Summer is almost over in August, but there’s still time for one last trip before resuming the autumn routine. I spoke with local experts and included some of my favorite destinations to curate this list of 15 of the best places to travel in August in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you decide to enjoy August at your favorite local beach or some distant shore, we hope these destinations will provide some vacation inspiration.
Chicago
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Chicago’s August weather is warm, and according to Judson Corrie, assistant director of guest experience and concierge services at Waldorf Astoria Chicago, “Outside of August’s landmark events like Northalsted Market Days, Lollapalooza, and Chicago Air & Water Show, there’s Riverwalk dining and thriving beaches.” Corrie continued, “Hop on a river or lake cruise or bring the family to Navy Pier and stay for fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays.” Visitors can enjoy Lake Michigan and the Chicago River on a paddleboard or kayak for some outdoor activity or relax on the popular Architecture Center river cruise. Guests of all ages will love Chicago’s best museums, including the Chicago Children’s Museum, the Museum of Illusions, and the Field Museum of Natural History.
Where to Stay: Pendry Chicago is located right on Michigan Avenue, so guests are “mere steps away from the Lollapalooza festival and concerts at Millennium Park and Grant Park,” according to the hotel’s general manager Stephen Blackford. Stay at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago or Park Hyatt Chicago, where general manager Corinna Wenks reminds visitors that “Chicago comes alive in the peak of summer with sun-filled beaches, bustling streets, and outdoor festivals.”
Bristol, Virginia
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For a small-town family vacation, think about Bristol. Kids will get a kick out of the downtown state line when they stand with one foot in Virginia and one in Tennessee. Explore Bristol Caverns, watch thrilling races at Bristol Motor Speedway, or visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, celebrating the city’s musical heritage. Travis Milton, executive chef at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, tells Travel + Leisure, “August is one of my favorite months in Appalachia, and Bristol in particular. It’s the heart of tomato and bean season, so we have so much to play with in the kitchen at Hickory. In town, there are great events like Border Bash, showcasing local artists and musicians leading up to September’s Rhythm & Roots show, as well as events at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum like Farm & Funtime and Virginia Highlands Festival in nearby Abingdon.”
Where to Stay: Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is set on 450 acres in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Or choose a local home through Vrbo, a hotel, or a campsite.
New Orleans
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Summers are hot and humid in New Orleans, but August is a great time for a family visit with lots to do, hotel room bargains, and restaurant discounts with the annual COOLinary program. The Audubon Zoo features a real swamp in the middle of uptown New Orleans with elephants, bears, snakes, orangutans, and a rare white tiger. In the Audubon Aquarium, there are interactive exhibits, sharks, alligators, penguins, and fascinating insects. The Satchmo Summer Fest, Aug. 3-4 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, celebrates Louis Armstrong with music and food. There’s live music everywhere, and during the annual Red Dress Run (Aug. 10), runners and walkers don their best red dresses for the charity event. During my recent visit, I loved VUE Orleans, with great fun for everyone and gorgeous views from the observation deck. Another favorite during my visit was the must-see National World War II Museum.
Where to Stay: The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, adjacent to the National World War II Museum, is convenient and comfortable; I enjoyed my stay and the view from Rosie’s on the Roof. The historic Eliza Jane, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, and Ritz-Carlton New Orleans are great places to stay, too.
Orlando, Florida
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It goes without saying that there are plenty of family activities in Orlando, from theme parks to water parks and even beaches not too far away for visitors who want to spend time at the shore. Universal Orlando’s new family-focused section features a Kung Fu Panda play area and more, and Walt Disney World’s water parks will keep everyone cool in August’s warm Florida weather. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party debuts in August, too, in case you want to kick off the spooky season early. And if you want to save a little money between theme park days, check out some of the many free things to do in Orlando. “August in Orlando offers a perfect blend of favorable conditions for travelers seeking to explore the city without the usual hustle and bustle — a well-kept secret. The weather is still fantastic and the vibe is more laid-back, making it the perfect time to soak up all Orlando has to offer,” according to Lia Moretti, general manager of Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Where to Stay: Beyond the always-popular Disney World hotels, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the new Conrad Orlando are ideal choices for families and couples alike.
Maine
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Wild blueberries, succulent lobsters, breezy beaches, rugged coastlines, and quaint towns are all reasons to visit the Pine Tree State in summer. Acadia National Park offers 47,000 acres of forests, rocky beaches, granite peaks, and wildlife. In Ogunquit, an idyllic seaside village, there’s a gorgeous three-mile sandy beach, the historic Ogunquit Playhouse for world-class summer theater, and the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. “Ogunquit comes alive during the summer, and the main draw of visiting in August is the absolutely perfect weather. The town is very walkable – you can park your car and not use it again. Travelers can explore the restaurants, bars, shops, art scene, and everything else Ogunquit has to offer primarily on foot. Grab a blueberry ice cream and head to Ogunquit Beach to enjoy a quintessential Maine summer day,” Tim Harrington, chairman at Maine’s Atlantic Hospitality, says.
Where to Stay: The Dunes on the Waterfront in Ogunquit is a collection of luxury one- to three-bedroom cottages on 12 oceanfront acres. In Bar Harbor, near Acadia National Park, cozy boutique Salt Cottages look out over Frenchman Bay, with a heated pool, hot tubs, and fire pits.
Kentucky
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If your idea of a perfect summer vacation includes lakes, forests, mountains, waterfalls, and culinary adventures, head to the Bluegrass State. Bourbon distilleries, horse farms, small towns, and exciting cities are some of the many places you can explore in Kentucky. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Kentucky’s state parks, so here are a few to consider. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park features boating, fishing, wildlife, and Cumberland Falls, often called “Niagara of the South.” In Natural Bridge State Resort Park, home to a massive sandstone arch, there’s fishing, kayaking, hiking, and a skylift for the perfect view of the arch. I spent some time in Lexington and loved the horse farm I visited, the Distillery District, and the charming downtown. Whether you choose a road trip, a camping excursion, a Bourbon Trail tour, or an active outdoorsy visit, put Kentucky on your summer itinerary.
Where to Stay: In Lexington’s Distillery District, The Manchester offers comfort, superb dining, and Kentucky hospitality. Immerse yourself in nature at campsites in the state parks and at Mammoth Cave National Park.
The Island of Hawaiʻi
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The Big Island is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, with a wide variety of microclimates and landscapes, from the dry Kona coast to the rainforests and waterfalls of Hilo. As much as I love every island, I find I return to the Big Island most often — there’s so much to see and do. The weather in August is dependably warm and dry on the island’s western coastline for beach fans, and there are hiking trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, historic sites for learning about the island’s culture, waterfalls, and opportunities for stargazing. Hawaiian cuisine is part of the fun of an island vacation, and specialties like shave ice, loco moco, poke, and malasadas should be on every visitor’s list. The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic (Aug. 29-Sept. 2) brings chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and visitors to the island to celebrate creative cuisine with a variety of events.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a longtime favorite for my husband and me. We love the golf course, and we’re looking forward to dining at the new Miller & Lux Steakhouse on our next visit. Mauna Kea Residences is a luxury collection of multi-bedroom condos, townhomes, and estates, perfect for groups. The beloved Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort reopened in July 2023.
San Francisco
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August is warm and sunny in San Francisco, but there’s always a chance of fog to create a dreamy atmosphere in the City by the Bay. Either way, it’s a beautiful time to walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Golden Gate Park for a free concert, visit The Walt Disney Family Museum, or take a boat ride and tour of Alcatraz Island. It’s festival season, and the Outside Lands Music & Arts event is set for Aug. 9-11 in Golden Gate Park with eats from the city’s best restaurants along with casual food truck dining. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate beautiful Oracle Park where you can enjoy the game along with views of the Bay Bridge and marina.
Where to Stay: Hotel Zetta, Hotel Zeppelin, St. Regis San Francisco, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, and LUMA San Francisco are all excellent options. Nearby in Sausalito, stay at Cavallo Point.
Canary Islands
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This Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwest Africa, often referred to as the Canaries, is warm and sunny in August when visitors can enjoy beaches and diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to deserts and mountains. In Tenerife, the World Heritage City of San Cristobal de La Laguna offers culture, history, museums, and charming villages. Gran Canaria features beaches and forests, while the island of Lanzarote is home to volcanoes, lava fields, rock formations, and mountains. On the island of Fuerteventura, there’s the unusual “Popcorn Beach” with coral fossils that resemble the movie theater snack. Each of the eight islands has its own identity and style, and visitors can travel between islands by air or boat.
Where to Stay: The new all-inclusive, family-friendly Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria features Kidsdom for five to 10 year olds and programs for teens. According to general manager Adriane Romero, “The new ‘Destination Inclusive’ experience offers guests the opportunity to explore off-property and become truly immersed in our unique culture, all included in the daily rate.”
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
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This popular ski resort is just as exciting in summer when most of the snow melts and the landscape changes from bright white to shades of green. Frequent year-round visitor Kari Ferrin tells T+L, “Whistler in the summer is amazing! Taking the Peak 2 Peak gondola and spotting a couple of bears on the way is the thrill of a lifetime. Walking over the Skybridge, taking a dip in the glacier lakes — it can’t be beat.” Ferrin advises, “Don’t miss the Umbrella Bar at the top of Blackcomb, and be sure to stop in at Purebread Bakery in the village.” Mountain biking, hiking, river rafting, zip lining, and fishing are more ways to enjoy Whistler in summer, and visitors can tour the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the culture and traditions of the area.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Château Whistler at the base of Whistler Mountain offers a championship golf course. Four Seasons Resort Whistler features summer experiences that include white water rafting and a bobsled ride.
French Polynesia
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The gorgeous islands of French Polynesia are idyllic destinations with stunning scenery, turquoise waters, overwater bungalows, and colorful marine life. August is typically the dry season, a popular time to visit when humidity and rainfall are minimal and the sun is usually shining. In Bora Bora, it’s considered high season, ideal for snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, and local festivals like Heiva. There’s also Ra’iātea, the first populated island in French Polynesia, and Tetiaroa, where actor Marlon Brando established a sustainable development that’s now a luxury hotel.
Where to Stay: The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and St. Regis Bora Bora are ideal places to stay in Bora Bora. In Tetiaroa, check out The Brando, with 35 private villas and one private residence.
Singapore
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“August is a great time to visit Singapore, specifically during National Day festivities when the city is buzzing with energy. It’s a prime opportunity for travelers to fully immerse in the destination’s vibrant spirit with parades, fireworks, and captivating song and dance performances,” according to John Rice, general manager at Shangri-La Singapore. A couple of weeks after National Day (on Aug. 9), the Singapore Night Festival features outdoor activities each evening from Aug. 23 to Sept. 7 in the Bra Basah-Bugis district. Singapore’s Changi Airport is an extravagant destination in itself, and visitors love the Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, dining on local dishes at hawker centers, and experiencing Singapore’s many unique attractions.
Where to Stay: Raffles Hotel Singapore, opened in 1887, features 115 newly restored suites. Conrad Singapore Orchard is located near Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping district. Conrad Centennial Singapore near Marina Bay offers spectacular skyline views. Shangri-La Singapore offers themed family suites and special amenities for youngsters.
South Africa
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From outstanding wineries to once-in-a-lifetime safaris, South Africa offers many reasons to visit. “South Africa is a year-round travel destination, with August being an ideal time to visit The Sabi Sands, a world-famous location known for offering the best Big Five game viewing experiences in South Africa,” according to deputy general manager of Ulusaba, Vickus Gerber. Brady Binstadt, CEO at GeoEx, agrees, “August’s mild, sunny days create perfect conditions for incredible safari adventures in the untamed wilderness of the Sabi Sands and MalaMala private reserves that offer intimate viewing experiences and exclusive access.” South Africa is also known for producing excellent wine, and many travelers end their safari adventures with a relaxing stay at a wine country resort or a few days exploring Cape Town.
Where to Stay: Cape Grace, set on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, unveiled major renovations in May 2024. Few and Far offers sustainable expeditions to South Africa and beyond, and GeoEx (short for Geographic Expeditions) features group and exclusive private expeditions.
Switzerland
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Bordered by Austria, France, Germany, and Italy, Switzerland is a lovely August destination whether you’re looking for sunny weather, cool mountain air, or historic cities. Wherever you choose for a summer vacation, you’ll want to be there for Swiss National Day on Aug. 1 when the country celebrates the 1291 signing of the Swiss Federal Charter. Fireworks, bonfires, lanterns, village markets, music, and brunches are part of the celebration. For visitors whose idea of a summer vacation must include beach time, Switzerland offers lakes, rivers, and thermal baths. Must-visit UNESCO World Heritage sites include prehistoric dwellings, glaciers, castles, ancient cities, and vineyards.
Where to Stay: In the mountains, Chasa Montana and The Lodge offer five-star service and gourmet dining. Kulm Hotel St. Moritz and Hotel Laudinella are convenient for August festivals in St. Moritz. The Woodward in Geneva, Alex Lake Zurich, and Domaine de Châteauvieux in Switzerland’s wine country are more options.
Bermuda
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Located in the Atlantic Ocean about 600 miles east of North Carolina, Bermuda is a two-hour flight from New York. The weather is warm and usually humid in August, but the sea is clear and warm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling among coral reefs. The annual cricket Cup Match is set for Aug. 1-2, an island-wide event centered around the competition between rivals St. George’s and Somerset. There’s plenty of family fun in Bermuda, too, from biking to paddleboarding to exploring caves. For a good workout and a spectacular view, climb the 185 steps to the top of the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. During my visit a few years ago, I enjoyed touring Hamilton, driving around in a tiny car (keep left!), and drinking my first dark and stormy at Goslings.
Where to Stay: I stayed at the beautiful, historic Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, called the “Pink Palace,” during my visit. The St. Regis Bermuda and Rosewood Bermuda are additional luxury options.
