Best Places to Travel in August for Nature Lovers

Planning a vacation in August? Love nature? Then this is the blog for you! With warm weather and long, sunny days, August is the perfect time to vacation in the great outdoors. But with so many great U.S. destinations to choose from, picking the best places to go in August is challenging. Luckily, we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve scoured the country for destinations where natural beauty and recreational opportunities abound. Moreover, we’ve found the best outdoor accommodations where nature is a feature, not a bug. So, come along as we reveal the best places to travel in August for nature lovers!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Best Overall Place to Travel in August

As the gateway to two of America’s most popular parks – Grand Teton National Park (7 minutes) and Yellowstone National Park (2 hours, 44 minutes) – Jackson Hole is the ultimate place to travel in August for nature lovers. Popular ways to enjoy nature in Jackson Hole include hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, wildlife watching, and even beaches.

In addition to natural beauty, Jackson Hole boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. Gather in the historic Town Square for the traditional Town Square shootout, a throwback to Jackson Hole’s Wild West roots, held Monday through Saturday at 6 pm. Afterwards, wet your whistle at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a Jackson Hole landmark with “saddle seats,” memorabilia, and live music. Other attractions include excellent restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Here are a few musts for your Jackson Hole vacation itinerary:

• Grand Teton National Park: Visit the National Elk Refuge in Grand Teton to see North America’s largest migrating herd of elk. Or, join a wildlife safari to see even more animals in action. Other activities include whitewater rafting, hiking, and visiting historic sites.
• Yellowstone National Park: At Yellowstone, you can witness the mystery and majesty of earth’s geothermal processes at iconic geysers like Old Faithful and hot springs like Grand Prismatic Spring. Recreational opportunities abound, including over 1,000 miles of scenic hiking trails, horseback riding stables, and more!
• National Museum of Wildlife Art: Overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the 51,000 square foot National Museum of Wildlife Art houses over 5,000 artworks depicting wildlife from around the world and is America’s only museum dedicated solely to wildlife art. Popular exhibits include “Exploring Wildlife Art” and the Sculpture Trail.

Where to Stay in Jackson Hole

• Anvil Hotel and Cache House
• Alpine House
• The Virginian Lodge

The Texas Hill Country: Best Place to Travel in August for Wine and Wildlife Watching

The Texas Hill Country is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in America. And it’s no secret why. With rolling hills, sparkling springs, and abundant wildlife, it’s a nature lover’s dream. And with over 100 world-class wineries, it’s the ultimate destination for wine lovers.

Spanning roughly 31,000 square miles, the Texas Hill Country includes charming small towns like Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs. Big cities like Austin and San Antonio overlap the region at the margins, giving you two access points with major airports and a fun change of scenery if you want to take a day trip to get out of the hills.

Ready to start planning your Texas Hill Country vacation? Here are some must-see attractions that should definitely be on your radar:

• Grape Creek Vineyards: This idyllic Tuscan-inspired vineyard and winery boasts an expansive portfolio of wines rated 90 and above on the RPWA scale. From tasting rooms to guided winery tours to exclusive private tastings featuring Grape Creek’s ultra-premium collection, a day at Grape Creek Vineyards will definitely leave you buzzing.
• Blue Hole Regional Park: Located near Wimberley, Blue Hole Regional Park features 4.5 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, sports courts, and more. But the main draw, of course, is the eponymous Blue Hole. This natural swimming hole maintains a year-round temperature of 75 degrees, making it the perfect place to beat the August heat.
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: The centerpiece of this wilderness area is a 425-foot pink granite monadnock, the largest such formation in the U.S. Enjoy 8+ miles of hiking trails (including a hike to the top of the dome offering panoramic Hill Country views), picnicking, camping, stargazing, and more!

Where to Stay in the Texas Hill Country

• The Bygone
• Camp Comfort
• The Cedars Ranch
• The Liney Moon
• Onera Fredericksburg
• Onera Wimberley
• Wine Barrel Cabins

Kailua Kona, Hawaii: Best Place to Travel in August for Beach Lovers

If you’ve ever dreamed of a Hawaiian vacation, August is prime time to go. With warm, sunny weather (summer is the dry season Hawaii), there are plenty of ways to enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of the Big Island, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, volcanoes, tropical forests, or quaint fishing villages. Not to mention, August is when the summer rush begins to subside, offering fewer crowds than during the peak summer season.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Hawaiian vacation without lazy beach days. And when it comes to beach destinations on the Big Island, few compare to Kailua Kona. Known for its sunny coastline, Kailua Kona is home to world-class beaches such as Kukio Beach, Makalawena Beach, and King Kamehameha / Kamakahonu Beach. At the latter, you can see a replica of King Kamehameha’s heiau!

Looking for more fun things to do in Kailua Kona? We’ve got you covered!

• Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Manta ray night snorkeling is one of the most unique things you can do in Hawaii. In fact, Kona is one of the only places in the world where you can do it! You’ll find several manta ray night snorkel operations in Kona, ranging from motorized boat tours to thrilling SEAL boat excursions to traditional outrigger canoe trips.
• Whale Watching: Kona offers numerous whale watching tours. Peak season for Kona’s iconic humpbacks typically concludes in April. However, numerous tours operate year-round, and species like pilot and sperm whales can be spotted any time of year.
• Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary: Known for its low-lying clouds, cool air, and lush vegetation, the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is the only tropical cloud forest in the United States. Popular activities include guided tours, wildlife watching, wellness programming, and workshops.

Where to Stay in Kailua Kona

• Pacific 19

Smoky Mountains, North Carolina: Best Place to Travel in August for a Mountain Getaway

With stunning mountain views, lush forests, shimmering waterfalls, abundant recreational opportunities, and a convenient location, it’s no wonder Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. And while the crowds can be formidable, August is a great time of year to travel to the Smoky Mountains. Influenced by the elevation, temperatures are comfortable, while the high incidence of rain gives the waterfalls an extra wow-factor.

Other popular outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains include hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife watching. Of course, if you want to experience the unique history and culture of the region, you have to go to where the people are. Western North Carolina is home to numerous small, charming towns begging to be explored. Stroll the main drags of Cherokee, Maggie Valley, Bryson City, and Boone and discover a world of kitschy crafts, local art, hand-made jewelry, home-made fudge, and more.

Here are some Smoky Mountain attractions you don’t want to miss on your summer vacation:

• Tail of the Dragon: This 11-mile motorcycle and performance-car road features 318 hairpin curves and gorgeous mountain views. Don’t have a motorcycle or sports car? Stop by one of the area’s many rental outlets for a wide selection of bikes and three-wheeled slingshots!
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: From the station in Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes you high into the towering mountains, offering extraordinary views of the Nantahala National Forest, Fontana Lake, and more. Choose from a diesel-powered locomotive or the steam-powered “Steam of the Smokies.”
• Chimney Rock State Park: Centered around a 315-foot gneiss monolith overlooking Lake Lure, Chimney Rock State Park boasts 75-mile views of the natural surroundings, hiking, rock climbing, and the 404-foot Hickory Falls.

Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains

• Huffman Creek Retreat
• Tapoco Lodge

Southern Maine Coast: Best Place to Travel in August for Seafood Lovers

With rugged shores, lush forests, and New England charm to spare, it’s easy to see why the Southern Maine Coast is one of the best places to visit in August. You’ll find endless ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the Southern Maine Coast. Join a whale-watching cruise to see humpback, finback, and minke whales. Or, explore the Edenic Acadia National Forest, Maine’s ultimate outdoor playground. Here, you can enjoy everything from hiking to zip lining to island hopping and more!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Maine vacation without lobster. Whether you stop by a roadside lobster shack or sit down at restaurant, whether you like your lobster in the shell or on a roll, this delicious delicacy is a Maine staple, and a must for your vacation.

Looking for more fun things to do on the Southern Maine Coast?

• Maine Lobster Festival: If you’re traveling in early August, be sure to check out the Maine Lobster Festival. Held during the first weekend of August, this festival boasts live music, a parade, arts and crafts by local artists, a dog show, and of course, plenty of succulent lobster prepared every way you can imagine.

• Cadillac Mountain: Take a pre-dawn hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, located in the Acadia National Forest, to see one of America’s first sunrises. Between October 7 and March 6, the summit actually sees the sun come up before anywhere else in the country. However, it’s still one of the top 5-10 earliest sunrise points during the month of August.

• Kennebunkport: Nestled on the Atlantic Ocean, this charming old town was once a bustling shipbuilding and fishing village. Today, its economy is primarily tourism-driven. However, many echoes of its rich nautical history remain, including lighthouses, shipbuilding museums, and of course, arresting sea views.

Where to Stay on the Southern Maine Coast

• Terramor Outdoor Resort

Book Your August Vacation With Nook Outdoors!

The summer months are fast approaching. Don’t miss your opportunity to book your August vacation! Nook Outdoors makes it easy, with a curated collection of the best outdoor accommodations in America. So, what are you waiting for? Explore our complete directory of boutique hotels, landscape hotels, and glamping retreats at the link below, and book your stay today!