days of hang-gliding competitions and demonstrations.

 

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Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado

#4 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

The mountain town of Colorado Springs is an outdoor playground. In May, hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding are back on the menu. It might be early summer in the Rockies, but the spring weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared. Choose from 21 miles of stunning trails in the Garden of the Gods, famous for its dramatic sandstone formations. Walk up to Helen Hunt Falls or Seven Falls to see water crashing down the mountain. Drive up Pikes Peak for epic views of the Rockies from 14,107 feet above sea level. Music lovers will love MeadowGrass, a local bluegrass music festival.

 

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Destin

Destin, Florida

#5 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

In May, the white sand and turquoise waters of Destin reach peak dreaminess. It's about to get busy in the Florida Panhandle, so now’s the time to come if you want to beat the crowds. Top up your tan, play in the waves, rent jet skis, and go banana boating—the beach is what it's all about this time of year. There are 8 golf courses in Destin, and zero good reasons not to improve your drive while making the most of the balmy Florida sun. Paddleboard enthusiasts will want to check out Paddle at the Park, a local race open to amateurs and professionals.

 

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New York City

New York City, New York

#6 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

New York is one of the best places to go in May for city breaks all about world-class culture, good food, and great events. The weather should be good for city walking but pack a raincoat just in case. If you haven't been to MoMa, the Whitney, or the Guggenheim, now's your chance. The MET has a garden rooftop exhibit that truly sparkles when the sun's out. Head to the Smorgasburg food market in Brooklyn and Manhattan to sample flavors from all over the world. Party on Stone Street for Cinco de Mayo or celebrate in the amazing Mexican joints of Sunset Park.

 

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Boston

Boston, Massachusetts

#7 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Boston is a walkable city with plenty to discover. Weather in May can be volatile, but don't let that stop you from hitting the streets of one of the best East Coast cities. Embark on a self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail or let an 18th-century costumed guide recount the events of the American Revolution. May marks the start of the whale cruise season. Head to Boston Harbor to board a half-day whale and dolphin watching cruise. Music lovers should head to Boston Calling, a popular 3-day festival that has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran and the Killers in recent years.

 

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Anaheim

Anaheim, California

#8 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Anaheim, just outside of LA, is known as the home of Disneyland Resorts. With sunny weather and fewer visitors than in the summer, May is a good time to plan a vacation in one of the best theme parks in the world. Keep in mind that it can get busy during Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy tasty food at Anaheim Packing District. Long Beach and Huntington Beach are a short drive away if you fancy an afternoon of suntanning. For a more local affair, there's plenty of family-friendly fun to be had at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival and La Habra Citrus Fair.

 

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Carmel by the Sea

Carmel by the Sea, California

#9 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Carmel-by-the-Sea—or just Carmel—is an artsy village dotted with fairytale cottages, tucked up in a corner of the California coastline south of Monterrey. Spring brings weather that's great for exploring the village and surrounding nature areas of Point Lobos and Carmel Meadows on foot. If you're traveling by car, 17-Mile Drive is as scenic as it gets. Carmel Arts Festival is the big event in May. Rub shoulders with art collectors, watch artists paint live, and take part in workshops. If you stay until the first week of June, you can catch the opening days of Carmel Culinary Week.

 

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Houston

Houston, Texas

#10 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

There are tons of reasons to visit Houston in May but the 3 big ones are weather, food, and events. In spring, good weather has found its way to Space City but it's not uncomfortably hot just yet. Texas's biggest city is famous for its foodie scene. BBQ and Tex-Mex are the big draws here. Make sure to try a plate of sizzling fajitas in a city known for serving some of the best. In May, you'll find events as varied as Texas's largest pop culture festival Comicpalooza, Margarita Festival for all things margarita, and the Big As Texas Music Festival for your annual fill of country music.

 

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The Azores

The Azores, Portugal

#11 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Nicknamed the Hawaii of Europe, the Azores are a beautiful 9-island archipelago in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean. In May, the climate is mild and changing with average daily highs of 60°F. Island hopping is easy, and if you're staying a while you'll want to experience the unique atmosphere of each island. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking to stunning waterfalls and up ancient calderas. Try your hand at canyoning and jump from high cliffs into roaring waters. The main island, São Miguel, is a wonderful base for whale watching and visiting hot springs and tea plantations.

 

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Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Türkiye

#12 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

The central Turkish region of Cappadocia is a cool place to visit in May if you're after a destination that is both Instagram-worthy and offers plenty of fun outdoor activities. With daily highs creeping up into the upper 70°F range, this is prime t-shirt weather. Balloon rides are the big thing and watching the sky fill with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons at sunrise is a truly unique experience. Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu, a 20,000-person town carved into the rock. Hike through valleys filled with magical rock formations and stay in some of the most beautiful hotels in Türkiye.

 

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Granada

Granada, Spain

#13 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

The city of Granada in Southern Spain is a sight to behold. The town's medieval architecture dates to the time of Moorish rule. From the gorgeous Alhambra to the ancient Jewish quarter of Albaicin and the old Arab baths, there are so many beautiful old buildings to explore. The warm and sunny weather in May is great for spending as much time as you can outdoors and for hiking in the nearby Sierra Nevada. Keep an eye out for Cruces de Mayo, the Festival of the May Crosses, where streets fill with impromptu fiestas and temporary bars.

 

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Nantucket

Nantucket, Massachusetts

#14 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Come spring, the tiny island of Nantucket off the coast of Massachusetts is just starting to get its summer buzz on. The temperatures hover around the 60°F mark which means it's not quite swimming weather yet. However, you'll have fun exploring the island by bicycle. Nantucket offers an upscale take on the seaside weekend getaway. Stroll on the beach, visit beautiful lighthouses, and enjoy great food and good wine in fancy restaurants. Don't miss the Wine & Food Festival that takes over the island around mid-May, and keep an eye out for parties on Memorial Day Weekend.

 

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Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

#15 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Barcelona is one of the best destinations to go in May for a break in the sun in a city that knows how to party. The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is famous for its beaches and architecture. With the sun out in full force, you'll have a great time wandering the streets of Barcelona while making pit stops for tapas and cerveza along the way. The hip Primavera Sound music festival takes over part of the city at this time of year. Artists like Lana del Rey and Disclosure recently headlined.

 

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Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, California

#16 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Just down the coast from Los Angeles, the beach community of Laguna Beach feels like a town that's perpetually on vacation. In May, highs of 70°F and sunny days abound. It's great weather to spend time at the beach or exploring the city's many famous tide pools. Hike up the ambitiously named Top of the World for some of the most beautiful views of Orange County. Pay a visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to say hi to injured marine mammals in rehabilitation. On Friday evenings, head to Heisler Park Amphitheater for Sunset Serenades, a series of free concerts spotlighting local musicians.

 

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Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

#17 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Prepare your swankiest outfit if you're visiting Louisville in May. The town lights up for the historic Kentucky Derby. The world-famous horse race draws thousands of fans all eager to watch the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. The race is preceded by another horse race, Kentucky Oaks, and there are tons of satellite events happening all over town. The Great Steamboat Race a few days before the derby is one of Louisville's most exciting traditions and a great way to get yourself in the festive mood. The weather in spring is breezy and mild, so pack light and get ready for a lot of fun.

 

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Sicily

Sicily, Italy

#18 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

Sicily is one of the best places to travel to in May if you want to come home with a great tan and some culinary memories. Eat some of the best cannoli you'll ever taste in Palermo, dive headfirst into the bar scene of gritty Catania, or experience the best of Mediterranean luxury in Taormina—Sicily is yours to explore. The weather should be fantastic, and you can enjoy your first swim of the year in the warm sea. Head to Noto for the city's famous flower festival that turns the historic old town into a colorful flower fresco.

 

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Nantucket

Sevilla, Spain

#19 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

The largest city in Andalusia is a joy to visit in May. Average daily highs in the upper 70°F range and sunshine galore make for wonderful conditions to explore the city. Stroll down the paths along the River Guadalquivir and visit all the beautiful gardens that have shaped Seville's reputation. Plaza de España and the Seville Cathedral are 2 of the city's most famous landmarks and are absolutely worth your time. For a touch of culture mixed with partying, check out the events of Feria de Abril. Enjoy flamenco performances, horse parades, and generous servings of local wines.

 

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Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina

#20 in Best Places to Visit in May 2025

The town of Greenville in South Carolina is a fun escape for lovers of all things outdoors. May is generally warm and sunny in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so you should have near-perfect conditions for hitting the trails of Paris Mountain State Park or for biking the Swamp Rabbit trail. Drive an hour across the border into North Carolina and you'll reach the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the US. To get your fill of culture, catch a show at the Peace Center and explore the city during Artisphere, Greenville's largest arts festival.

 

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Methodology

We have curated these lists of top destinations by month by combining real booking data and expert insights. Some destinations were chosen based on actual booking data, reflecting popular choices for trips during a particular month. Additionally, our travel editors used their expertise to select other destinations, ensuring a well-rounded and inspiring list. This ranking is designed to provide helpful ideas and guidance for planning your trip in a particular month, offering a mix of trending spots and expert recommendations.

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