Best Places to Travel in August in the United States

Nantucket island is a great summer destination and one of the best places to travel in the US in August. Whether you go on a week-long holiday or day trip to Nantucket there is plenty to do on the island. With fine white sanded beaches and beautiful coastal walks, inland forest trails, wildlife, and breathtaking views, this is an incredible place for any nature lover. The cute, old Nantucket houses are impressive and photogenic, especially if you make your way to Siasconset. This is probably one of the cutest towns you’ll see on the island. Make it there either for a day at the beach with lunch in town or just for a sunset hike to Sankaty Head Lighthouse.

Nantucket has more than one museum showcasing the intriguing history of the island. Among the must-visits are the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Museum of African American History, and Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum.

In August, there are several daily ferries from Hyannis, Harwich Port, and New Bedford, so you can easily get to the island either by foot or by car.

What makes Boulder Utah a great place to travel in the US in August? Boulder, Utah, is a tiny mountain town in south-central Utah, not to be confused with the bigger mountain town of Boulder, Colorado.  

While it is great to visit year-round, August is especially nice because you can easily get away from the desert heat nearby and it won’t be too cold in Boulder either.  This is the perfect mountain getaway with the Dixie National Forest, Boulder Mountain, and Grand Staircase Escalante all nearby.  

If you want to get out and do some hiking, there is the Boulder Mail Trail, 100 Hands Pictographs, Calf Creek Falls (upper and lower), the Escalante River, slot canyons galore, and Coyote Gulch.  If you want a scenic drive, you can take Scenic Byway 12 over to Capitol Reef or Escalante, the Burr Trail to Bullfrog at Lake Powell, or Hell’s Backbone to Escalante..  And if you just want to stay inside one day, head over to the Anasazi Museum State Park to see some native artifacts and ruins, then relax at the Burr Trail Outpost with some delicious coffee.  

While you’re there, make sure you eat at Burr Tail Grill and Hell’s Backbone Grill.  If you want a unique lodging experience, check out Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch and stay in a Teepee.  Boulder is one of my favorite towns in Utah and one I visit as much as possible.  

One of my favorite getaways in the US in August is an escape to Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. Just a short drive from Milwaukee, the charming tourist attraction of downtown Lake Geneva offers water sports activities, adventures, and shopping.

No wonder this resort city is very popular with vacationers from the Chicago and Milwaukee areas.

Besides the scenic setting on the lakeshore, there are plenty of things to do in Lake Geneva. Whether you want to get pampered in one of the numerous spas, go shopping in the scenic downtown area, or get active by riding horses or going kayaking, there are a plethora of leisure activities waiting for you in Lake Wisconsin.

If you are a foodie, then you will love Lake Geneva, WI. Here are just a few of the top spots you might want to check out.

• The Baker House
• Medusa Grill and Bistro
• Ristoranté Brissago
• Egg Harbor Cafe
• Oak Fire Pizza
• Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub

If you are wondering where to stay in Lake Geneva, WI I recommend renting a log cabin as it is the perfect way to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lakeshore.

Nothing beats Minneapolis in August. The sun is shining and Minnesotans are out and about, soaking up every last minute of the summer. It is the perfect time to explore the land of 10,000 lakes. 

Minneapolis has several great lakes for you to enjoy! Start with the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park which encompasses five lakes connected by walking and biking paths. Lake Harriet has a bandstand that offers live music throughout the summer while Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) offers kayak, paddleboat, stand-up paddle board, and bike rentals.

If waterfalls and hiking trails are more your style, head over to Minnehaha Regional Park. A stunning 53-foot waterfall is the highlight of this Minneapolis park. Several  hiking trails wind throughout the grounds and the wading pool and disc golf course are popular summer attractions. 

If you enjoy mini-golf, you must stop by the Walker Art Center’s roof for a round! The course features ten artist-designed holes and stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline. While you’re at the Walker Art Center, be sure to wander through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. It is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country and Spoonbridge and Cherry have become local icons.

After a full day outside, treat yourself to a Juicy Lucy for dinner. This legendary cheeseburger was born in Minneapolis in the 1950s and remains a local favorite.

For more delicious food, go to the Minnesota State Fair where nearly everything is served on a stick. The “Great Minnesota Get-Together” is the largest state fair in the country by daily attendance. Highlights include the Princess Kay of the Milky Way Butter Sculpture,  Miracle of Birth Center, and Sweet Martha’s Cookies. Be sure to bring your appetite!

Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic place to visit in August because it might be the only month you can safely count on a minimal risk of being snowed in!

Visiting in August means all the visitor centers, restaurants, and almost all the trails will be open. It also increases the likelihood that you can swim in the famous Boiling River where hot springs meet the Gardner River for a unique experience (earlier in the summer, the water runs too high to safely swim in).

Wildlife is active in August and there are also lots of fun summer events in the cities bordering the park. It’s no secret that August is a great time to visit so be sure to book your lodging in advance; reservations for the properties in the park open up a year out!

If you miss out on formal lodging, August is a great time to camp with cool nights but warm days for exploring. Before you start planning, read these tips for visiting Yellowstone and get the most out of your trip.