May sits perfectly between the chill of early spring and the heat of summer, making it one of the most comfortable months for quick getaways across North America. While popular destinations like New York City and San Francisco tend to draw the biggest crowds, there are countless lesser-known spots that offer equally rewarding experiences without the tourist rush.
From charming mountain towns to quiet coastal hideaways, here are 20 weekend destinations that make the most of May’s mild weather and pre-summer calm, each one promising a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
- Best for beach lovers: Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Best spring flowers: Skagit Valley, Washington
- Perfect for hikers: Zion National Park, Utah
- Top wine experience: Finger Lakes, New York
- Best small-town charm: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Ideal for nature photos: Great Smoky Mountains
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
I always tell first-time visitors to Charleston to explore the historic downtown district. Lined with cobblestone streets and pastel antebellum mansions, this charming coastal city offers a perfect blend of Southern hospitality and rich history. You can stroll through the famous French Quarter, browse the lively Charleston City Market, or take a horse-drawn carriage tour past iconic Rainbow Row. The city’s warm May weather makes it ideal for wandering through hidden gardens or enjoying fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam comes alive in May as spring reaches its peak in the Netherlands. Like many European capitals, Amsterdam has its canals, museums, and historic buildings. But unlike the others, it feels more like a collection of cozy villages merged into one city. Just watch the endless stream of cyclists pedaling past canal houses and over bridges, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of its merchant trading past, Amsterdam developed a uniquely tolerant culture, and you’ll find evidence of this open-mindedness everywhere – from its diverse food scene to its famous coffee shops. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for wandering, with hidden courtyards and small gardens tucked between the 17th-century architecture.
Yosemite National Park, USA
I first visited Yosemite National Park in May 2018, when the waterfalls were at their peak flow from the spring snowmelt. Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite spans nearly 1,200 square miles of towering granite cliffs and ancient sequoia groves. Half Dome and El Capitan stand like nature’s skyscrapers over Yosemite Valley, where meadows burst with wildflowers and black bears roam freely through the landscape. The Merced River winds through the valley floor, creating mirror-like reflections of the surrounding cliffs, while Bridalveil Fall sends its misty cascade down 620 feet. In May, the park comes alive as winter fades – hiking trails reopen, wildlife emerges from hibernation, and the famous Tunnel View lookout offers clear views across the valley without summer’s heavy crowds.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
I first visited the Amalfi Coast on a whim during a spring escape to Italy in 2019. Running along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula, this stretch of coastline strings together 13 pastel-colored towns that tumble down cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. Positano and Amalfi draw most visitors with their stacked houses and beach clubs, while the hilltop town of Ravello offers quiet gardens and concert venues overlooking the water. Walking paths like the Path of the Gods connect these villages, winding past lemon groves and ancient churches that have watched over the coast for centuries. The region’s winding roads and hidden coves are best explored by boat, where you can hop between pebbled beaches and family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood pasta and locally-made limoncello.
Kyoto, Japan
I first visited Kyoto during cherry blossom season in 2019. Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, Kyoto stands as the country’s cultural soul, with over 1,600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines dotting its landscape. The ancient district of Gion comes alive in May, when maiko (apprentice geisha) hurry along narrow stone streets between traditional wooden machiya houses. The bamboo groves of Arashiyama sway gently in the spring breeze, while the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji reflects perfectly in its mirror-like pond. The city’s famous Nishiki Market buzzes with activity, as locals and tourists alike sample fresh mochi and sip matcha in centuries-old tea houses that line the five-block stretch.
Santorini, Greece
Many travelers come to Santorini for its famous white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches perched along the caldera cliffs, but the island offers much more than just its iconic architecture. The crescent-shaped paradise, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, provides visitors with unique black sand beaches and rich volcanic wines from local vineyards. In May, the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds are smaller than peak summer months, making it perfect for exploring the narrow streets of Oia, taking a boat trip around the caldera, or watching the sunset from one of the many rooftop restaurants. Whether you’re interested in ancient history at the Akrotiri ruins or simply want to relax by the Aegean Sea, Santorini delivers an unforgettable Greek island experience.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Ever watched a herd of bison amble past your car window? It’s an everyday scene in Yellowstone National Park, where wild animals roam freely across 2.2 million acres of untamed wilderness. As America’s first national park, this Wyoming wonder comes alive in May when baby animals emerge and colorful spring wildflowers dot the meadows. You can witness Old Faithful’s clockwork eruptions, walk among rainbow-hued hot springs at Grand Prismatic Spring, and spot grizzly bears teaching their cubs to forage in the valleys. The park’s historic lodges, like the wooden Old Faithful Inn, let you stay right in the heart of this geological playground, where geysers shoot steam into the crisp mountain air.
Provence, France
An hour north of bustling Marseille lies the region of Provence, where the pace of life slows to match the gentle rustle of lavender fields in the breeze. Like other areas of southern France, Provence has its share of vineyards, historic towns, and local markets. But unlike its neighbors, it feels like stepping into an impressionist painting come to life. Just watch the way sunlight plays across the purple-blue fields and golden stone villages, and you’ll understand what inspired artists like Van Gogh to make this their home. Because of its unique position between the Mediterranean and the Alps, Provence developed its own distinct culture, and you’ll find herb-scented cuisine, pastel-shuttered houses, and morning markets filled with local farmers selling olives and fresh bread.
Banff National Park, Canada
Have you ever seen a grizzly bear fishing for salmon in a crystal-clear stream? It’s a regular occurrence in Banff National Park, where snow-capped Rocky Mountains tower over emerald lakes and thick pine forests. Just a 90-minute drive west of Calgary, this Canadian wilderness playground comes alive in May as winter releases its grip and wildflowers paint the meadows. You can paddle across Lake Louise’s turquoise waters, soak in natural hot springs, or spot elk wandering through the charming town of Banff. The park is also home to the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a castle-like lodge that looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale.
Did you know?
Did you know that Banff National Park is home to Lake Louise, whose bright turquoise water gets its mesmerizing color from “rock flour” – tiny particles of rock that glaciers grind up and deposit into the lake? The park itself was actually established in 1885 after railway workers accidentally discovered natural hot springs in the area, making it Canada’s first national park and the world’s third oldest.
Marrakech, Morocco
Many travelers come to Marrakech for its famous medina, a maze-like old city filled with busy markets and food stalls, but the destination offers much more than just shopping. The city sits at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, where you can escape the afternoon heat with day trips to small Berber villages and green valleys. In May, before the intense summer temperatures arrive, the weather is perfect for exploring the city’s gardens, like the Jardin Majorelle, or wandering through the countless alleyways of the souks. While the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes alive at night with street performers and food vendors, you can spend your days visiting historic places like the Koutoubia Mosque or relaxing in a traditional hammam.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Just a three-hour flight from London sits Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital that feels like it belongs in a different world entirely. Like other Nordic cities, Reykjavik has its share of clean streets, colorful houses, and efficient public transport. But unlike its Scandinavian cousins, it sits in a land of active volcanoes, thermal springs, and midnight sun. In May, you’ll find the city coming alive as winter releases its grip, with locals spilling onto sidewalk cafes and the sun barely setting at all. Thanks to Iceland’s geological position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Reykjavik residents heat their homes with geothermal energy, and you’ll spot steam rising from underground vents throughout the city streets.
Moab, Utah, USA
Just four hours southeast of Salt Lake City lies the adventure playground of Moab. Like many outdoor destinations in Utah, Moab has its collection of red rock formations, desert trails, and wide-open skies. But unlike the others, it feels like nature’s own sculptural gallery come to life. Just look up at the massive stone arches in Arches National Park or down into the deep canyons of Canyonlands, and you’ll see what makes this place special. Because of its position between two national parks and the Colorado River, Moab has become a magnet for mountain bikers, rock climbers, and river rafters, transforming this former uranium mining town into an outdoor recreation hub that keeps its small-town charm intact.
Cool Fact:
Did you know that Moab’s signature red rock formations were created over 300 million years ago when this area was actually covered by an ancient sea and sand dunes? The area around Moab has been used as a filming location for dozens of major movies and TV shows, including Indiana Jones, Mission Impossible, Westworld, and many classic Western films thanks to its otherworldly desert landscapes.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como draws visitors year-round for its collection of waterfront towns and historic villas, but this northern Italian destination truly comes alive in May. The lake’s winding shoreline connects charming villages like Bellagio and Varenna, where cobblestone streets lead to hidden restaurants and local boutiques. While many come for the boat trips across the crystal-clear waters, the surrounding mountains offer excellent hiking trails with views of both the Alps and the lake below. Spring brings comfortable temperatures perfect for wandering through the gardens of Villa Carlotta or Villa del Balbianello, and you’ll find plenty of lakeside cafes where you can sip espresso while watching the ferries cruise by.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Take a journey to Portland, Oregon, where spring is in full swing and the city comes alive with local flavor. The famous Portland Saturday Market fills the streets with hundreds of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to local foods. Stop by Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world, where you can spend hours exploring over a million books across multiple floors. For food lovers, the city’s countless food trucks offer tastes from around the globe, while the nearby Willamette Valley’s wineries provide perfect afternoon excursions. Follow it all up with a walk through Washington Park, home to the serene Japanese Garden and the fragrant International Rose Test Garden.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Perched on Croatia’s southern coast, Dubrovnik is a city that looks like it jumped straight out of a medieval storybook. Like many coastal Mediterranean towns, it has its share of beaches, seafood restaurants, and boat tours. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve stepped through a time portal the moment you walk through the city gates. Just look up at the massive stone walls completely circling the Old Town, still standing guard after 700 years, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its important role as a trading port during the Renaissance, Dubrovnik grew incredibly wealthy, and you’ll find elegant palaces, marble streets, and ornate churches that reflect this golden age around every corner.
Lake District, England
The Lake District charms visitors with its mix of gentle valleys and rugged peaks, offering a perfect escape from city life. Rolling hills dotted with sheep lead to pristine lakes like Windermere and Ullswater, where you can rent boats or simply sit by the shore with a picnic. May brings comfortable temperatures and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for exploring the network of walking trails that connect quaint villages like Ambleside and Grasmere. While many come for the outdoor activities, the region’s literary connections to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter add another layer of interest, with their former homes now open to visitors. The local pubs serve hearty meals and regional ales, providing the perfect end to a day spent wandering through this beloved corner of England.
Quebec City, Canada
Step into a slice of Europe without crossing the Atlantic in Quebec City, where cobblestone streets and French architecture transport you to another time. The iconic Château Frontenac hotel towers above the old city walls, offering rooms with views over the St. Lawrence River and the historic district below. Take a walk through the Petit-Champlain Quarter, where local cafes serve fresh croissants and steaming cups of coffee. For dinner, try one of the traditional restaurants in Place Royale, where you can sample classic French-Canadian dishes like poutine and maple-glazed salmon while surrounded by buildings dating back to the 1600s.
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Just four hours south of Atlanta lies Savannah, where Spanish moss drapes over oak-lined streets like natural curtains. Like other Southern cities, Savannah has its classic architecture, seafood restaurants, and historical sites. But unlike its neighbors, it feels like you’ve stepped into a living storybook from the 1800s. Just wander through the 22 town squares, where locals gather on benches and children play near trickling fountains, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of Savannah’s role in American history, many colonial-era buildings still stand, and you’ll find cobblestone streets and pre-Civil War mansions around every corner. The city’s connection to the ocean brings fresh catches to local tables, while food trucks and craft breweries add a modern touch to this charming coastal gem.
Loire Valley, France
Ever dreamed of living like French royalty? The Loire Valley, just a quick train ride from Paris, lets you do exactly that. Known as the “Garden of France,” this region is packed with more than 300 fairy-tale castles that look like they jumped straight out of a storybook. In May, the gardens burst into bloom, and the weather is perfect for cycling along the riverside paths between châteaux. Drop into family-owned wineries to sample crisp white wines, or join locals at open-air markets filled with fresh goat cheese and just-baked baguettes. For a truly special stay, book a room in Château de la Treyne, where you can wake up in a real castle overlooking the peaceful river below.
Stockholm, Sweden
If you’re planning your first trip to Stockholm, start with the charming Old Town (Gamla Stan). Set on a small island in the heart of the city, this medieval district features winding cobblestone streets, colorful townhouses, and the Royal Palace – all connected by bridges to Stockholm’s other islands. The narrow alleyways lead to hidden courtyards, small cafes serving traditional Swedish fika, and boutique shops selling local crafts and designs.