Things To Do
in August
Visiting the United States in August means experiencing the height of summer across a huge and varied country, from sun-soaked beaches to high-elevation mountain escapes. Cities are lively with festivals, outdoor concerts, and long daylight hours, while national parks are in peak visitor season. Weather can range from intense heat and humidity in the Southeast to mild, pleasant days on parts of the West Coast, and heightened wildfire and hurricane risk in some regions.
Travel planning in August benefits from early bookings and an eye on seasonal hazards like storms, heat waves, and crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a sunrise hike up to Glacier Point, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the iconic Half Dome and the surrounding valley. After your hike, enjoy a hearty breakfast at a nearby café, fueling up for an exciting day of exploration. The cool morning air and chirping birds make it the perfect time to immerse yourself in nature.
Spend your afternoon white-water rafting down the Merced River, feeling the thrill as you navigate the rapids surrounded by stunning granite cliffs. Alternatively, embark on a leisurely hike to Yosemite Falls, where you can witness one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the afternoon light will create perfect opportunities for stunning photographs.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy picnic spot in the park to enjoy a meal under the stars. Take time to stargaze, as Yosemite's dark skies offer some of the best celestial views in the country. Afterward, return to your accommodation, reflecting on the beauty and adventure of your day.
Begin your day with a stroll through the French Quarter, basking in the early morning ambiance of jazz music and mouth-watering beignets from Café du Monde. Engage with local artists and performers as you wander down Royal Street, soaking in the unique culture of New Orleans. Visit St. Louis Cathedral, where the morning light casts a captivating glow on this historic landmark.
In the afternoon, dive into the city's culinary scene with a cooking class focusing on traditional Creole dishes, where you'll learn to create jambalaya and gumbo. Following your culinary adventure, take a leisurely walk around Jackson Square, enjoying street performances and local art. Don’t miss the chance to sip on a refreshing mint julep as you relax in the vibrant atmosphere.
As night falls, delve into the lively nightlife of New Orleans with a visit to a jazz club in the Marigny neighborhood. Enjoy live music while sampling local cocktails and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. End your evening with a stroll along the Mississippi River, taking in the magical view of the city illuminated at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare ride | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
| 🚌Public transit single fare | $1.75-3.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Huge variety of landscapes and cultures within one country
- Strong infrastructure for tourism (transport, accommodations, attractions)
- Wide range of food options and regional specialties
- Many outdoor and festival activities in August with long daylight hours
- Large crowds and higher prices in peak summer destinations
- Weather hazards in August (heatwaves, hurricanes, wildfires) in some regions
- Long distances between attractions can mean more travel time
- Healthcare and some services can be expensive without insurance
Places to Visit in August
Visit one of these nice places.
Epic canyon vistas at sunrise and sunset; popular overlooks like Mather Point and Desert View offer dramatic wide-angle shots.
Iconic urban photography: neon-lit streets, skyline views from Brooklyn Bridge, and cityscapes from rooftop bars.
Classic shots from Fort Point, Baker Beach and Marin Headlands with fog and dramatic light in the mornings.
Geysers, hot springs, rivers and wildlife — early morning and dusk offer the best light and animal activity.
Coastal dunes, lighthouses and pastel sunsets that are ideal for long-exposure and landscape photography.
Food in August
August Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try across the country — look for regional takes like California-style with avocado or Midwest beef-forward versions; found at diners, gastropubs and specialty burger joints.
Must-Try!
Distinct regional styles: Carolina pulled pork, Texas brisket, Memphis dry-rub ribs. Best at smokehouses and roadside joints in the South and Southwest.
New England specialties in Maine and Massachusetts — creamy chowder and fresh lobster rolls at seaside shacks and coastal restaurants.
Wide variety from street tacos to Tex-Mex platters; excellent in the Southwest and large cities with strong Mexican culinary scenes.
August is peak for berries, stone fruit and sweet corn; find these at local farmers’ markets and seasonal stands nationwide.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market with seafood stalls, produce, local crafts and street vendors; try fresh salmon and artisan pastries.
Indoor market featuring Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, cheesesteaks, baked goods and regional delicacies.
Weekend outdoor food markets featuring international street food, inventive vendors and seasonal treats — great for sampling a variety of dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Casual handshakes and a friendly 'hello' are common; personal space tends to be larger than in some cultures, and small talk about weather or sports is normal.
Punctuality is appreciated for business and tours; social events are more relaxed but arrive on time for reservations.
The U.S. is culturally diverse; be respectful of different backgrounds, languages and customs and avoid making assumptions about beliefs or identities.
Open consumption of alcohol in public is restricted; follow local laws about smoking and public drinking. Loud or disruptive behavior is frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in August
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants (pre-tax) for full-service dining, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% for bar tabs, $2–5 for coffee or counter service if appreciated, 10–20% for taxis/rideshares or round up, and a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Tipping is an important part of service workers’ income.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is still useful for small vendors, tips, and rural areas. ATMs are widely available but watch fees; notify your bank before travel if using foreign cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot across most of the country; August brings peak tourist crowds, higher prices, thunderstorm risk in the Midwest and Southeast, and hurricane season along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Plan early, book accommodations, and stay hydrated.
Cooling temperatures and stunning fall foliage in the Northeast and Appalachian regions; fewer crowds and comfortable travel conditions — a top time for hiking and scenic drives.
Cold in the interior and Northeast with snow; milder weather in the South and parts of California. Ski season in the mountains and potential for winter travel disruptions in northern areas.
Changing weather with blooming landscapes, shoulder-season travel discounts, and increasing outdoor activity options; watch for late-season snow in higher elevations.
August at Night
Hiking in August
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Long-distance trail with many accessible day-hike sections in the Eastern U.S.; August may be buggy and warm in lower elevations, cooler at higher altitudes.
Western long-distance trail with scenic mountainous sections; snow can linger at high elevations in some years — check conditions.
Popular Grand Canyon route; starting early is essential in summer due to extreme heat below the rim.
Iconic but steep and exposed hike with stunning views — permits may be required and avoid midday heat in August.
World-class granite scenery and waterfalls; expect crowds in August and bring permits where needed for specific hikes.
Airports
How to reach August by plane.
One of the busiest global hubs with extensive domestic and international connections; well-served by ground transportation into Atlanta and regional bus/shuttle options.
Large West Coast gateway with many domestic and international flights; allow extra time for traffic to/from most parts of Los Angeles.
Major international gateway in New York City with numerous long-haul and domestic flights; connected by subway, AirTrain and long-distance rail/bus links.
Central U.S. hub with extensive domestic routes and good public transit options into downtown Chicago.
Key West Coast airport serving the Bay Area; BART and shuttle services connect to the city and surrounding regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest single demographic group in many regions, but percentages vary widely by state and city.
Significant and growing population with strong cultural influences in food, music and festivals, especially in the Southwest, Texas, Florida and many urban centers.
Rich cultural contributions across the country, with historic centers in the Southeast and major urban populations in many cities.
Diverse communities with strong presence in West Coast cities, major urban centers and suburbs, contributing significant culinary and cultural offerings.
Indigenous peoples with sovereign nations and reservations in many states, especially in the Southwest and Northern Plains; important cultural sites and histories to respect.
Large immigrant populations from around the world that shape neighborhoods, cuisine and festivals in metropolitan areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Extremely popular, especially at college and professional (NFL) levels; late summer includes training camps and preseason games.
America’s pastime — Major League Baseball is in full swing in August, with many local games and minor-league options offering affordable entertainment.
NBA dominates professional indoor play and summer leagues; pickup games and college basketball have strong local followings.
Growing popularity with Major League Soccer (MLS) and international fan communities; increasing stadium attendances in many cities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting August.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cities and many towns offer vegetarian options; look for farm-to-table and international restaurants with robust meat-free dishes. Apps and menus commonly mark vegetarian items.
Vegan options are widely available in urban areas; specialty vegan restaurants and cafes are common in larger cities. Ask about dairy in dressings and sauces.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is high and many restaurants can accommodate; speak to staff about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.