Ah, summer: The nights are warm and breezy, and the laughter of families fills the air. Summer is a great time to travel, no matter where you live or what hobbies you enjoy. It’s filled with so many events, you might even need help choosing where to go on vacation in August. We’ve picked 10 of the top spots. The events include everything from classic cars and golf to wine and shopping. Don’t let summer slip by without planning something great!
1. Pebble Beach, CA
Via Flickr/Jay Cross
Why go: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
When to go: August 23–26
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the capstone of an entire weekend dedicated to classic cars. The Tour d’Elegance starts the events on August 23, and there are car shows throughout the week. Pebble Beach itself is the epitome of elegance, with fine dining at Roy’s and the legendary 18 holes at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Top off your adventure with a mini road trip: 17-Mile Drive runs along the Monterey Peninsula coast, past iconic sights like Bird Rock and the Lone Cypress.
2. Deadwood, SD
Why go: Kool Deadwood Nites
When to go: August 23–26
This classic car event is a bit less buttoned-up than the Pebble Beach Concours—and that’s just how visitors like it. Vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice Awards, attend the 10th Annual Sock Hop, watch the parade, and of course, admire tons of classic automobiles. Deadwood has plenty of other things to do, too. Tour the Deadwood History Museums and “dig” up the past at the Broken Boot Gold Mine.
3. Jackson, MI
Why go: Jackson Civil War Muster
When to go: August 25–26
Jackson is a small town just over 80 miles west of Detroit. If you’re a Civil War enthusiast, it’s a must-visit. The Jackson Civil War Muster is the largest in the Midwest. The reenactments vary each year, but typically tackle the war’s turning points, like the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of the Wilderness. Then travel from the 1860s to the 1960s with a meal at Rudy’s Drive-In and old-fashioned ice cream at The Parlour.
4. Kirtland, OH
Why go: Vintage Ohio Wine Festival
When to go: August 3–4
Wondering where to travel in August for a wine-filled weekend? When it comes to prestigious oenophile events, the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival is one of the best. It draws over 30,000 visitors each year. With gourmet local food vendors, two stages of entertainment, and more than 150 wines, you’ll be wishing the event was longer than two days. You can extend your trip with a day spent at Holden Arboretum, among the largest of its kind in the U.S.
5. Myrtle Beach, SC
Why go: Myrtle Beach World Amateur Golf Championship
When to go: August 27–31
The “World Am,” as it’s called by those in the know, bills itself as the “Largest and Most Fun Golf Tournament on the Planet,” and we’d have to agree. More than 3,000 golfers participate every year—and you can be one of them. Post-back-nine, players and guests party on at The World’s Largest 19th Hole, a massive soiree at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Add in free summer concerts, farmers markets, and laid-back shopping centers like the Hammock Shops, and it’s easy to see why Myrtle Beach is a top August travel destination.
6. Sunrise, FL
Why go: Florida State Sales Tax Holiday
When to go: August 3–5
Florida’s combination of huge outlet malls and an annual State Sales Tax Holiday makes it the perfect place to shop till you drop each August. Sunrise is home to one of the largest outlet malls in the country: Sawgrass Mills Outlets, with 151 stores ranging from Ann Taylor to Versace. If you have any energy left after hitting the mall, take in some fresh air at Markham Park, with its lake and tennis courts. You can also tour the Everglades, which are right next door.
7. Ocean City, MD
When to go: August 6–10
There are plenty of reasons to visit Ocean City, but it’s the White Marlin Open that makes it one of the best places to travel in August. It’s the largest billfish tournament in the world, and even if you’re not participating, the lively atmosphere it brings to the boardwalk and city is unrivaled. Watch the weigh-ins at the Harbour Island Dock, enjoy waterfront dining at the Reel Inn Restaurant & Dock Bar, or head south for free Thursday evening concerts in Sunset Park.
8. Happy Valley, OR
Why go: Pickathon Music Festival
When to go: August 3–5
What could be better than three days of live music on a farm in the rolling hills of Oregon? This family-friendly festival adds in yoga, massages, gourmet food, and craft beer and wine, for starters. It features both up-and-coming and well-known acts like Phil Cook and Phosphorescent. And since Oregon is all about those wide-open spaces, pay a visit to Mount Talbert Nature Park, which has trails for all abilities. Then venture to Elk Rock Garden, a 100-year-old gem that’s the perfect place to end your weekend.
9. Newport, RI
When to go: August 3–5
Speaking of music festivals with amazing scenery and even more amazing artists, the Newport Jazz Festival is one for the books. Set right next to the ocean at Fort Adams State Park with boats and bridges as your backdrop, you may have trouble keeping your eyes on the stage in this beautiful spot. (Headliners like George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic will help, though.) Make sure you have enough time to tour the Newport Mansions (the Breakers is truly stunning) and stop by the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
10. Jamestown, TN
When to go: August 2–5
If you love the thrill of the hunt, searching antique shops and yard sales for that perfect little something, you’ll love the World’s Longest Yard Sale. It winds 690 miles from Alabama to Michigan, but its headquarters is in the small town of Jamestown, Tennessee. This is serious pickin’ time—you’ll fit in just fine if you rent a trailer to haul your finds. And with a home base in Jamestown, you can also visit Highland Manor, Tennessee’s oldest winery, and Pickett Memorial State Park, which was recently named an International Dark Sky Park.
Already picturing yourself going for the birdie in Myrtle Beach or grooving to beachside tunes in Newport? We can help you book cheap places to travel in August, so you can take the vacation you’ve been dreaming of.