May is a great time to travel in the USA – off season means many of those bucket-list worthy destinations are both cheaper and quieter. Equally, a packed calendar of events means that even if you're craving the bustle of a crowd, you can find it. Whether you want to experience incredible landscapes or unforgettable festivals, check out our list of the best places to visit in the USA in May.

Visiting Alaska in May means you’ll miss the peak seasons of winter and summer, saving you money and allowing you to feel as though you have the state to yourself. You’ll get to experience Alaska slowly transitioning from a land of monochromes to one of vibrant greens and blues as the snow melts and the ice thaws. You’ll also catch Alaska’s largest wildlife viewing festival Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival in Homer, which honors the return of spring and the breathtaking migration of shorebirds through Kachemak Bay.

Spring is a lovely time of year to visit California, when you can enjoy pleasant warm days and clear blue skies without the summer crowds. Enjoy a peaceful hike on the Big Baldy Ridge Trail in Sequoia National Park, a 6 mile (10 km) round trip following wildflowers to spectacular viewpoints from the summit of Big Baldy. Cinco de Mayo (May 5) also means big block parties in Los Angeles and San Francisco!

Quite simply, the Colorado Plateau is home to some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the whole world. The region’s spectacular wilderness is inevitably perfect for exploring on foot or in an RV, and late May brings pleasant temperatures that are perfect for hiking and taking long drives. Discover hidden desert sanctuaries, where translucent green pools are fed by misty waterfalls, and wonderful landscapes of red stone towers, sculpted by the wind.

Few places in the states are more beautiful in May than Holland, Michigan where millions of tulips erupt in a riot of color. Tulips line the streets and special tulip gardens are created for the annual Tulip Time Festival (May 7 – 15, 2022). Other attractions include artisan markets and carnivals packed with exciting rides, making this a great trip for the whole family.

May is a great month to experience the party spirit of New Orleans. Catch the second weekend of Jazz Fest, the city's biggest annual festival, on May 5 – 8, 2022. With over a dozen stages, the lineup features a wide range of music but the food is as much a reason to go. The annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo takes place May 20 – 22, 2022 on the banks of the Bayou St. John. The event has a local feel and its unique location on the water means fest-goers arrive in kayaks, canoes, rubber rafts, and anything else that floats.

The 17 coolest cities in the US you must visit

The US offers everything in excess and the choice of cities to visit is no exception. With hundreds to choose from you’re spoilt for choice – let us make the decision easier with our roundup of the coolest cities across the country!

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