My 16 Favorite August Vacation Spots in the USA

1. Half Moon Bay, Northern California

Honestly, this was one of my favorite stops when I road-tripped Highway One a few Augusts ago. The weather was that perfect California mild (hovering around the 60s) and I got lucky enough to be there when the coastal fog actually cleared. Another big bonus was that was peak humpback whale season, which was the highlight for me being a huge animal lover (although going on a boat tour gives you a much better chance of seeing them).

The town had this cool, relaxed-but-upscale vibe and I caught an awesome Friday Jazz Night and hit the Coastside Farmers Market which really made the weekend feel very special. I stopped over for three nights at the boutique 4-star Oceano Hotel & Spa which had such a beautiful location right on the harbor and just….exhaled. Between poking around the tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the cute little curated boutiques and art galleries it was total bliss for me!

My must-do: Dining at Pasta Moon, it had a great rustic-chic look, and the handmade Pappardelle was delicious. Also, try the ‘Green Eyed Monster’ (made from gin, limoncello and mint), it was easily one of the best cocktails I’ve had in a very long time!

2. Mackinac Island, Michigan

I was lucky enough to spend a week on Mackinac Island last August and I totally admired its nostalgic charm and very impressive traffic-free policy. I also thought the weather was perfect, it was around mid-70s with a welcoming lake breeze, so I spent most of the time making the most of it, biking through the State Park, kayaking on Lake Huron and watching Shakespeare in the Park and sailing regattas too!

I took the ferry over from Mackinaw City and stayed at the Inn at Stonecliffe, which felt tucked away and romantic (also their new wellness center was awesome!). I couldn’t leave Mackinac without doing the famous ‘fudge crawl’ downtown, but my absolute favorite part was just slowing down, admiring all the Victorian-era architecture and just getting into the full on summer vacation mode that this island was seemingly made for!

My favorite hangout – The iconic Grand Hotel, I didn’t stay there but I paid the fee to sit on its famous long porch lined with pretty red geraniums. Looking out over the Straits of Mackinac with a Gin Rickey in my hand was a very special moment for me!

3. Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe in August was just such a vibe! The weather was that perfect kind of sunny, dry heat (and was in the high 70s) that made it impossible to stay off the water! Driving up from Sacramento and staying for ten days, it was the perfect amount of time to hit both the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor and the Truckee Thursday food fair.

I spent my time hiking Emerald Bay to Eagle Falls, kayaking and paddle-boarding, checking out the artisan stalls at Tahoe City Farmers Market, sunbathing on Pope, Kiva, and Baldwin beaches (they all became my favorite hang-outs!) and tucking into a vegan burger while watching an Insta-worthy sunset at the waterside Boathouse on the Pier.

Where I stayed – the boutique Basecamp Tahoe South  which had a real funky look to it as well a rooftop hot tub and cool outdoor fire pit. My quirkily themed guest room was the highlight though, it had an orange tent over the bed, a fun faux campfire, and even a cool ‘starry night’ ceiling!

4. Cannon Beach, Oregon

This was another stop at Cannon Beach on my Highway 101 August road trip and really fell for this unique gem! I thought the weather was perfect—mid-60s, especially when the morning fog lifted (usually by noon). The sunsets were just soo photogenic it was peak whale-watching season too (bonus!). After whiling away at the local farmers market and Yoga in the Park I was totally won over by this place (and actually imagined myself living here)!

The quaint downtown, sandy beach, and tide pools around the iconic 72-meter Haystack Rock were perfect for one day’s exploring and the next I managed to tackle a trail in Ecola State Park.

My dining tip – Definitely try Mi Corazón, their veggie fajitas and pico de gallo covered with lime and cilantro were a superb way to end a day on the coast.

Where I stayed – The Surfsand Resort which had such a fun vibe and funky coastal-chic decor. Stand-out moments were soaking in my huge in-room tub and the cool concierge peeps who actually helped us guests set up a private bonfire on the beach for the sunset!

5. Portland, Oregon

After visiting Portland, it was a place I could really imagine myself living —its cool, hipster-friendly vibe totally resonated with me! August was also a great time to visit. Okay, it was obvious that it was peak tourist season, but the sunny weather, awesome food trucks and the energy in the city make it worth dodging the extra tourists. Also I caught the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby at Mt. Tabor, which was a funny and quirky gem to find!

I wanted to stay somewhere very ‘Portland’ so I opted for the local legend the 4-star McMenamins Kennedy School which was an old elementary school turned into a hotel where I could actually have a beer legally in a classroom! I spent my afternoons wandering the Rose Test Garden (the aroma was seriously heady in the summer) and checking out the Saturday Market along the waterfront. One night, I indulged in a live Indie band at the Crystal Ballroom and then Honeycomb Negronis on the Departure rooftop where the views really were something to shout about!

The Highlight – I did the tourist thing and went to Voodoo Doughnuts. I opted for the Memphis Mafia, which was basically a giant mess of banana, cinnamon, and peanut butter but totally up to the hype (and I didn’t even mind queuing either)!

6. Stonington, Maine

Stonington was exactly the kind of off-the-beaten-path gem I needed one August. The weather was just right for me, it was a typical Maine summer mix with warm, breezy days and wonderfully clear nights and checking out the beautifully presented Stonington Farmers’ Market was another trip bonus! It all felt very artsy and charming.

After a three-hour drive from Portland, I stayed at the The Eggemoggin Reach Inn in Brooklin, which was all rustic wood and nostalgia! And I made sure my days were as low-key as I wanted them which meant kayaking, taking a boat trip to wild Isle au Haut, hiking the old-growth forest at Crockett Cove Woods, checking out the cute little boutiques (Marlinespike Chandlery was a stand-out), and plenty of hearty farm-to-table meals.

My highlight – Dining at the harborside Stonecutter’s Kitchen, I really liked the casual, family-friendly vibe, the quaint harbor views, and their seriously incredible blueberry pie!

7. Long Beach Island, New Jersey

I took a summer weekend break to this barrier island and loved it. The Atlantic was at its warmest, the beaches were lively and sun-soaked, and the whole place had that classic summer feel, with water activities, outdoor dining, and seasonal events like National Night Out and Fire Pit Fridays.

After a two-hour drive from NYC, I stayed for a week of coastal fun: surfing and beach volleyball, boating and exploring Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, browsing farmers’ markets, riding the nostalgic rides at Fantasy Island Amusement Park, and wandering Beach Haven’s Victorian streets and boutique-lined avenues.

Location: off the central coast of New Jersey, northeastern US | Vibe: laid-back and family-friendly| Avg temp: 81°F to 84°F

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the grand 4-star Hotel LBI – I loved the panoramic views of Barnegat Bay, the trendy fire pits, the creative cocktails in the chic rooftop bar (especially their creamy Coconut Mojitos) and the indoor swimming pool which had a unique retractable roof! 

8. Hot Springs, Arkansas

I visited during August and found hot, sunny weather that was perfect for relaxing in the mineral-rich springs, with the town’s elevation helping soften the Southern humidity. The place had a lively late-summer vibe too, thanks to events like the Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run and the Ouachita Expressions Show.

I flew into Little Rock, drove an easy hour, and spent the weekend riding the quirky National Park Duck Tour, strolling Garvan Woodland Gardens, and exploring Bathhouse Row. I soaked in the thermal pools at Quapaw, admired the old-world charm of Buckstaff, and browsed downtown’s boutiques, galleries, and quirky museums.

Location: central Arkansas, south-central US | Vibe: spa-town charm | Avg temp: 90°F to 93°F

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the unique historic boutique The Gables Inn. The Victorian architecture, with its ornate woodwork, brass clawfoot bathtub, wrap-around porch and stained-glass windows made me feel like I was stepping back in time! 

9. Berkshires, Massachusetts

I took a break in this affluent, rural mountain region and loved the warm, dry August weather, which was perfect for exploring the countryside. The flowers were out in full force and the area was filled with awesome summer life vibes thanks to all the festivals, farmers’ markets, and outdoor events taking place!

I went to the spectacular Tanglewood Music Festival (the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra!), and the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival was also on this month. I flew into Albany, drove an hour, and spent a week hiking windswept Mount Greylock, boating on Lake Garfield, and exploring Lenox, Great Barrington, and Stockbridge with their creative galleries, quirky boutiques, and fine restaurants – the golden‑baked plum tart at the farm-t0-table restaurant Prairie Whale was a highlight!

Location: western Massachusetts, northeastern USA | Vibe: cultured countryside retreat | Avg temp: 75°F to 81°F

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the Insta-worthy 4-star boutique Life House Hotel – I was in awe of the vintage-chic decor and unique botanical theme details like their wonderful herbal teas (the Wild Blueberry & Bee Balm Infusion was my favorite), Le Labo toiletries and even how they served citrus water served in the lobby! 

10. Cambria, California

I loved my short summer break in this charming coastal village. I stopped here on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip in August and found mild, sunny days with cool ocean breezes and far less fog than earlier in the season.

It was also whale-watching season, and the town had a sunny, upbeat atmosphere thanks to the Cambria Farmers’ Market and all those casual outdoor lawn games.

I checked in for three nights at the funky Cambria Beach Lodge and spent my days hiking coastal bluffs, cycling the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, wine-tasting in nearby Paso Robles, and discovering moonstones, tide pools, and dolphins along the shore. I also lost hours exploring the boutique-filled, café-dotted downtown and its vibrant galleries.

Location: Central California coast, western US | Vibe: relaxed, artistic, and quaint | Avg temp: 64°F to 75°F

My favorite highlights…

• Dining at Robin’s Restaurant, I loved the blend of trendy and rustic decor, the romantic outdoor patio garden strung with pretty lights, and my divine, spicy Khow Suey Burmese curry.

11. Glacier National Park, Montana

My highlights…

• Staying at the incredible Many Glacier Hotel (which dated from 1915) – I loved its unique Swiss Chalet Design, black‑and‑white photos of early park explorers in the lobby and waking up to incredible lake views every morning! 

12. Block Island, Rhode Island

This serene resort island made a beautiful summer getaway. When I visited in August, the weather was warm enough for swimming and beach days (with the occasional rain shower), there was a lively seasonal feel too, thanks to the Saturday Farmers’ Market and live-music restaurants.

I took a high-speed ferry from Newport and spent a blissful few days unwinding on sandy shores. I toured the iconic Southeast Lighthouse, boated across the Great Salt Pond, wandered the Victorian-style Old Harbor with its waterfront shops and inns, and hiked the winding trails of the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Location: off the mainland Rhode Island, northeastern US | Vibe: quaint New England charm | Avg temp: 75°F to 81°F

My personal highlights…

• I stayed at the super-lush boutique Block Island Beach House and admired its striking, coastal-themed styling and local art. I especially loved the Crescent Beach, the cool ‘Beach Bar,’ the folk‑rock live music on the outdoor patio, and the trendy fire pits! 

13. Blue Lakes, Colorado

I loved hiking this series of alpine lakes in August. The weather was warm and dry with clear blue skies, low humidity, and only the occasional afternoon storm. The high-elevation trails were snow-free, the turquoise glacial lakes were at their brightest, and the meadows were full of wildflowers. It was also perfect for camping and stargazing under clear mountain skies.

I flew into Telluride, stayed at trendy 4s-star The Hotel Telluride, then drove 1.5 hours into the backcountry to camp for three days near Lower Blue Lake, where sunrise over the turquoise water and snow-dusted ridges was unforgettable. I hiked the surrounding trails and made the five-hour backpacking push to Upper Blue Lake, the most secluded of the trio — the solitude and pristine beauty were absolutely worth it!

Location: southwestern Colorado, western US | Vibe: pristine, high-alpine escape | Avg temp: 64°F to 75°F

My favorite highlights….

• The scenic drive to the Blue Lakes Trailhead via Dallas Creek Road – the gravel stretch of Dallas Creek Road wound past old wooden ranch fences, wildflower‑lined meadows, and tiny weather‑beaten barns that looked straight out of a postcard! 

14. Priest Lake, Idaho

I took a summer trip here and found the warm, dry, sunny weather perfect for swimming, boating, and camping, with the Selkirk Mountains and the lake’s clear alpine water looking their absolute best. It was also peak huckleberry season and a great time for spotting moose, beavers, and elk, which were all much more active.

After a two-hour drive from Spokane, I spent an unforgettable week paddling across Priest Lake, hiking the scenic trails in Priest Lake State Park, foraging wild huckleberries, picnicking on the soft sandy beaches, and taking slow, scenic drives to soak in the views.

Location: Northern Idaho, Northwestern US | Vibe: tranquil and unspoiled | Avg temp: 75°F to 84°F

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the historic Elkins Resort, which has welcomed guests since 1932, I adored my rustic log cabin with its cosy stone fireplace, hand‑hewn beams, and the sipping a morning coffee on the private deck where while watching loons glide across the glassy lake!

15. San Juan Islands, Washington

I visited this area on a summer escape and found warm, sunny, mostly dry days perfect for exploring, with the lavender fields in full bloom. It was also a great time for the Lopez Island Farmers Market and whale-watching, with orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales moving through the waters.

I drove two hours from Seattle to Anacortes, took the 1 hour 25 minute ferry, and spent a wonderful week kayaking quiet coves, strolling historic Roche Harbor, biking Lopez Island’s calm roads, sampling wines on Orcas, touring local studios, hiking Mount Finlayson, and sipping a Lavender and Wild Rose liqueur at the San Juan Islands Gin Distillery.

Location: off northwestern Washington State, Pacific Northwest, near border of Canada| Vibe: tranquil and nature-focused | Avg temp: 70°F to 75°F

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the unique Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping! I absolutely loved the quirky ‘Glamping’ experience of staying in a comfy double bed in a large luxury tent surrounded by nature (and meeting the owner’s cute little ginger stripy kittens and cats)! 

16. Seabrook, Washington

I thought this picturesque coastal town made a wonderfully low-key summer break, with the Pacific Northwest at its sunniest — perfect for beach days, tide-pooling, hiking, bonfires, and long sunset walks. I also enjoyed the Seabrook Saturday Markets, the Seabrook Sunset Concerts, and the quirky Gnome and Fairy Festival.

Just 2.5 hours from Seattle, I based myself in Seabrook for a long weekend, indulged in Salted Caramel Pretzel Cupcakes at Red Velvet Bakery, ate fresh seafood at Rising Tide Tavern, browsed local boutiques, relaxed on Seabrook Beach and Pacific Beach State Park, hiked forest trails, and took a scenic drive to Olympic National Park.

Location: central coast of Washington, northwestern US | Vibe: charming and family-friendly | Avg temp: 64°F to 75°F

My personal highlights…