Spring reaches its peak and Memorial Day weekend approaches, May emerges as one of the most rewarding months to explore America’s diverse destinations. The weather is comfortably warm without summer’s scorching heat, flowers are in full bloom, and tourist crowds haven’t yet reached their peak intensity.

May offers the perfect conditions for celebrating the unofficial start of summer while honoring the long Memorial Day weekend. Mild temperatures make outdoor adventures irresistible, spring blooms create stunning natural backdrops, and longer daylight hours provide ample time for exploration and memory-making.

We’ve curated the top 7 best places to visit in May, each offering unique opportunities to celebrate Memorial Day weekend and create lasting spring memories. These destinations combine beautiful weather, exciting activities, and the perfect atmosphere for group adventures and family gatherings. 

Let’s explore the most enchanting AvantStay vacation rental homes to make your May getaway unforgettable.

1. Los Angeles, California

Memorial Day weekend brings special events and the perfect kickoff to summer adventures. And Los Angeles shines brightest in May, offering perfect weather before the summer heat intensifies. With comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s, clear skies, and minimal rainfall, May provides ideal conditions for exploring Hollywood, hiking scenic trails, and enjoying the city’s world-famous beaches. 

Top Activities:

  • Hike to the Hollywood Sign and explore Griffith Park with perfect spring weather
  • Enjoy beach days at Santa Monica and Venice with warm, comfortable temperatures
  • Experience world-class dining and nightlife in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills
  • Visit iconic attractions like Universal Studios and The Getty with fewer crowds

Where to Stay: Unwind at Edendale, a sophisticated three-story Los Angeles retreat featuring award-winning design and three front-facing patios. The incredible hill views are perfect for enjoying the warm weather and unique amenities, including foosball and outdoor dining.

👉 Learn about the best time to visit Los Angeles for optimal weather, discover amazing hiking trails in Los Angeles for outdoor adventures, and find the perfect Los Angeles Airbnb for your California getaway.

2. Port Aransas, Texas

Port Aransas welcomes May visitors with warm Gulf waters and perfect beach weather just in time for Memorial Day celebrations. This charming coastal town on Mustang Island offers pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it ideal for family gatherings and group getaways during the holiday weekend.

Top Activities:

  • Fish in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” with prime spring fishing conditions
  • Enjoy warm Gulf waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding
  • Take dolphin tours and explore the magical Crab Island sandbar experience
  • Experience the famous Texas SandFest if visiting during the festival season

Where to Stay: Dive into fun at Marlin Cove, your ultimate beach retreat just a short stroll from sandy shores, featuring a private pool and hot tub, covered poolside patio, two spacious balconies, and a beautiful modern interior with blue beachy accents throughout.

👉 Discover exciting things to do in Port Aransas for your coastal adventure and find the perfect Port Aransas Airbnb for your Texas Gulf Coast escape.

3. Corpus Christi, Texas

Offering coastal beauty and cultural attractions, Corpus Christi during May has the ideal weather conditions. With warm temperatures and calm seas, Memorial Day weekend becomes an opportunity to explore this vibrant Gulf Coast city’s beaches, maritime attractions, and rich cultural heritage while enjoying some of Texas’s most beautiful coastline.

Top Activities:

  • Explore the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington Museum with comfortable weather
  • Enjoy pristine beaches at North Padre Island and Mustang Island
  • Take dolphin tours and Red Dragon Pirate ship adventures in calm spring waters
  • Experience the vibrant downtown area and Corpus Christi Bay waterfront

Where to Stay: Relax at Keeper Red, your ultimate group getaway in a private fishing village along picturesque Laguna Madre Bay, featuring six bedrooms, a community waterfront pool, boat dock with private slips, and two balconies perfect for savoring morning bay breezes.

👉 Find the perfect Corpus Christi Airbnb for your Gulf Coast Memorial Day celebration.

4. Lake Norman, North Carolina

Crystal-clear waters and mild May temperatures create the perfect setting for Memorial Day weekend lake activities. And as North Carolina’s largest man-made lake, Lake Norman offers endless opportunities and fun for water sports, lakeside relaxation, and exploring charming surrounding towns. They are all enhanced by the beautiful spring weather and blooming landscapes.

Top Activities:

  • Enjoy boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on pristine lake waters
  • Explore Lake Norman State Park with perfect hiking weather and spring blooms
  • Visit charming lakeside towns like Davidson and Cornelius for shopping and dining
  • Experience water sports and fishing in ideal spring conditions

Where to Stay: Escape to Oasis at Ballycastle, featuring a newly installed 15-foot beach, multi-level dock with lake toys, outdoor kitchen with grill and TV, private sauna, hot tub, and stunning lake views from multiple bedrooms and living areas.

👉 Find the perfect Lake Norman Airbnb for your North Carolina lake adventure.

5. Black Mountain, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, Black Mountain offers spectacular spring scenery and comfortable May temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. Memorial Day weekend provides ideal conditions for hiking, exploring the vibrant arts scene, and enjoying mountain views enhanced by spring’s full bloom and clear skies.

Top Activities:

  • Hike scenic Blue Ridge Mountain trails with perfect spring weather and blooming wildflowers
  • Explore downtown Asheville’s vibrant arts district, breweries, and local dining scene
  • Visit the famous Biltmore Estate with beautiful spring gardens in full bloom
  • Experience outdoor adventures like zip-lining and mountain biking in ideal conditions

Where to Stay: Retreat to Leyland, a gorgeous cabin-style mansion valued at over $1.5 million, featuring multiple decks with expansive Blue Ridge Mountain views, a private hot tub, a large recreation room with foosball, and vaulted ceilings with huge windows for natural light.

6. Telluride, Colorado

May marks the perfect transition season in Telluride, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds before the summer peak. Memorial Day weekend provides excellent conditions for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring this stunning mountain town’s natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks creating dramatic backdrops and spring weather perfect for outdoor adventures.

Top Activities:

  • Hike spectacular mountain trails with comfortable spring temperatures and stunning views
  • Experience world-class mountain biking on trails enhanced by perfect May weather
  • Explore Telluride’s charming town center with unique shops and mountain dining
  • Take scenic gondola rides for breathtaking panoramic mountain vistas

Where to Stay: Experience luxury at Apex, a 2025 AvantStay Awards finalist featuring rustic exterior charm with modern interiors, a private hot tub for post-adventure relaxation, a cozy home theater, and close proximity to mountain activities and town attractions.

👉 Book the perfect Telluride Airbnb for your mountain getaway, discover 6 reasons for a summer stay in Telluride, and explore exciting things to do in Telluride during your visit.

7. Bend, Oregon

Bend‘s high desert landscape and Cascade Mountain views create a stunning backdrop for May adventures. With mild spring temperatures and clear skies, Memorial Day weekend becomes perfect for exploring outdoor activities, craft breweries, and the area’s famous natural attractions while enjoying some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful scenery.

Top Activities:

  • Hike and bike world-renowned trails with perfect spring weather conditions
  • Explore the famous Bend Ale Trail and craft brewery scene
  • Experience white-water rafting and fishing on the Deschutes River
  • Visit stunning natural attractions like Crater Lake and Smith Rock State Park

Where to Stay: Discover Klamath, the premier cabin in Caldera Springs, featuring unbelievable lakeside views, rich wood finishes, stone fireplaces, an expansive patio with a fire pit, a steamy spa surrounded by towering pines, and access to community amenities including pools and recreational facilities.

👉 Explore amazing things to do in Bend, Oregon, for outdoor adventures and find the perfect Bend, Oregon Airbnb for your Pacific Northwest escape.

The Story Behind Memorial Day Weekend Travel

Memorial Day carries a rich history that makes May travel particularly meaningful. Originally known as Decoration Day, this holiday began in 1868 when communities across America started decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers with flowers and flags. 

The tradition evolved into our modern Memorial Day, officially recognized in 1971 as a federal holiday honoring all American military personnel who died in service.

How Memorial Day Shaped American Travel Culture

The three-day weekend format created by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act transformed Memorial Day from a solemn day of remembrance into America’s unofficial start of summer vacation season. This shift established patterns of family gatherings, road trips, and group getaways that continue today.

Modern Memorial Day Celebration

Today’s Memorial Day weekend represents the perfect balance of honoring our nation’s heroes while celebrating freedom through travel and adventure. Many destinations host special ceremonies, parades, and commemorative events that add deeper meaning to vacation experiences, making May travel both recreational and reflective.

Memorial Day Weekend Travel Tips

May travel coincides with Memorial Day weekend, America’s unofficial start to summer, and a time to honor those who served our country. This three-day weekend creates unique opportunities and considerations for travelers:

Planning Considerations:

  • Book accommodations early, as Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods
  • Expect higher rates and minimum stay requirements at popular destinations
  • Plan for increased crowds at major attractions and national parks
  • Consider arriving mid-week to avoid weekend traffic and secure better rates

Weather Advantages:

  • May offers ideal temperatures before summer heat intensifies
  • Spring blooms create stunning natural backdrops for photography
  • Comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and hiking
  • Perfect weather for beach visits without extreme summer crowds

Cultural Significance:

  • Many destinations host Memorial Day parades and ceremonies
  • Special events and festivals often coincide with the holiday weekend
  • Opportunities to visit military memorials and historical sites
  • Community gatherings and local celebrations enhance the travel experience

Spring Into Your Best Memorial Day Weekend Yet

There’s something magical about May travel that goes beyond just pleasant weather. This month captures the anticipation of summer while delivering the gentle warmth of late spring, creating the ideal atmosphere for meaningful Memorial Day gatherings. 

Rather than competing with peak-season crowds or dealing with uncomfortable heat, May offers your group the space and comfort to truly connect.

Your Memorial Day memories deserve more than standard hotel rooms. Discover your ideal group retreat and transform this holiday weekend into an annual tradition worth repeating.

May Sets the Stage for Epic Adventures

Memorial Day weekend marks more than just a long weekend—it’s the official launch of outdoor adventure season across America. May’s unique timing creates opportunities that simply don’t exist during other months, combining perfect weather windows with pre-summer pricing and availability.

The magic lies in May’s versatility: mountain destinations shed their winter coats while remaining comfortably cool, coastal areas warm up without reaching summer’s intensity, and cities come alive with outdoor festivals and events. This creates the rare opportunity for groups with different interests to find common ground in shared destinations.

With AvantStay as your trusted partner in creating unforgettable travel experiences, you can now plan your year of fun getaways. Here are more guides where you can make every season an adventure:

Published by Cameron Herget

As AvantStay's Brand Manager, Cameron crafts engaging content for emails, socials, and the Atlas blog, showcasing her versatility as a skilled writer and digital marketer. With her creative flair and strategic approach, she seamlessly blends captivating visuals and compelling narratives to bring AvantStay's brand to life in the digital realm.

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