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August is that final stretch of summer where everything starts to shift, with school just around the corner and Labor Day on the horizon. But there’s still time to squeeze in a trip that feels like peak vacation with plenty of room for excitement and memory-making. Whether you’re craving mountain air, coastal breezes, stunning deserts, or an unexpected small-town retreat, the best places to visit in August USA travelers love most always offer something special. If you’re curious about where to plan your vacation, this list pulls together top picks for making the most of the summer’s close.
14 Best Places to Visit in August in the US
1. Portland, Maine (Mild)
Average temperature: 60°F - 79°F
Mellow highs in the 70s, salty sea breeze, and fresh lobster make Portland, ME, one of the best destinations to visit in August. The first week of the month kicks off the Maine Lobster Festival, a celebration along Midcoast Maine where foodies can sample the region’s famed coastal catch. Between whale-watching tours off Casco Bay and strolling the Old Port district, it’s easy to see why August is Portland’s peak tourism season—so make sure to book your stay early.
2. Telluride, Colorado (Cool)
Average temperature: 48°F - 75°F
When it comes to August travel destinations, Telluride trades in its winter coat for wildflower meadows and sun-soaked adventure. The San Juan Mountains shine with jagged peaks and refreshing alpine lakes while ski trails melt away to reveal a playground for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback rides. In town, families can paddle or picnic along the San Miguel River or settle in for one of the season’s big events. With the Telluride Jazz Festival, Film Festival, and Mushroom Festival all landing this month, August is when this little mountain town offers big sensation.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Colorado
3. Charleston, South Carolina (Hot & Humid)
Average temperature: 75°F - 92°F
Southern hospitality isn’t the only reason why Charleston, SC, earns its place among the great places to go in August. Chill along the coast with options like laidback Folly Beach or the quieter sands of Sullivan’s Island. If you’re sharp, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins. Dating back to 1670, the city’s deep history is fascinating to explore through preserved architecture, historic landmarks, and local tours that cover monumental phases of American development. Summer events to check out during August range from the Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series to the First Friday ArtWalk, as well as the Grape Stomp Festival.
4. Whitefish, Montana (Mild)
Average temperature: 55°F - 80°F
Montana may not be a coastal destination, but it delivers a true summer scene in Whitefish. As one of the best places to go in August, this spot lets you cool off with a boat ride on Whitefish Lake or trail through Glacier National Park, where waterfalls, mountain goats, and glacier views draw visitors year after year. If you’d rather drive, take Going-to-the-Sun Road for a solid mix of the area’s best sites. Evening temps can drop fast, so pack warm layers, especially if you’re camping. Huckleberry Days in early August adds some tart local flavor with handmade art, music, and perfectly purple berries.
Related: Most Underrated National Parks in the US
5. Seattle, Washington (Mild)
Average temperature: 58°F - 78°F
Seattle might be famous for rain, but August offers a break from the drizzly weather, making it one of the best times to explore the Emerald City under clear skies. Take advantage of the moment to wander Pike Place Market without an umbrella, snap panoramic shots from the Space Needle, or dive into the city’s layered music and grunge history. And while the city vibe and assortment of museums can pack the itinerary, a quick trip to Mount Rainier or a Puget Sound ferry ride offers a close escape to nature. It’s no wonder Seattle tops the list of where to go in August.
6. Lake Placid, New York (Cool)
Average temperature: 55°F - 75°F
Packed with pines, serene waters, and starry skies, Lake Placid is a camper’s dream tucked within the Adirondack Mountains. Beyond the tent or cabin, visitors can explore natural wonders like High Falls Gorge and Ausable Chasm, venture north for a quick day trip to Canada, or get curious at The Wild Center—a canopy-style natural history museum. Tourists can also revisit the region’s legacy of two Winter Olympics with sites like the Olympic Center or Olympic Jumping Complex.
Related: Best Weekend Getaways from New York City
7. Sedona, Arizona (Hot & Scenic)
Average temperature: 70°F - 95°F
If you want to steer clear of the usual summer crowds, Sedona is one of the best trips in August for both scenery and stillness. Its proximity to the Grand Canyon makes it a great pitstop during a Southwest road trip, but the town itself delivers plenty of magic. While the desert heat and monsoon rains keep things quieter this time of year, there’s more room to enjoy stargazing under Sedona’s famously dark skies or wade through the region’s swimming hole. You can also cruise the Red Rock Scenic Byway for a close-up view of the striking sandstone landscape.
8. Minneapolis, Minnesota (Warm)
Average temperature: 65°F - 85°F
Known for its icy winters, Minneapolis switches sit up in the summer as temperatures rise in the Twin Cities. It’s one of the good places to go in August if you want to soak up the Midwest warmth, with parks, the Mississippi River, and over 20 lakes all within reach. Catch a Twins game at Target Field, grab a local beer at one of the city’s many breweries, or check out the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival. From kayaking to snacking on cheese curds, this is the window where locals and visitors alike finally get to stretch out and enjoy the city’s sunny side.
9. Newport, Oregon (Cool)
Average temperature: 52°F - 68°F
If you’re eyeing coastal Oregon, Newport is one of the places to travel in August for breezy, low-key adventure. Hunt for agates along the beach, spot sea lions on the docks, or take a whale-watching tour to see marine life in action. The Oregon Coast Aquarium offers a deeper dive into the natural side, while Yaquina Head Lighthouse reveals some unique details about the town’s history. This month, be sure not to skip the Newport Performing Arts Festival or a taste of the town’s long-standing crabbing scene at the tail-end of Oregon’s crab season.
10. San Diego, California (Mild)
Average temperature: 66°F - 79°F
With its breezy attitude and beach-town energy, San Diego is definitely among the country’s top cool places to go in August. Get the most out of the sunny energy by taking surfing lessons in Pacific Beach, crushing some Baja-style tacos, or taking the family to classic SoCal staples like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and the San Diego Zoo. If you want to escape the summer crowds, head south for the Chula Vista Lemon Festival or grab a seat at a Padres game for a slice of local flavor.
Related: Weekend Getaways in Southern California
11. Greenville, South Carolina (Warm)
Average temperature: 68°F - 87°F
Heat and humidity hit their stride in August, but that doesn’t slow Greenville down. Found beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city offers easy access to nearby waterfalls, lakes, and shady hiking trails. Downtown buzzes with live music during Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays. At the same time, the art galleries, indie shops, and growing food scene give the city its own personality with a mix of prize-winning BBQ, biscuits, and Carolina trout.
12. Sandpoint, Idaho (Mild)
Average temperature: 55°F - 82°F
Think Idaho is just potato country? You’ll think again after making a stop in Sandpoint. With a vibrant event calendar and lakefront charm, it’s one of America’s best trips in August. On Lake Pend Oreille, you’ll find plenty of room for boating, fishing, and swimming—and if you’re bold, the Long Bridge Swim lets you race across it with the locals. August also brings in the Festival at Sandpoint, with outdoor concerts ranging from classical to folk, plus the Bonner County Fair & Rodeo brings cowboy spectacle.
13. Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Mild)
Average temperature: 60°F - 80°F
Cape Cod—an Atlantic peninsula made up of coastal towns and fishing villages like Hyannis, Chatham, and Provincetown—earns its spot among classic August destinations for a reason. The Cape is bursting with flavor thanks to the summer seafood season, which includes everything from striped bass to bluefin tuna to quintessential lobster. You can get a good sampling at the Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in the middle of the month. Or plan to visit during Provincetown’s Carnival, which is highlighted by its historic parade and costume contests.
14. Park City, Utah (Cool)
Average temperature: 50°F - 80°F
Park City, UT, is another ski destination that becomes a top place to visit in August thanks to reasonable crowds, mountain air, bison spotting, and a packed cultural calendar. The Kimball Arts Festival brings art lovers to Main Street, while the Summit County Fair delivers rodeo action. Scenic lift rides show off the Rockies in full summer glory, and golfers can hit the greens at courses like Canyons Golf and Park City Golf Club. For music fans, there are several outdoor concerts, including the classical offerings of the Deer Valley Music Festival.
Related: Guide to Utah's Mighty 5
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