Vrbo: where to go in August

Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Make the most of summer with these last-minute escapes

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It's the last month of the summer holidays, so you'll be forgiven for thinking that the best places to vacation in August are priced highly or fully booked. Luckily, Vrbo offers a plethora of vacation rentals to suit all tastes and budgets, whether it's a sprawling family villa or romantic apartment by the ocean. Some of the best places to visit in August include beach resorts, European cities, and charming rural communities right here in the US.

The Jersey Shore promises perfect beach weather and everything from surfing lessons to sandcastle competitions. For sugar-white sands and swaying palm trees, Caribbean destinations like Grenada check all the boxes. If you're able to stretch your budget for a European escape, Madeira's idyllic shores and volcanic landscapes promise a cultured beach getaway you'll be talking about for years to come.

Craving something completely different this August? Edinburgh promises lively festivals showcasing everything from side-splitting comedy to talented musicians who could be the world's next big thing. More one-of-a-kind experiences await in Nairobi—Kenya's dry season makes August one of the best times for spotting the Big Five out on the Masai Mara. For something closer to home, Vermont's Woodstock promises scenic hiking trails and endless fields of sunflowers in bloom.

York County

York County, Maine

#1 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

York County in Maine is one of the best places to visit in August if you're seeking a relaxing seaside escape. Average temperatures in the 70s and sunny days make it the ideal month for splashing around on Wells and Long Sands beaches. It's also perfect weather for favorite local attractions, like the Seashore Trolley Museum. This fascinating family attraction is the world’s first electric railway museum with more than 320 vehicles in its collection. If you'd rather be out exploring nature, stroll along the 1.5-mile Marginal Way to soak up the glorious coastal views. It's also Maine lobster season at this time of year, so expect some delicious seafood dishes.

 

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Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore, New Jersey

#2 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

The Jersey Shore comes to life during the summer months. Slap on the sunscreen for long days on the beach and cool off from time to time with a dip in the Atlantic—the mercury hovers around the mid-80s at this time of year. Surfing lessons, sandcastle building competitions, and even beach wrestling tournaments are just some of the seasonal activities that await. The Jersey Shore is more than just beaches, too. With sunflowers in bloom during August, take colorful snaps at nearby farms, or try some local vintages at Renault Winery.

 

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Isle Of Palms

Isle Of Palms, South Carolina

#3 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

If you're craving a sun-soaked beach retreat with few crowds and tons of nature, the Isle of Palms has to be high on your list. Balmy weather makes it the perfect time for strolls among the rolling sand dunes that line the Isle of Palm's serene shores. Try your hand at paddleboarding and kayaking, or spot dolphins playing in the sea at sunset. For a relaxing day trip, take a boat tour to Capers Island. You may even catch a glimpse of loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat—August is peak nesting season for this majestic species.

 

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Bend

Bend, Oregon

#4 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

For a sun-soaked getaway among pine-forested mountains, Bend in Oregon contends for one of the best places to travel in August. The warm and sunny days set you up for outdoors adventures. Laze in the sun as you tube down Deschutes River or grab your paddle for some kayaking. Back on dry land, world-class rock climbing awaits in Smith Rock State Park, while Cascades Wilderness Area boasts excellent mountain biking and hiking. It's not only adventure sports in Bend, either. This riverside town springs to life in summer, with craft beer festivals and outdoor concerts. You can typically witness the spectacular Perseid meteor shower in August, too.

 

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Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

#5 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Puerto Vallarta ranks among the best destinations to go to in August for an exotic beach escape that's close to home. Surrender yourself to the sun on the golden sands of Playa de los Muertos or get up close to fascinating marine life on Playa Las Gatas. Calm conditions on Mexico's sublime Pacific Coast make August one of the best times for snorkeling and paddleboarding. Beyond the glistening shores, you'll encounter a plethora of exciting things to do. Make it a hole in one on the town's golf courses, witness the seasonal bloom in the Botanical Gardens, and dive into adventure at Splash Water Park Vallarta.

 

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Seattle

Seattle, Washington

#6 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

When it's a distinct blend of nature, culture, and city vibes you're craving, Seattle is an ideal location for an August getaway. Here, green spaces abound, with Waterfront Park promising a moment of calm among the whirlwind of Seattle's streets. With August's excellent weather, you can easily catch some rays on Alki Beach and plan day trips out to the untamed wilds of Olympic National Park. Pack your hiking boots and get ready to soak up the raw beauty of its mountains, forests, and lakes. Back in town, don't miss August’s open-air concerts and food festivals.

 

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Monterey County

Monterey County, California

#7 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Monterey County is one of the best places to visit in August for an authentic West Coast escape thanks to its sunny weather and one-of-a-kind activities. The summer wildflowers in bloom add a splash of color to the surf swept Marina Dunes Preserve, while you can spot humpbacks and blue whales breaching the surface in Monterey Bay. For a closer-up view, take a whale watching tour from the harbor. August is one of the prime months to catch these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With the mercury floating around the mid-70s, it's also an ideal time of year to hike the Big Sur's sea-sprayed coastal trails.

 

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Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

#8 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Comfortable temperatures in the mid-60s make Wisconsin Dells one of the best places to travel to in August for family fun among nature. Endless activities await you and your little ones, including mini-golf, go-karting, and some of the country's biggest water parks. August's warm weather means it's one of the best times of year to splash around family attractions like Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park and Noah's Ark. Expect extraordinary thrills, with towering slides and hair-raising rollercoasters. For something more sedate, squeeze Witches Gulch into your itinerary. This beguiling moss-covered canyon promises spooky caverns and share-worthy photos.

 

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Traverse City

Traverse City, Michigan

#9 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Traverse City's exciting events and gloriously sunny days mean this lakeside haven has to be on your list for August. The sparkling turquoise-blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay provide the stage for amazing kayaking and swimming, while the pine-forested shores promise sweeping lake views that'll stop you in your tracks. This sleepy town livens up in the summer months with its seasonal markets and fairs boasting everything from local produce to artisan goods and live music. You'll encounter charming restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine and local wines along the harbor front but be sure to visit the wineries outside of town, too.

 

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Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

#10 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

As far as cool places to visit in August go, few destinations compete with Edinburgh. Scotland's emblematic capital becomes even more artsy at this time of year thanks to the world-famous performing arts events taking place. Fall off your chair laughing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival's comedy shows or witness emerging artists showcasing their talents at the Edinburgh Arts Festival. Another unmissable event is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This extravagant pageant and firework display at Edinburgh Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's regal traditions. August's mild weather and long days make this the perfect time to explore Edinburgh, too.

 

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Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada

#11 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

High on the list of the best places to go in August is Vancouver. Canada's Pacific Coast superstar enjoys endless daylight hours and mild temperatures in the mid-70s throughout the month. Some of the city's most famous events are also taking place. Celebrate diversity and party all day at the colorful Pride parade or soak up the timeless culture of Bard on the Beach, one of Canada's most famous Shakespeare festivals. When it's time for some nature, you'll find some of the best spots in the heart of the city. Stanley Park boasts coastal hikes and cycling, while Kitsilano Beach awaits with its sun-soaked sands.

 

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Cyprus

Cyprus

#12 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Cyprus is one of the best places to travel in August for those seeking a blissful Mediterranean escape. With the mercury climbing into the 80s, it's prime time for beach hopping. Jet ski along Nissi's white-sand shores, splash around in Fig Tree Bay's warm waters, or hike along the forested trails overlooking Konnos Bay. If it's party vibes you're craving, Ayia Napa's August festivals bring the beachfront alive with music and dance, while Limassol uncorks its famous wine festival toward the end of the month. Over in Lara Bay, you may even catch a glimpse of sea turtles laying their eggs—it's peak nesting season at this time of year.

 

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Budva

Budva, Montenegro

#13 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

With its extraordinary weather and packed events calendar, it's no wonder Montenegro's Budva stands out as one of Europe's best destinations in August. Sunny days and average temperatures in the 80s make it perfect for swimming at Mogren Beach or exploring the stone-walled Old Town. In August, the centuries-old streets of Budva Citadel transform into an open-air theater, with live music and dance performances held in its ancient courtyards. If its adventures among nature you're seeking, sail on the turquoise waters to Sveti Stefan Island or hike the coastal paths of Lovćen National Park.

 

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Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, Oregon

#14 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Pack sunscreen and light clothes for Cannon Beach: This sun-drenched paradise steals the show as one of the best destinations to go in August. The month serves up a healthy dose of sun and warm weather. Spread your towel on the golden sands near Haystack Rock and look out for colorful starfish and sea anemones in the tide pools—August is peak season for Pacific Coast marine life. The month also sees the town's burgeoning art scene spring to life with exhibitions showcasing local painters and sculptors. Nearby, Ecola State Park invites you to explore its forested trails.

 

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Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia

#15 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Less crowds and great deals on vacation rentals catapult Cartagena high up the list of the best places to go in August. This is typically low-season across the Caribbean, meaning you can expect a more authentic and intimate getaway to this extraordinary UNESCO-listed city. You'll have plenty of space to snap photos of the iconic Clock Tower and explore San Felipe fortress without dodging tour groups. Cartagena's old town is so well preserved you'll feel like you've traveled back to the 15th century. With fewer tourists around, it's easier to get dinner reservations at some of the city's best restaurants.

 

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Grenada

Grenada, Caribbean

#16 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

The sun-drenched island of Grenada ranks among the coolest places to visit in August thanks to its sublime weather and fun filled events. Grab your snorkel and dive into the fascinating Underwater Sculpture Park for a glimpse of its beguiling statues. Temperatures in the low 80s set you up perfectly for this and the countless other watersports on offer. Try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding along Grand Anse's pristine shores or spot rainbow-colored marine life at Flamingo Bay. August brings one of the island's biggest celebrations: The Spicemas Carnival. It transforms Grenada into a lively street party with steel pan music and colorful costumes.

 

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Madeira

Madeira, Portugal

#17 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Boasting 10 hours of sunshine each day and lively events, it's easy to see why the Portuguese island of Madeira is the among the best places to visit in August. Dive into Porto Moniz's volcanic pools or trek the centuries-old levada aqueducts that crisscross the verdant mountains. Nature also puts on a show—August is one of the best times of year to witness otherworldly cloud formations blanket the island from the top of Pico do Arieiro. Back in Funchal, the warm evenings set the stage for lively folklore concerts, wine festivals, and al fresco dining.

 

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Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya

#18 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Extraordinary wildlife encounters make Nairobi one of the top places to visit in August for bucket-list experiences. The dry season at this time of year means safari animals stay close to water sources, making them easier to spot out on the Masai Mara. Grab your binoculars and get ready to witness the majestic Big Five: Buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. The Great Migration is in full swing in August, meaning the reserves are teeming with wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, and cheetahs. It's also one of the coolest months of the year in Nairobi, so you'll enjoy comfortable conditions out on safari.

 

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Woodstock

Woodstock, Vermont

#19 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

Outdoor adventures and comfortable 70-degree days make Woodstock one of Vermont's best places to visit in August. Trek down the pine-shaded trails of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park or explore the raw beauty of the Green Mountains—August's clear skies offer sweeping views of the state's forested scenery. It's sunflower season at this time of year, and nearby Billings Farm opens its gates for visitors who want to enjoy the endless fields of yellow. Back in town, Woodstock's traditional red-brick architecture enchants. Don't miss the Taste of Woodstock festival for seasonal produce and local farm-to-table cuisine

 

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Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park, Maine

#20 in Best Places to Visit in August 2025

As one of the best places to go in August, Acadia National Park enjoys mild temperatures in the mid-70s. During the summer, dry weather and less mud means over 120 miles of hiking trails and cycling paths are accessible. Don't miss the dramatic Atlantic waves crashing in the natural amphitheater at Thunder Hole and keep an eye out for puffins along the coastal cliffs. You can still spot colonies of these birds before they head out on their fall migration. Further along the shores, the calm waters are ideal for kayaking and swimming at tranquil spots like Bar Harbor.

 

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Methodology

We have curated these lists of top destinations by month by combining real booking data and expert insights. Some destinations were chosen based on actual booking data, reflecting popular choices for trips during a particular month. Additionally, our travel editors used their expertise to select other destinations, ensuring a well-rounded and inspiring list. This ranking is designed to provide helpful ideas and guidance for planning your trip in a particular month, offering a mix of trending spots and expert recommendations.

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