10 BEST hidden gems to visit in America in August

If you’re looking to beat the summer crowds while still enjoying the best of America’s landscapes, weather, and experiences, August is a perfect time to explore lesser-known destinations.

Hidden gems across the U.S. offer all the beauty of their more popular counterparts, without the stress, lines, or inflated prices.

From cool mountain escapes and remote coastal towns to peaceful lakeside retreats and charming small cities, these spots give you space to breathe and scenery to fall in love with.

Whether you’re after hiking, swimming, cultural exploration, or just a quiet getaway, this list has something unique for you. Here are the 10 best hidden gems to visit in America in August.

1) Marfa, Texas

Marfa is a tiny desert town in West Texas known for its mysterious lights, minimalist art scene, and otherworldly vibe. In August, the dry desert air cools at night, making it perfect for stargazing and exploring under clear skies.

While the days are hot, the pace is slow and the setting is surreal, it’s like nowhere else in the U.S. You can visit world-class art installations at the Chinati Foundation, stroll through quirky galleries, or catch a movie at an open-air theatre.

The town’s isolated feel adds to its charm, and it attracts creatives, thinkers, and curious travellers from around the world. It’s also a prime spot for viewing the Marfa Lights, unexplained glowing orbs that appear on the horizon. With boutique hotels, local coffee shops, and endless photo ops, it’s a destination that feels both remote and cultured.

Plus, the wide skies and high desert landscapes are stunning in the golden light of late summer. Marfa in August is artsy, odd, and unforgettable.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Marfa, Texas

1) How do I get to Marfa, Texas?

The nearest major airports are in El Paso and Midland, both about 3 hours away by car. It’s remote, but the drive is part of the experience.

2) Is Marfa good for a weekend trip?

Yes, two to three days is enough to explore the art, enjoy the town, and take in the desert scenery.

3) Is it too hot in August to enjoy Marfa?

Days are hot (90s°F), but mornings and evenings are cooler and comfortable. Most activities happen indoors or during cooler hours.

2) Bayfield & The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Bayfield is a charming harbour town on Lake Superior that serves as the gateway to the stunning Apostle Islands, a cluster of 21 scenic, untouched islands. In August, the lake is warm enough for kayaking, and the sea caves are calm and accessible, offering an unforgettable experience.

Bayfield itself is small but full of character, with colourful buildings, waterfront dining, and a laid-back arts scene. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore features historic lighthouses, hiking trails, and quiet beaches perfect for a relaxing summer retreat.

August is also berry-picking season, and local farms invite visitors to harvest blueberries, raspberries, and cherries. Boat tours run daily and take you to islands with old-growth forests, sandstone cliffs, and hidden coves.

You can camp, paddle, or just enjoy a ferry ride across crystal-clear water. With cool breezes off the lake, temperatures stay comfortable even in the height of summer. Bayfield in August is peaceful, wild, and refreshingly different.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Bayfield & The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

1) What’s the best way to explore the Apostle Islands?

Kayaking is the most immersive way, especially into the sea caves. For a more relaxed trip, take a scenic boat tour or ferry.

2) Is Bayfield family-friendly?

Yes, there are easy trails, kid-safe beaches, fruit farms, and beginner kayaking tours. The town itself is very welcoming and safe.

3) Can you camp on the Apostle Islands?

Definitely, there are campsites on several islands, but you’ll need a permit. It’s perfect for experienced campers or those seeking solitude.

3) Ouray, Colorado

Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a picturesque mountain town tucked in the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by jagged peaks and alpine waterfalls. In August, the town is in full bloom, with ideal temperatures for hiking, off-roading, and soaking in hot springs.

The area is famous for the Million Dollar Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the country, and the landscape is absolutely stunning in summer light. Adventure seekers can take jeeps up steep mining roads, while those looking for peace can relax in hot springs surrounded by mountain views.

The town has a rich mining history, with a historic downtown full of Victorian buildings and rustic charm. Waterfalls like Cascade Falls and Box Canyon are easily accessible and impressive in full summer flow.

Ouray also hosts festivals, markets, and outdoor concerts throughout the month. You’ll find fewer crowds than Telluride or Aspen, but just as much natural beauty. Ouray in August is dramatic, adventurous, and surprisingly relaxing.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Ouray, Colorado

1) Is Ouray good for beginners or non-hikers?

Yes, there are easy trails, scenic drives, and walkable waterfall viewpoints. The town is small and perfect for slow exploration.

2) What’s the elevation like in Ouray?

It sits at about 7,800 feet, so take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated. The altitude makes nights crisp and cool.

3) Are the hot springs open in August?

Absolutely, summer evenings are perfect for a soak after a day on the trails. There are public and private options, including family-friendly pools.

4) Camden, Maine

Camden is a coastal town on Maine’s mid-coast that combines the rugged charm of New England with small-town elegance and stunning natural beauty. In August, the weather is sunny but cool, with sea breezes, blooming gardens, and harbours full of sailboats.

The town is framed by Camden Hills State Park, where a short hike to Mount Battie offers panoramic views of the ocean and islands. Camden’s downtown is walkable and filled with independent bookshops, seafood restaurants, and art galleries.

It’s also one of the best places in Maine for sailing, with daily schooner cruises that take visitors out onto Penobscot Bay. August is the perfect time for lobster rolls, open-air concerts, and relaxing days on the water. While Bar Harbor and Acadia get packed in summer, Camden remains calm and authentic.

Whether you're into kayaking, hiking, or just soaking in the scenery, it delivers on all fronts. Camden in August is breezy, cultured, and full of seaside soul.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Camden, Maine

1) How far is Camden from Portland or Boston?

Camden is about 2 hours from Portland, Maine, and around 3.5–4 hours from Boston by car. It makes a great weekend trip or stop on a coastal road trip.

2) What’s the best way to see Camden from the water?

Book a sailing tour on a traditional schooner, they’re relaxing and offer unbeatable views. Kayak rentals are also available for a DIY option.

3) Is Camden good for couples?

Very much so, it’s romantic, quiet, and full of charming B&Bs, waterfront walks, and scenic views perfect for two.

5) Ely, Minnesota

Ely is a small northern Minnesota town that acts as the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the most peaceful, untouched natural areas in the U.S. August is the prime time to visit, the weather is warm, the bugs have mostly gone, and the lakes are perfect for canoeing and fishing.

Ely itself has a friendly, outdoorsy vibe with local outfitters, great cafés, and wildlife centres like the International Wolf Center and Bear Center. You can paddle for days between quiet lakes, camp under the stars, and hear nothing but loons and wind in the trees.

For day-trippers, there are hiking trails, beaches, and scenic roads filled with late-summer colour. Despite its beauty, the area remains uncrowded, offering true solitude and escape. If you’re new to paddling, guided trips and rentals make it easy and approachable.

Ely is also a great place to disconnect, cell service fades fast once you're in the wilderness. Ely in August is wild, peaceful, and absolutely soul-soothing.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Ely, Minnesota

1) Do I need experience to canoe in the Boundary Waters?

Not necessarily, many beginners go with guides or choose short, beginner-friendly routes. Outfitters in Ely will help plan everything.

2) Are permits required for the Boundary Waters?

Yes, permits are required for overnight trips and can be reserved in advance. Day-use does not always require one, but check regulations before going.

3) What’s the weather like in Ely in August?

Warm days (70s–80s°F) and cool nights make it ideal for camping. Mosquitoes are less intense than earlier in summer, especially by mid-August.

6) Taos, New Mexico

Taos is a high desert town in northern New Mexico that blends Native American culture, artistic flair, and dramatic landscapes. In August, the summer monsoon rains bring brief afternoon showers that cool the air and turn the surrounding mesa and mountains vibrant green.

You can explore the historic Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been inhabited for over 1,000 years. The town itself is full of adobe buildings, art galleries, and a long legacy of creativity inspired by the desert light. Outdoor lovers can hike in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains or raft the Rio Grande Gorge.

The Taos Farmers’ Market is in full swing, featuring local produce, live music, and handmade crafts. August is also a great time for photography, thanks to dramatic skies, sunsets, and the earthy textures of the Southwest.

The town remains relatively quiet compared to Santa Fe, making it ideal for relaxed, thoughtful travel. Taos in August is artistic, spiritual, and deeply rooted in culture.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Taos, New Mexico

1) Is Taos good for first-time visitors?

Yes, it’s welcoming, compact, and full of easy things to do. Whether you love nature, art, or culture, Taos is accessible for any traveller.

2) What’s the weather like in August?

Days are warm (70s–80s°F) with short afternoon thunderstorms. The skies clear quickly and evenings are cool and pleasant.

3) How far is Taos from Santa Fe or Albuquerque?

It’s about 1.5 hours from Santa Fe and 2.5 hours from Albuquerque. The scenic drive itself is part of the charm.

7) Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend is a Victorian-era seaport on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, offering a mix of maritime charm, history, and quiet coastal beauty. In August, this breezy harbour town comes alive with sailboats, arts festivals, and stunning sunsets over the water.

The downtown streets are lined with 19th-century architecture, indie bookshops, antique stores, and seafood restaurants. Fort Worden State Park, just minutes away, offers beaches, trails, and an old military fort to explore. Whale watching is excellent this time of year, and nearby boat tours offer views of orcas, seals, and eagles.

Despite its charm, Port Townsend remains under the radar, attracting thoughtful travellers and locals more than large crowds. It’s a great base for exploring the rest of the Olympic Peninsula, including the mountains, rainforest, and rugged coastline.

The town is also famous for its creative energy and music scene. Port Townsend in August is coastal, quiet, and full of character.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Port Townsend, Washington

1) How do I get to Port Townsend?

Drive from Seattle (about 2–2.5 hours), including a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound. It’s easy and enjoyable, especially in summer.

2) Is Port Townsend a good weekend getaway?

Absolutely, its mix of nature, history, and arts makes it ideal for 2–3 days. You can relax or stay busy depending on your mood.

3) Are there good beaches in Port Townsend?

Yes, Fort Worden has sandy stretches, tide pools, and picnic areas. They’re quiet, clean, and perfect for beachcombing or relaxing.

8) Custer, South Dakota

Custer is a small town nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, surrounded by dramatic granite peaks, pine forests, and hidden lakes.

While nearby Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park get most of the attention, Custer is a gem in its own right, especially in August. The weather is warm and dry, ideal for hiking, swimming, or taking scenic drives like the Needles Highway or Iron Mountain Road.

Custer State Park is nearby, filled with bison herds, hiking trails, and clear alpine lakes like Sylvan Lake. The town has a Wild West feel with family-friendly restaurants, local breweries, and western history. It’s also home to the Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing mountain carving that is awe-inspiring in person.

Fewer crowds make it feel much more peaceful than surrounding attractions. Evening wildlife drives are especially memorable, with chances to see pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and wild burros. Custer in August is rustic, wild, and full of unexpected beauty.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Custer, South Dakota

1) Is Custer a good alternative to Mount Rushmore?

Yes, it’s quieter and surrounded by more nature, while still close to all the major attractions. It’s great for exploring at your own pace.

2) What’s the best activity near Custer in August?

A drive through Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop or a swim in Sylvan Lake are must-dos. The Needles Highway offers jaw-dropping views too.

3) Is Custer good for families?

Definitely, with wildlife, easy trails, lakes, and fun small-town vibes, it’s ideal for a summer family trip.

9) Talkeetna, Alaska

Talkeetna is a small, quirky town in Alaska that serves as a launch point for Denali adventures, but it’s a great destination in its own right. In August, the weather is still pleasant, the days are long, and the wildflowers are out in full force.

The town has a unique charm, blending frontier vibes with local art, great coffee, and epic mountain views. It’s one of the best spots for flightseeing tours over Denali, as skies tend to be clearer in late summer.

You can hike along the river, go fishing, or just soak in the laid-back, creative energy. Locals love to gather at Talkeetna’s main street pubs and live music venues, giving the town a warm, friendly feel. It’s also a great spot to see the northern lights start appearing again in late August.

Despite its popularity among climbers, it remains peaceful and down-to-earth. Talkeetna in August is scenic, relaxing, and distinctly Alaskan.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Talkeetna, Alaska

1) How do I get to Talkeetna?

Drive from Anchorage in about 2.5 hours or take the Alaska Railroad for a scenic train ride. Both options are beautiful.

2) Can I see Denali from Talkeetna?

On a clear day, yes, the town has some of the best Denali views outside the park. Flight tours offer an even closer look.

3) Is Talkeetna expensive?

It’s more affordable than bigger Alaskan cities. Lodging, food, and tours are reasonably priced for the experience you get.

10) Joseph, Oregon

Joseph is a hidden treasure in northeastern Oregon, often called the “Little Switzerland of Oregon” thanks to its stunning mountain backdrop. In August, the Wallowa Mountains are warm and green, and Wallowa Lake is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

The town itself is artistic and friendly, with bronze sculptures on every street corner and a growing local food and beer scene. It’s a gateway to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, offering breathtaking day hikes and backpacking trails.

The Wallowa Lake Tramway takes you up to incredible views in just minutes. Joseph’s pace is slow, its people welcoming, and the scenery dramatic in every direction. It’s ideal for travellers who want big nature without big crowds.

Local festivals and farmers’ markets pop up throughout the month, adding to the charm. Joseph in August is alpine, quiet, and deeply rejuvenating.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Joseph, Oregon

1) How do I get to Joseph, Oregon?

It’s remote, about a 5-hour drive from Portland. The journey is beautiful and well worth the effort.

2) Is Wallowa Lake good for water sports?

Yes, it’s clear, calm, and ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. Equipment rentals are available right by the lake.

3) Is Joseph dog-friendly?

Absolutely, many trails, shops, and accommodations welcome dogs. Just be sure to keep them leashed in wilderness areas.

America is full of well-known summer hotspots, but some of the best travel experiences in August come from the places few people talk about. These hidden gems offer all the adventure, beauty, and charm of their more famous neighbours, just without the stress, cost, or crowds.

Whether it’s a lakeside retreat in the Midwest, a quirky desert town in the Southwest, or a quiet coastal escape in the Pacific Northwest, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. August is the perfect time to explore these lesser-known destinations when nature is alive, events are in full swing, and the skies are wide and clear.

Skip the obvious this summer and go where the locals go. You’ll find space to breathe, time to unwind, and stories you’ll want to tell again and again. Hidden America is calling, and August is your time to answer.

When exploring these hidden gems, always consider hiring a guide or joining a tour group, as some locations may require local expertise for the best experience.

Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 13,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!