15 Best Places to Visit in the US in August
Itching to get away? August is the perfect time to squeeze every last drop out of summer.
Some spots just know how to turn up the fun, with sunny weather and cool activities everywhere you look. If you’re chasing the best vibes, these places top the list.
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1. Bristol, Virginia
Bristol sits right on the Virginia-Tennessee border and has a downtown that hums with music and Southern charm.
August brings warm evenings perfect for rooftop drinks and live shows. The city’s historic buildings and friendly locals make every stroll memorable.
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a must, and the local food scene is all about comfort and creativity.
Where to Stay: The Sessions Hotel. This boutique spot mixes exposed brick, curated art, and a rooftop bar with fire pits–perfect for catching sunset views over the Appalachian Mountains.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is where mountain air meets indie spirit. August is prime for hiking Blue Ridge trails, checking out waterfalls, and sipping craft brews downtown.
The city bursts with street art, funky shops, and a music scene that keeps the nights lively.
Don’t skip the open-air markets or the farm-to-table restaurants that make every meal a highlight.
Where to Stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn. This grand hotel offers epic Blue Ridge views, a legendary spa, and a sunset terrace.
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3. Big Island, Hawaii
The Big Island brings the heat in August with sunny beaches, lush rainforests, and volcano adventures.
August’s dry weather means more time outside, less time worrying about rain. Snorkel with sea turtles, stargaze at Mauna Kea, or chase waterfalls in Hilo.
The island’s diverse landscapes mean you can hit a black sand beach in the morning and a coffee farm by afternoon.
Where to Stay: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. This iconic resort is famous for its stunning beach, manta ray sightings, and mid-century style.
4. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is a Midwest summer classic, with nearly 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and small towns that look straight out of a postcard.
August is cherry season–pick your own or hit a farm stand. Take a lighthouse tour, kayak along the coast, or catch live bluegrass at a local festival.
The weather is perfect for biking, boating, and road-tripping between villages.
Where to Stay: Glidden Lodge Beach Resort. This lakeside retreat is top-rated for its private beach, friendly staff, and sunset views that steal the show every night.
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5. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder in August is all about mountain trails, outdoor concerts, and cool nights under the stars.
Hike the Royal Arch Trail, grab a bite at a farm-fresh café, and soak up the laid-back, outdoorsy vibe that Boulder does best.
Where to Stay: St Julien Hotel & Spa. This downtown hotel is a peaceful oasis with Flatiron views, a luxe spa, and live jazz in the lobby.
6. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe in August is a summer dream with clear turquoise water, sandy beaches, and endless outdoor adventures.
The crowds thin out as school starts mid-month, so you’ll find better rates and shorter lines.
Soak up the sun on the shore, kayak or paddleboard, and catch free concerts like Live at Lakeview.
Don’t miss the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival–world-class theater with mountain views.
Where to Stay: Hotel Azure Tahoe. With lake views, a pool, and a laid-back vibe just steps from the beach, this spot is all about easy summer living.
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7. New York City, New York
August in New York City means hot days, buzzing neighborhoods, and a packed calendar of events.
Stroll through Summer Streets, where miles of Manhattan roads close to cars for walkers and bikers.
Cool off at Coney Island’s classic boardwalk or catch the US Open in Queens. Hotel prices start to dip, making it easier on your wallet.
Where to Stay: The Wall Street Hotel. This luxe downtown stay stands out with pearl-inspired design and a plush lobby bar.
8. Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is where wild Montana beauty meets small-town energy. August is prime for hiking the M Trail, tubing the Madison River, and catching Music on Main, a free street concert every Thursday.
Farmers markets fill downtown with fresh produce and local crafts, and Yellowstone National Park is just a day trip away for geysers and wildlife.
Where to Stay: Lewis & Clark Motel. This retro-cool hotel has mountain views, a huge indoor pool, and a wellness area.
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9. Seabrook, Washington
Seabrook is a coastal spot that feels straight out of a movie set, with pastel beach houses and paths lined with oyster shells.
August is perfect for biking, beachcombing, or hiking the Gnome Trail. The town’s car-free vibe makes it easy to explore on foot, and summer brings sunset concerts and outdoor fun for all ages.
Where to Stay: Good Day Getaway. This charming rental stands out with its stylish décor, roomy layout, and a deck made for evening hangouts under the stars.
10. San Diego, California
San Diego in August is all about sunshine, ocean breezes, and endless things to do.
The beaches are perfect for swimming and surfing, and festivals like Bike the Bay and Bayside Summer Nights keep the city buzzing.
Late August means fewer crowds, so you’ll have more space to spread out your towel and chill.
Where to Stay: The Lafayette Hotel And Club. This historic hotel wows with its retro pool, playful design, and a 24-hour diner that’s a local legend.
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11. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island in August feels like summer’s best-kept secret with sunny days, cool breezes, and highs around 74°F.
You can bike car-free streets, take a horse-drawn carriage tour, or kayak in some of the clearest freshwater around.
Where to Stay: Grand Hotel. This historic spot stands out for its sweeping porch, elegant decor, and afternoon tea that makes you feel like royalty.
12. Olympia, Washington
Olympia in August is all about outdoor fun, fresh food, and quirky festivals. It’s easy to fill your days with art walks, mural tours, and sunny afternoons by the bay.
Spend your days exploring lavender farms, hiking evergreen trails, or shopping at the huge farmers market.
The South Sound Block Party and Olympia Brew Fest fill the waterfront with music, food trucks, and local craft beers.
Where to Stay: Swantown Inn. This cozy B&B is famous for its homemade breakfasts and peaceful garden.
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13. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach in August means soft sand, salty air, and Haystack Rock towering over the Pacific.
Stroll the shoreline, hunt for tide pools, or snap photos of the dramatic sea stacks.
Downtown is packed with art galleries and ice cream shops, while bonfires light up the beach at night.
Hotel reservations go fast, so plan ahead if you want to wake up to ocean views.
Where to Stay: Surfsand Resort. This beachfront hotel is known for its killer views, cozy fireplaces, and fun extras like s’mores and free cookies.
14. Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay is the place for cool breezes, wildflower hikes, and endless ocean views in August.
Walk the bluffs, explore Main Street’s shops and galleries, or try the local seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
The weather is mild, perfect for biking or relaxing on the sand without breaking a sweat. Don’t miss the sunset over the Pacific, it’s a stunner every time.
Where to Stay: Half Moon Bay Lodge. This coastal retreat charms with its wood-burning fireplaces, plush robes, and a location just minutes from the beach and golf links.
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15. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs heats up in August, but that just means more time to soak in the famous thermal baths.
Check out the historic Bathhouse Row, wander through Garvan Woodland Gardens, or take a scenic drive in the Ouachita Mountains.
The city’s late-summer festivals and quirky shops keep things lively, and the mineral-rich waters are always the main event.
Where to Stay: The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This boutique hotel stands out for its stylish rooms and prime location near Bathhouse Row.
