50+ May Vacation Ideas in the US By Region
We’ve put together a list of May vacation ideas in the US by region with some help by our travel friends.
Use this guide that features US travel ideas based on the part of the country you want to visit in May.
You’ll find amazing places to visit and fun things to do in May all around the United States. Plus you’ll find tips and resources to find the perfect getaway destination in May.
We’ve teamed up with other travelers to compile this list of vacation and road trip ideas in the US: travel guides, road trip itineraries, things to do, what to pack, and where to stay on your USA vacation in May!
Thank you to our travel friends for sharing fun destinations and things to do in the US in May!
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May Vacation Ideas in the US
If you're wondering where to travel in May, here's a list of places to visit in the US by region!
Where to Travel in May: USA West States
Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco & Top Tips!
Fun North Lake Tahoe Adventures in Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley
LA Travel: The Best Solo Things to do in Los Angeles, California Alone
Places to Visit in May: USA Mountain States
Where to Travel in May: USA Midwest States
30 of the Best Outdoor Places to Visit in Ohio + Printable Bucket List
Places to Visit in May: USA Northeast States
The Best Acadia National Park Itinerary (3, 4 & 5 Day Options!)
Where to Travel in May: USA Southern States
USA Lodging & Accommodations
- Rent an RV – have it dropped off at your vacation destination!
- VRBO Vacation Rentals
- Book a Hotel
- Book an Apartment
- Book a Bed and Breakfast
- Book a Guest House
What to Pack for a Spring Vacation
Packing for a trip in the spring means being prepared for any type of weather!
US National Parks Pass – You can order passes online or get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas. → Buy the National Park Pass at REI and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
Hiking Gear
- Spring hiking at some national parks may mean wet trails, and even some patches of snow! You’ll want waterproof hiking boots.
- Hiking socks that breathe … and if they prevent blisters, that’s even better: → Check out the BEST SOCKS by Darn Tough!
- Walking stick or trekking poles
Clothing – Layers
- Wicking and quick-drying base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket: → Columbia fleece jackets are our favorite!
- Waterproof rain jacket
Daypack
- WATER: → Use refillable water bottles or a hydration backpack
- FOOD: → Check out our list of healthy snacks
- Flashlight or headlamp
- National Park maps
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection with sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hand lotion
- Toilet paper (carry out in a bag – do not bury)
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit
- Bags to pack out trash
Other
- Cell phone
- Portable charger
- Medications
- Binoculars
- Guide books
- Camera Gear – DOWNLOAD the free camera gear checklist!
- Photography gear for hiking
