Where to Travel in May

You've been dreaming of summer all year long, and it's finally here. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. Pack your new suit and plenty of sunscreen for your first beach weekend of the season. Where to go? Lucky you; we've done the work for you! Check out Travel's Best Beach Awards 2015, which include best party beach, romantic beach, family beach and more. One of these is bound to be a drive away from you.

Pack your fanciest hat and dash on over to Louisville, KY, for the first leg of the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing at the Kentucky Derby. Every year on the first Saturday of May, more than 150,000 spectators visit Churchill Downs for this historic event, which has been a tradition since 1875. If you miss this race, don’t fret — there’s still plenty of horse-racing action to catch throughout May. The Triple Crown tears through Baltimore on the third Saturday in May at the annual Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.

Can’t decide between a cityscape and a beach getaway? Head south to the charming city of Charleston to get a mix of both. Enjoy the mouthwatering cuisine, perfect weather, beautiful beaches and warm hospitality. Tour Battery Park to see gorgeous Southern mansions, stroll along King Street to check out eclectic shopping, and visit the picturesque plantations for a glimpse into the pre-Civil War South.

Take a trip to this desert oasis to bask in warm weather and retro Hollywood-cool style. See how the stars lived with a tour of Frank Sinatra's estate or Elvis Presley’s honeymoon hideaway. And once you’ve had your fill of Hollywood nostalgia, take a short drive to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Joshua Tree National Park.

May is one the best times to visit this Mediterranean hot spot, when it sees less crowded beaches and ancient ruins, lower prices and perfect weather. Marvel at ancient wonders including the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Then, soak up Greek culture with a tour of the islands, from stunning Santorini to sparsely populated Cyclades. And don’t miss the chance to taste all the Greek specialties, from souvlaki to fresh seafood.