Looking to make the most of your summer travel window? August is the perfect month to squeeze in one last adventure before fall routines kick in. Whether you’re after outdoor adventure, seaside serenity, or cultural exploration, these 15 spots stand out as the best places to visit in the U.S. this August.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
August is peak season at Glacier National Park. And for good reason. This is the rare window when the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, allowing access to breathtaking alpine passes, glacial lakes, and wildflower-carpeted meadows. Average daytime temperatures hover in the low 70s, making it perfect for hiking the Highline Trail or boating on Lake McDonald.
Wildlife is also on display, from mountain goats to grizzly bears, and clear skies offer excellent visibility for photographers. With over 700 miles of trails and ranger-led programs throughout the month, Glacier is an unmatched wilderness escape.
2. Yellowstone National Park, WY/MT/ID
August in Yellowstone offers warm, dry conditions that are perfect for outdoor exploration. Lamar Valley turns into a real-life wildlife documentary, where visitors regularly spot herds of bison, elk, and even wolves. The park’s geothermal features, such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and steam, are visible under crisp blue skies.
The hiking trails are dry and accessible this time of year, and campgrounds are bustling with activity. The park’s vast size makes it ideal for road trips, and with kids still on summer break, it’s a top choice for adventurous families.
3. Big Island, Hawaii
August is one of the driest and sunniest months on Hawaii’s Big Island, presenting the perfect conditions for snorkeling, hiking, and stargazing. Kealakekua Bay teems with tropical fish and spinner dolphins, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases lava tubes and steaming calderas.
Up high on Mauna Kea, you’ll find some of the best stargazing on Earth. Just bring a jacket! Plus, fewer crowds compared to earlier summer months mean better hotel rates and quieter beaches.
4. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
This alpine lake destination straddling California and Nevada comes alive in August with shimmering blue waters, breezy pine forests, and cultural events like the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream with kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and hiking all in full swing.
Daytime temps sit in the 70s and 80s, while evenings are refreshingly cool. Whether you’re lounging at Sand Harbor or taking the scenic gondola in Heavenly, Lake Tahoe is pure summer magic.
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step back in time on Mackinac Island, where no cars are allowed and horse-drawn carriages rule the road. In August, the island bursts with color from blooming gardens, and the famous Mackinac Island Fudge Festival fills the air with sweet aromas.
Temperatures in the low 70s make for ideal biking conditions. Rent one and take the 8.2-mile loop around the island’s perimeter. With its Victorian charm, lakeside beauty, and family-friendly vibes, it’s a Midwest gem.
6. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod in August features warm beaches, fresh seafood, and daily whale-watching cruises from Provincetown. Carnival Week, a weeklong celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, brings music, parades, and dancing to the Cape’s tip mid-month.
The Cape Cod National Seashore offers serene hiking trails and historic lighthouses. Whether you’re exploring dunes, digging into a lobster roll, or enjoying beach bonfires, Cape Cod is idyllic in August.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers cooler temps than many southern cities during August. Ideal conditions for exploring its Art Deco downtown area, bustling farmers markets, and the grand Biltmore Estate in full summer bloom.
Although Hurricane Helene brought devastating floods in September 2024, submerging Biltmore Village and much of the River Arts District, Asheville has largely reopened. Downtown, craft breweries, and culinary destinations are welcoming visitors again, and the local spirit is stronger than ever.
August hosts events like LEAF Downtown AVL and music at the Biltmore Estate, while hikers can still explore reopened sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Neighboring attractions such as Chimney Rock State Park have also resumed operation, marking a resilient comeback for Western North Carolina tourism. Travelers are encouraged to visit, not just for the fading summer bliss, but to support Asheville’s recovery, where each booking, meal, and museum ticket helps sustain a community building back stronger than before.
8. Boulder, Colorado
At 5,400 feet above sea level, Boulder radiates sunshine and cooler August temperatures. The Flatirons provide dramatic backdrops for hikes, while Boulder Creek offers tubing and lazy riverside lounging. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival continues through August, blending culture with open-air charm.
Known for its healthy lifestyle, Boulder is also a great place to enjoy yoga in the park, bike trails, and lively outdoor patios with farm-fresh eats.
9. Seattle, Washington
August in Seattle is sun-drenched and surprisingly dry. Pike Place Market is at its liveliest, ferry rides across Puget Sound are crisp and scenic, and Mount Rainier stands visible in the distance. Outdoor concerts, beer gardens, and movies in the park fill the city calendar.
The Seattle Art Fair also takes place in early August, drawing creatives from around the world. With highs in the 70s, this is your moment to explore the Emerald City rain-free.
10. Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine’s rugged coast peaks in August. Bar Harbor brims with fresh lobster shacks, local galleries, and harbor cruises. Acadia National Park offers cooler hiking temps and panoramic views from Cadillac Mountain.
Tidepooling, biking the historic carriage roads, and sunrise kayaking are all ideal this time of year. Visitors also enjoy the Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival and Acadia Night Sky Festival later in the month.
11. Sedona, Arizona
While Arizona summers can be intense, Sedona sits at a higher elevation, making August surprisingly bearable. Red rock formations glow in golden light, and early-morning hikes to Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge are outstanding.
Spiritual travelers come for vortex energy sites and healing retreats, while others enjoy art galleries and stargazing under Sedona’s dark skies. Flash sales on resorts and spa deals are an added bonus.
12. Portland, Oregon
August in Portland means blooming gardens, cool mornings, and lively outdoor festivals. The city’s renowned International Rose Test Garden is in full color, and Forest Park trails are shaded and serene.
Enjoy music at Pickathon, pop-up food fairs, and bike-friendly streets. For a unique experience, rent a kayak and paddle through downtown via the Willamette River.
13. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago in August is all about sunshine, skyline views, and waterfront vibes. The famous Lollapalooza music festival draws crowds to Grant Park, while free movies at Millennium Park entertain under the stars.
Cruise the Chicago River, take in city views from the Willis Tower Skydeck, or lounge along North Avenue Beach. Foodies can indulge in Taste of Greektown and the Chicago Air and Water Show weekend is a can’t-miss.
14. San Diego, California
With year-round sunshine and average August highs around 78°F, San Diego is SoCal perfection. Families flock to the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, and 70 miles of beaches.
August is also prime time for surfing, snorkeling at La Jolla Cove, and savoring fish tacos along the waterfront. Events like the Pacific Classic horse race and outdoor summer concerts make it a dynamic coastal retreat.
15. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This rugged Western town is a late-summer haven. Gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson Hole offers trail rides, whitewater rafting, and wildlife safaris. Evenings bring cool air and stunning alpenglow.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo and free Concerts on the Commons highlight the town’s cowboy culture. Come for the mountains, stay for the stargazing.
Why August Travel in the U.S. Is Worth It
Whether escaping the sweltering heat or chasing one last summer thrill, August is a travel sweet spot across the U.S. From glacier lakes and red rock canyons to art festivals and coastal escapes, this month offers something for every kind of adventurer.
Many destinations also host seasonal festivals, scenic drives, and outdoor events that vanish once school resumes and cooler weather creeps in. So if you’re still wondering where to go, consider this your sign to pack your bags and experience the country at its late-summer best.
For more destination inspiration, check out our full collection of travel guides to help plan your next unforgettable getaway.