Discover the most amazing low-cost May destinations in the United States!
Traveling in May is unlike any other time of the year. The towns and cities are starting to come alive again, the weather is magnificent, and flowers are blooming everywhere! So, you’ll want to check out all of the best places in the US to visit in May.
This month is a fantastic time to hit the road without breaking the bank. As the weather warms up and summer vibes start to kick in, some destinations offer budget-friendly options perfect for a getaway.
So what are we waiting for? From well-known spots to hidden gems, here are 8 low-cost May destinations to visit where you can enjoy early summer fun while keeping your wallet happy.
Low-cost May destination: Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is certainly a place you might not have expected to see on this list of low-cost May destinations in the US. But hear me out: During this time of year, the average temperature is about 65°F.
Just make sure you check the weather before you leave because there’s quite a bit of rain during May. The best thing to do in Annapolis around this month is to attend the May Day Celebration, an annual event in the city.
It usually takes place on the first weekend of the month. All the local shops will place floral arrangements outside their door during the celebration. So, as a bonus, this is an excellent time to support local businesses!
Low-cost May destination: Holland, Michigan
Holland is one of the absolute best low-cost May destinations in the United States! The weather’s actually pretty hot there in May, with average temperatures of about 60°F each day.
This is also one of the wetter months of the year, averaging approximately eight days of rain throughout the month. Many folks don’t even realize that there’s a place called Holland in the US, but this small city hosts the annual Tulip Time Festival and links back to the city’s roots.
It only happens during May and is the best festival to attend if you visit the city this month. In May, other delightful things to do in Holland include the Holland Museum and Windmill Island Gardens, where you can go on a genuine Dutch village tour.
Low-cost May destination: Charlotte, North Carolina
For a more laid-back getaway that’s still in a city, look no further than beautiful Charlotte, one of the best places to visit in May if you ask me. The temperature during this month is gorgeous, at around 70°F on average, with cooler nights at around 58°F.
There are many fun things to do in this low-cost May destination. While they don’t hold many significant events, there are baseball games to support the Charlotte Knights, local farmer markets, you can visit an amusement park, and many other things.
The annual City Walk is also generally held during this month, where you can explore the beauty of this city! Visiting Charlotte in May also allows you to explore with beautiful weather, smaller crowds, and lower accommodation prices.
Low-cost May destination: Monterey, California
Head over to Monterey, California, one of the best places to visit in May in our beautiful country! The average daily temperature here is 58°F. There’s hardly any rain around this time of year in this state, and the average high temperature is around 65.
Monterey is most famous for its seafood. So, if you decide to visit this low-cost May destination, don’t forget to stop by a local restaurant and try it yourself. You can also visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve view, and explore the stunning 17-mile drive.
The Annual Carmel Art Festival also makes an appearance this month and is a fantastic way to support local artists!
Other than that, you can start your Big Sur road trip in lovely Monterey and drive south, stopping in extraordinary places. Some folks start this California road trip along Highway 1 in San Francisco and drive towards San Diego!
Low-cost May destination: Great Basin National Park, Nevada
While most people are quick to rush towards larger parks like Grand Canyon National Park or Zion National Park, I can tell you that you’ll be able to avoid the summer crowds by venturing off the beaten path and exploring Great Basin National Park.
During May, the average temperature is usually around 60°F, which is perfect weather for hikes in the desert of all levels. Inside the park, there are so many fun and adventurous things to do. You can visit the Lehman Caves on a tour, do some scenic drives, or even hike the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail.
If you want captivating views with a more difficult climb, consider doing the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail, which has about 3,000 feet of elevation. Just remember to begin the hike first thing in the morning to avoid the strong winds!
Low-cost May destination: Monument Valley, Arizona
Monument Valley is one of the places on this list of best places to visit in May that you’ve probably seen featured in movies like Forrest Gump and many pics on your Instagram feed. It also inspired Radiator Springs in the Disney movie “Cars!”
It’s situated in Arizona on Utah’s border, in the middle of the desert on Navajo Land, with average May temperatures of roughly 65°F. The best way to get there is by driving, so you may want to consider going on an Arizona road trip… and be sure to also visit the Antelope Canyon.
You’ll want to explore it during the day because you have to go off the road a little to explore it. And remember to stop by Forrest Gump Point and get a glimpse of all the artifacts left where he completed his cross-country run!
Low-cost May destination: Anna Maria Island, Florida
If you want a Florida getaway, skip Orlando and visit Anna Maria Island instead! It’s easily one of the best places to visit in the US this month.
Anna Maria Island is a barrier island, and it’s nowhere near as busy as the bigger cities like Orlando or Miami. And with average daily temperatures of 78°F, you can’t go wrong. The best thing to do on Anna Maria Island is to visit its beautiful beaches.
There’s gorgeous white sand where you can sunbathe, relax by the water, and go swimming! Plus, many sandy beaches here have exceptional facilities, including yummy places to eat.
Other fun things include renting bicycles to ride around the coast, visiting the Anna Maria City Pier, eating seafood in a local restaurant, and going shopping at local farmers’ markets.
Low-cost May destination: New Orleans, Louisiana
This last low-cost May destination is the perfect place to visit if you want a getaway in the South! The best part about visiting this month is that the crowds are much smaller than those you’ll see in NOLA during Mardi Gras.
During May, the city has average temperatures of about 75°F, but it drops to around 67°F in the nighttime. There are about four days or so of rain during the month. So it’s not that bad.
And the best festival to attend this month is the Bayou Boogaloo, a fun occasion that’s totally family-friendly and includes food, live music, and much more. So be sure to pack a comfy pair of shoes when you visit!
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival’s last weekend is typically held in May. And, of course, you’ll have lots of opportunities to sip daiquiris on Bourbon Street.
If you’ve ever visited any of these low-cost May destinations, be sure to leave a comment and share your experiences with our readers.
And if you’re looking for some more ideas on where to visit this spring, I highly recommend also reading: 9 Adorable Seaside Villages in the US, Perfect for Spring
