Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Visit In August Across The United States

As summer hits its peak and starts “falling” toward autumn, some of our favorite destinations take on a whole new appeal. If you are planning a late summer vacation, you’ll be thrilled to check out some of the best places to visit in August in the US. You may not have considered some of these locations for an August trip, but soon you will. Pack your bags and start to get excited because the travel bug is about to hit you hard.

This article is part of our Best Places to Visit in the USA series. If you’re looking for the top places to visit around the country in each month of the year then look no further, our guides will give you all the seasonal travel inspiration you need to find the perfect location for your next getaway:

Best Places to Visit in The USA In August

If you are wondering where to visit in August in the USA, we have some mighty nice selections all throughout this article. Let’s start off with a couple that are hugely popular in the winter, but you may not have considered them during the summer. We hope that is about to change. Our third selection might sneak up on you because you may not have considered a trip to this hidden gem until now.

Aspen, CO 81611, USA

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• Location: Aspen, CO
• Why Visit In August: August is a delightful time of year to visit Aspen because the weather is warm, but not too hot, with temps in the upper 70s.
• Where To Stay Nearby: This absolutely beautiful Summit House in Snowmass close to Aspen, Colorado, will take your breath away just as much as the mountain views!

Aspen, Colorado, is one of the most iconic ski towns in the United States, so is August still a good time to visit Aspen? You bet the bottom of your hiking boots it is. Bottom dollar, the bottom of your hiking boots... okay, fine, that one missed the mark like a bent arrow, but the point is, if you enjoy hiking, visiting Aspen, Colorado in August is a match made in heaven. Not only is the hiking good, but when the sun sets against those gorgeous mountains, the craft beer starts to flow like a mountain stream. Aspen's nightlife is incredible in the late summer with festivals, live music, and, of course, a brew or two.

Portland, ME, USA

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• Location: Portland, ME
• Why Visit In August: Visiting Portland in August is the perfect time to take a ferry ride to Peaks Island, where you'll find cute cafes and beautiful beaches, and can cruise the whole island on a golf cart.
• Where To Stay Nearby: This delightful Portland vacation rental is filled with light and is only five minutes from the charming downtown Portland area. Be sure to walk a few blocks to The Great Lost Bear - a highly celebrated microbrewery and gastropub.

Portland, Maine, is a delightful community of food lovers, artists, outdoor adventurers, and just plain old friendly folks. If you are visiting Portland in August, expect to be treated to some of the best lobster in the country as the summer is the start of peak lobstering season. It is also a great time to enjoy a beach or two as the temps should be in the high 70s. At night though, temps cool off, and you can comfortably enjoy the small-town vibe with darling restaurants, breweries, and sunset views of lighthouses standing proud against the dark ocean waters. This is one of the best places to travel in the US in August.

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Indianapolis, IN, USA

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• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Why Visit In August: Visiting Indianapolis, Indiana in August is a real treat because the peak summer temperatures start to decline so you can enjoy outdoor activities with a bit more comfort.
• Where To Stay Nearby: The charming Indy Villa is a beautiful Victorian home that was built in 1872. It is located in a high-end neighborhood in the heart of the city, perfectly located to enjoy all that Indianapolis has to offer.

Indianapolis, Indiana, is a vibrant city that really comes alive in August. Enjoy a day strolling on the 3-mile Canal Walk along the downtown waterfront. When you do, you'll be treated to darling cafes, cute shops, and lots of wonderful people-watching. If you want to try something really special, try a gondola ride along the canal as the sun sets over the city. If your idea of a thrill involves watching fast cars tear around a track, Indianapolis is the racing capital of the world. While the iconic Indy 500 happens in late May, there are plenty of IndyCar races in August as well.

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Best Attractions To Visit In The USA In August To Avoid Crowds

Our next selections for places to go in August in the USA can be quite popular, but we’ll give you a few tips to avoid crowds and enjoy some quiet time with your loved ones.

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

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• Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
• Why Visit In August: Lake Tahoe is another epic ski town, but visiting Lake Tahoe in August is fun too because it is pretty much the only time you can swim in the lake and not watch your body freeze right before your eyes. The shallow beaches can warm up to the upper 60s on a hot day - still chilly, but refreshing rather than freezing.
• Where To Stay Nearby: This gorgeous modern A-frame home in South Lake Tahoe is very spacious and filled with light. Located on the shores of Lake Tahoe, it even has a private pier.

Lake Tahoe is one of the most enchanting and beautiful lakes in the country. And it's huge! With so much land area, each section of the lake comes with its own attractions and distinct vibes. If you head to North Lake Tahoe, you'll enjoy some cute small towns with walkable downtowns. Towns like Truckee and Tahoe City will delight you with cute shops, small-town cafes, and romantic walking paths. South Lake Tahoe is a little more outdoorsy with incredible hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and Vikingsholm - a hidden ancient castle near Emerald Bay. South Lake Tahoe is also near the Nevada border and a few casinos if you feel the need to sneak across the border and flex your high-roller skills. See why this is one of the best places to visit in the US in August.

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

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• Location: Niagara Falls, NY
• Why Visit In August: If you are visiting Niagara Falls, New York, in August, check out the Prospect Point Observation Tower to see the falls. It isn't quite as busy, and you get incredible views.
• Where To Stay Nearby: The Little Niagara Bungalow is a delightfully remodeled home minutes from Niagara Falls. With two bedrooms and room to sleep eight, it is perfect for families or couples who like to enjoy a spacious and updated stay.

It might be counterintuitive to recommend Niagara Falls during the summer because it is peak tourist season. But there is still a way to enjoy your trip and avoid the crowds. Weekends are going to be crazy, but if you schedule your trip during the week, you'll avoid some of the crowds. Early mornings are also a bit quieter because, well, it's summer and most people want to sleep in on vacation. The early bird gets the best boat tours, after all. Everyone comes to see "The Waterfall," so if you plan some lesser-known activities, you can enjoy a little peace and quiet. The many hiking trails in Niagara Falls State Park are gorgeous and quiet. To see Niagara Falls at night, check out the footage shared on our OnlyInYourState YouTube channel.

Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

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• Location: Whitefish, MT
• Why Visit In August: As the gateway to the stunning beauty of Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Montana is a hidden gem that deserves a summer visit. Some of the August activities you can look forward to include kayaking the Montana River, fly fishing for trophy trout, hiking, mountain biking, brewery tours, and exploring the charming downtown area.
• Where To Stay Nearby: A rustic cabin in Whitefish, Montana, is just about the perfect getaway to this beautiful town.

Whitefish, Montana, is a fairly small town of only about 8,500 residents, but it packs a big punch come ski season as one of the top ski areas in the United States. But when the winter snow melts, and busloads of tourists head home, Whitefish continues to be a stunningly beautiful gem of a town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Visiting Whitefish, Montana, in August will treat you to some of the most incredible hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures that you can imagine.

Best Places To Visit In The US In August For Outdoor Adventure

Our next two locations are some of the best places to travel in August in the USA for those of us who like a little adventure. Whether it’s gorgeous hiking trails, pristine beaches, or a whole island chain, these spots will get your heart racing.

Block Island, New Shoreham, RI 02807, USA

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• Location: Block Island, RI
• Why Visit In August: Visiting Block Island, Rhode Island, in August is ideal because the peak season is winding down, and you'll have more of the sights and attractions to yourself.
• Where To Stay Nearby: The Barn at Schooner Point is a popular vacation rental on the island for a romantic getaway or a family of four. It is located on the bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound, so you'll be rewarded with amazing views and stunning sunsets.

Block Island, Rhode Island, is a delightful getaway reminiscent of the rolling hills and steep bluffs of Ireland. This small island is one of those special places where you can walk or bike around the whole thing. Along the way, you'll enjoy the island's iconic Block Island North Light and Block Island Southeast Light lighthouses, which have been protecting sailors since the 1800s. For a fun adventure, be sure to explore the Mohegan Bluffs, where you can descend a long set of stairs down to the sandy beach. It is also near the Southeast Lighthouse, so you can climb to the top of the lighthouse for incredible views of the island and surrounding ocean. You'll have to see for yourself why this is one of the best places to travel. un the USA in August!

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Cannon Beach, OR, USA

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• Location: Cannon Beach, OR
• Why Visit In August: Visiting Cannon Beach, Oregon in August will reward you with warm temperatures and a dryer sky. As the evenings cool off you can still enjoy a beach campfire under the stars.
• Where To Stay Nearby: Imagine having the iconic Haystack Rock right in your backyard. That's what you get when you stay at Driftaway by AvantStay.

Cannon Beach, Oregon, and its iconic sea stacks bring outdoor adventurers from far and wide. The area has some of the best hiking trails in the nation with their fair share of scenic views, beautiful secluded beaches with jagged cliffs, and maybe even a hidden waterfall or two. One of the places you should add to your list is Ecola State Park, with its 4.3-mile hike to Indian Beach or the challenging 12.2-mile hike along the Tillamook Head Trail that shows off the towering sea stacks and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

Check out our video about Cannon Beach on the OnlyInYourState YouTube channel.

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Best Places To Visit In August For Events

Summer events are a good reason to travel to new and exciting locations. These two selections might just convince you to pack your bags and head out on a road trip.

Sturgis, SD 57785, USA

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• Location: Sturgis, SD
• Why Visit In August: August is one of the more popular months to visit Sturgis, SD, because the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is held every year in the front half of the month.
• Where To Stay Nearby: The campgrounds in Sturgis fill up fast for the rally, so why not book something a little more unique? This vintage railroad caboose is a cozy getaway for two that will certainly give you some stories to tell.

The Black Hills area of South Dakota draws tourists from all over the world, and for good reason - the area is filled with scenic views, interesting attractions, and historical sites. One of the biggest draws is to the small town of Sturgis. Sturgis is one of the best cities to visit in August in the USA for motorcycle enthusiasts. Visiting Sturgis, South Dakota, in August is a must if the sight and sound of thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycles makes your heart race like a teenager after their first kiss. (We're talking to you, big guy, we know there is a heart of gold underneath all the tattoos and leather.)

127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

• Location: Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama
• Why Visit In August: This epic yard sale only occurs in August. So if you go gaga over city-wide garage sales, this one will make your heart sing!
• Where To Stay Nearby: Really, there are numerous places you could start out along this epic flea market road trip, but if you want to run the whole thing, starting in Gadsden by spending the night at this cute cottage might be a great way to start. Of course, starting out in Michigan is the other option. How about the cozy Morel Cottage near the Au Sable River?

From the Midwest to the deep South, we sure know how to put on the yard sale to beat all yard sales here in the US. Six states participate in the gigantic 127 Yard Sale every August that covers more than 690 miles from Grayling, Michigan, all the way down near Gadsden, Alabama. If you are anywhere near the cities on Route 127, be prepared at the beginning of August each year to hunt down some deals.

Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US in August

Finding a hidden gem that you may not have considered before is the ultimate reason to get the travel bug. Here are some of the best places to visit in the U.S. in August that may not have been on your radar until now.

Fire Island, NY, USA

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• Location: Fire Island, NY
• Why Visit In August: If you are visiting Fire Island, New York, in August, be sure to get tickets for the exclusive Barefoot Black Tie Dinner Benefit at the Robert Moses State Park Lighthouse. This annual event will treat you to a romantic evening of live music, dancing, and award-winning food.
• Where To Stay Nearby: Conveniently located near the Fire Island Lighthouse, the charming Bayview Cottage makes the perfect home base for exploring the island.

Fire Island, New York, is a clam-tactic getaway to a quiet island strip of land between the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. If seafood is one of your greatest loves, a trip to this charming barrier island is definitely in order. A walk along the boardwalk in the Fire Island National Seashore as the sun sets against the ocean is an incredible sight. After the sun sets, the island comes alive with outdoor dining, nightclubs, and live music. Before you visit, get those karaoke pipes warmed up well...

Jekyll Island, GA 31527, USA

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• Location: Jekyll Island, GA
• Why Visit In August: Visiting Jekyll Island, Georgia in August is a wonderful time of year because the air begins to cool, and the evenings are enchanting. For a really fun adventure, look into a sunrise turtle walk along the beach to discover Loggerhead sea turtles hatching on the beach.
• Where To Stay Nearby: This lovely ocean cottage is right on the beach, with stunning ocean views and miles of sandy beaches to explore in either direction. The iconic Driftwood Beach is less than a mile stroll along the beach.

Back in the 1800s, if your name was Rockefeller or Vanderbilt, you probably vacationed on this private resort island. These days you don't need a vault filled with gold bars to enjoy its incredible views and charming island vibe thanks to its designation as a National Landmark District. Spending a late summer day strolling Jekyll Island Driftwood Beach at sunset is a breathtaking experience, one of many you'll enjoy during your stay at this delightful hidden gem.

Park City, UT, USA

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• Location: Park City, UT
• Why Visit In August: Visiting Park City, Utah in August will surprise you with the Park Silly Sunday Market - a fun, somewhat silly, street festival filled with music, artists, food, and lots of people just having fun in the sun.
• Where To Stay Nearby: The Westgate is one of the most popular places to stay in Park City. In the winter, it is the epicenter of all the best ski lifts. In the summer, it's a great home base for hitting up Main Street.

This epic ski town that was once the home of the Winter Olympics is a huge draw in the wintertime. The town even has a trademark for the term The Greatest Snow on Earth®. So why would you visit in August? If you get excited about natural spaces like a kid given a free candy store shopping spree, Park City is for you. The lush green valleys set against gorgeous mountains are a pretty big draw for hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor explorers of all kinds. The town itself is lovely, with cute shops, darling restaurants, and the occasional hot air balloon floating gracefully in the sky.

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Priest Lake, Idaho, USA

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• Location: Priest Lake, ID
• Why Visit In August: Visiting Priest Lake in August is popular because the water temps are at their peak. This crystal clear lake is very popular for swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Where To Stay Nearby: A home on Priest Lake is pretty much the only way to go when planning a vacation to this delightful area.

If Idaho isn't on your radar yet for a weekend getaway or family vacation, it should be. As an outdoor lover's playground, there are adventures to be had around every corner. Priest Lake, Idaho, and the lake of the same name, is a little hidden gem with crystal clear waters perfect for kayaking with stunning views of the Selkirk Mountains. In late August, you might even catch a stunning Aurora Borealis over the pure waters of the lake. The peak time to see the Northern Lights is in September or March, but you might get lucky in late August as well.

Sheboygan, WI, USA

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• Location: Sheboygan, WI
• Why Visit In August: When visiting Sheboygan in August, be sure to take advantage of Food Truck Mondays, local farmer's markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and powerboat racing on Lake Michigan.
• Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy a family getaway to Sheboygan by staying at the Sand Castle Beach House right on Lake Michigan.

You might not be aware, but Sheboygan is the "Surf Capital of the World," well, the freshwater world, that is. If you are up for a unique surf vacation, head to Sheboygan, Wisconsin's North Beach to enjoy the best waves on the Great Lakes. For any landlubbers, there is plenty to see and do that doesn't involve a wetsuit. From outdoor events, farmer's markets, summer festivals, and some pretty great golf, Sheboygan is a fun and affordable getaway you may not have even heard of. Now that you have, start getting the family excited about an August adventure to a delightful hidden gem. As one of the best August vacations in the US for Lake Michigan lovers, Sheboygan is just as fun to visit as it is to say.

Have you discovered a few destinations that you hadn’t known about before? We hope you are now inspired to set sail on a summer adventure to some of the best places to visit in August around the US. Let us know which one you have your eye on with a comment.

If an early summer vacation works out better for your schedule, check out some of the best places to travel in the US in June for more inspirational destinations. However, if you’re unable to travel anywhere this summer, take a look at our Unique At-Home Staycation Ideas!