Wondering where to go for your August vacation? This guide to the best places to visit in August USA edition highlights perfect destinations for the ultimate summer experience. Whether you’re looking for scenic national parks, vibrant cities, or relaxing beach towns, find the spot that suits your summer plans.
Table of Contents
Top Places To Visit in August USA Edition
August is the month for outdoor adventures and festivals across the USA. Each place has its own menu of exciting activities. For example, Hawaii’s Big Island is a snorkeling and hiking paradise, Glacier National Park is for wildlife spotting and backcountry adventures, and San Francisco is festival central and full of iconic landmarks.
Mackinac Island has history and natural beauty in spades, and being car-free is a bonus. Asheville is festival-central and full of art and music, and Memphis has a music scene and foodie delights. So whether you want to relax, explore, or indulge in local culture, August in the USA has got you covered.
1. Big Island, Hawai’i
The Big Island of Hawai’i is a paradise in itself with its many landscapes and activities. Warm weather in August makes exploring its beaches and white sand shores even more thrilling. Island hopping and snorkeling in the clear waters are at their best this time of year, with predictable conditions for underwater adventures. Imagine swimming with marine life with the sun shining overhead, and every moment is a photo op.
If you love to hike, the Kilauea Iki Trail in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is for you. Not only are the views stunning, but it’s also a great stargazing spot. The trail, with its unique volcanic landscape, becomes a celestial wonderland at night. And don’t forget the island’s environmental diversity with 8 of the 13 climate zones, so every corner of the island is a new adventure waiting to be had.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park in Montana is a nature lover’s paradise. With trails cleared of ice and snow in August, it’s the perfect time to see the park’s highlights. You can hike glaciers, mountains, and scenic views, and don’t miss the Sun Road, Granite Park Chalet, and the Continental Divide. These are some of the most spectacular sights and landscapes in the US.
Outdoor types can include hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. The Swiftcurrent Lookout hike is a must-do and has one of the best views from the Continental Divide. Wildlife spotting is also a highlight, with mountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, and bald eagles.
For those who want to get away from the crowds venturing into the backcountry, it is a peaceful and less crowded experience that is perfect for horseback riding.
3. San Francisco, California
August brings history, festivals, and waterfront views to San Francisco. The city’s Mediterranean climate means pleasant weather to explore landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Downtown is festival central with the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in Golden Gate Park, which is music, food, wine, and activism all rolled into one.
Local festivals are part of the fun. The Chinatown Music Festival has free performances by traditional and contemporary artists, and the San Francisco Fringe Festival has a variety of stage shows. Whether you’re strolling through the charming cobblestone streets of Chinatown or enjoying the waterfront views from Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco has an August adventure for you.
4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park has geothermal wonders and wildlife in abundance. August’s weather is perfect to hike over 900 miles of trails. Famous sights like Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River are a must see and a geological wonder.
The park has the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states, including bears, wolves, bison, and elk.
Educational programs at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center will give you a deeper understanding of the park’s wildlife and ecosystem. Whether you’re a hiker or a wildlife buff, Yellowstone has endless to discover.
5. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a nature and art lover’s paradise. Some of the top attractions in Asheville are the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers scenic drives with views, and Mount Mitchell Summit, which offers cooler temperatures and views. Hiking trails abound, with trails to beautiful spots like Schoolhouse Falls and Skinny Dip Falls.
August is also festival time. The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival is all about local music and dance and a peek into the region’s heritage. Art and food festivals are part of the fun and make Asheville a perfect summer vacation spot.
6. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is car-free and takes you back in time. Bicycles, boats, and horse-drawn carriages are the main modes of transportation and add to the island’s charm. August’s weather is perfect for biking around the island or taking a boat ride on Lake Michigan.
The Mackinac Island Fudge Festival is a sweet highlight, celebrating the island’s reputation as the Fudge Capital of the World. Public ferries provide easy access from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, making it a convenient and delightful summer destination.
7. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park has it all. Coastal, forests, mountains, glaciers. August is the time to get out and enjoy it all through hiking, fishing, camping and kayaking.
The park has everything for every nature nut. Whether you’re hiking through old-growth forests, fishing in the clear waters, or camping under the stars, Olympic National Park will be an adventure to remember.
8. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is all about unspoiled beaches and natural beauty. In August, the beaches are at their peak, with top-rated beaches like Nauset Beach, Coast Guard Beach, and Sandy Neck Beach drawing visitors from far and wide. Whale-watching tours give you the chance to see these giants up close, and lavender farms in Harwich are in full bloom.
Mayflower Beach in Dennis and Race Point Beach in Provincetown are great for family time, with calm waters and vast tidal flats. If you want to get a little more adventurous Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet has dramatic cliffs and a beach bar, ‘The Beachcomber’. Cape Cod in August is relaxing and exciting, and it is the perfect summer getaway.
9. Bar Harbor, Maine
Just outside Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor becomes the hub of adventure in August. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking are ways to see the coastal and forest landscapes. Whale-watching tours give you the chance to see these giants in their natural habitat.
Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking opportunities and ranger led programs to guide you through. Wildlife spotting is a big plus with deer, red fox and numerous bird species to see. Bar Harbor in August is a nature lover’s paradise.
10. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe becomes a summer playground for water sports and beach activities. August is the perfect time to get out on the water kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing. Rent a speedboat or jet ski and explore the hidden beaches and coves and add some adventure to your visit.
The South Lake Tahoe Bike Path is a scenic ride with access to the best beaches and is family-friendly. For a more chill experience, sunbathing and beach games on Tahoe’s sand beaches are the way to go. Lake Tahoe in August is all about fun in the sun.
11. Park City, Utah
Park City nestled in the Utah mountains is a mix of thrill and tranquility. Hot air balloon rides give you breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and nearby lakes offer water activities like stand-up paddleboarding and fly fishing.
The Deer Valley Resort has a free early summer concert series on Wednesday nights where you can enjoy live music and picnics in the August weather. Park City in August is a sweet spot for everyone.
12. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is a vibrant city with a wealth of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Bands on the Bricks is a live concert series that runs through mid-August. The series features all kinds of music, from reggae to rock. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival also runs through mid-August, so you can get your cultural fix.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Royal Arch Trail and Enchanted Mesa are hiking trails with great views and challenging hikes. Craft beer lovers can try local brews at the Boulder Craft Beer Fest. Boulder is a fun and diverse destination in August.
13. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is a nature lover’s haven. August is the high season to visit with ocean views, forest trails, and wildlife spotting. The park’s 45 miles of motor-free carriage roads are perfect for biking and a peaceful way to see the landscape.
Hiking, kayaking and driving on the scenic park roads are popular activities. Cadillac Mountain and the Gorham Mountain Loop are the must see natural attractions with stunning views and experiences. Acadia in August is a nature lover’s paradise.
14. San Diego, California
With sunshine pouring down, San Diego is a paradise in August, with beautiful beaches and world-class attractions. La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach are the places to sunbathe and swim, and they have perfect summer weather. The San Diego Zoo, with its many animals and gardens, is a must-see.
Balboa Park is home to the zoo and the peaceful Japanese Friendship Garden and is a cultural hub with many museums and performing arts venues. San Diego in August is good for families and solo travelers alike, and it offers endless fun and relaxation.
15. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County in Wisconsin has history and natural beauty. With 300 miles of shoreline, it’s a water and beach lover’s paradise. The area has been inhabited since the 1600s with French explorers like Jean Nicolet passing through.
Cherry picking is a big deal in August as Door County is one of the top cherry-producing regions in the world. The history and natural beauty make it a unique summer destination.
16. Seattle, Washington
August in Seattle is a mix of urban and outdoor excitement. The city has concerts with big name artists like Alanis Morissette and Foo Fighters. The Seafair air show with the Blue Angels is a big event that draws crowds.
For outdoor lovers, the Mount Rainier Day Tour has hiking opportunities with departures from downtown Seattle. The Duwamish River Festival has kayak rides and kids’ activities to celebrate river restoration in a fun way.
Seattle in August is something for everyone.
17. Portland, Oregon
In Portland August is a month to get immersed in the Pacific Northwest culture. The Pickathon music festival has a diverse lineup of artists and a lively atmosphere. The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby has carts racing down the hill and is a fun summer event.
Foodies will love the Jade Night Market with over 100 international vendors and food, music and goods. The Elephant Garlic Fest near Portland has garlic ice cream, a must see for adventurous eaters.
Portland’s Dahlia Festival has beautiful flowers and adds color to the summer landscape.
18. Glynn County, Georgia
Glynn County has history and natural beauty. The historic Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island is a must-see and a glimpse into the past. The Brunswick Old Town Historic District is another area with historic buildings and charming streets.
Nature lovers have plenty to explore in Glynn County. The Jekyll Island Historic District is a National Historic Landmark that’s definitely worth a visit. Then there’s the St. Simons Lighthouse, which offers not only beautiful views but also a slice of history. And don’t miss the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, a rice plantation from the 1800s that gives you a glimpse into the past.
These are just a few of the gems you can discover. So if you’re into history and nature, Glynn County in August is the perfect spot for you.
19. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks has unspoiled beaches and lots of activities. August has seasonal events like the Outer Banks Pirate Festival and Watermelon Festival. Families can do Corolla Horse Tours, mini-golf and dolphin tours.
Water sports enthusiasts can kayak, deep sea fish and kiteboard. Local museums like the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum are a cool escape from the summer heat. Vacation rentals have private pools and beach access so the Outer Banks is a summer vacation paradise.
20. The Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
The Smoky Mountains have breathtaking views and lots of outdoor activities. August’s warm and sunny days with afternoon rain showers are perfect for getting out. The park has over 2,100 miles of streams and rivers to cool off in and wildflowers in the meadows.
For hikers, the Gregory Bald Trail and Ramsey Cascades Trail are great, with beautiful scenery. Fontana Lake is great for kayaking, and Cades Cove Loop Road is a peaceful bike ride on vehicle-free mornings.
The Smoky Mountains in August is a mix of calm and adventure in the mountain towns.
21. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
In August, the Berkshires become a cultural and outdoor haven. The Berkshire Theatre Group and Williamstown Theater Festival have performances all month. Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, the longest-running international dance festival in the US, adds to the region’s cultural fabric.
If you’re into outdoor activities, the Berkshires won’t disappoint. You can hike the Appalachian Trail, ride mountain coasters, zipline through the treetops, or even go whitewater rafting for a thrill. And if you’re a music lover, Tanglewood is a must-visit. It’s the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and hosts concerts by popular artists, making music an integral part of the Berkshires’ experience. In August, the Berkshires is where culture meets nature in the best way possible.
22. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a charming beach town with perfectly preserved Victorian architecture and beaches. The streets are lined with colorful houses and are fun to walk and explore. The beaches have soft sand and are great for sunbathing and swimming.
Whale-watching cruises are also available in August, allowing visitors to get up close to and interact with marine life. Boutique shops and restaurants add to Cape May’s charm, making it a great place for a summer vacation. Cape May in August offers history, beauty, and relaxation.
23. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has music, food and culture. Elvis Week in August draws fans from around the world with concerts, film screenings and more celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The city’s barbecue is legendary with culinary experiences that will delight your taste buds.
Farmers’ markets often have live music, so shopping is fun. Memphis has music everywhere with many festivals featuring local and national talent. Memphis in August is a city that’s alive and delicious.
24. Boston, MA
In August, Boston will have a mix of historic landmarks and lively neighborhoods. The Freedom Trail links many sites of the American Revolution and is a history walk. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a fun place to shop and dine, and it hosts free public events and concerts.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway, a new park from the North End to Chinatown, has art, a carousel, and seasonal beer gardens. Historic Downtown Boston has taverns and Irish pubs with live music and nightlife. Boston in August is a city that has both history and modern fun.
25. South Haven, Michigan
South Haven, Michigan, in August, is a real treat. I’ve been, and it’s like walking into a summer fantasy. The weather is just right—warm enough to enjoy the beach but not so hot you’re sweating. The beaches are gorgeous, with soft sand and clear water that makes you want to jump in. You can spend your days lounging by the lake, soaking up the sun, and maybe even trying your hand at water sports.
But it’s not just about the beach. It has this relaxed, laid-back feel to it that makes you feel right at home. The downtown area has cute shops, great eateries, and cozy cafes where you can grab a coffee and watch the world go by. There are also some amazing local wineries and breweries if you want to do a little tasting tour.
One of the best parts of August is the National Blueberry Festival. It’s a hoot – live music, parades, and all the blueberry goodies you can imagine. Seriously, if you love blueberries, you’ll be in blueberry heaven. And the sunsets over Lake Michigan are pure magic.
So, if you’re looking for a place to relax, have fun, and soak up some serious summer vibes, South Haven in August should definitely be on your list. You won’t regret it.
Best Places to Visit in August, USA 2024
What makes August a good time to visit these destinations?
August is a great time to visit these destinations because you can enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds, and a range of festivals and outdoor activities. It’s the perfect month for travel!
Are these destinations affordable?
Yes, these destinations are designed to be affordable, offering various activities for different budgets.
Can I expect good weather at these destinations in August?
Yes, you can expect good weather in August for outdoor activities and exploration in most featured destinations.
Are these destinations family-friendly?
Yes, these destinations are family-friendly as they offer a variety of activities suitable for a summer vacation with family.
How can I find more information about these destinations?
To find more information about these destinations, visit the official tourism websites or local visitor centers for detailed insights on each location.
The USA has a ton of affordable places to go in August. From the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod and the charm of Cape May to the natural beauty of Yellowstone and the culture of Memphis, there really is something for everyone. Each place has its own special experience, whether you want to relax, get excited, or a little of both. So pack your bags, hit the road, and make some summer memories.
