May is a sweet spot not discussed enough.
A majority of spring crowds will have disappeared as spring break shenanigans will largely be a distant thought, and most of us will be saving up for summer, especially with gas prices soaring.
That said, many beach getaways are just as awesome to visit one month prior to waiting until summer kicks off.
With lower prices, fewer footprints, and fewer tourists to deal with, May is high on our list for the perfect vacation.
That’s why we’re happy to dive into Going’s (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) latest report, detailing 3 amazing beach destinations for a late spring vacation, no matter if you’re Team West Coast or East Coast.
Unfortunately, avoiding sand in all the wrong places is still on you…
3) Outer Banks: More Than A Netflix Binge
As many fictional setups as there are on TV, Outer Banks is a real-life place that may just outdo its Netflix portrayal with wide open shores and charming towns dotting North Carolina’s ever-so-trendy hideaway.
In fact, come summertime, you can take the ‘hide’ out of “hideaway” — the secret is out.
That’s why May is the perfect time to treasure for yourself what’s now being discovered by everyone and their mother.
Boasting mild weather ranging from 65 – 80 degrees on any given May day (no, that’s not a call for help), you can savor as many blissful days as you can pack in before summer road-trippers invade this sprawling coastline Netflix made famous.
Ironically, for as many people as there will be packing their cars to the gills, the main attractions not involving sun or sand are the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
History buffs, families, couples, and anyone with a heartbeat will all fall in love with the Outer Banks — just expect a completely different vibe from the drama-heavy TV series.
The atmosphere here couldn’t be more laid back.
2) Charleston: Where Timeless Elegance Meets The Atlantic
Let’s be honest — as one of the few literal postcard cities in the U.S., it’s going to be busy all times of the year.
But again, May is the rare exception to take some of the hassle out of your day when all you’re trying to do is score a table at a trendy restaurant whipping up modern takes on southern staples — or Waffle House if you’re like me — and enjoy many of the city’s storied landmarks without fighting off a swarm of selfie-takers.
Charleston is largely known for its timeless European allure, but this historic city is just as much of a beach destination.
That’s right, you don’t have to deal with all the screaming kids at Myrtle Beach either — you can relax on the outskirts of Charleston at such places as Folly Beach.
No matter if you’re just looking for a unique escape to kick back seaside, a foodie checking off a bucket-list restaurant, or culture lover wanting to immerse in Charleston’s antebellum charm, the city has it all, which is why its so popular.
May sees consistent days of 70 – 85 degrees, perfect for exploring the Historic District, its vibrant coast, and outdoor patios.
1) San Diego: There’s Never A Bad Day in “America’s Finest City”
Nevada and Arizona plates flock San Diego roadways at the turn of March like clockwork, but between then and summer, you’ll feel more like a local until the all-but-certain summer invasion
Take it from a local (me!), that if you’re having a bad time in San Diego, you just aren’t the travelin’ type.
“America’s Finest City” may be portrayed as having small town vibes, which isn’t untrue, but it’s one of the country’s largest cities and brimming with culture and otherworldly landscapes away from the paradise coastline.
While beach days are all but obligatory, there are ample neighborhoods tourists’ don’t know exist like Kensington, North Park, and Shelter Island that feel way more local than jam-packed La Jolla and Mission Beach — both stunning beach getaways but hardly crowd-free.
San Diego is practically begging you to be outside with mild, sunny days of 65 – 72 weather most days, which is why I always recommend Kensington since every restaurant has a patio, including newly-opened Trattoria de Sofia, when you’re not monkeying around the world-famous San Diego Zoo or hitting up the beach.
One thing to note, however, is “May Gray”.
This unofficial weather phenomenon puts a damper on many tourists’ vacation as San Diego tends to see random cloudy days from mid-May through June, which then switches to “June Gloom” and makes for exploring one of America’s most beautiful cities beyond the coast more enticing.
Maybe a scenic hike to Potato Chip Rock?
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
