10 Best Places to Visit in August 2021
Looking for an end-of-summer getaway? Here are the top U.S. cities we recommend for August travel.
August vacations are all about getting outside—admiring outdoor art, connecting with nature and trying out some watersports. The following 10 travel destinations offer all these summer-fun staples and more, making them some of the best places to visit in August.
Baltimore, Maryland
Inner Harbor hosts plenty of shopping, food and entertainment, just blocks away from Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The proximity of top attractions and a cool breeze off the harbor make Baltimore one of the best places to visit in August. The iconic retro-style ballpark, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, is a must-see in late summer. A few blocks away is the Inner Harbor, a sightseeing hub that features the National Aquarium, USS Constellation, Maryland Science Center, sports venues, shops and restaurants. If you’re looking to cool off away from the bustle of the harbor, the world-class Baltimore Museum of Art will give you ample opportunity with 95,000 art pieces to appreciate.
Atlanta, Georgia
You can cool down with a waterfront view while keeping completely dry at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Take in the beauty of Atlanta’s largest park while perusing top-notch arts and crafts at the Piedmont Park Arts Festival in August. This free event features up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers, jewelers and other craftspeople. Check out the artist demonstrations, emerging artists and great food. “Hotlanta” is extra hot in August, but a visit to the whale sharks and beluga whales at the Georgia Aquarium is sure to cool you down. The city also has a great music and theater scene—check out the Fox Theatre on Peachtree Road: a glamorous, ornate 1929 movie palace on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dallas, Texas
Dollar Days at the splendorous Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens make for an affordable outdoor adventure.
The music scene in this Texas city is thriving. Enjoy the three-day Riverfront Jazz Festival beginning the last day of August. The festival is presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Recent artists include Raheem DeVaughn, Erykah Badu, Avery Sunshine, Will Downing, Tito Puente Jr. and the members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Then, head to Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk in nearby Fort Worth. The Texas-sized dance floor is the perfect place to test your two-step skills. Not in a dancing mood? Take advantage of Dollar Days all month at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy $2 general admission, plus delicious hot dogs, root beer floats, sodas and frozen popsicles.
Sevierville, Tennessee
Find natural chimneys and grottos underground at Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville.
Head for higher elevations to keep cool in the Great Smoky Mountains, where you’ll find outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, hiking and swimming. Once you’ve seen the gorgeous mountain views, check out the sights underground at the Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville. On the tour, you’ll see sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, grottos and a crystal-clear stream. For a taste of the local spirits, take the Moonshine and Wine Tour to visit six to eight moonshine and wine locations with an expert local guide. Or head to NASCAR Speedpark in Sevierville, where an all-day wristband gives you unlimited access to eight go-kart tracks, rides, a three-story rock-climbing wall and two 18-hole mini golf courses. Then, take a break and get a family photo with the bronze statue of Dolly Parton outside the county courthouse—Sevierville is Dolly’s hometown!
Unlock Rental Car Deals
Renting a car for your summer trip? Choice Privileges® members can get up to 30% off base rates on qualifying Avis® and Budget® rentals. Plus, you can earn 1,000 points for renting a car at participating locations. Renting for 4 days or more? Earn an extra 1,000 points!
South Bend, Indiana
Tour Notre Dame University for a look at the neo-Gothic architectural features of its largest buildings.
Downtown South Bend is home to the country’s original artificial whitewater course: East Race Waterway. An ideal August vacation attraction, this spot’s rapids rival the waters of mighty Western rivers. Or check out the Michiana Renaissance Festival at Pinhook Park for jousting, theater, demonstrations, music, food and costumes. Then tour the world-renowned Notre Dame University—the Sacred Heart Basilica on campus is renowned its soaring neo-Gothic architecture, and it’s open to the public all year.
Columbus, Ohio
Catch a musical comedy theater show at Shadowbox Live in Columbus’ German Brewery District.
Close to two dozen food trucks will park their delicious treats every day during the Columbus Food Truck Festival at the Franklin County Fairgrounds this August. The weekend event features artisan exhibits, live music and, of course, a wide variety of creative, mouth-watering meals that can only come from a festival featuring food trucks. If you want to work off some of the delicious food, plan an afternoon stroll through German Village, a historic neighborhood developed between 1840 and 1914. Go shopping, dine and take a tour in one of the largest privately-owned historic districts in the country. What pairs well with a little German culture? Beer, of course! Columbus’ Brewery District, settled by German immigrants, is immediately west of the village. After indulging in a few brews, catch a sketch comedy musical show at Shadowbox Live, which bills itself as the largest resident ensemble theater in the country.
Augusta, Georgia
Don’t miss the amazing performances playing in Augusta’s Sacred Heart Cultural Center, an historic former Catholic church.
Film lovers will adore Augusta during August. The theater Le Chat Noir hosts the Black Cat Picture Show, an international film festival screening dozens of independent films over three days. On Saturday mornings, stroll the Augusta Market by the river for produce, baked goods, crafts by regional artists, live music and food trucks. You can also join the market’s group run on Saturday mornings, crossing the Savannah River into South Carolina. In the Downtown Historic District, the 1897 Sacred Heart Cultural Center is not to be missed. As a former Catholic church on the National Register for Historic Places, the center is now home to various cultural activities including chorale singing, a garden show and ballet. Even when nothing is scheduled, it’s well worth exploring for its historical significance, stunning architecture, 94 stained glass windows and intricately carved Italian marble altars.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Celebrate independence, music, food and even a little creepiness in Knoxville.
Knoxville offers music and entertainment year-round, but August brings several exciting festivals with options for everyone. Celebrate local history during the Eighth of August Jubilee. This special event brings the whole town together in remembrance of the day Andrew Jackson freed his personal slaves in 1863. There’s gospel music, youth presentations and local art highlighting the significance of Tennessee’s emancipation history. Second Bell Festival is a family-friendly experience that offers the best of the city’s food, music and comedy along the scenic riverfront of Suttree Landing Park. If you want to feel creeped out before Halloween, plan a visit to CreepyCon. This Halloween and horror-inspired conference features, vendors and performances from some of the creepiest creatures in town. Plus, there’s a zombie beauty pageant where contestants strut (or limp) their way to a creepy crown.
Louisville, Kentucky
Take home your own miniature baseball bat from the famed Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.
Experience quintessential Kentucky at the Louisville Jazz Festival every August. Held at the Iroquois Amphitheater, you’ll hear live performances from more than a dozen jazz artists and enjoy the best food, culture and spirits in Louisville—and Kentucky’s finest bourbons, whiskeys and sparkling wines will all be available to taste. Visiting later in the month? The Kentucky State Fair at the Kentucky Expo Center entertains with rides, agriculture, horse shows, food, spirits, crafts, live music and a talent show. Other Louisville offerings include tours of Churchill Downs, the legendary horseracing track, and the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where you can learn about the iconic baseball bat.
Portland, Oregon
Flower festivals, garden beauty and fun converge every August in Portland, nicknamed the “City of Roses.”
Known as the City of Roses, Portland is in full bloom this month, florally and culturally. Be sure to stop and smell the 650 varieties of roses at the International Rose Test Garden, which overlooks downtown and offers free public tours through the end of August. Other area gardens to visit are the Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. When you’re ready to grab your own locally grown bouquet of blooms, visit the Portland Saturday Market at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. With 150 vendors, you’ll not only get to smell the roses, but you can have your cake and eat it too as you peruse food, arts and crafts stalls from some of Oregon’s best vendors.
Buscar hoteles
More to Explore
A Local's Guide to Dallas
This Dallas local shares some of her favorite spots around the city.
Things to Do in Columbus
The capital of the Buckeye State is filled with budget-friendly activities.
3 Portland Rose Gardens
See why Portland is has become known as the City of Roses.