There’s something undeniably magical about the summer months, when long days, endless sunshine, and warm temperatures create the perfect time to explore the world’s most breathtaking corners. Whether you’re chasing coastline breezes or mountain air, August offers a golden window for creating truly unforgettable memories. As someone who’s spent years traveling across this beautiful country, I can tell you—this month is made for adventures. From hidden gems to iconic getaways, I’ve gathered some of my favorite spots that turn an ordinary escape into the highlight of your year. These aren’t just places—they’re memory-makers, handpicked for those who know the value of the right moment in the right setting.
Half Moon Bay, Northern California
Tucked along the northern California coast, Half Moon Bay is a charming, coastal town that feels like a hidden gem, especially in August when the heavy fog that usually shrouds the area lifts, revealing a mild, golden glow and hot pockets of sun. This summer month is when the humpback whale migration season hits its stride, flowers are in full blooming, and the lively atmosphere is lifted by popular events like the Wine & Jazz Festival, Summer’s End Music Festival, Concerts in the Park, and Downtown’s Make it Main Street. Over a dreamy stretch of three days, I followed Highway 1 on a scenic road trip, pausing to explore the beautiful State Beach, the picturesque Pillar Point Harbor, and scenic tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
The magic continued with watching world-class surfers tackle the waves at Mavericks Beach, discovering local boutique shops, and wandering through art galleries and cozy restaurants that define the relaxed, slightly upscale vibe of this western United States escape.
I couldn’t resist dining at the farm-to-table Italian restaurant, Pasta Moon, which I truly adored—from its rustic-chic decor and hearty servings of handmade, fresh pasta and tempura, to their creative elderflower and raspberry cocktail, Bubbles and Berries, every bite was delicious.
Later, I spent 1.5 hours hiking the 2.6 miles paved Devil’s Slide Trail, soaking in the sound of crashing ocean waves against the cliffs, spotting pelicans and harbor seals lounging on rocks far below.
Visitor Centre Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Map Location
Location: Northern California Coast, Western United States
Vibe: Relaxed, slightly upscale
Average Temperature: 16°C to 20°C
My favorite highlight:
Hiking Devil’s Slide Trail just before sunset—pelicans gliding above and waves crashing below, it was the kind of golden-hour peace only a few unique, under-the-radar places like this can offer.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
During my week-long August vacation, I escaped to the traffic-free resort island of Mackinac Island, Michigan, where the warm, sunny weather and occasional cool breezes made it absolutely perfect for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and kayaking around the beautiful Lake Huronor. The majority of the island is preserved as State Park, and I fully explored its quiet trails, soaked in colorful gardens in full bloom, and took in the fun late-summer events like the Fudge Festival and awesome sailing regattas. My journey began with a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Mackinaw City, which instantly set the tone for the charming, nostalgic vibe that defines this northwestern United States gem.
Every stroll through downtown, past cute fudge stores, quirky, independent shops, and well-preserved Victorian buildings, felt like a step back in time. I also visited the historic Fort Mackinac, and the interesting museums made the experience even richer.
Visitor’s Center Address: 7200 Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757
Map Location
Location: Northwestern United States
Vibe: Charming and nostalgic
Average daytime temperatures: 18°C to 24°C
My favorite highlight:
Visiting the Grand Hotel, dated 1887, where I sat on its huge, 660-foot-long white porch among pretty, red geraniums, gazing at the Straits of Mackinac—an absolutely stunning, memorable experience after a peaceful 45-minute hiking stretch up the Bluff Trail to the 146-foot Arch Rock.
Priest Lake, Idaho
My trip to Priest Lake, Idaho during this month was the kind of peaceful, back-to-nature escape that every traveler secretly craves—a beauty spot nestled against the scenic Selkirk Mountains where clear, alpine waters shimmer at their peak. The warm, dry, sunny weather was perfect for swimming, boating, and camping, especially during this prime time of year when wildlife like moose, beavers, and elk are most active, and the forest trails are ripe for huckleberry picking. I drove just two hours from Spokane and stayed at the historic Elkins Resort, a true rustic gem that dates back to 1932—my cozy log cabin with a stone fireplace and private deck overlooking the gorgeous lake made for a stunning base.
Between kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and picnicking on sandy beaches, I also spent time hiking the trails in State Park, chasing views and collecting wild huckleberries, and taking slow, scenic drives that showed off the tranquil, unspoiled charm of this northwestern United States escape.
Visitor’s Center Address: ID-57, Priest River, Idaho 83856
Map Location
Location: Northwestern United States
Vibe: Tranquil and unspoiled with rustic charm
Average Temperature: 24°C to 29°C
My favorite highlight:
Hiking the challenging 5.8 mile Fault Lake Trail—it took me five hours, but the incredible, serene lake nestled deep in the mountains, paired with that rare feeling of isolation, made it a truly special experience.
Cambria, California
For a short summer break, Cambria, California stole my heart as a charming, coastal village with a wonderfully laid-back vibe, especially when driving up the Pacific Coast Highway in August. The mild, sunny days, the cool ocean breezes, and the less fog than in earlier summer months made it ideal for slow exploration and even a little whale-watching during the active season. In just three days, I stayed at the funky, boutique Cambria Beach Lodge, hiked scenic, coastal trails, and cycled the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, where I also discovered moonstones, tide pools, and even playful dolphins dancing in the surf.
The historic downtown was brimming with unique boutiques, cozy restaurants, and local art galleries, while nearby Paso Robles was a treat for wine tasting.
Visitor’s Center Address: 2251 Center St, Cambria, CA 93428
Map Location
Location: Central Coast of the Western United States
Vibe: Relaxed, artistic, and quaint small-town with a touch of bohemian charm
Average Daytime Temperature: 18°C to 24°C
My favorite highlight:
Dining at Robins Restaurant—the trendy yet rustic decor, the romantic outdoor patio garden lit with pretty lights, and that divine, spicy Khow Suey Burmese Curry made it unforgettable. I ended the day watching elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, where noisy bull seals, fresh from their moulting, were sluggishly lounging on the beach.
San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands offered a truly unique summer vacation this month, where the warm, sunny, and mostly dry weather paired with long days made it ideal for slow, thoughtful outdoor exploration without the typical chill you might expect in the Pacific Northwest. I drove two hours north from Seattle to Anacortes Ferry Terminal, caught a scenic ferry ride that lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes, and stayed a week surrounded by lavender fields in full bloom. The great time was enhanced by charming summer events like the Lopez Island Farmers Market, while whale-watching gave me sightings of orcas, humpback whales, and even minke whales passing through the area—a seasonal spectacle I’ll never forget.
I explored the quaint, historic Roche Harbor, biked the flat, quiet roads of Lopez Island, and sampled wine at Orcas Island Winery, later wandering through the interesting Orcas Island Artists Studio Tour and hiking the beautiful Mount Finlayson Trail.
Visitor’s Center Address: 165 First Street South, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Map Location
Location: Salish Sea, Northwestern Washington State (between the U.S. mainland and Vancouver Island, Canada)
Vibe: Laid-back and nature-focused with a strong sense of community
Average Temperature: 21°C to 24°C
My personal highlight:
Staying at the unique Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping—a quirky, elevated Glamping setup with a comfy double bed, large luxury tent, and an outdoor nook surrounded by nature, complete with the owner’s cute kittens and cats. My favorite indulgence? Sampling the delicious Lavender and Wild Rose liqueur from the award-winning San Juan Islands Gin Distillery.
Lake Tahoe, California
There’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe, but August delivers that perfect blend of dry, warm, and sunny weather that transforms this family-friendly resort into a lake-lover’s paradise. I drove two hours from Sacramento International Airport and stayed for 10 days, diving into a packed list of summer events like the extraordinary Shakespeare Festival, the funky Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest, and lively Free Summer Concert Series on the Beach. Add in the Concerts at Commons Beach, the community-rich food fair Truckee Thursday, and you’ve got nonstop summer energy.
When not immersed in the cultural scene, I hiked scenic trails in Emerald Bay State Park, visited Eagle Falls, and made the most of the water by boating, kayaking, and paddle-boarding, then unwinding on relaxed, sandy beaches like Pope Beach, Kiva Beach, and Baldwin Beach.
Visitor’s Center Address: 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Map Location
Location: Western United States
Vibe: Laid-back yet adventurous
Average Daytime Temperatures: 21°C to 27°C
My favorite highlight:
Staying at the funky, midrange boutique Basecamp Tahoe South—its rooftop hot tub, cool outdoor fire pit, and cozy, themed guest room (complete with tent, faux campfire, and picnic table) felt like a grown-up summer camp. For dinner, I headed to the waterside Boathouse on the Pier, where the nautical-theme, the gentle sense of floating over water, and a plate of tasty buffalo cauliflower followed by frozen Coconut Sorbetto with toasted pistachios made for the dreamiest evening.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
A small, picturesque coastal town on the northern Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon gave me a truly dreamy August escape filled with soft mild temperatures, less fog than in earlier summer months, and the kind of gorgeous sunsets that imprint on your memory. I drove 80 miles west of Portland along the Pacific Coast Highway—a perfect 90 minutes of ocean-edge serenity—and stopped for three days of total immersion. Between exploring the quaint downtown, stretching out on the beautiful, sandy beach, and marveling at the iconic, 72-meter Haystack Rock with its Instagram-worthy angles and tufted puffins, I also hiked a picturesque trail in Ecola State Park that hugged the cliffside.
The buzzy summer events were in full swing—like the Cannon Beach Farmers Market, Rockwood community market, and even Yoga in the Park—adding a sense of celebration to every moment spent outdoors, just as the whale-watching season picked up.
Visitor’s Center Address: Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Map Location
Location: Northern Oregon Coast, Western United States
Vibe: Romantic and artsy
Average Daytime Temperatures: 18°C to 21°C
My favorite highlight:
Dining at Latin cuisine restaurant Mi Corazón, where the intimate, upbeat vibe, rustic-chic decor, and exceptional handmade veggie bichitas with house-made guacamole made me fall in love with Oregon’s culinary soul. Staying at the funky, mid-range Surfsand Resort, my in-room, huge soaking tub, incredible views of Haystack Rock, and direct beach access—plus cool beach yoga classes and a concierge who set up a private beach bonfire—sealed the deal on perfection.
Stonington, Maine
In Stonington, Maine, a small, historic coastal town, my month felt like a nostalgic postcard—warm, fine temperatures with a salt-laced breeze, and clear, sunny weather that was just perfect for boating, hiking, and diving into the local rhythm. I drove three hours from Portland, Maine, crossing the scenic Deer Isle–Sedgwick Bridge, and stayed for four days, embracing the gorgeous simplicity of kayaking, catching a music concert at the historic opera house, and a boat tour to the nearby, unspoilt Isle au Haut.
The town’s local art galleries, cafés, and the beautifully presented Stonington Farmers’ Market were in full swing, radiating that unmistakable height of summer buzz. My soul lit up discovering unique gift shops—especially the beautiful Marlinespike Chandlery—and dining in cozy farm-to-table restaurants nestled within the town’s stone-lined charm.
Visitor’s Center Address: 114 Little Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627
Map Location
Location: Deer Isle off the Southeastern Coast of Maine, Northeastern United States
Vibe: Artsy, off-the-beaten-path charm
Average Daytime Temperatures: 18°C to 24°C
My favorite highlight:
Dining at the harborside Stonecutter’s Kitchen, where the casual, family-friendly vibe, quaint harbor views, and their incredible waffle fries with house-made salsa and jalapeños felt like the perfect seaside indulgence. I also loved staying at The Eggemoggin Reach Inn—its rustic, wooden decor, guest room balcony where I gazed at sea views, and the unique, century-old farmhouse building oozed authentic coastal character.
Portland, Oregon
Landing in Portland, Oregon during the peak summer tourist season gave me front-row access to a city bursting with incredible energy, where the hot, sunny weather and back-to-back summer events completely transformed the vibe. I flew into Portland International Airport (PDX) and stayed for four days, diving straight into the Bridge Pedal, catching the fun Piano Push Play, and vibing with locals during Hip Hop Week—but nothing beat the very fun Portland Adult Soapbox Derby, which quickly became my personal favorite.
What made this trip truly unforgettable was the explosion of culture in the streets, with every food truck park fully open and buzzing with life. I headed to Washington Park to stroll through the International Rose Test Garden, taking in rows of fragrant flowers in full bloom, then explored the nearby Portland Japanese Garden for a quieter contrast. Evenings meant a lively Saturday Market, live music at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, and cocktails at the trendy Departure Lounge rooftop—a blend of nature, urban flair, and constant rhythm.
Visitor’s Centre Address: 1132 SW Harvey Milk St #104, Portland, OR 97205
Map Location
Location: Northwestern Oregon, Northwestern United States
Vibe: Quirky and eco-conscious
Average Daytime Temperatures: 27°C to 29°C
My favorite highlight:
Staying at the quirky McMenamins Kennedy School, a converted real school filled with awe-worthy attention to detail—I left a goodbye note on an original chalkboard, sat at repurposed school desks, and checked in at the Principal’s Office turned front desk. I ended the day gorging on a divine Memphis Mafia donut at the iconic Voodoo Doughnuts, oozing with banana chunks, cinnamon, and peanut butter drizzle.
Glacier National Park, Montana
At Glacier National Park, Montana, I arrived during the month’s peak season, ready to experience this much-loved, protected wilderness despite the expected busy crowds. With fine, sunny weather, long daylight hours, and snow-free, accessible trails, it was the perfect time for outdoor activities. I drove four hours from Spokane, stayed an extraordinary week, and set out to explore it all—starting with the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at Logan Pass, the highest point, just to gaze at its sweeping views.
From hiking the breathtaking Many Glacier Valley to taking a scenic boat tour on Lake McDonald, and seeing the unique glacial Iceberg Lake, the journey felt unreal. The thrilling Highline Trail pushed me outside my comfort zone with its sheer drop-offs, while the wildflower meadows burst with beautiful yellow, purple, and blue wildflowers, attracting active wildlife that made every corner of the trail feel alive.
Visitor’s Center Address: West Glacier, MT 59936
Map Location
Location: Northwestern Corner of Montana, bordering Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Northwestern USA
Vibe: Wild, rugged, and breathtaking
Average Temperatures: 17°C to 27°C (depending on elevation)
My favorite highlight:
Staying at the historic Many Glacier Hotel, which dates back to 1915—its unique Swiss Chalet Design, huge fireplaces, and timber beams gave it an old-world lodge feel. Waking to the incredible setting on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, I set off on the challenging but manageable 7.6 mile round-trip Scenic Point Trail. The five-hour hike, complete with switchbacks, panoramic views of Two Medicine Lake, and a surprise sighting of a cute mountain goat, was easily the most soul-refreshing moment of the trip.
Berkshires, Massachusetts
My break in the affluent, rural, and mountainous region of the Berkshires, Massachusetts this month was a harmonious blend of culture and nature, wrapped in warm, dry weather with the occasional cloudy day—perfect for exploring the gorgeous, surrounding countryside. The area was alive with buzz, as festivals, farmers markets, and events were in full swing, including the spectacular Tanglewood Music Festival (the home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra), the kinetic Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the fabulous Berkshire Theatre Festival, all of which took place across the region. I flew into Albany International Airport, drove just an hour, and stayed for five days, savoring the mix of nature and artistic energy.
I hiked to the highest point, Mount Greylock, boated on the scenic Lake Garfield, and discovered charming art galleries, unique boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants tucked throughout the quaint New England towns of Lenox, Great Barrington, and Stockbridge.
Visitors Center Address: 66 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Map Location
Location: Western Massachusetts, Northeastern USA
Vibe: Peaceful and cultured countryside retreat
Average Daytime Temperature: 24°C to 27°C
My favorite highlight:
Dining at the trendy Prairie Whale—the historic farmhouse building, mismatched table settings, tasty, house-made pickles, and a heavenly plum tart sealed the experience. And staying at the gorgeous boutique Life House filled me with awe—its vintage-chic decor, unique botanical theme, herbal teas, Le Labo toiletries, and citrus water served in the lobby made every moment feel like a retreat within a retreat.
Blue Lakes, Colorado
Blue Lakes, Colorado was my pick this month for a raw, soul-cleansing alpine adventure where I truly enjoyed hiking among stunning, turquoise, glacial lakes and meadows of pretty, vibrant wildflowers under clear, blue skies. With warm, dry weather, low humidity, and only the rare afternoon thunderstorms, conditions were perfect for high-elevation hiking and dreamy camping beneath the mountain skies. I flew into Telluride Regional Airport, drove 1.5 hours, and pitched up at a primitive campsite near Lower Blue Lake for an Insta-worthy three-day escape.
Each day, I hiked scenic trails, braved backpacking to Upper Blue Lake—the most remote, least visited of the three lakes—a challenging trek that took 5 hours and was completely worth the effort.
Nearest Visitor’s Center Address: Ouray Visitor Center, 1230 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
Map Location
Location: Southwestern Colorado, Western United States
Vibe: A pristine, high-alpine escape
Average Daytime Temperatures: 18°C to 24°C
My favorite highlight:
The 5 hour round-trip along the Blue Lakes Trail to Lower and Middle Blue Lakes—I passed striking, colorful wildflowers like Indian Paintbrushes, wandered through beautiful aspen groves, and took a scenic drive to the Trailhead via Dallas Creek Road. The awe I felt from the gorgeous views of beautiful forests, lush valleys, and Mount Sneffels still lingers.
Beavers Bend Resort Park, Oklahoma
For my 3-day break this month, I camped at Beavers Bend Resort Park, Oklahoma, a scenic park nestled in the southeastern part of the state. Though it was peak visitor season, the hot, sunny weather provided a refreshing relief from the heat and turned activities like boating, swimming, and kayaking on Broken Bow Lake into sun-soaked perfection. The early start to avoid it being too hot for long hikes, plus plenty of water and the shady forest trails, made everything manageable, and let me enjoy ideal moments of campfires, stargazing, and spotting wildlife without the chill of early spring or the rain of late fall.
I drove three hours from Dallas and set up base at the secluded Buckeye Campground—though cabin rentals were also available—and filled my time with hiking picturesque trails, tubing on Mountain Fork River, riding a mini-train through the woods at Beavers Bend Depot, and even zip-lining at nearby Hochatown.
Address: 4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728
Map Location
Location: Southeastern Oklahoma, South-Central Region of USA
Vibe: Serene, forested retreat
Average Daytime Temperatures: 31°C to 33°C
My favorite highlight:
Hiking the 1.5-mile Friends Trail Loop—it took just an hour, but the rocky sections, mini lookout points, and the sight of the Mountain Fork River pouring into a forest-framed waterfall made it absolutely worthwhile.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
I took a long weekend break in Hot Springs, Arkansas during August, when the peak tourist months bring in crowds, but also deliver hot, sunny weather that’s perfect for soothing dips in the relaxing, mineral-rich springs. Set in an elevated setting that helps with escaping southern humidity, the city offered cool, late summer events like the Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run and the popular Ouachita Expressions Show, both of which drew a vibrant local audience.
I flew into Little Rock National Airport, drove one hour, and enjoyed the family-friendly National Park Duck Tour, took in the pretty flowers at Garvan Woodland Gardens, and visited historic spas on Bathhouse Row—the open-air Quapaw Bathhouse and the quaint Buckstaff Bathhouse offered both thermal pools and vintage character. I also browsed cute independent shops, art galleries, and museums in downtown.
Visitor’s Center Address: 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Map Location
Location: Ouachita Mountains, Garland County, Central Arkansas, South-Central USA
Vibe: A blend of spa-town charm and natural beauty
Average Daytime Temperatures: 32°C to 34°C
My favorite highlight:
Staying at the unique, historic, boutique bed and breakfast The Gables Inn, where the Victorian architecture, ornate woodwork, wrap-around porch, and stained-glass windows made me feel like I was stepping back in time—especially soaking in the clawfoot bathtub after a day in the sun.
Seabrook, Washington
Tucked along the central coast of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, Seabrook, Washington is a picturesque, coastal town perfect for a wonderful, low key summer break, especially when the Pacific Northwest is at its sunniest and warmest. I drove 2.5 hours from Seattle for a long weekend, arriving to a mix of lazy beach days, exploring tide pools, and scenic hiking in surrounding forest trails. The weather was ideal for Pacific sunset strolls and gathering around bonfires, with a calendar full of the town’s outdoor events like the lively Seabrook Saturday Markets, the incredible Seabrook Sunset Concerts, and the quirky Gnome and Fairy Festival keeping the whole village buzzing.
I spent time on the relaxed Seabrook Beach and Pacific Beach State Park, made a scenic day trip to Olympic National Park just 2 hours away by car, and strolled the New England-Inspired town center, browsing boutique shops and picking up handmade souvenirs.
Visitor’s Center Address: WA-109, Pacific Beach, WA 98571
Map Location
Location: Central Coast of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, Northwestern United States
Vibe: Charming and family-friendly
Average Daytime Temperature: 18°C to 24°C
My personal highlight:
Staying at the “Otterly Relaxed” self-catering holiday home—the chic, modern yet cozy decor, well-equipped kitchenette, and large deck with a private hot tub and fire-pit was an absolute gem find. And I loved discovering the Seabrook Saturday Market, joining in on fun yard games, enjoying live music, and picking up lavender honey skincare from Little Miss Bee’s Candle Co.
Long Beach Island, New Jersey
For a summer weekend break, Long Beach Island, New Jersey was everything you’d expect from a barrier island on the Atlantic—the waters were at their warmest, the beaches were lively and sun-soaked, and the vibe was absolutely buzzing with classic summer fun. I drove two hours from New York City and spent a dreamy week indulging in water-based outdoor dining, joining seasonal events like National Night Out and the sociable Fire Pit Fridays, and losing myself in long, scenic walks at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.
I alternated between surfing, beach volleyball, and boating, and had a blast at the nostalgic Fantasy Island Amusement Park, before discovering beautiful Victorian homes, boutique shops, and local eateries in the Beach Haven Historic District.
Visitor’s Center Address: 265 West 9th Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Map Location
Location: Barrier island off the Central Coast of New Jersey, Northeastern United States
Vibe: Laid-back and family-friendly
Average Daytime Temperatures: 27°C to 29°C
My personal highlight:
Staying at the grand 4-star Hotel LBI—the panoramic views of Barnegat Bay, trendy fire pits, and creative cocktails at the chic rooftop bar (the creamy Coconut Mojito was a dream) were spectacular. I also loved the indoor swimming pool with its unique retractable roof, and a day at the Thundering Surf Water Park, where I went bodyboarding in the FlowRider Double Surf Simulator, floated down the Endless River with waterfalls and geysers, and braved the terrifying Black Hole slide!
Seneca, South Carolina
Tucked into the northwestern corner of South Carolina, Seneca is a charming city that surprised me during a recent five-day vacation this month with its laid-back, small-town atmosphere and authentic Southern charm. With lush summer temperatures, long sunny days, and not as many crowds as you’d expect in peak summer months, it felt like a relatively hidden gem—especially ideal for just messing around the lake. After I flew into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and drove an hour, I enjoyed everything from boating, swimming, and kayaking on sprawling Lake Keowee, to exploring lively Ram Cat Alley, filled with art galleries, antique shops, and cozy eateries.
I also caught buzzing late summer events like the awesome Jazz on the Alley and the fun Seneca Jeep Fest, and spent time hiking scenic trails in South Cove County Park, a peaceful natural retreat right outside town.
Visitor’s Center Address: 221 E North 1st St, Seneca, SC 29678
Map Location
Location: Northwestern corner of South Carolina, Southeastern United States
Vibe: Laid-back, small-town atmosphere with Southern charm
Average Daytime Temperature: 29°C to 32°C
My favorite highlight:
Dining on hearty Southern cuisine at Copper River Grill, where the cozy, rustic-chic decor, super friendly staff, and Southern-inspired cocktail menu stole the show—especially my dishes: Baked Potato Soup and the divine white chocolate banana pudding.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island, Rhode Island offered the kind of serene resort island escape I’d been craving—a beautiful setting for an idyllic summer getaway. I vacationed there in August, when the warm weather made it ideal to swim, laze on sandy beaches, and enjoy the occasional rain shower without ever disrupting plans. After hopping a high-speed ferry from Newport, I settled into a tranquil mini-break filled with relaxing walks, a tour of the Southeast Lighthouse, boating on The Great Salt Pond, and exploring the Old Harbor Historic District, the main hub of activity with Victorian-style inns, charming shops, and coastal restaurants lining the waterfront.
Between visits to local restaurants with live music, and strolling interesting trails in Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, every moment felt perfectly balanced between discovery and rest.
Visitor’s Center Address: 4 Center Rd, New Shoreham, RI 02807
Map Location
Location: 12 miles south of mainland Rhode Island, Northeastern United States
Vibe: Quaint, laid-back New England charm
Average Daytime Temperatures: 24°C to 27°C
My favorite highlight:
Staying at the super-lush boutique Block Island Beach House, I admired its striking, coastal-themed styling filled with local art, and spent sunsets lounging on Crescent Beach, sipping cocktails at the cool Beach Bar, soaking in live music on the outdoor patio, and warming up by the trendy fire pits.
Ely, Minnesota
At the height of summer, Ely, Minnesota proved to be a small city with big adventure. As the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), it gave me a full week of warm, sunny days, tempered by a little breeze—perfect for sunny lake days on the sparkling waters of Lake Keowee, and for exploring scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forest.
After I flew into Duluth International Airport (DLH) and drove two hours, I immersed myself in community life—enjoying live music and events like the toe-tapping Jazz on the Alley, the Ely Blueberry/Art Festival, and Fest du Nord, all of which showcased the town’s laid-back summer vibe and welcoming southern character.
Visitor’s Center Address: 1600 E. Sheridan Street, Ely, MN 55731
Map Location
Location: Northeastern part of Minnesota, Upper Midwest
Vibe: Rustic and adventurous
Average August Temperatures: 20°C to 25°C
My favorite highlight:
Kayaking across the crystal-clear lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, then hiking beautiful forested trails in Superior National Forest before finishing the day with a reflective visit to the interesting Dorothy Molter Museum—it was the kind of peaceful wilderness trip that feeds the soul.
