Best Places to Visit in August in 2024

August is one of the best times to travel to the US, mainly because of the hot and sunny weather in most states, which is ideal for several outdoor activities. The average temperature for most states in August is usually between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius, allowing for activities such as swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, and more.

If you plan to visit the US and Europe this August, you can choose from plenty of amazing destinations based on your travel preferences. This article will explore some of the best options and the popular activities you can enjoy there.

Places to Visit in August

1. San Diego, CA

San Diego was nicknamed “America’s Finest City” thanks to its beautiful beaches, parks, and warm climate, making it ideal for outdoor activities, especially during summer. This city also has a vibrant culture, delicious foods, and lots of historic sites to visit. Even though the cost of living in this city is relatively high, you can still get affordable accommodation spots for $100 or less. Some of the things to do in San Diego include exploring the world-famous San Diego Zoo, visiting the 1,200-acre Visit Balboa Park, and, of course, relaxing on the many San Diego beaches, including Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Coronado Beach, and many more.

2. Fiji

Fiji is a must-visit for beach lovers and adventure seekers, especially in the summer months. The clear waters at most Fiji beaches make them ideal for water activities like swimming, boating, learning to surf or stand-up paddleboard, and many more. Besides the water activities, you can also immerse yourself in several Fiji cultural activities such as attending a kava ceremony or witnessing a traditional firewalking performance. When it comes to accommodation, Fiji is very affordable, with several good options available for $30.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is Europe’s fifth most visited city, receiving over 8 million visitors annually. People love Amsterdam because of its unique attractions, friendly locals, and extremely fun nightlife. While in Amsterdam, you can explore charming canals, popular museums like the Van Gogh Museum, and the Amsterdam Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide. Those into soccer can visit the stadiums of popular football teams like Ajax. When it comes to accommodation, Amsterdam is a relatively expensive city, with hotels averaging around $200. However, some cheaper options are available for around $100.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is always among the most visited cities in Europe, averaging over 7 million visitors per year. This city is popular for its unique historic architecture, great Mediterranean weather, fun beach life, vibrant food scenes, and great history in sports. While in Barcelona, you can visit architectural marvels such as Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, check out historical sites like Picasso Museum, visit the famous Camp Nou (home ground for the Barcelona football team), or swim at Barceloneta beach. Despite the many visitors, Barcelona still has affordable accommodation options for as low as $50.

5. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a vibrant city with a beautiful natural backdrop and mild summer weather, making it great for several outdoor activities. Some fun activities you can engage in while in Seattle include kayaking, whale watching, and exploring the Olympic Mountains. When it comes to accommodation, Seattle has several options in different price brackets ranging from $50 to over $300. Seattle also has several food options for as low as $10.

6. Portland, Oregon

Portland is another nice place to visit in the US during the summer. It is known by many as the beer capital of the US since it is home to over 70 beer brewing companies. Like Seattle, Portland also offers accommodation options in a similar price range (from $50). Some things you can do while in Portland include exploring Powell’s City of Books, visiting the world’s largest independent bookstore, strolling through the Portland Saturday Market, hiking to Multnomah Falls, and many more.

7. The Amazon Rainforest, South America

If you love adventure, the Amazon Rainforest should be on your travel list this August. This rainforest has over 40,000 plant species and 427 mammals that you can check out for a thrilling adventure experience. Some other activities you can engage in include Kayaking and Canoeing the Amazon River, hiking to a Waterfall in Tarapoto, searching for pink dolphins, admiring giant trees, and much more. The prices of lodges and hotels in the Amazon rainforest range between $34 to over $800 for luxury options.

8. Outer Banks, North Carolina

Outer Banks is a great option for those who want to get the best of the hot summer weather, thanks to the many Secluded beaches on this island. Outer Banks is also a great place to learn interesting history since it is where the Wright Brothers made their first successful flight. While in Outer Banks, you can also go horseback riding on the beach, explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park, or kayaking or canoeing. Accommodation in Outer Banks is not as friendly as most places on this list, with decent hotels costing $100 or higher.

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is popular for its cultural festivals, architectural splendor, and rich history. Millions of people visit this city to check out popular traveler spots such as the Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Yacht Britannia, Calton Hill, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the popular Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Accommodation in Edinburgh is below the average of most European cities, with hotels going for as low as $60. The more luxury options range between $300 to $500 per night.

10. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is another popular European tourist city, receiving over 7 million visitors in 2023. This city is the home of the world’s largest castle. Some things you can do while in this city include visiting the famous Prague Castle, Old Town Square, strolling across the Charles Bridge, and Beer tasting at Pilsner Urquell. Accommodation in this city is also relatively cheap, with some four-star hotels going for as little as $60.

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