Where to Travel in August

Plan a final summer fling at the best places to visit in August.

Related To:

Time is running out before school is back in session, so pack your bags for a final summer fling at the best places to visit in August. Be sure to check out our recommendations of things to do in August, too!

Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean

It’s never a bad time of year to set sail; cruise lines launch new trips and ships perfect for any time of year. Take advantage of the school vacation and plan a family-friendly cruise or the ultimate kid-adventure aboard a Disney cruise. See our expert picks for Travel's Best Cruises 2014 for other options, including best cruises to see Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Grand Canyon

Photo by: Thinkstock

Thinkstock

When everyone else is heading to the beach, bring along your hiking boots for a trip to the mountains. Take the kids on a family mountain vacation or take advantage or warm, dry weather in national parks like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Acadia in Maine or Mount Rainier in Washington.

Walt Disney World, Orlando

139873003

Photo by: Thinkstock

Thinkstock

Sure, there may be long lines and aggravating crowds, but for many travelers, riding a roller coaster is an annual summer tradition. Brave the humidity and hot weather to mingle with the mouse and his entourage of princesses at Disney. Need more travel inspiration? See our Complete Guide to Amusement Parks and see what our panel of advisors recommend in our coveted list for Travel's Best Amusement Parks and Water Parks 2015.

Chicago

Lollapalooza in Chicago

Photo by: Getty Images

Getty Images

Head to Grant Park in Chicago for the Lollapalooza Music Festival. What’s not to like about an outdoor summer concert that has featured big-name artists like Iggy Azalea, Jack White, Florence + The Machine, Frank Ocean and Eminem. See a few recommendations for the best hotels to stay in the Windy City, and flip through our favorite US music festivals and other summer music festivals.

Memphis

Elvis Tribute Artist Competition

Elvis lives! For the sixth straight year, Elvis impersonators gather from around the world to compete in the annual Elvis Tribute Artist competition. This year’s contestants hail from countries as far and wide as Australia and Japan. Who will win? Find out on the festival's final day, when the King is crowned.

Photo by: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

In August, devoted fans make an annual pilgrimage to Memphis to remember and commemorate the life of Elvis Presley. Elvis Week schedule of events include Elvis Bingo, Elvis 5k Run, an Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and much more. See our Memphis Weekend Guide for a few suggestions about what you should see and do while visiting this historic city.

Sturgis, South Dakota

Bikers on Main Street in the Black Hills of South Dakota for Sturgis

Each year, for 7 days in August, bikers and revelers gather on Main Street in Sturgis, SD, near the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming for what is nothing short of a good time!

Get your motor revving’! Join hundreds of bikers as they converge on campgrounds and bars in Sturgis, SD, for the Sturgis Bike Rally. One of the best motorcycle rallies in US, Sturgis runs during the first week of August. In addition to being a fun social gathering for bikers, the event also includes music concerts and bike shows.

Hawaii

Playa Grande, Costa Rica

The beach town of Playa Grande is known as one of Costa Rica's best surfing spots. It also happens to be home to the second largest nesting ground of the largest marine reptile, the Leatherback Turtle.

Photo by: Getty Images

Getty Images

Celebrate the 55th birthday of an island paradise on Aug. 21. Explore Hawaii’s natural beauty by visiting Kauai, Volcanoes National Park, Manele Bay and Maui. And a visit to the Big Island wouldn’t be complete without sunbathing and or taking a dip at a Top 10 Hawaiian Beach, including Waikiki Beach.