With balmy temperatures, lengthy days, and limitless hours of sunshine, I believe the summer season months on this nation are the most effective time to create unimaginable recollections! Listed here are my favourite spots from my time spent exploring throughout August…
1. Half Moon Bay, Northern California
I really like this gem of a spot positioned simply south of San Francisco lies fairly Half Moon Bay! Like a lot of the California coast, it has a pleasing local weather, though the nights will be cool and sometimes foggy; this month has a few of the greatest climate.
Lots of North California’s greatest seashores, like Venice and Francis, are right here. My favourite was Mavericks Seashore, positioned simply north of the city. I beloved watching the surfers right here and the waves that may attain 18m in peak.
I additionally hiked and would suggest the Satan’s Slide Path, a 2-kilometer path with severely unimaginable views of the dramatic shoreline!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 235 Foremost Avenue Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
- Common temperatures – 19 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Strolling alongside the Coastside Path, which stretches almost 5 miles lengthy and the place I noticed beautiful views overlooking the ocean.
- Wandering alongside Foremost Avenue and discovering an array of purchasing boutiques and enjoyable eating choices.
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Situated in Lake Huron, this resort island has no automobiles, and the outdated buildings are superbly maintained. I’m an enormous fan of this gem as a result of after I go to, I really feel like I’m touring again in time!
I like to recommend strolling down the city streets, admiring the Victorian buildings, after which stopping by one of many city’s 12 museums.
I beloved the vary of outside pursuit choices, from crusing to strolling alongside the seashores. And if in case you have a candy tooth, I recommend attempting some native fudge. There’s a 3-day occasion in the direction of the top of this month that celebrates this native candy deal with!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 7200 Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
- Common temperatures – 23 levels
My highlights…
- Testing the attention-grabbing Fort Mackinac which was based in 1870.
- Discovering the unimaginable 146-foot tall Arch Rock!
3. Priest Lake, Idaho
I really like this beautiful magnificence spot and the State Park that adjoins it! Situated near the Canadian border, it’s surrounded by excessive mountains and fir and cedar forests, the house of black bears, a couple of grizzlies, moose, and whitetail deer.
If you wish to keep over, there are a couple of lodging choices, from resorts corresponding to Hill’s and Elkin’s to do-it-yourself State tenting grounds.
For my part, July and this month are nice instances to go to should you take pleasure in temperate climate (as much as 29c) and wish to hike, swim, or go boating.
I really like the sweetness and readability of this lake, the rivers that feed it, and the breathtaking surroundings; it’s a tranquil gem!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 174 Coolin, Idaho 83821
- Common temperature – 26 levels
My highlights…
- Going climbing alongside the paths of the Selkirk Mountains and photographing the breathtaking views overlooking the lake.
- Hiring a kayak and exploring the waters.
4. Cambria, California 
I personally suppose there’s nothing higher than a Californian summer season street journey, and I really like this relaxed and welcoming seaside city positioned halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s ideally located in case you are touring the enduring Freeway One route, so I extremely suggest stopping for some time.
In my expertise, this month is a superb time to go to. The climate is nice, with low rainfall, and it’s excellent for climbing, biking, and swimming. Moonstone Seashore affords one thing for everybody, and I like to recommend beachcombing for moonstones or attempting to identify otters or seals!
I additionally recommend strolling the mile-long boardwalk, visiting the close by spectacular Hearst Fortress, climbing the Coastal Bluff Path for lovely shoreline views, and visiting the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.
Whereas it’s a lot quieter this month, that is when the bull seals end their moulting, and I beloved watching them stress-free on the seaside. Cambria can be a foodie’s heaven, with many sorts of delicacies obtainable and wineries only a fifteen-minute drive away.
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 767 Foremost Avenue, Cambria, California 93428
- Common temperature – 17 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a stroll throughout the beautiful Moonstone Seashore, one in every of California’s most lovely seashores.
- Strolling by means of the historic downtown stuffed with purchasing boutiques, eating places and a cool micro-brewery.
- Climbing the very scenic Bluff Path at Fiscalini Ranch Protect.
5. San Juan Islands, Washington
I like to recommend heading north from Seattle to Anacortes for a implausible summer season journey to catch one of many Washington State Ferries. The ferry transported me to 4 of the 172 islands and islets of San Juan. The climate within the islands is fairly temperate all yr spherical however at its greatest in the direction of the top of summer season.
One in every of my favourite actions right here is whale watching. This is likely one of the areas the place orcas and different whales will be seen year-round through the boat excursions that set off from Friday Harbour on San Juan.
Every of the 4 essential islands has its points of interest, however I personally suppose Orcas and San Juan are the must-dos if in case you have restricted time!
San Juan is the busiest and most populated island, however it’s nonetheless tranquil in comparison with the mainland. I recommend visiting the Whale Museum to study extra about these magnificent creatures, having fun with one of many native eating places, and choosing an out of doors exercise starting from climbing to kayaking!
If you’d like extra peace, I recommend heading to Orcas Island. It’s house to wonderful hikes, just like the 6 km hike up Mt Structure. On a transparent day, you may see Mt Rainier and even Vancouver!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 165 First Avenue South, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
- Common temperature – 20 levels
My private highlights…
- Renting a motorbike and exploring the islands.
- Happening an adrenaline-pumping 3-hour ziplining journey.
- Sampling mouth-watering regionally produced gin on the island’s distillery!
6. South Lake Tahoe, California
I’m a giant fan of Lake Tahoe, and never simply as a winter sports activities vacation spot. For my part, it has loads of enjoyable and actions to supply all yr spherical.
Many trails vary from kids—and dog-friendly paths to more difficult routes. I attempted, and I like to recommend the flat and accessible Spooner Lake Hike or the day-long Mt.Tallac Path, which is 5 miles and rises 3,000 toes.
For the intrepid, I like to recommend the 265-kilometer Tahoe Rim Path, which you’ll be able to journey on foot, mountain bike, or enter for the Tahoe Triathlon on the finish of this month! For those who nonetheless have extra vitality, I recommend spending your nights hitting Tahoe’s nightclubs and casinos—it’s a buzzing spot!
I beloved the summer season live performance performances on the Lake Tahoe Outside Enviornment, which attracted massive names like Girl Gaga. Alternatively, you may strive the free live shows at Lakeview Commons.
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 1901 Lisa Maloff Means, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Common temperatures – 26 levels
My highlights…
- Having fun with stay music on the Free Summer time Live performance Sequence on the Seashore.
- Biking alongside the paved trails took me previous beautiful mountain surroundings and the beautiful seashores.
7. Cannon Seashore, Oregon
This place is an Instagrammer’s dream! Cannon Seashore takes its title from a cannon washed ashore from the US schooner Shark that ran aground in 1846. I personally suppose all of Oregon’s seashores are picturesque, however this seaside stood out to me for the putting 72-meter Haystack, which juts out of the ocean.
The rock is house to many nesting seabirds, corresponding to tufted puffins and murres and at low tide, I like to recommend exploring the tidal swimming pools on the base of the rock.
Browsing is widespread right here, and wildlife-watching is on close by Ecola State Park trails. Though I didn’t spot any on my journey, bald eagles and Roosevelt elk reside right here.
I discovered that the most effective climate comes in the direction of the top of this month.
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: Cannon Seashore Chamber of Commerce, 207 N Spruce | PO Field 64, Cannon Seashore OR 97110
- Common temperatures – 20 levels
My highlights…
- Taking browsing classes!
- Eating on tasty vegan enchiladas on the upbeat Latin delicacies restaurant Mi Corazón.
- Climbing the Indian Seashore Path, which took me previous beautiful coastal surroundings and unimaginable ocean views.
8. Stonington, Maine
I beloved this tranquil gem! It has a inhabitants of round 1040 and a mean temperature of 19°C this month. Stonington is a small however lovely waterside metropolis which was excellent for my low-key, relaxed summer season break.
Bridges hyperlink Stonington and Deer Isle’s coastal cities to the mainland. Stonington is a quaint, scenic, and charming place. This month affords a cooler-weather summer season break, excellent for these attempting to flee the searing summer season warmth in different states.
To immerse your self within the life-style right here, I like to recommend attempting all of the water actions, like boating, kayaking, and swimming, and in addition sampling regionally sourced meals, which is scrumptious!
I additionally recommend exploring the quite a few artwork galleries, the charming native opera home, and the lovable reward retailers, I discovered loads!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 13 Atlantic Ave, Stonington, ME 04681
- Common temperatures – 27 levels
My highlights…
- Wandering round Foremost Avenue in Downtown the place I discovered design retailers, artwork galleries, and boutiques.
- Spending the day stress-free and swimming at DuBois Seashore.
- I checked out the Mystic Seaport Museum, the place I realized concerning the historical past of Stonington.
9. Portland, Oregon
I’ve spent loads of time in Portland, and I truthfully suppose it’s at its greatest in summer season, which can be its peak vacationer season. For those who go to this month, you’ll additionally see the attractive roses the town is legendary for.
I like to recommend heading to the Worldwide Rose Check Backyard in Washington Park to see them and exploring the close by Portland Japanese Backyard!
I additionally love that many enjoyable occasions are happening this month, just like the Pickathon Music Competition and the Soapbox Derby. The town additionally prides itself on bike-ability, so be sure you get entangled within the annual Bridge Pedal.
It is a enjoyable, family-friendly occasion and one of many world’s largest group pedaling occasions. Right here, you may pedal streets closed to motor visitors.
If all that train has made you hungry, I like to recommend sampling meals and craft beers at one of many many farmers’ markets or road gala’s in the summertime.
- Customer’s Centre Deal with: 877 SW Taylor St. Portland, OR 97204
- Common temperatures – 27 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Visiting the attractive Worldwide Rose Check Backyard.
- Taking a ship tour alongside the breathtaking Willamette River.
- Having enjoyable at a summer season music pageant.
10. Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana
This one is for the character lovers! This magnificent park is over 4000 sq. kilometers of forests and lakes and is traversed by sub-ranges of the Rockies. It’s at its busiest this month, however for my part, the climate is good, making it a good time to go to.
It has been a resort space for over a century; the unique lodges are actually Nationwide Historic Landmarks. They have been constructed to accommodate vacationers coming to the Park through the Nice Northern Railroad and the later “Going-to-the-Solar” street.
I like to recommend an evening on the revered Many Glacier Lodge or Lake McDonald Lodge should you can afford it.
I additionally recommend going nature-watching, whether or not it’s wildlife, birding or figuring out a few of the over 1100 floral species you’ll discover right here! In case you are fortunate, you’ll see the beargrass lilies in full bloom like I did!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: West Glacier, MT 59936
- Common temperatures – 21 levels
My highlights…
- Driving alongside the unimaginable Going-to-the-Solar Street, one of many park’s most scenic journeys.
- Catching a dawn on the hidden Two Drugs landmark which was an unforgettable expertise.
- Going paddleboarding at Lake McDonald.
11. Berkshires, Massachusetts
This well-heeled spot comes alive in the summertime months, and on my journey, I found mountains, nature, and premier cultural occasions. I notably beloved Tanglewood, the summer season house of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the place artists of each style have appeared, from Yo-yo Ma to Earth, Wind, and Hearth.
I additionally extremely suggest visiting artwork museums, just like the Clark in Williamsburg, which has works by Rodin, Renoir, and Degas and spectacular silver and ceramic collections.
I additionally beloved their scenic climbing trails, swimming within the quite a few lakes, whitewater rafting and the enjoyable ziplining!
- Guests Heart Deal with: 1Berkshire PO Field 4829. Pittsfield, MA 01202
- Common temperature – 27 levels
My highlights…
- Watching a live performance while having fun with a picnic below the celebs at Tanglewood’s open-air venue.
- Climbing by means of Mount Greylock options the very best level within the state and nice statement factors.
- Going boating on Lake Onota.
12. Blue Lakes, Colorado
I got here right here for the beautiful summer season climbing and wildflowers and wasn’t dissatisfied! Colorado is legendary for its scenic trails, principally the 900-km-long Colorado Path, however my private favourite was the Blue Lakes Path, which was a separate route within the Mt Sneffels Wilderness space in Uncompahgre Nationwide Forest.
In my expertise, even the drive to the trailhead is a worthy detour and has some severely unimaginable views. You may traverse the entire path or strive a brief hike to Decrease Lake, which is 5 km from the trailhead and has campsites.
I discovered attempting to achieve the opposite two lakes more difficult, however I used to be rewarded with excellent views and fairly wildflowers. Species corresponding to Indian paintbrushes, campions, columbines, larkspur, and lupins develop alongside the path from July to mid-August, so that you’ll be in for a deal with!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: Telluride, CO 81435
- Common temperatures – 19 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Capturing Insta-worthy pictures of the scenic views, flowers and plush environment.
- Absorbing the beautiful sights overlooking the breathtaking turquoise lakes.
- Climbing the spectacular Blue Lakes Path.
13. Beavers Bend Resort Park, Oklahoma
I believe it is a nice, family-friendly spot! Right here, I went kayaking, climbing, and bike driving. I even went to arts and crafts courses and performed bingo!
I used to be additionally impressed with their 18-hole golf course, volleyball courts, and water snowboarding on Damaged Bow Lake, which was additionally a great spot for scuba divers (the water on this space not often will get above a bracing 15C).
I beloved the character documentaries screened within the evenings and stargazing within the clear, unpolluted skies. Leashed pets are additionally welcome, and a few chalets are pet-friendly, too.
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: Damaged Bow, OK 74728
- Common temperature – 24 levels
My highlights…
- Climbing the Associates Path Loop and seeing unimaginable surroundings.
- Renting a kayak on Damaged Bow Lake.
14. Scorching Springs, Arkansas
I beloved spending a summer season break on this Arkansas gem! That is a rare place the place 47 springs on Scorching Springs Mountain present the city under with 1 million gallons of water every day at a steaming 62c or 143F temperature.
The springs are mineral-rich and rumored to be restorative, and I discovered at least eight historic spas in Bathhouse Row, that are maintained by the Nationwide Park Service and their gardens. My favourite was Garvan Woodland Gardens, which has a photogenic Japanese part.
The resort’s reputation created a constructing increase, even throughout the Nice Melancholy, and Scorching Springs is almost as well-known as Miami for its Artwork Deco buildings. I simply beloved kicking again and stress-free right here; it’s a particular place!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 369 Central Ave, Scorching Springs, AR 71901
- Common temperatures – 34 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Hopping on the Nationwide Park Duck Tour which was a enjoyable and distinctive option to discover Scorching Springs.
- Testing the entertainment-filled T-Rex Enjoyable Spot.
- Happening a wine tour at The Vineyard of Scorching Springs.
15. Seabrook, Washington
Situated within the North Seashore space alongside the central Washington coast, for my part, this is likely one of the greatest trip vacation spot cities in Washington!
The New Seashore City on the Washington Coast has about 450 newly constructed houses and 12 companies; I really like that it’s a small and fairly city with out the bustle and rush of main metropolis life.
The city is compact and walkable and was constructed to be a sustainable, urbanist group. I extremely suggest parking your automobile and exploring the remainder of the town on foot or a bicycle. The summer season temperature averages 22°C, so this month’s climate is ok and cozy.
I beloved visiting the market, the place I purchased native crafts, Pacific Northwest meals, and reward gadgets, and visiting the quite a few eating places and bakeries for foodie treats.
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: WA-109, Pacific Seashore, WA 98571
- Common temperature – 31 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the distinctive retailers on the Saturday market downtown.
- Happening a meals tour and visiting the nice eating places, cafes and bars.
- Stress-free alongside the seaside and having fun with picturesque views overlooking the shoreline.
16. Lengthy Seashore Island, New Jersey
A part of a set of barrier islands in entrance of the New Jersey shoreline, I believed this was a surprising spot! For these in search of a quieter and extra stress-free vacation, I extremely suggest Lengthy Seashore because it differs from its brash southern neighbor.
The island is about 30 km lengthy and solely accessible through Route 72 from the mainland. This route takes one by means of Ship Backside, roughly on the island’s midpoint.
Solely 10,000 folks reside there completely, however the inhabitants will increase tenfold in the summertime months. Though the climate throughout this month will be sizzling, I really like that the cool ocean breezes scale back the warmth and humidity within the afternoons.
I personally suppose all of the seashores are welcoming and exquisite. My favourite was the Island Seashore State Park close to the Barnegat Lighthouse. I additionally beloved visiting the historic maritime forests for bird-watching.
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 265 West ninth Avenue Ship Backside NJ 08008
- Common temperatures – 27 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Paragliding over the Atlantic Ocean!
- Visiting the attractive Barnegat Lighthouse, a landmark image of New Jersey.
- Having enjoyable on a sizzling day on the Thundering Surf Water Park which featured many enjoyable points of interest.
17. Seneca, South Carolina
That is my selection for a budget-friendly break! Owing to its low price of dwelling and top quality of life, I personally suppose Seneca, South Carolina, is a wonderful selection for an alternate summer season trip away from the crowds.
The town is located within the northwestern nook of South Carolina and enjoys a beautiful place within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a inhabitants of 8368 and a sizzling local weather of 32°C on this month.
I really like the massive beautiful lake the place you may go kayaking and boating, the biking and climbing trails, the museums, and even the casinos. For my part, this place would swimsuit {couples}, households, and mates searching for a unique type of trip for the summer season!
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 221 E North 1st St. Seneca, SC 29678
- Common temperature – 31 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Going for a refreshing drink at The Spot on The Alley.
- Going boating on Lake Keowee.
- Exploring Excessive Falls Nation Park.
18. Block Island, Rhode Island
After I stepped off the ferry on Block Island, I felt all my tensions slipping away! Situated South of Rhode Island, the island is predominantly a nature reserve, with solely 1000 residents. Even on the peak of summer season, I really like that the 25 km of seashores are nonetheless comparatively uncrowded.
I beloved crusing, swimming, and simply lazing round on the seaside. I might extremely suggest visiting Cow Cove and the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs. I additionally recommend reserving your ferry journey prematurely, particularly should you plan to take your automobile.
- Customer’s Heart Deal with: 4 Heart Rd, New Shoreham, RI 02807
- Common temperatures – 25 levels
My highlights…
- Climbing as much as Mohegan Bluffs for an impressive view overlooking the attractive ocean and panorama.
- Testing the Spring Avenue Artwork Gallery.
- Hiring an e-bike and heading out onto the scenic Clay Head Path, the views of the scenic rocky seaside and the bluffs have been wonderful!