Best places in the us to visit in summer

Are you looking for the best places to visit in August in the USA? This guide will help you plan your USA summer getaway!

Stay tuned to see where to travel in the USA in August!

August is one of the best times of the year to go on a fun vacation. It’s still summer, so many businesses are open and tons of attractions are waiting for visitors.

As the temperatures begin to cool, people enjoy soaking up the sun before fall and before school starts again. If you’re starting to plan your trip for August, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best cities and towns to visit in August in the USA!

With everything from a variety of outdoor activities to museums, cultural events, festivals, and US tourist attractions, you and the whole family will surely find the ideal vacation spot among our picks. 

Best Places to Visit in August in the USA

San Francisco

Location: California
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 72F and lows of 57F; 0 days of rain
Reasons to visit San Francisco in August: mild temperatures, endless restaurant options, beautiful parks

San Francisco should be among the first destinations on your list to travel to this August. Not only is it a great destination, it is also close to many of Californiaʻs national parks (and waterfalls)!

Even though the weather is a bit cooler, there’s still plenty to do. First and foremost, be sure to check out the world’s most photographed bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Golden Gate Park, home to sites such as the Conservatory of Flowers, Shakespeare’s Garden, and the Academy of Sciences is the perfect spot for those who want to take a stroll and find some hidden gems.

Don’t forget to visit Chinatown, which is the oldest community for Chinese immigrants outside Asia. 

Here, visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to see where 20,000 fortune cookies are made each day, as well as Hunan Home’s Restaurant for some delicious food.

Beyond Chinatown and many of the famous sites, you will also find many hidden gems in San Francisco worth visiting on your trip.

Outer Banks

Location: North Carolina 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 86/F and lows of 73/F; 9 days of rain
Reasons to visit the Outer Banks in August: endless summer activities, some of the best East Coast beaches

The Outer Banks is a favorite vacation spot for many each summer, and if you haven’t already had the chance to visit, now’s the perfect time to do so.

As always, you can spend your vacation lounging around the beach and catching the waves.

If you have kids, many families enjoy activities such as dolphin tours, a Corolla Horse Tour, and mini-golfing.

The beach town is also the site of many festivals each August, including the Outer Banks Pirate Festival and the Outer Banks Watermelon Festival.

If you love history, you can learn more about the history of aviation at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in nearby Kill Devil Hills.

For daredevils, now’s the perfect time to get out on the water and go deep-sea fishing, paddle along on kayak tours, or see shipwrecks when you dive.

Aspen

Location: Colorado
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 76/F and lows of 47/F; 8 days of rain
Reasons to visit Aspen in August: cheaper hotels, many hiking opportunities, stunning Rocky Mountains

You’ve probably seen gorgeous pictures of Aspen in the winter, but did you know that summer is also an amazing time to visit this beautiful resort town?

Every outdoor adventure lover will find something to do in Aspen in August. You can start by taking a trip to the Maroon Bells, which features hiking trails, lakes, wildflowers, and some of the most beautiful views all around.

Other popular summertime hiking trails include the Rio Grande Trail, the Smuggler Trail, and the Ditch Trail. Looking for some locally grown food?

Every Saturday from 8:30 AM – 3 PM, you can visit the Aspen Farmers’ Market not only for fresh fruits and vegetables but also for live music and artwork.

Foodies will also find no shortage of delicious restaurants, including Su Casa, Jimmy’s, and White House Tavern. 

Jekyll Island

Location: Georgia
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 89/F and lows of 75/F; 9 days of rain
Reasons to visit Jekyll Island in August: sand dunes, special wildlife viewing opportunities, family activities

Once known as a wintertime retreat for the American elite, Jekyll Island is another charming destination that you should make a point to visit in August.

The island has 10 miles of gorgeous beaches that experience two high tides and two low tides every day. Low tide is the best time to splash in the waves because 30 feet of beach is visible.

The island is also known for its sand dunes, which millions of plant and animal species call home.

You can also check out Summer Waves Water Park with fun for the whole family. The small Georgia town also boasts a long history, and history buffs can check out any of the guided tours to learn more about America’s Gilded Age.

Santa Fe

Location: New Mexico
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 83/F and lows of 53/F; 7 days of rain
Reasons to visit Santa Fe in August: Santa Fe Music Week, other festivals, hiking nearby

Although it’s hot in August in Santa Fe, it’s a great time to visit as the city is starting to transition to fall. There’s a lot to do here in August, including festivals, hiking trails, and cultural events galore.

Learn more about the heritage of New Mexico at the New Mexico History Museum, which features exhibits on the indigenous tribes, colonization, and the Santa Fe Trail.

The Plaza is the hub of Santa Fe where you will find a variety of shops, galleries, and eateries, as well as Native American arts and crafts.

Santa Fe Music Week is a popular event taking place annually in August, featuring local and national artists of all different genres.

Other festivals you shouldn’t miss include the Folk Art Market, Zozobra, and Santa Fe Wine & Chile. You will also find some incredible day trips from Santa Fe if you stick around for a while!

Fire Island

Location: New York
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 83/F and lows of 66/F; 6 days of rain
Reasons to visit Fire Island in August: relaxing northeastern beaches, camping opportunities, Sunken Forest

Located between the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Fire Island is the ultimate destination for a weekend getaway in August.

The island’s pristine beaches and luscious nature make for the perfect vacation. You’ll be shocked to learn that it’s near NYC because of how quiet and relaxing the island is. It has some of the best beaches in the northeast!

The island features 101 miles of coastline, making it the ideal spot for boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, and more. You can take a ferry or private boat to swim at one of the public beaches.

Those who want to spend even more time on the island can go camping at the campground on Watch Hill.

Be sure to also visit the Sunken Forest, which features over 40 acres of wildlife and is the ideal spot for those who want to go hiking or birdwatching.

Memphis

Location: Tennessee
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 91/F and lows of 72/F; 5 days of rain
Reasons to visit Memphis in August: Elvis Week, several parks and many outdoor opportunities for families

The birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll should certainly make your travel itinerary this summer.

With a huge variety of festivals, concerts, and more fun every summer, you’ll have a lot to do in Memphis (and nearby).

In August, be sure to check out Elvis Week a week-long festival dedicated to the life and career of Elvis Presley. To cool off, grab some shaved ice at Jerry’s Sno Cones or seasonal ice pops at MEMPopS.

You can also spend a day at Shelby Park, the largest urban park in the USA, which is popular for ziplining and paddleboarding.

Take a kayaking tour with Allen’s Kayaking Adventure to explore the Mississippi River. If you want to see more of the city, consider taking a bike to do so with Explore Bike Share.

Cannon Beach

Location: Oregon
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 67/F and lows of 53/F; 4 days of rain
Reasons to visit Cannon Beach in August: cooler temperatures, beautiful and wild beaches, fantastic state parks along the coast

Cannon Beach is a lovely vacation spot to visit this August if you want to cool off and relax in nature.

This charming seaside village is home to unforgettable views, stunning rock formations, pristine beaches, and luscious state parks.

Visit Haystack Rock along the sandy beaches to see some of Oregon’s most dramatic rock formations. If you want to relax and enjoy a picnic along the beach, check out Arcadia Beach, just two miles south of Cannon Beach.

Here, you’ll get to enjoy the tide pools and rock formations. Visitors also enjoy Oswald West State Park with hiking trails, ocean viewpoints, and picnic areas.

You can also visit the town of Cannon Beach itself to enjoy the picturesque walkways, restaurants, and art galleries. 

Cape Cod

Location: Massachusetts 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 78/F and lows of 63/F; 6 days of rain
Reasons to visit Cape Cod in August: family-friendly destinations, delicious food, biking trails

Cape Cod remains one of the most loved vacation spots for families throughout the USA. It is a fabulous weekend getaway from Boston!

If you enjoy swimming, sinking your toes in the sand, and watching gorgeous sunsets, the beaches along Cape Cod National Seashore should be your number one destination.

The water is very cold, but many visitors still enjoy laying out in the sand and soaking up the sun on the New England beach destination.

If you enjoy biking, many people also enjoy taking a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which also features many opportunities to grab a snack or a drink.

When in Cape Cod, also don’t forget to try out some of the local clam chowders. Cape Cod is also home to lots of fresh seafood.

Some of the best places to try seafood include Lobster Pot, Raw Bar, and Brewster Fish House, which are all especially known for their delicious lobster dishes.

Lake Tahoe

Location: California 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 79/F and lows of 50/F; 1 day of rain
Reasons to visit Lake Tahoe in August: perfect temperatures with little rain, summer lake activities, hiking in the nearby mountains

Lake Tahoe is considered to be one of the best lake retreats in the country. Although the area is especially known for its skiing opportunities in winter, it does not have a lack of visitors in the summer.

Be sure to check out the Heavenly Ski Resort when you visit. Even if you visit in August, you can take a gondola ride to see some of the most beautiful views of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, and Desolation Wilderness.

The resort also offers many activities in the summer, such as zip-lining and 4 x 4 mountain tours. Another popular activity is the Sierra Cloud Cruise.

This enables you to get even more beautiful views of the mountain peaks and pristine shoreline while on a boat. For those who love water adventures, kayaking and jet skiing are other popular activities on the lake, which features 75 miles of shoreline that you can explore.

Maui

Location: Hawaii 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 78/F and lows of 61/F; 3 days of rain
Reasons to visit Maui in August: some of the best snorkeling in the world, few rainy days, calm waters on much of the island

Maui is gorgeous to visit any time of the year, but August is a great time to visit to get the most out of the warm summer weather and multiple events.

Of course, when in Maui, it’s impossible to not try out snorkeling. Maui is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the world.

Honolua Bay, Molokini Crater, and Kaanapali Beach offer some of the best views and clearest waters for snorkeling whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.

Hiking is another popular activity that will enable you to explore some of the island’s most gorgeous vistas. Recommended trails include Waihee Ridge, Hoapili, and Piilani.

For adults, cocktail cruises are another great way to enjoy the sunset and Maui’s stunning natural scenery while sipping a cocktail. So, stop letting all the beautiful Hawaii captions and quotes inspire you and book the trip!

Hot Springs

Location: Arkansas 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 93/F and lows of 69/F; 6 days of rain
Reasons to visit Hot Springs in August: family-friendly with rides, lazy river, and more

Arkansas might not be at the top of your travel bucket list this summer, but you should definitely make it a point to visit Hot Springs. It is not only. a town, but it is also one of the best national parks to visit in August!

People from all over the country enjoy visiting Hot Springs to see all the attractions, relax, and enjoy a true vacation.

One of the most popular attractions in Hot Springs is Magic Springs Crystal Falls. Fun for the whole family, you and the kids can enjoy some of the rides, the lazy river, concerts, and ice cream.

If you’re looking to truly relax, Hot Springs is home to a multitude of spas with some of the best services around. In addition to that, you could take a bathhouse tour to learn more about the bathhouses that operated in the town a few decades ago.

Another fun way to explore the town is to go on a Hot Springs walking food tour, where you can learn more about the town’s history while sampling multiple types of cuisines, cupcakes, wine, and margaritas.

You can also enjoy the Five-Star Dinner Theater, the Grand Promenade, the farmers’ market, and haunted tours.

Bend

Location: Oregon 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 82/F and lows of 46/F; 2 days of rain
Reasons to visit Bend in August: adventure activities such as SUP, whitewater rafting, rock climbling, and more

The outdoorsy town of Bend in Oregon will fulfill all of your desires for a fun summer adventure. It is an easy day trip or weekend trip from Portland!

Home to a variety of opportunities for biking, cycling, hiking, golfing, rock climbing, paddle boarding, and so much more, you’ll never get bored if you choose Bend for your trip this August.

The Bend Farmers’ Market, which is open from 2 PM – 6 PM on Wednesdays from May to October, is a great way to try some fresh produce and check out local artisans.

Try out some outdoor activities along the Deschutes River, where enthusiasts partake in activities like stand-up paddleboarding and whitewater rafting as a unique challenge.

Bend is also home to many lakes, including Elk Lake and Lucky Lake, which are popular spots for hiking and picnicking in the summer months.

Park City

Location: Utah 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 81/F and lows of 48/F; 4 days of rain
Reasons to visit Park City in August: cheaper hotels, plenty of adventure activities, perfect temperatures

Park City is the place to be in the summer no matter how old you are. Hot air ballooning is one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the town’s beautiful vistas.

The hot air balloon ride begins at sunrise and ascends thousands of feet in the air, enabling you to see stunning green landscapes from a bird’s eye view.

Other popular activities in Park City include fly fishing, horseback riding, and golfing. It really is one of the best day trips from Salt Lake City!

Park City is also home to some of the best zipline adventure tours around, enabling you to soar above the mountain ski trails and Olympic Park’s most scenic areas.

For even more of a thrill, be sure to check out Park City’s Alpine Coaster, which features an elevated track that flies through the mountains, promising an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

Block Island

Location: Rhode Island  
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 76/F and lows of 66/F; 5 days of rain
Reasons to visit Block Island in August: mild temperatures compared to the south, quiet beaches and surroundings

Block Island is yet another coastal paradise near Rhode Island that you should add to your travel itinerary this August. In order to reach Block Island, you need to book a trip by boat or plane.

Ferry reservations fill up quickly, so be sure to book in advance.

August is one of the best times of the year to visit Block Island because you will have more opportunities for accommodations, the weather is nicer, and almost all of the shops and restaurants are open.

The private beach at Ballard‘s is one of the main attractions at Block Island. Here, you can rent a lounge chair or umbrella, Enjoy the tiki bars and specialty drinks, play a game of beach volleyball, and even stay at the local hotel.

For more coastal views, check out the Mohegan Bluffs cliffs. No trip to Block Island is complete without a delicious lobster avocado BLY or a mudslide cocktail. 

Leavenworth

Location: Washington State 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 88/F and lows of 51/F; 1 day of rain
Reasons to visit Leavenworth in August: calmer than winter, mountain activities nearby, tasty German food

Known as Washington’s German town, Leavenworth is one of the most popular towns for those who want to explore their German heritage or four those who want to enjoy stunning views of the North Cascades.

Hiking, backpacking, zip-lining, and tubing or among the most popular activities in Leavenworth no matter when you visit. Winter is popular in Leavenworth, but the summer is so underrated!

Of course, don’t forget to take a trip to the Nutcracker Museum, which will help you to fully embrace the Bavarian culture of the town and learn more about the work of Arlene Wagner.

Also, be sure to enjoy some of the delicious German food in town. Some popular restaurants for German food include Andreas Keller and Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden.

You can also enjoy some drinks at the many breweries and wineries. In the summer, whitewater rafting on the Wenatchee River is a must. 

Annapolis

Location: Maryland 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 85/F and lows of 71/F; 9 days of rain
Reasons to visit Annapolis in August: plenty of water activities, delicious ice cream and food (try the crabs!)

Annapolis is a fun waterfront retreat that often gets overlooked in comparison to other cities on the East Coast, but still should be an important part of your summer itinerary.

First, you can take a trolley tour of Main Street to learn more about the 350-year history of the city. Along the tour, you can see some of the colonial mansions and Victorian houses in Annapolis.

You can also visit the Maryland State House, which is where George Washington resigned from his position as the commander of the Continental Army before becoming the first president.

It is the oldest state house in the country that is still used as a legislative office. For wine connoisseurs, a trip to the Great Frogs Winery is a must.

If you want to learn more about African-American history, be sure to visit the Banneker-Douglass Museum.

To cool off, you can try one of the 36 flavors of ice cream at the Annapolis Ice Cream Company. Finally, you can also go for a cruise along the Chesapeake Bay. 

Lake Geneva

Location: Wisconsin 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 83/F and lows of 61/F; 7 days of rain
Reasons to visit Lake Geneva in August: adventurous activities, wineries, something for everyone

Lake Geneva is one of Wisconsin’s gems in the summer. If you are looking for a thrill, you can go ziplining to catch some unforgettable views.

You can also go on a sightseeing boat tour to learn more about Lake Geneva and get closer views of the historic mansions lining the lake.

Wine connoisseurs will especially enjoy a trip this summer to Lake Geneva because there are many wineries in the area. Here, you will be able to try wines from all over the world.

At The Bottle Shop, you can try out many different wines while enjoying live music and a comedy club. Lake Geneva is also a great place to go hiking.

The trail is a bit difficult, but you will get unforgettable views of the historic estates in the area.

Another popular activity is renting motorized scooters to see more of the scenery in Wisconsin. There are also guided tours around Lake Geneva for this purpose.

Mackinac Island

Location: Michigan 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 76/F and lows of 54/F; 8 days of rain
Reasons to visit Mackinac in August: calm atmosphere with biking and no cars, perfect temperatures, tasty food

Mackinac Island is another option for an idyllic summer getaway. Here, you can get away from the busy city life because cars are banned.

Instead, it is possible to take a tour of the town with a carriage ride, featuring a narrated tour of the town’s points of interest.

Another popular activity is to visit the Grand Hotel Gardens, which is home to more than 150 varieties of flowers. For those who love biking, you can also bike 8.2 miles around the island to check out some of the best landmarks.

Arch Rock, a limestone formation, is another spot that many people take photos in front of. It is also a sacred spot according to Native American tradition.

As far as what to eat and drink, make sure that you try out some Mackinac Island Fudge.

What makes this fudge unique is that the island breezes hope the fudge sets better than anywhere else. Also, get a Bloody Mary at the Pink Pony, which is made with a top-secret recipe. 

Juneau

Location: Alaska 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 63/F and lows of 50/F; 17 days of rain
Reasons to visit Juneau in August: accessible outdoor activities in summer, whale watching, escape the heat from the south

Alaska is one of the least visited and least explored areas among tourists in the US, making it the perfect opportunity to stay away from crowds in August.

In Juneau, be sure to check out the Mendenhall Glacier, which is one of the biggest attractions in the city. You can go on a float trip or canoe tour, or even a flightseeing tour if you want a bird’s-eye view of the area.

Whale watching is another popular activity because humpback and orca whales migrate from Hawaii to Alaska in the summer.

Take a ride on Roberts Tramway, which is a five-minute ride providing fantastic views of Mount Roberts and Mount Juneau.

If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, you can go bear viewing as part of a group. In addition, you can take a tour of Alaska Tongass National Forest as part of the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure.

Here, you will have amazing views of Juneau and learn a lot about the local plants, botanical gardens, and even sea eagles.

Priest Lake

Location: Idaho 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 83/F and lows of 44/F; 3 days of rain
Reasons to visit Priest Lake in August: tons of water activities, boating opportunities, mountain activities galore

Also known as Idaho’s crown jewel, Priest Lake is one of the best places to visit in Idaho in the summer.

It is especially popular for water sports, including water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

For those who do not want to have a water adventure, it is possible to play a fun game of beach volleyball, sunbathe, or swim in the water.

Priest Lake offers plenty of opportunities for boat rentals if you want to explore the water or go fishing. Hiking is another popular opportunity in the area, and the Selkirk Mountains offer plenty of hiking trails to explore.

Mountain biking is another activity that many visitors partake in, as the area is full of trails ranging in difficulty.

For places to stay, check out the romantic Elkins Resort full of cabins and modern amenities to make your vacation more enjoyable. 

Seneca

Location: South Carolina
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 89/F and lows of 71/F; 8 days of rain
Reasons to visit Seneca in August: water activities, learn more about the African-American community, off-the-path destination

This small town in South Carolina provides the perfect opportunities for outdoor exploration and fun activities. It is a great weekend getaway from Wilmington or Charlotte, NC.

If you want to go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing, Lake Keowee Marina is one of the most popular locations for this. You are also not too far from some of the best waterfalls in South Carolina.

You can also learn more about the local African-American community at the Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum.

Seneca is also home to many escape zones, so you can put on your thinking cap and work as a team to escape the room.

For those who love art and want to tap into their creative side, be sure to check out the Blue Ridge Art Center or the Paint-Play Studio. Want to try out some disc golf?

Head over to the Shaver Recreation Center for this unique activity. Finally, another unique yet worthwhile activity is taking a tour of the Oconee Nuclear Station to learn more about nuclear energy. 

Blue Lakes Trail

Location: Colorado 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 66/F and lows of 33/F; 11 days of rain
Reasons to visit the Blue Lakes Trail in August: cool temperatures, easy hiking opportunities, camping available

Outdoor adventure lovers should especially consider a trip to Blue Lakes Trail in Colorado.

This 11-mile hiking trail includes some of the best views of alpine lakes and the Yankee Boy Basin peaks.

Most often, visitors will take a day trip to hike the trail. You can either choose to take them out in the back trail from the Mount Sneffels trailhead or the Dallas Creek Trail, which is more popular.

The hike only has an elevation gain of 1,050 feet, making it relatively easy for most people.

Upon reaching Blue Lake, many hikers choose to enjoy a relaxing picnic, explore the campgrounds, check out stunning views of the mountains, and even dip their feet into the icy waters. Maybe you’ll see some mountain goats, too! 

Gatlinburg

Location: Tennessee 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 85/F and lows of 62/F; 10 days of rain
Reasons to visit Gatlinburg in August: family-friendly destination, mountain hiking, caverns, something for everyone

Gatlinburg is one of the most gorgeous getaways in the US. First, don’t miss out on the downtown area.

The town features plenty of shops and attractions, such as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Historic Ogle Cabin, and the Arrowmont Galleries. You can also take old-time photos or go on a haunted tour of the town’s historic sites.

Cool off and go swimming in any of the mountain streams near Gatlinburg, including the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, the Midnight Hole, and the Sinks.

Water adventure lovers would also enjoy a whitewater rafting trip along the Little Pigeon River.

The Forbidden Caverns is another exciting place to cool off and explore the cave system, which also is the source of many Native American folk legends.

Niagara Falls

Location: New York 
Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 78/F and lows of 60/F; 7 days of rain
Reasons to visit Niagara Falls in August: best time temperature wise and plenty to do on both sides of the falls

Last but certainly not least, if you haven’t seen the magnificent Niagara Falls for yourself, what are you waiting for? August is the best time to visit because of the warm temperatures, but be aware of the large crowds.

First thing’s first: head over to Niagara Falls State Park and visit the Observation Tower to get the best views of the three waterfalls.

You can also take a boat tour with Maids of the Mist to get an even more personalized experience.

Visitors also enjoy checking out the historical exhibits, restaurants, and Adventure Theater packed with immersive experiences at the visitor center.

It’s recommended that you go with the Niagara Falls American Side Highlights Tour, a five-hour guided tour with admission to all of the park’s main attractions.

This is one of the top weekend getaways from Pittsburgh and western New York!

We hope you enjoyed this list of some of our favorite places to visit in the USA in August! Let us know your top USA summer destinations in the comments. Thanks!

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