As summer peaks, August is a great time to travel and explore the United States. The long, sunny days and warm nights create perfect conditions for adventurers. This month also offers a final opportunity to enjoy summer before school starts and fall sets in. It’s a great time to make memories through family vacations, romantic getaways, solo trips, or adventures with friends.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best places to visit in the USA in August, featuring well-known destinations and hidden gems. From Maine’s rugged coastlines to Arizona’s red rock formations, from the lively streets of Nashville to the tranquil lakes of Michigan, August in the United States offers endless possibilities.
Acadia National Park, Maine
For nature lovers, Acadia National Park is one of the best U.S. destinations in August. The park features a rugged coastline, pristine lakes, and lush forests, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Visitors can take on the challenging Precipice Trail for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean or witness the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain — the first place in the United States to see the morning light. For a more relaxed experience, you can ride a bike along the park’s historic carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 20th century.
During low tide, don’t miss the chance to explore the park’s tidepools, where you can find a fascinating array of marine life. The weather in August is perfect for activities like kayaking and canoeing on Jordan Pond or taking a refreshing dip in Echo Lake. You can end your day with a traditional lobster bake on the shore for a true Maine experience.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco has famously mild summers, making it one of the best places to travel in August in the USA. Start your visit by exploring iconic landmarks like the Gold Gate Bridge. Consider renting a bike to cycle across and enjoy stunning views of The Bay. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a haunting tour of the infamous former prison, but be sure to book in advance, as tickets sell out quickly. Indulge in world-class cuisine in the Mission District, known for its vibrant murals and restaurants.
For a unique August experience, don’t miss the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (August 9 to 11) in Golden Gate Park, featuring top musical acts and gourmet food vendors. Take a day trip near Muir Woods to walk among ancient redwoods or venture to Napa Valley for world-class wine tasting. Don’t forget to pack layers, as San Francisco’s microclimates can mean chilly fog in one neighborhood and warm sunshine in another.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is one of the best places to visit in the USA in August, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, over 700 miles of hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, or take a guided backcountry tour to spot grizzly bears and mountain goats. August showcases vibrant wildflower displays in alpine meadows.
August is the perfect time to admire wildflowers in the park’s alpine meadows, with striking displays of Indian paintbrush, fireweed, and beargrass. Cool off with a swim in Lake McDonald, or try fly fishing in one of the park’s pristine rivers. For a different view, take a boat tour on St. Mary Lake to see glacial valleys from the water. As night falls, join a ranger-led stargazing program to marvel at dark skies filled with countless stars and the Milky Way.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is one of the best places to travel in August, especially for music lovers. Start by touring the iconic Grand Ole Opry, where many country music legends have performed. Then, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn about the genre’s evolution from its roots to modern-day stars.
You can enjoy hot days in August by cooling off at water parks or relaxing on the Cumberland River. Nashville also offers a thriving food scene, ranging from hot chicken at Hattie B’s to gourmet Southern cuisine at Husk. Don’t miss the Wilson County Fair (August 15 to 24) for agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment. In the evenings, stroll down Broadway for neon lights and live music from honky-tonks.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step back in time and visit Mackinac Island, a hidden gem among the best places to visit in August in the USA. This car-free island in Lake Huron is famous for its Victorian architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and delicious fudge. You can start your visit with a leisurely bike ride around the island’s 8-mile perimeter and enjoy stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. While you’re there, explore Fort Mackinac, a restored 18th-century fort with costumed interpreters bringing history to life, and try the island’s famous fudge at one of the many downtown shops.
For a touch of luxury, enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails on the world’s longest porch at the Grand Hotel, a historic landmark that has hosted presidents and celebrities. August offers perfect weather for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the island’s rocky shoreline or taking a sunset sail on a replica 18th-century schooner. Be sure not to miss the chance to explore the island’s interior by horseback or hike through Mackinac Island State Park, which covers 80% of the island and features unique limestone formations and dense forests.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is considered one of the most diverse and best U.S. destinations in August. Explore the moss-draped Hoh Rain Forest, then contrast it with panoramic views from Hurricane Ridge, where wildflowers bloom in subalpine meadows. Contrasting this lush environment, a visit to Hurrican Ridge offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca, with subalpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in August. You can cool off with a dip in the Sol Duc Hot Springs or take a refreshing walk along Ruby Beach, known for its sea stacks and driftwood-strewn shore.
August is also an excellent time for whale watching along the park’s 73-mile coastline – you can join a guided tour to spot gray whales, orcas, and humpbacks. For a unique experience, plan an overnight backpacking trip to the Enchanted Valley, also known as the “Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls.” Lastly, you can end your visit with a sunset at Lake Crescent, where the clear, deep blue waters reflect the surrounding mountains in a postcard-perfect scene.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s antebellum charm and culinary scene make it one of the best places to travel in August in the USA. Start your trip with a stroll through the historic downtown, where rainbow-hued Georgian townhouses line cobblestone streets. Take a horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about the city’s rich history, or join a ghost tour for a spooky evening adventure. August’s warm weather is perfect for exploring nearby beaches – head to Folly Beach for surfing and a laid-back vibe or Sullivan’s Island for a quieter experience.
Food lovers will be in heaven with Charleston’s renowned culinary scene – don’t miss the opportunity to try Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits or she-crab soup. Cool off with a visit to the South Carolina Aquarium or take a boat tour to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the city as the sun sets, or take a romantic walk along The Battery, where antebellum mansions face the harbor.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is the best place to visit in the USA in August for spiritual renewal and natural beauty. Known for its stunning red rock formations and energy vortexes, Sedona offers a mix of outdoor adventure and New Age spirituality. Start with a sunrise hike to Cathedral Rock, then cool off at Slide Rock State Park’s natural water park. Take a jeep tour through the desert to explore hidden canyons and ancient Native American ruins.
Visit one of Sedona’s famous vortexes, which are believed to be spiritual healing centers. The Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into the red rocks, offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. As the day cools, indulge in a spa treatment at one of the luxurious resorts, incorporating local ingredients like red clay and prickly pear. End your evening with stargazing — Sedona’s dark sky ordinances make it an ideal spot for viewing the Milky Way and summer meteor showers.
Portland, Maine
While Portland, Maine, is often overshadowed by its namesake in Oregon, it stands as one of the best places to travel in August for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This coastal gem offers a thriving culinary scene with fresh seafood and numerous craft breweries at every turn. Explore the charming Old Port district, take a scenic Casco Bay cruise, and indulge in iconic Maine dishes like lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters at waterfront restaurants.
August’s warm weather is perfect for beach activities at Crescent Beach State Park or Two Lights State Park. Cultural attractions include the Portland Museum of Art and Victoria Mansion. Beer aficionados will appreciate Portland’s high concentration of breweries per capita. Don’t miss the Maine Lobster Festival (July 31 to August 4) in nearby Rockland, celebrating the state’s famous crustacean. For a perfect end to your day, take a sunset sail on a historic schooner, enjoying breathtaking coastal views.
Zion National Park, Utah
Rounding out our list of best places to visit in August in the USA is the awe-inspiring Zion National Park. Despite the summer heat, this month offers a chance to explore the famous Narrows hike, wading through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls. Start early to beat crowds on popular trails like Angels Landing, offering panoramic views for those who brave its heights. For a cooler option, explore the Emerald Pools trails. Take a scenic drive on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, featuring stunning vistas.
As temperatures peak, cool off with a swim in the Virgin River at the Temple of Sinawava or book a canyoneering tour to explore hidden slot canyons. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various birds. As the day cools, enjoy a sunset hike on the Canyon Overlook Trail. End your evening stargazing at the Human History Museum, where rangers offer programs on the park’s spectacular night skies.
From coastal retreats to mountain adventures and urban explorations to natural wonders, these ten destinations represent some of the best U.S. destinations in August. Each offers its own unique blend of attractions, activities, and experiences, ensuring every traveler can find their perfect August getaway. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, culture, or a mix of everything, these best places to visit in the USA in August are sure to deliver an exceptional summer vacation.
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