August is the perfect time to go on one last summer trip before the fall season starts and the kids go back to school. From a relaxing beach vacation to an adventurous road trip, discover the best countries and places to visit in August in the world!
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Best Countries to Visit in August:
August vacations are best for visiting the United States, whether for a road trip to the breathtaking National Parks or to enjoy one of the many beautiful beaches on either coastline. European summer is still thriving in August, so sightseeing in Italy and adventuring around Scandinavia are also fantastic trip ideas!
Additionally, Japan is a beautiful destination to travel to during the month of August, with warm weather and fewer crowds.
As the winter season ends, the Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia and Tanzania are also great places to visit in August for memorable adventures like seeing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef!
Below is a list of the best places to visit at the end of summer:
Best Places to Travel in August in the USA:
Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey:
As many people like to consider the “6th Borough”, Hoboken and Jersey City are two of the best places to travel in August for those looking to escape the large crowds in New York City. From the renowned dining scene to its wonderful activities along the Hudson River, there is plenty to enjoy in Hoboken and Jersey City during this great month.
Hoboken and Jersey City, NJ are the best cities to visit in August for pleasant weather. You could experience average highs in the lower 80s°F to lows in the mid 60s°F with about six days of rain.
The best place to stay in Hoboken is the W Hoboken and the top hotel in Jersey City is Hyatt Regency Jersey City. Great places to eat in Hoboken are Otto Strada for Italian food and Saku for Japanese cuisine. Excellent restaurants in Jersey City are Würstbar for German food and Razza for delicious pizza.
During the summer season, spending a day at Pier 13 in Hoboken is a great way to make memories with friends and enjoy delicious food and drinks. Located along the Hudson River with incredible views of NYC, Pier 13 boasts a 20s and 30s crowd with excellent food trucks, live music and great vibes.
Hoboken, New Jersey is also the birthplace of Frank Sinatra, so you must visit the Hoboken Historical Museum, St. Francis and St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Churches, Leo’s Grandevous and Blue Eyes Restaurant, which are iconic landmarks.
During sunny days in Jersey City, there’s nothing better than strolling the waterfront and making your way to Liberty State Park, which overlooks lower Manhattan, One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. You could enjoy a picnic in this beautiful park, kayak, paddle board and go boating on the Hudson River.
Chicago, Illinois:
August is a prime time to visit Chicago, Illinois because the weather is beautiful for enjoying the many different eateries, stunning Riverwalk and outdoor activities around Lake Michigan! It’s one of the United States’ most vibrant cities and there’s something for all ages to enjoy.
Summer is the peak season for tourists to visit Chicago, so it’s best to plan accordingly and book accommodations, restaurants and excursions in advance. During a summer vacation to Chicago, you could experience average daytime temperatures ranging from highs in the lower 80s°F to lows in the lower 70s°F with around six days of rain.
The best place to stay in Chicago is The Pendry and the top restaurants to eat at are Bar Mar by José Andrés for Spanish tapas, Ēma for Greek mezze, Pequods for Chicago deep-dish pizza and Sawada Coffee for a morning brew.
One of the main reasons why Chicago is one of the best destinations in August is because it boasts the beautiful Riverwalk in the heart of the city. The Chicago Riverwalk is a great place to enjoy a lovely summer day. There are many walking paths, restaurants and bars, benches and theater seating, public art displays, boat tours and more.
Other great things to do in Chicago during August are to see the Cloud Gate “The Bean” at Millennium Park, admire city views at the top of the Willis Tower, see a Chicago Broadway show, cheer on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, attend Lollapalooza and make memories at Navy Pier.
Montana Road Trip:
The United States is one of the best countries to visit in August because there are numerous national parks to explore! Montana is the perfect place for nature lovers to conquer epic hikes, see amazing wildlife and admire jaw-dropping views.
Weather in Glacier National Park ranges from average highs in the lower 70s°F to lows in the mid 40s°F with about seven days of rain. Average temperatures in Missoula and Bozeman feature highs in the mid 80s°F to lows in the upper 40s°F with around five rainy days.
August is a great time to visit Glacier National Park and stay in the mountain and lake town of Whitefish, Montana. Additionally, you must also make your way to Missoula and Bozeman. The best hotel to stay at in Whitefish, Montana is the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The top place to stay in Missoula is AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown. Lastly, Kimpton Armory Hotel is a leading hotel in Bozeman.
It’s no secret that Glacier National Park is the top place to explore in Northern Montana. August is the best time of year to enjoy this park’s natural beauty. You must take in the breathtaking views of Lake McDonald, drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike to Iceberg Lake and see St. Mary and Virginia Falls. Don’t forget to try huckleberry pie at The Huckleberry Patch.
While driving south to Missoula on your Montana road trip, you must stop at the National Bison Range. This is an excellent option if you’re an animal lover and want to learn about bison conservation and enjoy a scenic drive.
Since August is the second warmest month in Missoula, behind July, you must take advantage of the beautiful weather! Sip local craft beer at Tamarack Brewing, visit the city’s museums and walk through the farmer’s market. You must also walk the Lewis and Clark Trail and hike to the concrete “M,” overlooking the city and mountains.
Bozeman is a beautiful city filled with great restaurants, museums and shopping. It’s near Big Sky, a popular winter ski resort, but boasts fun outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing and more.
Cape May, New Jersey:
Another one of the best August travel destinations in the USA is the Jersey Shore. From relaxing at the beach, riding the waves, enjoying a refreshing ice cream cone and savoring the best seafood, there is nothing like summer at the shore. Located on the bottom peninsula of New Jersey, Cape May is a beautiful summer destination that offers something for everyone!
The weather in Cape May during August is perfect, making it a good time to visit! You could expect average temperatures ranging from highs in the mid 80s°F to lows in the upper 60s°F with around six rainy days.
A great place to stay in Cape May, New Jersey during a summer vacation is Congress Hall. Cape May is also one of the best summer destinations on the East Coast because it boasts many wonderful restaurants like Peter Shield’s Inn & Restaurant, Washington Inn & Wine Bar, The Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar, The Boiler Room and Tisha’s.
Some of the best things to do in Cape May, NJ is to go wine tasting at one of the many wineries or visit a brewery. A beautiful winery and vineyard to visit is Cape May Winery. There are plenty of great breweries to check out during your summer trip. Some of the best are Cold Spring Brewery, Cape May Brewing Co. and Bucket Brigade Brewery.
Besides going to the beach, you must also watch the sunset, visit the Cape May Lighthouse, tour the historic sites, shop at the Washington Street Mall, savor fresh produce at Beach Plum Farms and take the Cape May – Lewes Ferry to the charming town of Lewes, Delaware.
Ocean City, Maryland:
Another reason the United States is one of the best countries to visit in August is because there are a lot of beaches to have a memorable time along the many miles of coastline on the East Coast. August is an ideal time to visit Ocean City, Maryland for fun summer days!
During August, temperatures range from highs in the lower 80s°F to lows in the lower 70s°F, with around six days of rain in Ocean City. The good weather makes OCMD perfect for a relaxing summer vacation.
The best hotel to stay at in Ocean City, Maryland is Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites. fa*ger’s Island, Barn 34, The Bayside Skillet and Trattoria Lombardi’s Restaurant are the top places to eat. Many of these restaurants have live music during the summer for a good vibe!
If you’re wondering what to do in Ocean City during August, there’s something for everyone, including making memories at Seacrets, enjoying saltwater taffy on the boardwalk, relaxing at one of the white-sand beaches and seeing wild horses at the nearby Assateague Island National Seashore.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada:
August is a wonderful time to visit Lake Tahoe, a beautiful freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It splits between the states of California and Nevada and includes many fun water activities and outdoor adventures for everyone to enjoy. Overall, Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in North America!
Lake Tahoe boasts cooler temperatures and dry weather in August than other destinations. You could experience highs in the upper 70s°F to lows in the lower 50s°F with an average of one rainy day.
The summer months are the high season for visiting Lake Tahoe, so it’s best to book accommodations in advance and make reservations for all restaurants you want to visit. The best hotel to stay at on the lake is Edgewood Tahoe Resort and the top restaurants are FiftyFifty Brewing Co., Fire Sign Café and Riva Grill.
The USA is also considered one of the best countries to visit in August because of its many lakes out west. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful turquoise color that is also 191.7 square miles. The cities surrounding it are South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Incline Village, Kings Beach and Stateline. Many great things to do in and around the lake will provide you and your family with memories to last a lifetime.
One of the best things to do during a Lake Tahoe summer is to enjoy different water sports, from canoeing/kayaking to jet skiing and paddle boarding to parasailing. Other fantastic activities to do are to enjoy the Eagle Falls Hike to Eagle Lake, visit the picturesque Sand Harbor in Nevada and go swimming, conquer the Rubicon Trail, visit the Emerald Pools in Tahoe National Forest and explore the Emerald Bay area.
Nashville, Tennessee:
If you’re looking for a great girl’s trip in August, visiting the Music City – Nashville, Tennessee is a must! Even though daytime temperatures in August are hot, this month is still a high season for tourists visiting Nashville, so booking everything in advance is essential.
The weather in Nashville during August features average temperatures ranging from highs in the lower 90s°F to lows in the upper 60s°F with around six days of rain. Tennessee is a landlocked state that boasts hot and humid weather, so staying hydrated is best.
The top hotel to stay at in Nashville, Tennessee is Kimpton Aertson, which is a luxury boutique hotel in Midtown. Great restaurants to eat at are Hattie B’s for Nashville hot chicken, Hampton Social for a wonderful brunch, Geist for a delicious Southern dinner, Frothy Monkey for an excellent breakfast and Biscuit Love for heartwarming biscuits.
What makes the USA one of the best countries to visit in August for girl’s trips is that there are plenty of fun cities to choose from! Thankfully, Nashville is easy to get to and there are many fun things to do.
You must enjoy an exciting night out on Broadway where you could make memories at one of the many Honky Tonks, a bar with live country music! The best places to visit for a good time are The Stage on Broadway, Tootsies and Tin Roof.
Other fun things to do in Nashville, Tennessee are to do a tractor tour through Downtown, join the Governor’s Pool Party at White Limozeen at The Graduate Hotel, enjoy a pontoon boat party on Percy Priest Reservoir, have dinner and go bowling at Pinewood Social and see all the popular attractions and murals around the city.
St. Petersburg, Florida:
If you want to visit a great Florida city without crowds, St. Petersburg, on the Gulf Coast, is a fantastic destination in August! St. Pete is also great for a girl’s trip because you could enjoy its award-winning white sand beaches, fun water sports, renowned restaurants, wonderful art galleries, great coffee shops, eclectic cultural events and more.
The only downside to visiting St. Pete in August is that you’re traveling during hurricane season. It’s always best to keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for a change of plans if needed. You could experience temperatures ranging from highs in the lower 90s°F to lows in the upper 70s°F with about 13 days of rain during the month of August.
The best place to stay in St. Pete Beach is The Saint Hotel and marvelous restaurants to eat at are Taverna Costale, Bacchus Wine Bistro, Red Mesa Cantina and St. Pete Brewing Company.
Dirty Laundry, a fun speakeasy, Mandarin Hide and Saigon Blonde are excellent spots to enjoy a girl’s night.
The top things to do during a trip to St. Petersburg, Florida are to experience St. Pete Pier, explore Fort De Soto Park, tour the Salvador Dalí Museum, grab sunset drinks at the Don CeSar Hotel and enjoy a flight of different coffees at The Blend Coffee & co*cktails.
Best International Places to Travel in August:
Stockholm, Sweden:
One of the best countries to visit in August in Europe is Sweden. The capital city of Stockholm is located on the Baltic Sea and features a storybook old town with ochre-colored buildings, a cathedral, a royal palace, bakeries to enjoy Swedish fika and great shops. Stockholm also encompasses 14 islands.
The best way to see Stockholm is to wander around the city and enjoy all the historical sites. Thankfully, the cooler weather allows travelers to stroll for miles comfortably. Average temperatures feature highs in the lower 70s°F to lows in the upper 50s°F with an average of eight rainy days.
The best hotel to stay at is Hotel Reisen, in the heart of Old Town, facing the waterfront. Woodstockholm, Ekstedt and Fern & Fika are fantastic restaurants to enjoy. Stockholm also has a great food hall called Östermalms Saluhall.
Top things to do in Stockholm, Sweden are to wander through the Old Town (Gamla Stan), enjoy an afternoon at Rosendals Trädgård, check out the subway art, relax at TJärn spa and sail the Swedish archipelago to the island of Vaxholm.
Norwegian Fjords:
During the long days of summer, there is nothing like enjoying the breathtaking Norwegian fjords! There are nearly 1,200 fjords in Norway, most of them outside the beautiful city of Bergen. One of the best ways to experience them is by doing a road trip from Bergen to Hardangerfjord.
Even though summer is the peak season for travelers to visit the Norwegian fjords, the area boasts many rainy days. You could also experience cooler temperatures ranging from highs in the upper 60s°F to lows in the lower 50s°F.
The best place to stay and enjoy the fjords is Hotel Ullensvang. Terrific places to eat in the area are at Lofthus Ekspedisjon for cider and pizza and a lovely bakery is Fløy Bakeri.
What’s great about staying in Lofthus is that it’s close to the famous Trolltunga hike! Meaning “trolls tongue” in Norwegian, Trolltunga is a challenging 14.3-mile out-and-back hike near Tyssedal. It takes around eight hours to complete and you’re rewarded with scenic views!
The Norwegian fjords are the best holiday destinations for August due to their natural beauty. You could enjoy various outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing and learning about the region’s renowned cider.
Hardanger Cider is a geographically protected brand name like the Champagne region in France. Hardangerfjord in Norway is known for its apples that have been pressed and processed to perfection for generations.
During a trip to the Norwegian fjords, you could enjoy a cider safari on the Sørfjorden, where you’ll sail up and down the fjords and visit different cideries. One of the best cideries to visit is Alde Sider.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania:
One of the most fascinating and best places to visit in August in the world is Serengeti National Park in the African country of Tanzania. The Serengeti is one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a unique destination because it boasts the Great Migration every year from July through October.
August is still part of the Serengeti’s dry season and you could experience average temperatures ranging from highs in the mid 80s°F to lows in the lower 60s°F. You can enjoy clear skies most of August, making it great for animal spotting!
The best place to stay for a luxurious experience with a fantastic safari adventure is the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. When booking a stay at Four Seasons Serengeti, you pay for an all-inclusive experience. There are a lot of wonderful restaurants on the property, along with a spa and many incredible experiences you could plan!
Through the Four Seasons, you could experience half-day to full-day game drives in the morning, afternoon or night. During a safari game drive, the goal is to see the big five: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo.
Other animals you could see on a safari in the Serengeti are zebras, lions, elephants, giraffes, African buffalo, gazelles, topi, hyenas, monkeys, various bird species, hippos, wildebeest, cheetahs, leopards and more.
As featured in National Geographic, the Great Migration is a journey where safari animals migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara and vice versa. It’s the largest overland migration in the world, where more than 1.7 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebra and 200,000 antelope migrate over 500 miles.
It is one of the most incredible things to experience in a lifetime!
Milan, Italy:
Undoubtedly, Italy is one of the best countries to visit in August and one of the top holiday destinations in Europe! Milan, the second largest Italian city in the Lombardy region, is a great metropolis to visit at the end of summer.
You could experience plenty of warm days during an August vacation in Milan, Italy. Temperatures range from highs in the mid 80s°F to lows in the upper 60s°F. Even though August is one of the driest months in Italy, you can experience about five days of rain.
Because Milan is a popular destination and you’re visiting during a popular month, you must book all accommodations, restaurant reservations and excursions before arriving in the city. The best place to stay in Milan is Galleria Altido, located at the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II entrance. Trattoria Torre di Pisa, Obicà Duomo and Pizzeria Starita Milano are great places to eat.
One of the best things to do in Milan during August is to enjoy retail therapy in the elegant 19th-century shopping arcade, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. You could find high-end fashion stores like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tods, Yves Saint Laurent and more.
Significant historical sites to check out are the Castello Sforzesco di Milano, Leonardo DaVinci’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Duomo di Milano and Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli. You must also visit Bosco Verticale, which is a superb vertical forest, as well as the Navigli Canals.
You should also visit one of the many rooftop bars overlooking the Duomo or Bar Basso for a signature Negroni Sbagliato.
Cairns, Australia:
If you’re traveling in the Southern Hemisphere, Cairns, Australia is one of the best tropical places to visit in August. It’s a city in Northern Australia’s Queensland State. Cairns is also the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Since the weather in Australia is opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, it’s considered winter during August. You could experience average temperatures of highs in the lower 80s°F to lows in the mid 60s°F with about four days of rain.
The best place to stay in Cairns is the Pullman Cairns International, in the heart of the city, near the waterfront! The best eateries in Cairns are Bellocale, Salt House and C’est Bon French Restaurant.
Memorable things to do in Cairns, Australia are to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, visit one of the many beautiful white sand beaches, immerse yourself in Australian Aboriginal culture and do a day trip to Port Douglas.
Hakone, Japan:
Japan is one of the best countries to visit in August in Asia. Hakone is a must-visit in Japan, known for its Japanese hot springs resorts (onsen) and being the gateway to Mount Fuji volcano.
Even though August is considered monsoon season in Japan, you can still experience beautiful weather! There are average highs in the mid 80s°F to average lows in the lower 70s°F with about eight days of rain.
The best hotel in Hakone, Japan is Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa and great restaurants are Gyoza Center, Sansen and Yamahiko Zushi.
Unique things to do in Hakone, Japan are to hike Mount Fuji at 12, 388 feet above sea level, check out Owakudani – an active volcano zone, take in the scenic views at Mount Komagatake, relax in an onsen and see the famous Hakone Shrine at Lake Ashinoko.
Here are other great places to visit in August:
Mount Koya, Japan
Newport, Rhode Island
Stavanger, Norway
I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best countries and places to visit in August. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
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