If we had no responsibilities and money were no object, we’d most likely take dozens of vacations a year (at least our fellow wanderlusts would agree). We’d hit the road in our motorcoach or rack up our frequent flyer miles for numerous getaways, exploring as much of the world as possible.

But the reality is, many of us don’t have the luxury of jetting off to a new city for leisure every week, either for financial reasons, not enough vacation time available at our jobs, or other factors at home. Despite wanting nothing more than to drop everything to venture onto the open road and experience a fresh destination, that lifestyle isn’t an option for many.

However, what we can share are inexpensive vacations that you can take this summer, without the headache of pricey hotel rooms and entrance fees. We asked travel experts for the ideal locations to visit in August (when kids are usually still on school break and many places are wrapping up their peak tourist season), leaving you plenty of time to plan the perfect hideaway. Read on to see which destinations they picked.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico often offers better value compared to other island destinations. That, coupled with the relaxing atmosphere and serene views, makes the Caribbean Island desirable for travelers looking for a long weekend away.

Sully Montero, a romance travel specialist at Teach Travel Discover, highly recommends venturing to Puerto Rico in August for one reason: you don’t need to overthink it. The expert points out that the convenience and accessibility to the island (short flights and no passport required for U.S. residents) minimizes the stress of traveling while still immersing guests in the Caribbean (i.e., beaches, culture, food).

And yes, while she acknowledges that the temperatures do climb into the 80s at this time of year (warning for those with heat sensitivity), it can be treated as more of a recovery trip, lounging by the pool and the ocean, rather than packing in hikes, tours, and high-priced excursions into your schedule. An added bonus: Montero says resort prices tend to dip in August (as opposed to high season between December and April, per Puerto Rico Plus), and there are fewer crowds to deal with.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri, is the place to be in August for those seeking more midwestern vibes, according to Stephanie Webb, a travel expert and guide at Sea Sight Tours. The region sees an estimated 28.8 million visitors annually to explore landmarks like the iconic Gateway Arch and the Missouri Botanical Garden, per Explore St. Louis.

However, Webb notes that the crowds aren’t as overwhelming in August. There are many wallet-friendly attractions, like the award-winning St. Louis Zoo, which has free admission, and taking in the beautiful Forest Park, larger than New York City’s famed Central Park (1,370 acres, according to the city’s official website). Another plus: hotels and dining are generally more cost-effective than in other major cities, and Webb adds that there’s always something going on, like art fairs and barbecue festivals.

Conejo Valley, California

Another popular region for out-of-towners is Conejo Valley, California, situated between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Danielle Borja, CEO of Visit Conejo Tourism, shares some spots to look out for, like Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, where there are miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through historic filming locations, one featuring the famed chapel from the HBO series Westworld.

She also encourages guests to check out the Gardens of the World, a gorgeous botanical garden in the heart of Thousand Oaks, which is all complimentary, and a great way to relax with the family. The area was also recently highlighted in Travel+Leisure as the Best Picnic Destination in the U.S., and not a dime needs to be spent.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland, is often called out for being a fun family vacation destination, and it makes sense why. The beach town is on the Eastern Shore, and travel agent and coach Lindsay Dollinger assures that with its affordability for middle-class families and countless area attractions, it’s a trip the entire group would enjoy.

She says one of the main selling points is that Ocean City (not to be confused with the coastal town in New Jersey) is drivable for many East Coasters. Also, while the city has lots to do on and off its nearly three-mile-long boardwalk, there’s much to explore in the neighboring areas. Want to see the horses on the sandy beaches on Assateague Island? It’s just a short drive from the boardwalk, as are the shops and dining in West Ocean City and Berlin.

Seattle, Washington

Like Ocean City, Maryland, Seattle, Washington, is a regularly sought-after tourist spot, especially during summer due to warmer weather and outdoor activities. And if you’ve always wanted to venture to the northwestern state, August is the ideal time, according to Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, a vacation home rental agency.

Why should you venture to Washington State’s largest city during its warmest month of the year (temperatures will likely reach an average of 75 degrees in August 2025, per Avionero)? Because August is the driest and sunniest month for the rainy town, Schwab points out, which usually experiences light rain about 150 days a year, per Explore Seattle Southside. This offers more opportunities to check out some of Seattle’s most well-known attractions, like the legendary Space Needle, and see the sights from the Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center.

Savannah, Georgia

We couldn’t have a list of budget-friendly getaways without including Savannah, Georgia, which we recently spotlighted as a favorable destination for August. Girls Who Travel founder Arden Joy echoes that Savannah’s reasonable costs and lessened summertime foot traffic are why travelers should consider visiting the oldest city in Georgia at that time.

She says the city’s appeal is a combination of its rich blend of Southern Hospitality, history, food, culture, and arts, all within the walkable downtown area. Additionally, there are farmers’ markets, boutiques, and river cruises (like the ones we mentioned in our previous article) to keep the family entertained. And with fewer tourists at the end of summer, it makes it easier to explore the remarkable parts of Savannah that make it so special.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge (Roanoke Region)

Minimizing expenses becomes especially important when traveling in groups, so finding activities that won’t break the bank is crucial. Kathryn Lucas, Director of Public Relations for Virginia’s Blue Ridge, strongly recommends checking out the Roanoke Region for the quintessential mountain hideaway, specifically because of its economical offerings.

Guests can leisurely float down the Roanoke River (among USA Today’s 10 Best Urban Kayaking Spots). Don’t have a kayak or tube? Lucas notes that tubes are available to rent at Roanoke Mountain Adventures, located on the river, for $20 for adults and $16 for children 16 and under. Another way to beat the scorching August heat: venture on one of the many waterfall hikes in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, such as Roaring Run Falls, just under two miles round-trip with a slight elevation adjustment, an almost entirely shaded trail, and a large creek to cool off.

Meanwhile, free events, like the Festival of India and Roanoke Wing Fest in Downtown Roanoke, also occur in August. Concerts by Canoe also invites guests to bring their own kayak, canoe, tube, or float for a musical event on the water. Visit their website for further event details.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Travel expert Stephanie Webb earlier shared her fondness for St. Louis, Missouri, during the month of August. However, she also suggests Bar Harbor, Maine, for a late-summer vacation. She says it’s the perfect destination if “you’re craving ocean air and rugged coastlines,” and it’s considerably cheaper than other East Coast beach towns.

Primarily, the cooler temperatures attract visitors to Bar Harbor (staying within the comfortable high-70s to low-80s degrees Fahrenheit in August 2025, per Accuweather‘s predictions). Webb also notes that there are many low-cost inns outside the town center that visitors could take advantage of.

Lodi, California

Lodi, California, might not have initially been on your radar when thinking about prime summer destinations, considering the popularity of its neighbors Napa and Sonoma, but according to President and CEO of Visit Lodi Wes Rhea, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Lodi stands out in the late summer because that’s when its vineyards are in full bloom, and it is a great low-key alternative to the traditional wine country.

Boutique inns, farm stays, and downtown hotels are all modest lodging options with rooms often under $200 a night, per Rhea. Guests can also partake in wine tastings, which average $10 to $15 per person at the area’s over 85 wineries, many of which are family-owned and offer an intimate and comfortable setting.

Not much of a wine connoisseur? There are plenty of other ways to enjoy Lodi, including the town’s farmer’s market, summer concerts at various wineries, full moon and sunset paddles, and wellness events like Namaste & Rosé at Woo Girl! Cellars. Additionally, Rhea points out the buzzing downtown scene with local shops, live music, craft breweries, and farm-to-fork restaurants.

Finding the Destination for You

We’ve included a wide range of summer travel destinations, from tropical beaches to spots for hiking and exploring to relaxing wineries. We also connected with experts familiar with the areas, and through their research and first-hand experience, provided insight to ensure that our readers choose the location that best fits their needs.

With that said, these spots are the experts’ picks for where to vacation in August, for their affordability, ideal weather conditions, attractions, and fewer crowds during that time of year. Consider these when booking your trip this August, and you might find yourself returning next summer.