Best Places to Go in August
August is one of the best times to soak up summer’s energy and explore some of the world’s most dazzling destinations. From my many trips across the U.S. (and a few in Europe), here are some places I think you absolutely have to see in the summer.
1. Portland, Maine
I took a week-long August vacation to this scenic, walkable coastal city where I found warm and sunny weather (with refreshing ocean breezes) that made it ideal for exploring the outdoors and enjoying its lively waterfront atmosphere. We stayed at 3-star Inn at St John for four nights.
After a short ferry ride to the Casco Bay Islands, I biked along car-free trails, hiked peaceful shoreline paths, and spent a long weekend relaxing with views of the sparkling Atlantic.
I filled my days kayaking on Casco Bay, touring the historic Portland Head Light (one of the most photographed lighthouses in America), and wandering along Old Port, a charming downtown filled with cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings, boutiques, galleries, and tempting lobster shacks!
I especially enjoyed brunch at Hot Suppa. I had corned beef hash with poached eggs, crispy potatoes, and a Bloody Mary that tasted like summer in a glass. I sat outside under string lights, feeling like the day had already delivered its best.
2. Iceland
I just loved the wild, buzzing atmosphere of Iceland in August! It’s a destination that feels otherworldly all year round, but in this month, I found the weather to be mild, bright, and full of energy, perfect for exploring waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes under nearly endless daylight.
I discovered there were also some incredible summer festivals and events this month such as the Reykjavík Culture Night (Menningarnótt) with street parties, art, and fireworks, the Reykjavík Pride Festival with colorful parades and concerts, and the magical Þjóðhátíð (National Festival) in the Westman Islands, famous for bonfires, live music, and fireworks. The whole country seemed alive with celebrations!
I flew into Keflavík International Airport, just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, and spent 10 days packed with adventures – soaking in the Blue Lagoon, hiking through Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle, chasing waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, spotting puffins at Dyrhólaey, taking a glacier hike on Vatnajökull, and relaxing in natural hot springs. We stayed at The Greenhouse Hotel for two relaxing nights.
The only drawback? The scenery was breathtaking, but August was peak season. Accommodations were expensive, and some spots felt overrun with tourists.
3. Altoona, Pennsylvania
I personally think Altoona is at its best in the late spring through early fall! Yes, it’s also when more visitors come through, but I found it warm, green, and full of energy with plenty of community festivals, outdoor fun, and baseball games giving the city a lively small-town vibe. I stayed at Wingate by Wyndham Altoona Downtown two nights. I loved the legendary Horseshoe Curve, the fascinating Railroaders Memorial Museum, catching an Altoona Curve baseball game, and my personal favorite, riding the classic wooden Skyliner roller coaster at Lakemont Park!
On my last summer city trip here I drove into Altoona and stayed for three days. I headed to the scenic Canoe Creek State Park to hike the trails and enjoy the peaceful lake, and then explored the historic exhibits at the Railroaders Memorial Museum downtown.
I also checked out the local shops and restaurants in the historic 12th Avenue area, sampled square-cut slices at Best Way Pizza, caught live music at a small local bar, and sipped craft beers at Railroad City Brewing Company.
One challenge? The railroad history was fascinating, but beyond that, Altoona felt limited for a longer stay. It worked better as a short stop than a full destination.
4. Cape Cod
During this month I found the weather in Cape Cod to be delightfully warm, with ocean breezes keeping things fresh and comfortable in this charming New England destination.
The skies were bright and sunny, perfect for long beach walks, whale-watching excursions, and afternoons exploring coastal trails. The small towns across the Cape were alive with art shows, ice-cream parlors, lobster shacks, and boutique shops—there was an unmistakable energy in the air that felt like the height of summer fun!
After a two-hour drive from Boston, I crossed the scenic Sagamore Bridge and began four blissful days on the Cape. I've been staying at Chatham Bars Inn for decades. I love its outdoor pool and location on the water.
I packed my stay with morning bike rides along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a sailboat outing off Chatham, a day trip to the pristine sands of the Cape Cod National Seashore, gallery hopping in Provincetown, and evenings spent enjoying live music on the harborfront. I also carved out time for a ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard, which added even more charm to the trip.
5. Richland, Washington
August in Richland is hot. There's no sugarcoating it. But the mornings are wonderfully breezy. I started the day early with a walk near the river. The trail was still cool from the night before. It smelled like ripening fruit from nearby orchards. I kept walking until the sun crested fully over the trees.
Later, I visited the REACH Museum. Not just for the air conditioning, but for the mix of natural history and Hanford legacy.
For dinner, I sat out on a patio with a view of the Yakima River. I ordered grilled salmon with lemon and herbs. It came with roasted carrots and a wild rice pilaf. A dry wind blew through just as I took the first bite. It smelled like cottonwood and riverbank. For a moment, everything felt suspended in golden light.
We drove 3 hours and 15 minutes from Seattle, I spent the night at Richland Riverfront Hotel. I cooled off in the outdoor pool which was wonderful.
The only drawback? I enjoyed the Columbia River views, but August heat made outdoor activities tough in the middle of the day. Shade and water breaks became essential.
6. Geneva, Switzerland
I took a summer weekend escape to this lakeside city during July, and I didn’t regret my choice because Lake Geneva was at its warmest, the promenades were buzzing with sun-seekers, and the whole city pulsed with outdoor fun and cultural vibrancy.
I discovered Geneva was alive with water-based activities, open-air dining, and seasonal highlights such as the Fêtes de Genève (a spectacular festival with fireworks and concerts) and the convivial lakeside apéros culture.
After fliying in from NYC, I based myself at Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva for a week of cosmopolitan leisure. I went swimming and paddleboarding on the lake by day, sailing to nearby Montreux, strolling the Old Town’s cobbled lanes, browsing Sunday flea markets, and exploring iconic landmarks like the Jet d’Eau and the flower-lined Jardin Anglais. Evenings were for lakeside dining, sampling Swiss fondue or lake perch at open-air terraces, and savoring Geneva’s international food scene.
A downside? The city sparkled in summer, but prices were sky-high. From hotels to simple meals, I found myself spending far more than expected.
7. Guerneville, California
My favorite spots in Guerneville are along the Russian River. August here is hot, perfect for relaxing in the shade under the redwoods. The river was warm for swimming, and the whole area was alive with wine-country charm and small-town summer fun.
The mornings started cool and misty. I stayed in a little cabin tucked beneath the trees. The air smelled like cedar and damp earth. By noon, the sun had burned through and people were lining up at Johnson’s Beach with coolers.
I discovered Guerneville was buzzing with outdoor adventures, al fresco dining, and seasonal events such as lazy tubing float trips, lively summer concerts at the plaza, and the sociable Friday evening gatherings along Main Street.
After just under a two-hour drive from San Francisco, I based myself here for a week of relaxation – swimming and kayaking on the Russian River by day, hiking in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, exploring Sonoma wineries nearby, and shopping the quirky boutiques and galleries downtown. Evenings were for fireside chats at rustic lodges, dining on local farm-to-table fare, and sampling craft cocktails at friendly neighborhood bars.
8. Provence, France
I took a summer escape to this sun-drenched corner of southern France, and I didn’t regret my choice because the lavender fields were in full bloom, the Provençal markets brimmed with color, and the Mediterranean sun bathed the villages in a golden glow.
I discovered Provence was alive with seasonal pleasures: open-air dining in village squares, music and arts festivals under the stars, and sociable evenings sipping rosé at vineyard terraces.
After arriving via Marseille airport and an easy drive inland, I based myself here for a week of pure Provençal charm – cycling through rolling vineyards, hiking the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, canoeing the turquoise waters of the Verdon Gorge, and wandering timeless villages like Gordes, Lourmarin, and Saint-Rémy. Markets were a daily delight – olives, cheeses, lavender honey, and the freshest peaches – while afternoons meant cooling dips in hidden swimming holes or leisurely vineyard tours.
You'll find hotels for every budget in Provence.
A downside? Lavender fields in full bloom were unforgettable, but August was blazing hot. Walking through villages at midday left me searching constantly for shade.
9. Gilford, New Hampshire
When I lived in NYC for 10 years, a few cherished days in New Hampshire in August were always such a treat.
I spent hours sitting at the edge of Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford with my feet in the water and nowhere else to be.
The mornings were bright and cool, with that perfect hint of dew in the air.
I caught a lakeside concert at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. I grabbed a lawn ticket and sat in the grass, the sky turning lavender behind the stage.
I also discovered the Gilford Old Home Day Parade and Fair, a small-town celebration with music, food, and crafts.
I flew into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, drove a relaxed 1.5 hours north, and spent my first day on a scenic Lake Winnipesaukee cruise. The views of the islands, forested shoreline, and sailboats drifting in the breeze were unforgettable. I also rode the Gunstock Mountain chairlift for panoramic views of the lake and White Mountains, and made time to explore Ellacoya State Park, where I swam at the sandy beach and picnicked right by the water.
10. Mammoth Lakes, California
I didn’t realize how much I’d been craving mountain air until I stepped out of the car and took that first deep breath.
Although it’s one of the most popular times to visit, I took a long weekend in August and found the weather to be warm, sunny, and perfect for mountain adventures. Thanks to Mammoth’s high elevation, the air stayed refreshingly crisp compared to California’s valleys, making it the ideal alpine escape.
I also stumbled upon some cool late-summer happenings like the Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza, where live music filled the pines, and the Mammoth Margarita Festival, which brought a fun local vibe to the Village.
I flew into Mammoth Yosemite Airport (or you can drive about 5 hours from Los Angeles), and spent my first day hiking to the breathtaking Devil’s Postpile National Monument and soaking up the mist from the thundering Rainbow Falls. I enjoyed staying at the affordable Mammoth Mountain Inn. Another highlight was taking the gondola up Mammoth Mountain—the 360° views of the Sierra Nevada peaks and valleys stretched out endlessly beneath me. Afternoons were reserved for relaxing by Twin Lakes, dipping my feet in the cold alpine water, and watching kayakers glide by. In the evenings, I explored the Village at Mammoth, full of cozy restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shops.
11. Chesapeake, Virginia
Although it’s one of the peak summer months, I slipped away for a long weekend in August and found Chesapeake to be a perfect balance of sunny coastal weather and breezy waterways. The daytime warmth made it ideal for paddling and exploring, while the evenings brought just enough coolness to enjoy dinners outdoors without the heavy southern humidity. I also discovered some lively late-summer happenings, like the Chesapeake Farmers’ Market, full of fresh local produce and crafts.
I flew into Norfolk International Airport, a quick 25-minute drive away, and began my trip with a tranquil paddle through the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The mirror-like waters, towering cypress trees, and calls of herons and egrets set the tone for a nature-filled weekend. Another highlight was wandering through Northwest River Park, where I rented a canoe, hiked the shaded trails, and watched the sunset reflect over the calm waters.
Afternoons were made for exploring Chesapeake’s mix of charm and modern convenience—from browsing boutiques at Greenbrier Mall to indulging in Chesapeake Bay crab cakes at a local dockside eatery. I also enjoyed a short drive to nearby Virginia Beach for oceanfront vibes, then returned to Chesapeake for its quieter, more peaceful pace.
Conclusion
Traveling in August taught me that adventure doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s a quiet canoe on a Vermont lake. Or a still moment on a glacier cruise. Or a morning pastry in Amsterdam as the city stirs awake. There’s power in those pauses. And there’s a special kind of joy in knowing that summer hasn’t ended just yet, not here, not now.
So if you’re feeling that gentle tug to go, somewhere warm, somewhere calm, somewhere beautiful, August is waiting. And it brings just the right kind of quiet with it.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
