Best Beaches to Visit in America in May
Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
May is the month that truly kicks off summer energy across the country. The water’s warming up, marinas are filling fast, and every coastline seems to come alive again. Whether you’re planning a weekend on the Gulf, a lake day in Texas, or a Pacific sunset cruise, these destinations are where the season begins.
Here are the best beaches to visit in America in May — and how to experience them from the water with Boatsetter.
1. Crandon Park Beach, Miami, Florida
Average High: 85°F
Why Go: As spring fades into summer, Miami delivers postcard-perfect conditions. Crandon Park’s wide beaches, calm waves, and clear water make it ideal for family outings or sandbar parties.
Boatsetter Tip: Spend the day on Biscayne Bay with a Miami boat rental, or upgrade to a Miami yacht charter for a private island-hopping adventure.
2. Clearwater Beach, Tampa Bay, Florida
Average High: 84°F
Why Go: May is one of Clearwater’s most beautiful months. Warm but not humid, it’s the perfect time for boating, fishing, and sunset cruising along the Gulf.
Boatsetter Insight: Book a Clearwater pontoon rental for a laid-back day on the water, or a Tampa Bay fishing charter for redfish and sea trout.
3. Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys
Average High: 86°F
Why Go: The Keys are in their prime by May. The reefs are clear, the seas are calm, and the summer rush hasn’t arrived yet.
Boatsetter Tip: Launch from Marathon with a Florida Keys boat rental and spend the day snorkeling or fishing around Bahia Honda.
4. Lake Travis, Austin, Texas
Average High: 87°F
Why Go: Austin locals know May as the best month to hit the lake before peak summer crowds. The water’s warm, the weather’s perfect, and the energy is high.
Boatsetter Insight: Rent a Lake Travis pontoon or party boat and anchor out at Devil’s Cove for a weekend you’ll want to repeat.
5. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
Average High: 70°F
Why Go: The early summer calm makes May the perfect time to visit Coronado. You’ll find soft sand, mild surf, and endless sunshine without the heavy June crowds.
Boatsetter Tip: Cruise under the bridge with a San Diego boat rental or explore Mission Bay for a relaxed coastal escape.
6. Malibu Beach, Los Angeles, California
Average High: 73°F
Why Go: Malibu is glowing in May — warm water, clear skies, and fewer tourists than in peak season. It’s perfect for early-summer picnics and oceanfront cruising.
Boatsetter Insight: Charter a Los Angeles boat or book a Malibu sailing trip to see the coastline from a new perspective.
7. Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
Average High: 73°F
Why Go: Memorial Day weekend marks the official return of beach season in Chicago. Oak Street Beach comes alive with swimmers, runners, and boats filling Lake Michigan.
Boatsetter Tip: Kick off the season with a Chicago boat rental or plan a private yacht day with skyline views and summer’s first sunset cruise.
8. Alki Beach, Seattle, Washington
Average High: 67°F
Why Go: Seattle’s coastal neighborhoods start buzzing in May as the weather warms and boating season begins. Alki Beach offers sweeping views of downtown and the Olympic Mountains.
Boatsetter Insight: Launch from the marina with a Seattle boat rental or book a Puget Sound charter for a calm spring day on the water.
9. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida
Average High: 86°F
Why Go: Known as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale is at its best in May — warm, breezy, and buzzing with pre-summer energy.
Boatsetter Tip: Rent a Fort Lauderdale yacht or center console and cruise the Intracoastal before dining dockside.
10. Treasure Island, St. Petersburg, Florida
Average High: 84°F
Why Go: Treasure Island delivers classic Florida charm with wide beaches, local restaurants, and some of the best boating routes in Tampa Bay.
Boatsetter Insight: Set out with a St. Petersburg boat rental or Tampa yacht charter for island hopping between Shell Key and Egmont Key.
Plan Your May Beach Getaway
May is when summer starts to feel real — and there’s no better way to welcome it than with a day on the water. Whether it’s a yacht in Miami, a pontoon in Austin, or the season’s first cruise in Chicago, Boatsetter helps you turn warm-weather plans into unforgettable memories.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
