Best Places To Visit in August: Where to Go This Summer (US and Beyond)

August is firmly within the peak travel season. Travel just about anywhere, and it’s easy to see why. Summer is in full swing, the days are long, and destinations are full of life. Whether you're working around school schedules or just finally taking that trip you've been putting off, there's no shortage of incredible places to be this time of year.

The tradeoff? Everyone else has the same idea. The most popular destinations in August are busy, and prices for flights and accommodation reflect that. The good news: With the right destination (and the right travel dates), you can still have an incredible August trip without fighting the crowds or breaking the bank. 

If your schedule allows even a little flexibility, the last two weeks of August tend to be noticeably quieter and cheaper than the first half of the month. Families start heading home as school resumes, and you get a slightly calmer version of the same great destinations. Going members regularly find flights 20–40% cheaper just by shifting a week or two later.

Here's our guide to the best places to visit in August, whether you're staying stateside or heading abroad.

Key takeaways

• August is one of the busiest and most expensive travel months. We normally encourage booking domestic flights 1–3 months out and international flights 2–8 months out, but August, being a peak travel time, requires a little extra lead time—more like 3–5 months for domestic and 4–10 months for international.
• The last two weeks of August are a sweet spot: School is back in session, crowds thin out, and prices drop while summer weather holds.
• The US has incredible August options, from coastal Maine to the national parks of the West.
• Internationally, Japan, Iceland, Portugal, and Croatia are among the best places to be in August.
• Set up flight deal alerts in the Going app so you don’t overpay for your trip, even at the peak of peak season.

Best places to visit in August in the US

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is the kind of New England summer town that feels like it was designed for August. Sitting on Mount Desert Island off the Maine coast, it's the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful and undervisited national parks in the country. Here, you’ll find rocky coastline, forested hiking trails, tidal pools, and some of the best lobster rolls you will ever eat in your life.

August is the peak season here, so expect the town to be lively. Get up early to beat the crowds on the Cadillac Mountain summit trail. It's one of the first places in the US to catch the sunrise, and on a clear morning, it's unforgettable.

• Main attractions: Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, carriage road cycling, whale watching tours, lobster shacks
• Closest airport: Bangor International Airport (BGR), about 1 hour from Bar Harbor; Portland International Jetport (PWM) for more flight options (about 3 hours)
• Budget range: $$–$$$ (mid-range to pricey in peak season; book accommodation early)
• Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, couples, road-trippers
• Average Going deal: $216 roundtrip

Glacier National Park, Montana

If you've never been to Glacier, August is your best window. It's one of the few months when the high-country trails are fully snow-free and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is completely open. Plus, the scenery isn’t too bad either, with jagged peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, wildflower meadows, and wildlife around every corner.

Traveler tip: Vehicle reservations are required to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season. Book as soon as they open, or use the park's free shuttle system to get around without the stress.

• Main attractions: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Lake McDonald, Many Glacier area, wildlife spotting (bears, mountain goats, moose)
• Closest airport: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, about 30 minutes from the west entrance
• Budget range: $–$$ (park entry fee applies; camping and lodges inside the park book up fast)
• Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, photographers, adventure travelers
• Average Going deal: $271 roundtrip

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago in August is Chicago at its absolute best. The city is warm, the lakefront is alive, and the summer festival calendar is packed. Blues Fest, Lollapalooza, the Chicago Air and Water Show, and neighborhood festivals happen in rapid succession, and there's almost always something going on if you know where to look. Add in world-class architecture, a dining scene that is bound to satisfy every traveler, and miles of free lakefront to explore, and you've got one of the best urban summer trips in the country.

• Main attractions: Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Chicago Riverwalk, Art Institute of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo (free), architecture boat tours, summer festivals
• Main airport: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway Airport (MDW), both connected to the city by the L train
• Budget range: $$–$$$ (mid-range city; many free attractions help keep costs manageable)
• Best for: Couples, solo travelers, culture lovers, foodies, festival-goers
• Average Going deal: $144 roundtrip

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Most people think of Jackson Hole as a winter ski destination, but August makes a strong case for being the better season. Grand Teton National Park is at its most dramatic with wildflowers in full bloom, the Snake River running strong, and wildlife spotting at its peak. Yellowstone is just an hour north, making this one of the great American road trip basecamp destinations. The town of Jackson itself is fun, walkable, and full of good restaurants, galleries, and Western character.

• Main attractions: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone day trips, Snake River float trips, hiking, wildlife encounters, Jackson Town Square
• Closest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), right inside Grand Teton National Park—one of the most dramatic airport arrivals in the US
• Budget range: $$–$$$ (popular destination; accommodation books up fast in summer)
• Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, road-trippers
• Average Going deal: $267 roundtrip

San Diego, California

San Diego in August offers about as close to perfect weather as you'll find anywhere in the US: warm, sunny, and rarely uncomfortably hot thanks to the ocean breeze. It's an easy city to love, with great beaches, a walkable downtown, world-class tacos, a thriving craft beer scene, and enough attractions to keep you busy for a week without ever feeling rushed.

Balboa Park alone, with its 17 museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, could fill two full days. Add in La Jolla Cove for snorkeling and seal-watching and the historic Gaslamp Quarter for evenings out, and you've got one well-rounded trip.

• Main attractions: Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, USS Midway Museum, Old Town, Cabrillo National Monument
• Main airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 10 minutes from downtown
• Budget range: $$–$$$ (mid-range California city; beaches and parks are free)
• Best for: Families, couples, beach lovers, first-time visitors to Southern California
• Average Going deal: $171 roundtrip

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville has quietly become one of the most beloved travel destinations in the American South, and August is a great time to visit. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers a combination of outdoor adventure (hiking the Appalachian Trail, waterfall chasing, mountain biking) and a thriving art, food, and craft beer scene that feels homegrown.

The elevation is a real bonus in August, too. Asheville stays cooler than the sweltering heat of the Carolina lowlands, making it a smart escape for summer.

• Main attractions: Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate, River Arts District, downtown galleries and breweries, hiking to Black Balsam Knob and Graveyard Fields
• Closest airport: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), about 15 minutes from downtown; Charlotte Douglas (CLT) for more flight options (about 2 hours)
• Budget range: $–$$ (one of the more affordable US destination towns)
• Best for: Couples, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, solo travelers
• Average Going deal: $218 roundtrip

Best international places to visit in August

Portugal (Lisbon and the Algarve)

Portugal is one of the best-value destinations in Western Europe, and August is a wonderful time to visit, as it’s warm, sunny, and full of energy. Lisbon is a world-class city that rewards wandering, with tile-covered buildings, viewpoints (miradouros) around every corner, exceptional food, and an entertaining fado music tradition. Pair it with a few days in the Algarve, Portugal's southern coastline of dramatic golden cliffs and hidden sea caves, and you've got a perfect summer trip.

Traveler tip: August is peak season in the Algarve. If your dates are flexible, the last week of August is noticeably quieter and cheaper as European families head home, and the weather is still excellent.

• Main attractions: Lisbon's Alfama district and Belém Tower; Sintra day trip; Algarve beaches including Praia da Marinha and Benagil Cave; Lagos and Tavira
• Main airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) for the capital; Faro Airport (FAO) for direct Algarve access
• Budget range: $–$$ (one of Europe's most affordable destinations)
• Best for: Couples, families, solo travelers, budget-conscious travelers
• Average Going deal: $539 roundtrip

Japan (Tohoku and Hokkaido)

August in Japan's major cities—like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka—is hot, humid, and crowded. Head north to the Tohoku region or Hokkaido, though, and you'll find a different side to Japan that’s cooler and more lush with far fewer tourists and some of the country's most spectacular summer festivals.

Traveler tip: Japan's famous summer festivals (matsuri) peak in August. Think massive firework displays, traditional dance festivals like Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri, and lantern ceremonies. It's one of the best months to experience traditional Japanese culture, especially outside the major cities.

• Main attractions: Nebuta Matsuri festival (Aomori), Sapporo Beer Museum, Hokkaido's lavender fields (Furano), hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park, Matsushima Bay
• Main airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS) for Hokkaido; Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) as the main international hub, with shinkansen (high-speed rail) or domestic flights north
• Budget range: $$-$$$ (Japan is mid-range overall; Hokkaido and Tohoku are more affordable than Tokyo)
• Best for: Culture seekers, foodies, off-the-beaten-path travelers, repeat Japan visitors
• Average Going deal: $739 roundtrip via Tokyo

Iceland

Iceland in August has long, bright days. The Midnight Sun has faded from its June peak, but you're still getting 15 or more hours of daylight, which means more time to explore. The highland roads (F-roads) are fully open, waterfalls are running strong, and puffin season is in full swing along the coast.

• Main attractions: Golden Circle, Ring Road, Landmannalaugar highlands, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, puffin watching, whale watching from Húsavík
• Main airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 45 minutes from Reykjavík by bus or shuttle
• Budget range: $$$ (Iceland is expensive; camping and self-catering help lower costs)
• Best for: Adventure travelers, photographers, nature lovers, road-trippers
• Average Going deal: $467 roundtrip

Colombia (Medellín and the Coffee Region)

Colombia might not be the first place that comes to mind for an August trip, but it absolutely should be. Medellín, now one of Latin America's most exciting cities, has a spring-like climate year-round, a thriving food and nightlife scene, and a story of transformation that makes it one of the most fascinating urban destinations on the continent.

Pair it with a few days in the Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero), featuring rolling green hills, colorful colonial towns like Salento, and some of the best coffee you'll ever taste, right from the source.

• Main attractions: Medellín's El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods, Comuna 13 street art tour, coffee farm tours in Salento, Cocora Valley hike (giant wax palms), Cartagena if extending the trip
• Main airport: José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) for Medellín, about 45 minutes from the city
• Budget range: $–$$ (Colombia offers excellent value for US travelers)
• Best for: Solo travelers, couples, adventure seekers, food and coffee lovers
• Average Going deal: $294 roundtrip

Morocco

Morocco in August is hot, especially in cities like Marrakesh and Fes. But if you go in knowing that and plan accordingly (early mornings in the medinas, afternoons resting, evenings when the cities come alive), it's a rich and fascinating destination. The Atlantic coastal towns of Essaouira and Agadir are dramatically cooler thanks to ocean breezes, and the Atlas Mountains offer a welcome escape from the heat altogether.

• Main attractions: Marrakesh medina and Djemaa el-Fna square, Fes el-Bali (the world's largest car-free urban area), Sahara Desert camel treks from Merzouga, Essaouira coastal town, Atlas Mountain villages
• Main airport: Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) or Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca (CMN)
• Budget range: $ (Morocco is very affordable for US travelers)
• Best for: Culture seekers, adventure travelers, solo travelers, couples
• Average Going deal: $564 roundtrip

Croatia (Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Islands)

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast in August offers quintessential coastal summer vibes (meaning it can also get very busy). Dubrovnik's medieval walled city, the islands of Hvar and Brač, and the sailing routes between them are all at peak season. The water is warm and incredibly clear, the nightlife on Hvar is electric, and the seafood is exceptional everywhere you go.

Traveler tip: Dubrovnik in particular gets extremely crowded in August due to cruise ship traffic. Exploring in the early morning before the crowds descend, and taking advantage of the quieter evenings after everyone has re-boarded their ships, makes a huge difference in how you experience the city.

• Main attractions: Dubrovnik's City Walls, Hvar Town, Pakleni Islands, Brač's Zlatni Rat beach, Split's Diocletian's Palace, island-hopping by ferry
• Main airport: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) or Split Airport (SPU) for broader Dalmatian access
• Budget range: $$–$$$ (popular destination; prices spike in August)
• Best for: Couples, young travelers, beach lovers, history enthusiasts
• Average Going deal: $553 roundtrip

Best August destinations by travel style

Best for families

Families need destinations with a mix of activities, manageable logistics, and enough variety to keep everyone happy. Top picks: San Diego (beaches, zoo, great weather), Bar Harbor/Acadia (easy hiking, stunning scenery, lobster rolls), Lake Garda, Italy (calm water, theme parks, Italian charm), and Dubrovnik (history, beaches, boat trips that kids love).

Best for budget travelers

Your dollar goes furthest in Asheville, Colombia, Morocco, and Portugal. All four offer rich experiences without the price tag of peak European destinations or major US cities. Traveling in the last two weeks of August also helps across the board, as prices drop noticeably as peak demand eases.

Best for adventure

Glacier National Park, Iceland, Jackson Hole, and the Scottish Highlands are the standout picks for travelers who define a good trip by how much they move. All four offer world-class hiking, dramatic scenery, and the kind of experiences many people don’t find closer to home.

Best for beach lovers

Bar Harbor for dramatic Atlantic coastline, San Diego for laidback Pacific vibes, Croatia's Dalmatian Islands for the clearest water in Europe, and Portugal's Algarve for golden cliffs and hidden sea caves. All four deliver, but book early as these are among the most popular August destinations on this list.

Tips for traveling in August

Book flights and hotels well ahead of time

For domestic trips, we encourage travelers to aim to book at least 1 to 3 months in advance. For international travel, give yourself 2 to 8 months. But when you’re traveling during a peak season, like August, you should lean toward the longer end, as competition for seats and rooms is hotter. Add a couple of months to each of those windows. 

Going's guide on the best time to book a cheap flight breaks this down in detail. You can also check out how to find cheap flights and how to use Google Flights to hone your search.

Travel mid-week to save on flights

Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are consistently cheaper than weekend departures. If you can adjust your travel days even slightly, the savings can add up. For more strategies on keeping costs down, our guide on traveling more even on a small budget is full of practical tips.

Don't skip travel insurance in peak season

August travel means crowded airports, full flights, and more opportunities for things to go sideways. Before purchasing a policy, check whether your existing health insurance covers you abroad or whether your credit card already includes travel protection—many do, and it's worth knowing before you double up. If you're not covered, a travel insurance policy might be worth it, especially for international trips. 

Set up flight deal alerts with Going

The single best thing you can do for your August travel budget is let Going do the fare watching for you. We track prices around the clock and alert you the moment a deal drops on your route, so you book at the right price instead of guessing. 

Check out our international flight hacks guide for even more ways to save. And when you're ready to get started, explore Going Premium or Going Elite to find the plan that fits your travel style.

Plan your August trip with Going

Whether you're heading to a national park or booking that long-overdue international adventure, Going is here to make sure you're not overpaying for the flight. Join Going, and start getting deals sent straight to your inbox or mobile phone.