9 Places To Visit In USA In May

places to visit in usa in may
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 5 min read

The US is definitely on the list of every globetrotter. You may be wondering when is the best time to visit the country. Is it during winter with all the Christmas lighting and decorations that can be found everywhere? Of course, you do not want to miss visiting the country during Christmas with all the colors and brightness around. But, it is May that is the best time to visit the USA. Why? This is the time when the weather is pleasant and in many cities across the country, there are a lot of activities and events organized and executed, such as festivals, markets, concerts, etc. The next question is, among the many places, which places are worthy of a visit in May? Worry not because if you keep reading this article, you will find out the best places to visit in USA in May.

1. Honolulu, HI

King Kamehameha Day Lei Draping Ceremony Hawaii (35194484296)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Anthony Quintano used under CC BY 2.0

Hawaii is definitely a place to visit in USA. Who can resist the beauty of this special city that is filled with exotic culture and friendly Hawaiian people? As soon as you land in Hawaii, head to Honolulu to take part in a festive celebration that takes place annually on May 1. It is called Lei Day. Lei Day is equivalent to May Day for the Hawaiian people. During the celebration there will be giving and wearing of the flower lei and the locals will wear the aloha attire. Apart from this event, you can also explore attractions such as Pearl Harbor National Memorial to remember and pay respect to the victims of the war, and Hanauma Bay to reconnect with nature as you admire the magnificent beach and meet the turtles.

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2. Memphis, TN

Riverwalk Memphis TN
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thomas R Machnitzki used under CC BY 3.0

Moving on from Honolulu and Hawaii, you can make your way to Memphis in Tennessee. Why visit the city in May? Because there is one of the largest music festivals that take place in early May. This entertainer is called Beale Street Music Festival. Dance to the music and mingle with the crowd as tons of artists and musicians will keep you entertained.

Additionally, you can witness one of the biggest barbecue cooking contests in the world: World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Barbecue teams from all over the world are invited to show off their skills. The excitement is yours to enjoy and of course, the barbecue. If you still have more time to spare, you can visit Dixon Gallery & Gardens to enjoy an array of decorative artworks and Impressionist masterpieces.

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3. Murphy, TX

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

All beer lovers are invited to visit Murphy in Texas to participate in Murphy Craft Beer Festival to sample the best beers and wines. But do not be mistaken because this event is perfect for people of all ages. Kids and those who are not into beers can enjoy live music and delicious food and other drinks all day long. Then, you and your loved ones can start exploring the top-notch attractions. Visit Breckinridge Park to please your eyes with the idyllic views of a park and ponds. Murphy Central Park is another park worth visiting for its splash pad, playground and amphitheater.

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4. Louisville, KY

Kentucky Derby 2014-0214
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bill Brine used under CC BY 2.0

Are you fond of races, particularly horse races? If yes, then you would not want to miss the Kentucky Derby, an annual horse race that takes place every May. Root for your favorite horse and just breathe in the enthusiasm from people around you. The largest city in Kentucky also features tons of attractions. Louisville Zoo is a fun place to visit for the whole family. Be ready to meet tigers, gorillas, lions, and other permanent residents. Kentucky Kingdom lets you spend quality time with loved ones as you can enjoy thrill rides and a water park among others.

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5. Columbus, OH

Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Columbus in Ohio is known for many interesting activities and attractions. Central Ohio Folk Festival is not something you want to skip. During the festival, you will be entertained by an array of fun features such as storytelling, free concerts, and delicious food and beverages. If the festival is not enough, you can visit Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and be captivated by the amusing behaviors of the animals residing here. Alternatively, you can indulge in some artsy time at Columbus Museum of Art whose impressive collection of European and American paintings will take your breath away.

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6. Rochester, NY

Skyline Rochester, NY
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Evilarry used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Visiting Rochester in New York in May will be a delightful experience for movie buffs as they can attend Rochester International Film Festival. The festival is one of the longest-running in the world and you can enjoy a variety of short films being played throughout. After, you should also make a visit to Rochester Museum & Science Center that boasts a planetarium and interactive exhibits and displays that make science sound fun. Strong National Museum of Play is an excellent place for those traveling with kids as the museum features a stunning collection of dolls and toys, the kids’ thing.

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7. Atlanta, GA

CNN Center, Atlanta, GA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Warren LeMay used under CC0

You should always feel happy when on a vacation and one of the best ways is by attending comedy festivals. Lucky for you, Atlanta in Georgia, holds an annual comedy festival every May called Laughing Skull Comedy Festival. The stand-up comedians are so funny that you will laugh your heads off. The next day, you can start exploring the city by letting yourself into the marine world at Georgia Aquarium. Observe more than 120,000 marine animals here. Atlanta Botanical Garden is another place worth visiting as it features statues, fountains and lush plants.

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8. Masontown, WV

Cheat Canyon
Source: Pixabay

Masontown in West Virginia is worth visiting in May for many reasons. But, the most important reason is Domefest. Although not as big as the other music festivals, Domefest promises spectacular performances by tons of artists, both internationally known and emerging. Fans at this festival gather in small camps. Other than the music festival, you are welcome to visit Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo to meet directly with diverse wildlife. If you like outdoor activities like rafting and boating, visit Cheat Canyon that is known for its river and beautiful canyon.

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9. Joshua Tree, CA

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Christopher Michel used under CC BY 2.0

Visit Joshua Tree in California in May and you can experience something unique like a mouthwatering display of Californian desert. Joshua Tree Music Festival is more than just a music festival. It celebrates the beauty of art and yoga in addition to music. Other unique attractions that can only be found in Joshua Tree include World Famous Crochet Museum that amuses with its fascinating collections of crocheted items, and Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art, that lets you know that art can also be found and enjoyed in a place as dry and hot as a desert.

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Visit USA in May to enjoy the festivals

Bixby Creek Bridge, California, USA - May 2013
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff used under CC BY-SA 3.0

After reading through the places to visit, festivals to attend, and attractions to explore, you now understand why USA in May is more attractive than the other months and seasons. Mark your calendar now and start preparing yourself for an amazing adventure across cities in USA in May!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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