I still can’t get over my trip to Glacier National Park last August. Hiking the Highline Trail with mountains towering above and wildflowers everywhere, I finally understood why summer is the perfect time to explore America’s natural wonders. With endless sunny days and festivals in full swing, there are countless things to do in the US during peak season.
Let me tell you, watching the sunrise paint Glacier’s peaks in golden light while mountain goats grazed nearby was pure magic. From kayaking in Acadia National Park’s crystal clear waters to catching world class jazz at Newport Festival, August delivers those perfect summer moments we all dream about. Here are my favorite spots to soak up the last full month of summer across America.
#1 tip to find the best places to visit in August
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Best places to visit in August in the USA: 8 great vacation spots
Looking to make the most of the last full month of summer? Here are the top destinations to visit in August.
- Glacier National Park, Montana – A paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Trek the Highline Trail, take a boat ride on Lake McDonald, and drive the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Chicago, Illinois – One of the best summer cities in the U.S. Enjoy festivals like Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago, take an architecture cruise along the river, and soak in skyline views from the Willis Tower Skydeck.
- The Outer Banks, North Carolina – A coastal gem known for wild horses, scenic beaches, and historic sites. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, go hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, or relax in a beachfront vacation rental.
- Portland, Oregon – A mix of outdoor adventure and city culture. Explore the International Rose Test Garden, hike in Forest Park, and enjoy the city’s vibrant food cart and craft beer scene.
- Alaska – The perfect time to experience the state’s untouched wilderness. Take a cruise through the Inside Passage, visit Denali National Park, and catch the Northern Lights as summer fades into fall.
- Maui, Hawaii – A dream destination for beach lovers. Snorkel at Molokini Crater, drive the scenic Road to Hana, and catch the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park. August offers warm ocean waters and fewer crowds.
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Classic New England charm with stunning beaches and fresh seafood. Go whale watching, bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and enjoy a traditional clambake on the beach.
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – Experience America’s first national park in peak season. See Old Faithful erupt, admire the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring, and spot bison, wolves, and elk in Lamar Valley.
August is the perfect time to explore these destinations. Here are my favorite August locations in the US in further detail!
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park hits differently in August – it’s basically peak perfection for hiking without snow blocking your way. I actually timed my visit for early August last year, and honestly, it was worth every single packed parking lot because the wildflowers were insane. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open by August (usually), which means you can drive the entire 50-mile scenic route without chains or road closures.
August is prime time for the Highline Trail – probably the most famous hike in the park. You’ll start at Logan Pass (get there before 7 AM or forget about parking) and walk along this incredible ledge with mountain goats literally chilling next to the trail. The weather’s usually perfect too, with highs in the low 80s and almost no chance of snow, unlike earlier in the season when you’re gambling with the weather.
Here’s what you need to know: the park now requires timed vehicle reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road west entrance and North Fork areas from May through September. You’ll need to book these way ahead of time through Recreation.gov. Many Glacier Hotel and other lodges are open through September, but they book up fast. If you can’t snag a spot inside the park, stay in Kalispell or Whitefish – it’s about 32 miles to the west entrance, and you’ll have way better restaurant options.
- Read next: Beautiful Montana Cabin Rentals
2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago in August is basically summer on steroids – the city goes all out because everyone knows fall’s coming fast. I’ve been to Chicago probably six times in August, and the lakefront is always my first stop. Oak Street Beach actually feels tropical when Lake Michigan hits its warmest temperatures of the year (around 75°F), which is saying something for the Midwest.
The festival game is strong this month. Lollapalooza might be the headliner, but honestly, the Chicago Air and Water Show (August 16-17, 2025) is way more fun and totally free. You’ll see the Blue Angels doing their thing right over Lake Michigan, and the crowds spread out along the entire lakefront from North Beach to Oak Street. Get there early though – like before 10 AM – because the good viewing spots fill up quick.
Food-wise, August brings Taste of Chicago back to Grant Park (September 5-7, but neighborhood tastes happen all August), plus Market Days in Boystown (August 8-10) which is one hell of a street festival. The Chicago Jazz Festival runs August 28-31, and it’s free at Millennium Park.
Weather’s perfect too – average highs around 80°F with about 10 hours of sunshine daily. Sure, it gets humid, but that’s what rooftop bars are for. Hit up Cindy’s for skyline views or catch a Cubs game at Wrigley when the ivy’s actually green and gorgeous. Public transport’s your best bet since parking downtown is brutal and expensive.
3. The Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks in August is where you go when you want that perfect beach vacation without the Florida crowds. I spent a week in Duck last August, and the water was actually warm enough for swimming – which is not always a given on the East Coast. These barrier islands stretch for about 100 miles, so you’ve got plenty of space to spread out even during peak season.
Corolla is where you’ll find those famous wild horses roaming the beach. You need a 4WD vehicle to get to Carova Beach where they hang out, but rental companies like Beach Realty & Construction will hook you up. The horses are descendants of shipwrecked Spanish horses, and seeing them just casually walking along the shoreline is pretty surreal.
For the thrill-seekers, Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head has hang gliding lessons. It’s the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast, and the views from up there are incredible. Kitty Hawk Kites runs the show, and they’ll have you airborne even if you’ve never done it before. The Wright Brothers National Memorial is right there too if you want to nerd out about aviation history.
August weather averages around 85°F with ocean temps in the high 70s – basically perfect for every water sport imaginable. Cape Hatteras National Seashore has some of the best surfing on the East Coast, and the fishing is legendary. Hatteras Inlet is where the serious anglers go for red drum and cobia.
Most people stay in vacation rental houses (there aren’t many hotels), and they book up a year in advance for August. Twiddy & Company and Joe Lamb Jr. are the biggest rental companies. Flying into Norfolk is your best bet – about 90 minutes drive without traffic.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit on the East Coast
4. Portland, Oregon
Portland in August is basically summer paradise – 80-degree days, almost zero rain, and the whole city’s obsessed with being outside. I’ve been there three times in August, and it’s honestly when the city shows off the most. The International Rose Test Garden still has blooms going strong, though not quite as intense as June, but you get these perfect clear views of Mount Hood that are worth the trip alone.
The Bridge Pedal happens August 10, 2025, and it’s one of those Portland things you just have to do. They shut down all the bridges for cyclists, including the upper decks of the Fremont and Marquam bridges where cars usually go. It’s pretty wild riding where traffic normally flows, and the views of the city are insane. Register early though – this sells out.
Food truck season is peak in August – you can’t walk two blocks without hitting a pod. Hawthorne and Division streets are food truck heaven. The Portland Saturday Market is also prime time, with local artists, food vendors, and that classic Portland weirdness in full effect.
Weather-wise, you’re looking at highs around 85°F and basically no rain – maybe 2 days the whole month. The Columbia River Gorge is about 30 minutes east and perfect for hiking, plus you’ve got Forest Park right in the city with over 80 miles of trails. Pro tip: August is also prime time for day trips to the coast or Mount Hood for hiking.
5. Alaska
Alaska in August is when you get the best of both worlds – still plenty of daylight (about 15 hours) but the nights finally get dark enough for a chance at the Northern Lights by late month. I cruised the Inside Passage in August 2023, and the weather was way better than I expected – highs in the 60s, which is basically Alaska’s version of perfect.
The cruise game is strong in August. Princess, Holland America, and Norwegian all run 7-day routes through the Inside Passage hitting Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay. The glaciers are more active in the warmer weather, so you’ll see more calving (chunks falling into the water), which is exactly what you want for those dramatic photos.
Denali National Park is fully accessible by August, with the shuttle buses running the full 92-mile road to Wonder Lake. Wildlife viewing is incredible – grizzly bears are fattening up for winter, caribou are everywhere, and the salmon runs bring out all the fishing activity. I saw more animals in one day in Denali than I’ve seen in most other national parks combined.
For the adventure types, Kenai Fjords National Park out of Seward has whale watching that’s basically guaranteed. Humpback whales, orcas, and Steller sea lions are all feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Major Marine Tours runs full-day trips that include a stop at Fox Island for a salmon bake.
The midnight sun thing is winding down by August, but you still get those insanely long days that make you lose all sense of time. Pack layers – it can go from 40°F in the morning to 70°F by afternoon, and rain gear is non-negotiable. Seattle is the main cruise departure point, and most lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.
- Read next: Hidden Vacation Spots in the US
6. Maui, Hawaii
Maui in August gets a bad rap for being hot and humid, but honestly, it’s still paradise – just with more trade winds and slightly warmer ocean temps (around 80°F). I’ve been there twice in August, and the key is embracing the early morning and late afternoon activities while chilling during the hottest part of the day.
The Road to Hana is actually better in August because all the waterfalls are flowing strong from summer rains. Twin Falls and Wailua Falls are basically at their most dramatic, and swimming in those pools feels incredible when it’s warm out. Start super early (like 6 AM) to avoid both crowds and the afternoon heat. Mama’s Fish House at the end is worth the drive alone.
Haleakala Crater sunrise is still magical, but August mornings can be surprisingly cool up there (50s), so bring layers. The drive up takes about 2 hours from most resorts, and you’ll want to arrive by 5:30 AM for the 6:15 sunrise. Haleakala Bike Company does downhill bike tours if you want someone else to handle the logistics.
Snorkeling is prime in August – Molokini Crater has the calmest conditions and clearest water of the year. Pride of Maui runs trips that include Turtle Town where you’re basically guaranteed to swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles. The water visibility can hit 150+ feet, which is insane for snorkeling.
Beach-wise, Wailea and Makena on the south shore have the most consistent conditions. Big Beach (Makena State Park) is huge and never feels crowded even in peak season. Ka’anapali Beach on the west side has the resort action plus Black Rock for cliff jumping.
Weather averages 87°F highs and 72°F lows – basically perfect pool weather. The humidity’s noticeable but trade winds keep it bearable. August is also Obon season, celebrating Japanese heritage with traditional dancing and festivals throughout the island.
- Read next: Cheapest Airports to Fly into Hawaii
- You may also like: Cheapest Places to Fly in Summer
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod in August is peak summer madness, but in the best possible way. The water’s finally warm enough for real swimming (around 67°F), and every beach town is running at full tilt with festivals, concerts, and that classic New England summer energy. I always stay in Chatham because it feels like the real Cape – fishing boats, seals hanging out at Fish Pier, and Nauset Beach just minutes away.
Nauset Beach is where you want to be for the classic Cape experience – miles of sandy coastline, decent waves for bodysurfing, and those iconic Cape Cod beach houses scattered along the dunes. The Cape Cod National Seashore protects most of the ocean-facing beaches, so they stay pretty pristine even with summer crowds.
The Falmouth Road Race (August 17, 2025) is one of those quintessential Cape events – 7 miles along the coastline with over 10,000 runners from around the world. Even if you’re not running, the energy is infectious, and the post-race celebration in Falmouth is a huge party.
Whale watching is incredible in August with Stellwagen Bank right offshore. Provincetown is whale watching central – Dolphin Fleet and Cape Cod Bay Cruises both have naturalists on board, and you’re almost guaranteed to see humpbacks, finbacks, and if you’re lucky, right whales. Provincetown itself is worth the trip – Commercial Street is lined with galleries, restaurants, and some of the best people-watching on the East Coast.
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is perfect for August – 25 miles of paved bike path through cranberry bogs, ponds, and classic Cape scenery. Bike rentals are everywhere, and you can hop on and off at different towns along the way.
Food-wise, it’s peak lobster roll season. The Lobster Pot in Provincetown and Chatham Fish Pier Market have the real deal. Wellfleet oysters are at their best, and every town has a fish shack doing fried clams that’ll ruin you for anywhere else.
- Read next: Best Places to Visit in New England
- You may also like: Prettiest Lighthouses in Massachusetts
8. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone in August is both the best and worst time to visit – the weather’s perfect, everything’s open, wildlife’s active, but the crowds are absolutely insane. I went last August and spent 3 hours in traffic just getting from the West Entrance to Old Faithful. But honestly, it’s still worth it because this is when the park shows off everything it’s got.
August weather averages highs in the low 80s and lows in the 40s – perfect for hiking during the day and campfires at night. All roads are open, including the full Grand Loop Road, so you can hit every major attraction without worrying about snow closures. The Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are prime for wildlife – bison herds are huge, elk are everywhere, and bear activity is intense as they fatten up for winter.
Old Faithful erupts roughly every 90 minutes, and August crowds mean you’ll want to get there early for good viewing spots. But the real magic is exploring the lesser-known thermal features – Norris Geyser Basin is wild with Steamboat Geyser (the world’s tallest active geyser when it decides to blow), and Grand Prismatic Spring is at its most colorful due to warm weather increasing bacterial activity.
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is absolutely stunning with multiple viewpoints. Artist Point gives you that classic postcard shot of the Lower Falls, but I actually prefer Uncle Tom’s Trail for getting closer to the action (though it’s a steep 328 steps down).
Accommodation inside the park books up literally a year in advance for August. Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are the main lodges, but expect to pay premium prices. West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody are your backup options for hotels, each about an hour from major attractions.
- Read next: Beginner’s Guide to Travel Photography
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best places to visit in August in the USA
Better for forewarned than forearmed. To help you prepare for summer traveling, here are some FAQs about best places to visit in August in the USA. I hope my answers help.
What states are best to visit in August?
When it comes to planning a summer getaway in August, two states in the United States offer fantastic options: California and Colorado.
California, with its diverse landscapes, promises endless adventures. From the iconic beaches of Southern California to the majestic Redwood forests in the north, there’s something for everyone. Explore vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, soak up the sun in San Diego, or embark on a scenic road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, August is the perfect time to revel in the state’s breathtaking natural beauty. Hike through Rocky Mountain National Park, discover the enchanting beauty of Colorado Springs, or embrace outdoor adventures in Aspen or Telluride.
Whether you seek coastal charm or mountain majesty, California and Colorado offer unforgettable experiences for August travelers.
How can I save money when traveling in August in the USA?
There are plenty of ways to save money when traveling in the USA in August. Here are some of my favorite money-saving travel tips:
- Travel during weekdays or off-peak periods to take advantage of lower prices and avoid crowds.
- Look for deals and discounts on flights and accommodations by booking in advance or being flexible with your travel dates.
- Consider alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals or hostels, which can be more budget-friendly than hotels.
- Opt for local transportation options like public buses or trains instead of expensive taxis or rental cars.
- Explore free or low-cost attractions, parks, and festivals in the destinations you visit.
- Cook some of your meals or choose budget-friendly dining options like food trucks or local eateries.
- Utilize travel rewards programs or credit cards that offer travel benefits to earn points or miles for future savings.
- Pack light and avoid excess baggage fees by traveling with just a carry-on bag.
- Research and compare prices for activities, tours, and attractions to find the best value for your money.
- Take advantage of free city maps, guides, and tourist information centers to help plan your activities efficiently.
Last but not least, if you’re traveling by air, don’t forget to use Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Use it for free to get mistake fares and other travel deals sent directly to your inbox. Or, sign up for a Premium membership or an Elite Membership for access to more features and better bargains. Use my coupon code JON20 to save 20% when you join!
What is the best major city to visit in the USA in August?
The best city to visit in August will depend on your personal preferences. If you love cultural festivals, innovative food scenes, and vibrant music, Chicago, Illinois might be your best bet. For outdoor adventure enthusiasts, unique places in the US like Portland, Oregon, offer remarkable nature experiences without sacrificing the fun and convenience of city exploration.
What is the best coastal destination to visit in August in the USA?
Both the Outer Banks in North Carolina and Cape Cod in Massachusetts offer fantastic coastal experiences. This includes beautiful beaches and delightful seafood. However, for a more tropical experience, Maui, Hawaii, with its golden beaches, thrilling water activities, and rich cultural heritage, is a standout choice.
Where can I go to escape the heat in August in the USA?
Alaska offers a cooler climate in August, coupled with the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights and explore vast wilderness. Glacier National Park, Montana, is another excellent destination with cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes.
What is the best place to travel in August?
Looking for an incredible destination to visit in August? Look no further than the island of Bali in Indonesia.
August is the ideal time to experience the best of Bali’s tropical paradise. With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, Bali offers a mesmerizing blend of relaxation and adventure.
Dive into crystal-clear waters, catch breathtaking sunsets, explore ancient temples, and indulge in delectable cuisine. August provides favorable weather for outdoor activities. This makes it a perfect August place to visit for surfing, hiking, and exploring the island’s natural beauty.
What are the best family-friendly destinations in the USA in August?
All the destinations mentioned in this post offer family-friendly experiences. However, for educational experiences that kids will love, consider Chicago with its museums, or Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, with its geothermal wonders and wildlife viewing. For beach fun and water activities, the Outer Banks, North Carolina, or Maui, Hawaii, are great choices.
Are these destinations crowded in August?
Though June and July are the peak seasons for most of these locations, some can be busy in August, too. However, with proper planning and early reservations, you can have an enjoyable visit. If you’re particularly concerned about crowds, consider visiting natural destinations like Glacier National Park, Montana, or the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Each place offers plenty of space to spread out and explore.
What activities can I do in these places in August?
The activities vary by destination. You can enjoy music and food festivals in Chicago, beach activities in the Outer Banks and Maui, hiking and nature exploration in Glacier National Park and Portland, wildlife viewing in Yellowstone, cultural experiences in Maui, and historical tours in Cape Cod.
Is August a busy month to travel?
Without a doubt, August is a busy month for travel. As the peak of the summer season in many parts of the world, August attracts a significant number of tourists. Popular tourist destinations, beaches, and attractions are often bustling with activity as people take advantage of school vacations and pleasant weather.
Flights and accommodations may be in high demand, leading to higher prices and limited availability. It’s important to plan and book well in advance if you intend to travel in August, especially to popular destinations. That way, you can secure the best deals and ensure a smooth journey amidst the bustling crowds.
What kind of weather can I expect in these places in August?
Generally, expect warm, summer weather in most of these destinations, with cooler temperatures in Alaska and Glacier National Park. However, weather can be unpredictable. So, it’s always a good idea to check the local forecast closer to your travel dates.
