Top 18 Amazing Places to Visit in August in the USA

With balmy temperatures, long days, and endless hours of sunshine, I personally think the summer months in this country are the best time to create some incredible memories! From my time spent exploring during August, here are my favorite spots…

1. Half Moon Bay, Northern California

I love this gem of a place located just south of San Francisco lies pretty Half Moon Bay! Like much of the California coast, it has a pleasant climate, although the nights can be cool and often foggy; this month has some of the best weather.

Many of North California’s best beaches, like Venice and Francis, are here. In my opinion, the biggest drawcard is Mavericks Beach, located just north of the town. If you are a surfer, you’ll love this place, and it’s famous for its waves that can reach 18m in height! 

I highly recommend the Devil’s Slide Trail, a 2-kilometer trail with some seriously awesome views of the dramatic coastline! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 235 Main Street Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
• Average temperatures – 19 degrees  

My favorite highlights…

• Walking along the Coastside Trail which stretches nearly 5-miles long and offers gorgeous views overlooking the ocean.
• Wandering along Main Street and discovering an array of shopping boutiques and fun dining options.

2. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Located in Lake Huron, there are no cars on this resort island, and the old buildings are beautifully maintained. I’m a huge fan of this gem, because when I visit I feel like I’m traveling back in time! 

I recommend taking a stroll down the town streets and admiring the Victorian buildings or visiting the town’s 12 museums.

Plenty of outdoor pursuits exist, from sailing to strolling along the beaches. And if you have a sweet tooth, I suggest trying some local fudge. There is a 3-day event towards the end of this month that celebrates this local sweet treat! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 7200 Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
• Average temperatures – 23 degrees

My favorite highlights…

• Checking out Fort Mackinac which was founded in 1870.
• Discovering the incredible 146-foot tall Arch Rock, which is locally famous for having superpowers!

3. Priest Lake, Idaho

I love this stunning beauty spot and the State Park that adjoins it! Located close to the Canadian border, it’s surrounded by high mountains and fir and cedar forests, the home of black bears, a few grizzlies, moose, and whitetail deer.

If you want to stay over, there are a few accommodation options, from resorts such as Hill’s and Elkin’s to do-it-yourself State camping grounds.

In my opinion, July and this month are great times to visit if you enjoy temperate weather (up to 29c) and want to hike, swim, or go boating.

The beauty and clarity of this lake and the rivers that feed it, as well as the breathtaking scenery, are why I’ve added this place to the list! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 174 Coolin, Idaho 83821
• Average temperature – 26 degrees

My highlights…

• Going hiking along the trails of the Selkirk Mountains and snapping breathtaking views overlooking the lake.
• Hiring a kayak.

4. Cambria, California

I think there’s nothing better than a Californian summer road trip, and I love this relaxed and welcoming beach town located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s perfectly situated if you are traveling the iconic Highway One route, so I highly recommend stopping over for a while.

In my experience, this month is a great time to visit. The weather is pleasant, with low rainfall, and it is perfect for hiking, cycling, and swimming. Moonstone Beach offers something for everyone, and I would recommend beachcombing for moonstones or trying to spot otters or seals! 

I highly recommend heading to the mile-long boardwalk for a stroll, visiting the nearby impressive Hearst Castle, hiking the Coastal Bluff Trail for wonderful views of this coastline and visiting the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.

While it is much quieter this month, this is when the bull seals finish their molting so you can see them lolling around on the beach (I loved this)!  Cambria is also a foodie’s heaven, with many types of cuisine available and wineries just a fifteen-minute drive away.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 767 Main Street, Cambria, California 93428
• Average temperature – 17 degrees

My favorite highlights…

• Taking a stroll across the gorgeous Moonstone Beach, well known for being one of California’s most beautiful beaches.
• Walking through the historic downtown filled with shopping boutiques, restaurants and a micro-brewery.
• Hiking the very scenic Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.

5. San Juan Islands, Washington

For an awesome summer trip, I recommend heading north from Seattle to Anacortes to catch one of the Washington State Ferries that will transport you to four of the 172 islands and islets of San Juan. The weather in the islands is pretty temperate all year round but at its best towards the end of summer.

One of my favorite activities here is whale watching. This is one of the regions where orcas and other whales can be seen year-round via the boat tours that set off from Friday Harbour on San Juan.

Each of the four main islands have their attractions, but I personally think Orcas and San Juan are the must-dos if your time is limited! 

San Juan is the busiest and most populated island, but still tranquil compared to the mainland. I would suggest visiting the Whale Museum to learn more about these magnificent creatures, enjoying one of the local restaurants, and picking an outdoor activity, from hiking to kayaking!

If you want more peace, I suggest heading for Orcas Island, which is home to amazing hikes, like the 6 km hike up Mt Constitution and on a clear day, you can see Mt Rainier and even Vancouver! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 165 First Street South, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 
• Average temperature – 20 degrees

My highlights…

• Renting a bike and exploring around the islands.
• Going on an adrenaline-pumping 3-hour ziplining adventure.
• Sampling mouth-watering local gin at the island’s distillery! 

6. South Lake Tahoe, California

I’m a big fan of Lake Tahoe and not just as a winter sports destination, in my opinion, it has a lot of fun and activities to offer all year round.

There are many trails, ranging from children- and dog-friendly paths, to more challenging routes, and I would personally recommend the flat and easy Spooner Lake Hike or the day-long Mt.Tallac Trail which is 5 miles and rises 3,000 feet.

For the intrepid I would recommend the 265-kilometer Tahoe Rim Trail, which you can travel on foot, or even mountain bike, or enter for the Tahoe Triathlon at the end of this month! If you still have excess energy, I highly recommend spending your nights hitting Tahoe’s nightclubs and casinos, it’s a buzzing spot!

I would also suggest heading to Summer Concert performers like Lady Gaga at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena or the free concerts at Lakeview Commons.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 1901 Lisa Maloff Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA  96150
• Average temperatures – 26 degrees

My highlights…

• Enjoying live music at a summer concert.
• Cycling along the paved trails through the stunning mountain scenery and the gorgeous beaches.

7. Cannon Beach, Oregon

This place is an Instagrammer’s dream! Cannon Beach takes its name from a cannon washed ashore from the US schooner Shark that ran aground in 1846. I think all of Oregon’s beaches are picturesque, and I love that hills and rocky outcrops surround them. 

The most famous of these rocks is the incredible 72m Haystack, which juts out of the sea at Cannon Beach. The rock is home to many nesting seabirds, such as tufted puffins and murres. At low tide, I would also recommend exploring the tidal pools at the base of the rock.

Surfing is popular here, and wildlife-watching is on the trails in nearby Ecola State Park, with many hoping to see bald eagles or Roosevelt elk! The best weather and the most popular time to visit is towards the end of this month.

• Visitor’s Center Address: Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce, 207 N Spruce | PO Box 64, Cannon Beach OR 97110
• Average temperatures – 20 degrees

My highlights…

• Taking surfing lessons!
• Dining at the upbeat Mi Corazón Restaurant, which offers tasty Latin cuisine.
• Hiking the Indian Beach Trail which offers gorgeous coastal scenery.

8. Stonington, Maine

I love this tranquil gem! It has a population of around 1040 and an average temperature of about 19°C this month. Stonington is a small but beautiful waterside city and in my opinion, makes a great low-key relaxed summer destination.

The coastal towns of Stonington and Deer Isle are both linked by bridges to the mainland, and Stonington is a quaint, scenic, and charming place and makes a cooler weather summer break during this month, perfect for those trying to escape the searing summer heat in other states. 

To immerse yourself, into the lifestyle here I would recommend trying all the water activity like boating, kayaking, and swimming, and also sampling locally sourced food, which is delicious!

I would also suggest exploring the numerous art galleries, the charming local opera house, and the cute gift shops! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 13 Atlantic Ave, Stonington, ME 04681
• Average temperatures – 27 degrees

My highlights…

• Wandering around Main Street in Downtown, which is home design shops, galleries, and boutiques.
• Spending the day relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing at DuBois Beach.
• Checking out the Mystic Seaport Museum where I found interesting facts about Stonington.

9. Portland, Oregon

I’ve spent a lot of time in Portland, and I honestly think it’s at its best in summer, which is also its peak tourist season. If you visit during this month, you’ll see the beautiful roses the city is famous for.

I would recommend heading to the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park to see them and then exploring the nearby Portland Japanese Garden simultaneously!

I also love that there are many fun events, like the Pickathon Music Festival and the Soapbox Derby. The city prides itself on its bike-ability, so make sure to get involved in the annual Bridge Pedal this is a very fun family-friendly event and is even up there as one of the world’s largest group pedaling events. Here, you can pedal streets closed to motor traffic.

If all that exercise has made you hungry, I recommend sampling food and craft beers at one of the many farmers’ markets or street fairs in the summer.

• Visitor’s Centre Address: 877 SW Taylor St. Portland, OR 97204
• Average temperatures – 27 degrees

My favorite highlights…

• Visiting the beautiful International Rose Test Garden.
• Taking a boat tour along the breathtaking Willamette River.
• Having fun at a summer music festival.

10. Glacier National Park, Montana

This one is for the nature lovers! This magnificent park is over 4000 square kilometers of forests and lakes and is traversed by sub-ranges of the Rockies. It is at its busiest this month, but in my opinion, the weather is ideal, making it a great time to visit.

It has been a resort area for over a century; the original hotels are now National Historic Landmarks. They were built to accommodate tourists coming to the Park via the Great Northern Railroad and the later “Going-to-the-Sun” road.

I recommend a night at one of these venerable resorts, like Many Glacier Hotel or Lake McDonald Lodge if you can afford it.

I would suggest nature-watching, whether it is wildlife, birding or identifying some of the over 1100 floral species you’ll find here!  If you are lucky, you’ll see that the beargrass lilies will bloom! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: West Glacier, MT 59936
• Average temperatures – 21 degrees

My highlights…

• Driving along the going-to-the-sun road, one of the park’s most scenic journeys.
• Catching a sunrise at the hidden Two Medicine landmark, an unforgettable experience.
• Going Paddleboarding at Lake McDonald.

11. Berkshires, Massachusetts

This is a well-heeled spot that comes alive in the summer months! Here, you’ll find mountains, nature and premier cultural events, such as Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Artists of every genre have appeared here, from Yo-yo Ma to Earth, Wind, and Fire.

I would highly recommend visiting the art museums, like the Clark, in Williamsburg, which has works by Rodin, Renoir, and Degas and impressive silver and ceramic collections. 

My other favorite things here include hiking their trails, swimming in the numerous lakes, whitewater rafting and the fun ziplining! 

• Visitors Center Address: 1Berkshire PO Box 4829. Pittsfield, MA 01202
• Average temperature – 27 degrees

My highlights…

• Watching a concert whilst enjoying a picnic under the stars at Tanglewood’s open-air venue.
• Hiking through Mount Greylock which features the highest point in the state and great observation points.
• Going boating!

12. Blue Lakes, Colorado

If you love hiking and wildflowers, I recommend heading for the Blue Lakes Trail in summer! Colorado is famous for its trails, notably the 900-km long Colorado Trail; the Blue Lakes trail is a separate route in the Mt Sneffels Wilderness area in Uncompahgre National Forest.

In my experience, even the drive to the trailhead is a worthy detour and has some seriously incredible views. You can traverse the whole trail or try a short hike to Lower Lake, which is 5 km from the trailhead and has campsites.

Reaching the other two lakes is more challenging, but I promise the outstanding views and the wildflowers reward you. Species such as Indian paintbrushes, campions, columbines, larkspur, and lupins grow along the trail from July to mid-August, so you’ll be in for a treat! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: Telluride, CO 81435
• Average temperatures – 19 degrees

My favorite highlights…

• Capturing Insta-worthy shots of the scenic views, flowers and lush surroundings.
• Soaking up the gorgeous sights overlooking the breathtaking turquoise lakes.
• Hiking the spectacular Blue Lakes Trail.

13. Beavers Bend Resort Park, Oklahoma

I think this is a great, family-friendly spot! Here you can go kayaking, hiking or riding bikes or for those who prefer more sedentary pursuits I would recommend attending arts and crafts classes or even playing bingo! 

There is also an 18-hole golf course, volleyball courts, and water skiing on Broken Bow Lake and its a favorite spot for scuba divers (water in this area rarely gets above a bracing 15C).

I love that nature documentaries are screened in the evenings and you can also stargazing in the clear, unpolluted skies. Leashed pets are also welcome, and some chalets are pet-friendly, too.

• Visitor’s Center Address: Broken Bow, OK 74728
• Average temperature – 24 degrees

My highlights…

• Hiking the Friends Trail Loop and seeing incredible scenery.
• Renting a kayak.

14. Hot Springs, Arkansas

I loved spending a summer break in this Arkansas gem! This is an extraordinary place where 47 springs on Hot Springs Mountain provide the town below with 1 million gallons of water daily at a steaming 62c or 143F temperature.

The springs are said to be restorative, and the city has eight historic spas in Bathhouse Row, which are maintained by the National Park Service and their gardens. Personally, I think the loveliest garden is Garvan Woodland Gardens, which has a Japanese section.

The resort’s popularity created a building boom, even during the Great Depression, and Hot Springs is nearly as famous as Miami for its Art Deco buildings. I recommend kicking back and relaxing here for a while; it’s a special place!

• Visitor’s Center Address: 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
• Average temperatures – 34 degrees

My favorite highlights…

• Hopping on the National Park Duck Tour, one of the most unique ways to explore Hot Springs.
• Checking out the entertainment-filled T-Rex Fun Spot.
• Going on a wine tour at The Winery of Hot Springs.

15. Seabrook, Washington

Located in the North Beach area along the central Washington coast, in my opinion, this is one of the best vacation destination cities in Washington! 

The New Beach Town on the Washington Coast has about 450 newly built homes and 12 businesses; I love that it’s a small and pretty town without the bustle and rush of major city life.

The town is compact and walkable and was built to be a sustainable, urbanist community. I highly recommend parking your car and exploring the rest of town on foot or on a bicycle. The summer temperature averages 22°C, so the weather is fine and comfortable this month.

I would suggest visiting the market, where you can buy local crafts, Pacific Northwest food, and gift items, or visit one of the numerous restaurants and bakeries for a foodie treat.

• Visitor’s Center Address: WA-109, Pacific Beach, WA 98571
• Average temperature – 31 degrees

My favorite highlights…

• Exploring the unique shops at the Saturday market downtown.
• Going on a food tour and visiting the great restaurants, cafes and bars.
• Relaxing along the beach and enjoying picturesque views overlooking the coastline.

16. Long Beach Island, New Jersey

Part of a set of barrier islands in front of the New Jersey coastline, this is a stunning spot! For those looking for a quieter and more relaxing holiday, I highly recommend Long Beach as it differs from its brash southern neighbor.

The island itself is about 30 km long and only accessible via Route 72 from the mainland, which takes one through to Ship Bottom, roughly at the midpoint of the island.

Although there are only 10,000 people who reside there permanently, the population increases tenfold in the summer months. The weather during this month can be hot, but I love that the cool ocean breezes reduce the heat and humidity in the afternoons.

I personally think all the beaches are welcoming and beautiful, but I would suggest visiting Island Beach State Park, which is near the Barnegat Lighthouse. The Park protects one of the state’s remaining maritime forests and is a great place for bird-watching and experiencing Long Island as it must have been to earlier inhabitants! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 265 West 9th Street Ship Bottom NJ 08008
• Average temperatures – 27 degrees

My favorite highlights…

• Paragliding over the Atlantic Ocean!
• Visiting the beautiful Barnegat Lighthouse, a landmark symbol of New Jersey.
• Having fun on a hot day at the Thundering Surf Water Park which features many exciting attractions.

17. Seneca, South Carolina

This is my choice for a budget-friendly break! Owing to its low cost of living and high quality of life, Seneca in South Carolina is a great choice for an alternative summer vacation away from the crowds.

The city is situated in the northwestern corner of South Carolina and enjoys a gorgeous position in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a population of 8368 and a hot climate of 32°C in this month.

I love the large stunning lake where you can go kayaking and boating, the cycling and hiking trails, the museums, and even casinos, if that’s your thing! This place would suit couples, families, and friends seeking a different kind of vacation for the summer! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 221 E North 1st St. Seneca, SC 29678
• Average temperature – 31 degrees 

My favorite highlights…

• Going for a refreshing drink at the The Spot on The Alley.
• Going boating on the lake.
• Exploring High Falls Country Park.

18. Block Island, Rhode Island

From stepping off the ferry on Block Island, I always feel all my tensions slipping away! Located South of Rhode Island, The island is predominantly a nature reserve, with only 1000 residents, and even at the height of summer, I love that the 25 km of beaches are relatively uncrowded.

In my opinion, it’s the perfect place to sail, swim or laze around on the beach. I would highly recommend visiting Cow Cove and the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs. I suggest booking your ferry trip in advance, especially if you plan to take your car.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 4 Center Rd, New Shoreham, RI 02807
• Average temperatures – 25 degrees

My highlights…

• Hiking up to Mohegan Bluffs for a magnificent view overlooking the beautiful ocean and landscape.
• Checking out the Spring Street Art Gallery.
• Hiring an e-bike and heading out onto the scenic Clay Head Trail.