Are you looking for the best places to visit in August to enjoy the final bit of the summer season? Why not
have one last hurrah before it’s time to get back to business? Just like you, lots of other people like to go on vacation at the end of the summer, so tourist destinations can get pretty busy. In much of the US, August means lush greenery and just-right temperatures for jumping in the water. In other parts of the world, it’s the last month of the high season.
Places to Vacation in August in the US
Here are some of the best places to visit in August in the United States
1. Cape Cod
For an iconic end-of-summer getaway, check out Cap Cod. This peninsula on the coast of Massachusetts is home to sleepy beachside towns and resort islands like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
It’s one of the best places to visit in August, and a popular summer spot! Book a stay at a wellness inn & spa, like Lamb & Lion Inn in the historic village of Barnstable. These types of places give you access to guided outdoor activities in the area. Plus, you have access to a full list of spa services.
August is also a great time to explore local villages and towns when shops and restaurants are fully open for tourists. If you’re looking for something beachy, relax on one of Cape Cod’s many sandy swimming beaches, enjoy water sports, or cycle along the coast.
2. Glacier National Park
One of the best places to travel in August is definitely Glacier National Park in Montana. This northern park covers over 1,300 acres with over 700 miles worth of trails, majestic mountain peaks, and vibrant green valleys.
August is peak season here, so you’ll still have all the park amenities open to you. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a balmier climate. Just don’t forget to bring layers! Nights reach into the 40s, days hover in the 80s, and you’ll already see snow at higher elevations.
This time of year, Glacier National Park can get busy, and you’ll pay the highest prices for admission fees and lodging, but Glacier’s campsites, inns, lodges, and chalets are still open! And the free shuttle into the park is active until Labor Day.
3. Park City
When you think of Utah, you might think of deserts and canyons, but the ski town of Park City, UT offers even more experiences. At 7,000 feet above sea level, you’ll enjoy much cooler temperatures than down in the valley. This is why I had to include it on my list of places to visit in August in the USA.
Park City is an adorable mountain town surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains and winter ski slopes, but there’s still lots to do in August! You can actually take the ski lifts to the top and check out hiking trails. For breathtaking views of Park City from above, hike to Empire Pass View Area.
You can also walk Main Street, where you can pop in cute bakeries or ride the trolley. It’s pretty cool to see rows of classic western buildings from when the town was a silver mining hub in the 1800s!
4. San Francisco
The sunny and mild weather in the Northern California city of San Francisco makes it a great August destination. Off the heels of its cooler summer, you’ll experience mild weather and can relax in a city park or head to a Giants baseball game!
This is also the best time to come if you love music festivals. Downtown San Francisco also has great dining and nightlife. You can enjoy cool summer nights at a dozen different rooftop bars. Or enjoy a San Francisco Giant’s game - the stadium is stunning, albeit windy!
5. Portland, Oregon
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Portland, August is a great time to do so. While the Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy cool weather, August offers warm, dry, sunny days. It’s the perfect setting for exploring this fascinating city.
Portland is popular for its coffee culture and art scene. It’s also a great city for beer lovers (I don’t like beer much, but my husband loves it). Or doughnut lovers! And there are lots of lush, expansive city parks, like Washington Park.
It’s a wonderful place to visit for outdoor adventures! In Portland, you’ll find mountains, rivers, and the old-growth urban forest of Forest Park. Many people go there to hike and horseback ride.
6. Rhode Island
Rhode Island is another excellent New England summer retreat. The more northern coastal states offer summer fun with more manageable summer weather. Take a cruise in Newport, enjoy over 400 miles of sandy beaches or visit Providence’s only Black Woman-owned restaurant, Kin Southern Table + Bar by Julia Broome.
In August, enjoy the warm weather from the water by renting kayaks and exploring coves, lagoons, and bays. Inland and along the coast, Rhode Island has lovely green state parks and nature reserves.
I highly recommend checking out at least a few of the state’s 21 working lighthouses and ruins, some of which date back to before the American Revolution!
7. Apostle Islands
Another one of the best places to visit in August is the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. You can spend warm days and mild nights exploring the 21 islands and Wisconsin’s coastline with all kinds of outdoor activities.
When I went in the summer it was the perfect opportunity to take a kayak on the lake. We got to see the gorgeous red-orange sandstone cliffs of the coastline and explore sea caves! You could also take a boat out to the islands and explore. How cool would it be to take a boat and hang out on an empty beach for the day?
Walk through lush mossy forests on the islands or even go backcountry camping on a few of them. Nearby, Bayfield is surrounded by all kinds of farms and orchards. Head to the Bayfield Farmers Market to pick up the last of the season’s berries!
Best Countries To Visit In August
Here Are Top Places To Visit Around The World In The Month Of August
8. Iceland
Especially if you are sensitive to warmer climates, Iceland is a great choice for your summer travels. The days are still close to 18 hours long, so you’ll have plenty of daylight to get outdoors.
August is your last chance to visit Iceland while the weather is somewhat warmer. It’s still definitely jacket weather, and you should expect cold rain occasionally. Iceland is notorious for finicky weather, but if you prepare, you’ll be fine!
Take advantage of the longer days and drive the Golden Circle, or take a dip in Iceland’s famous geothermal spa, The Blue Lagoon! Plus, August is your last opportunity of the year to visit the highlands or the Westfjords. Both become impassible with ice and snow by mid-September.
9. Bonaire
Bonaire is off the coast of Venezuela along with Curacao in the southern Caribbean. Like both Curacao and Aruba, Bonaire is part of the Dutch ABC islands. You rarely have to worry about hurricane season because Bonaire is outside the hurricane belt!
Another big plus for Bonaire is that August is in the off-season. If you’re looking for cheap places to travel in August, keep this island in mind. You can probably find deals on hotels and flights. You’ll get to enjoy dry, 80- to 90-degree days at the end of the summer with fewer crowds.
If you’re looking for sustainable tourism destinations, the islands are a great choice. Go snorkeling and see Bonaire’s beautiful coral reefs. You can hike while you’re on Bonaire, too. Washington Slagbaai National Park has both hiking and walking trails with amazing views.
10. Brazil
The country of Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world and has so much to offer visitors! In August, you can enjoy great spring weather, as it is the end of winter in the southern hemisphere.
With warmer, dryer days, take the opportunity to explore the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. Book a day trip tour and take boats, busses, and walking paths through this amazing hidden treasure. Learn about local animal and plant life from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
There’s also the stunning Iguaçu Falls in the southern part of the state. Go hiking along the Guatemala/Brazil border and see this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or head to the coastal capital city of Rio de Janeiro. There you can take in all kinds of culture with museums, an impressive food scene, nightly festivals, and tons of sandy beaches.
11. Austria
I had to include Austria as one of the best places to visit in August. While I was in Vorarlberg at the end of September because my summer trip was delayed, I still recommend going in the summer! August is the most popular month for tourists because of the lovely weather.
Austria, and more specifically Vorarlberg in the western Austrian Alps, is known for its wellness culture. Coming here helped me gain a new appreciation for what alpine wellness really means. You’ll find all kinds of opportunities to refresh your mind, body, and soul by getting outdoors!
Enjoy nourishing food, go on nature walks, or check out all the hot springs that are popular in the mountains. I also recommend booking different spa treatments and sauna experiences during your Austrian wellness vacation.
12. Spain
Spain is a popular tourist destination in August, but for good reason! There’s so much to do, and it’s festival season. For a fun experience, attend the La Tomatina food fight at the end of August in the town of Bunol near Valencia.
For a trip to Spain, make sure you go near the coast, where you can enjoy drier Mediterranean weather. Head to the stunning city of Bilbao, with its breathtaking architecture and cooler weather. Attend the Grande Semana for a unique experience or walk the beautiful streets and see the original Guggenheim Museum.
Catalonia on the southern coast offers amazing opportunities for outdoor mountain hikes in the Cadí-Moixeró Mountains Nature Reserve. Or head to one of my favorite cities (Barcelona) where you can take in the food and art scene, or head to the beach!
13. Toronto
Finally, on my list of the best places to visit in August, there's Toronto, Canada. There’s always something to do in this bustling city that’s located on the coast of Lake Ontario. August offers sunny, mild days that make outdoor adventuring more enjoyable.
Simply hop on a bus and you have access to all kinds of fun experiences. Take a walk through Chinatown or see what kind of events are going on in Dundas Square. If you love history, Toronto has great historic districts and landmarks like Casa Loma that you can tour.
For outdoor activities, I loved visiting Toronto Islands. It’s just a ferry ride away and you have access to all kinds of outdoor activities at this giant park. Rent bikes, enjoy the beaches, and so much more.
Enjoy Some of the Best Places to Visit in August
Now you have a starting point for your end-of-season vacation with my best places to travel in August! Whether you want to soak up the last of the summer sun or head somewhere that’s out of the heat, there’s a place fit for everyone on this list.
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Austria, Bonaire, Brazil, Iceland, Spain, Canada, Destinations, United States, Travel, Toronto, Rhode Island, Utah, California, Europe, Montana, Wisconsin, North AmericaOlivia ChristineAugust 1, 2022Summer Travel, Cape Cod, Glacier National Park, National Parks, Culture Travel, Outdoor Travel, Weekend Vacations, Park City, San Francisco, Portland, Apostle Islands, Lake Superior, Great Lakes, Lakes, Road Trips