Top 15 U.S. Destinations to Visit in August 2025

Wildflowers at Mount Rainier National Park — Mount Rainier National Park bursts into color each August, when alpine wildflowers blanket the meadows — a short-lived but spectacular summer show beneath the iconic peak. │Adobe Stock

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

Famous Going-to-the-Sun road in the Glacier National Park, in Montana in beautiful summer day. — The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road winding through Glacier National Park, Montana, on a stunning summer day. │Adobe Stock

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

The Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park (the largest hot spring in the United States, and the third largest in the world) — Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring is a bucket-list wonder — its vivid colors shine brightest in August when the weather is warm and the views are crystal clear. │Adobe Stock

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

Stargazing at Mauna Kea, Big Island, Hawaii. Starry night sky, Milky Way galaxy astrophotography. Airglow (also called nightglow) is a faint emission of light by a planetary atmosphere. — Stargazing atop Mauna Kea on Hawaii’s Big Island is unforgettable — August brings clear skies and dazzling views of the Milky Way, with rare airglow lighting up the night above this dormant volcano. │Adobe Stock

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

Beautiful Day in Lake Tahoe, California — Summer days in Lake Tahoe, California, don’t get much better — August offers perfect weather for swimming, hiking, and soaking up those crystal-clear alpine views. │Adobe Stock

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.