7 Best Cheap Places to Visit in August in the US

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August is the perfect time to hit the road and explore some of the best destinations in the US without spending a fortune. In this post, we’ve rounded up the top destinations to add to your summer bucket list that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

From iconic national parks to energetic cities, there are plenty of cheap places to visit in August. It also happens to my my birthday and anniversary month! My husband and I typically take some sort of trip in August every year to celebrate these occasions, so I can give you the inside scoop on what it’s like.

If you’re new here, you should know that this blog is not just about travel. I also LOVE a good deal and I’m obsessed with good food. So of course we’ll be exploring how to travel cheap and the best food options to find in each spot.

This post is all about the best cheap places to visit in August in the US.

What month in the summer is cheapest to travel?

Depending on the location and other factors such as large conventions or events, early June or late August tend to be the cheapest times to travel in the summer.

Based on recent searches on Skyscanner in the US, August 23-30 specifically appear to be the most cost-effective time to book flights and hotels.

What are the least expensive days to fly?

Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the least expensive days to fly with Friday and Sunday ranking the most popular and most expensive days to book flights.

The most important tips for traveling on a budget

• Always look for cash back when booking hotels or rental cars. Rakuten is my favorite. I’ve earned over $400 back so far!
• Use my 7 Secret Hotel Booking Hacks to make sure you’re getting the best deal on hotel stays.
• Look for happy hour at restaurants you want to try.
• Travel during the weekdays as much as possible for huge savings. Use that PTO!
• Use a rewards credit card like the Southwest Rapid Rewards card with a companion pass for nearly free travel. My husband and I have paid only the $5.20 taxes and fees for all of our flights for the last three years using this card!
• Use the WayAway app to search for deals on flights and hotels and earn cash back when you signup for the plus membership.

Best Cheap Places to Visit in August in the US

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Known For: Casinos, Shows and Chef-Driven Food Scene

Average August Temps: high of 102°F (39°C) and low of 76°F (24°C)

Despite its reputation for luxury and glamour, Las Vegas can be a surprisingly affordable destination in August. Some tourists avoid the summer desert heat, making it less crowded and more affordable.

Hotel rates drop significantly during this off-season month, making it possible to snag a room on the Strip for less than $100 per night. For the best rates, plan your visit during the weekdays when rooms are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than weekends.

Beyond the casinos and nightlife, there are plenty of free things to do in Las Vegas. Plus, you can catch happy hour at many of Vegas’ well-known restaurants for a great deal on meals and cocktails.

Things to Do:

• Watch the fountain show at the Bellagio
• Visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden exhibit
• Relax by the pool
• Hike or take a tour through Red Rock Canyon
• Walk around the Venice Canal shops in the Venetian
• Peek at the world’s largest chocolate fountain (beside the Bellagio Botanical Garden)
• Walk around the LINQ shops
• Take a trip around the tallest observation wheel in North America, the LINQ, for insane views
• Snap a picture at the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign
• See the flamingos at the Flamingo Hotel’s Wildlife Habitat
• See the Viva Vision Light Show at Fremont St in downtown
• Grab a drink at Legacy Club bar at the top of the Circa Hotel at sunset
• Visit the Hoover Dam

Places to Eat

• Happy hour at Kassi Beach Club at Virgin Hotel – incredible drinks and Mediterranean food
• Happy hour at Bottiglia at the Green Valley Ranch Resort – the ceasar salad is insane!
• Flights restaurant in the Miracle Mile – airplane themed restaurant serving flights of food and drinks. Great for sharing!
• Happy hour at Golden Tiki – cutely themed tiki bar off the strip serving boozy Dole whips!
• Happy hour at Yardbird Southern

Where to Stay

• Virgin Hotel – east of the strip with incredible pools and food
• Paris Hotel – best value for the price on the strip
• Park MGM – only non-smoking hotel on the strip
• Caesar’s Palace – beautiful pool and great location on the strip

I could give dozens more great recommendations in Vegas! There is so much to see and do, and this is a great place to treat yourself to an August getaway without breaking the bank.

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2. San Antonio, Texas

Known For: Downtown Riverwalk and the Alamo

Average August Temps: high of 97°F (36°C) and low of 74°F (23°C)

San Antonio is known for its colorful and energetic Riverwalk downtown that offers plenty of fun activities for travelers on a budget. The River Walk is a must-visit activity that is free to explore, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and sight-seeing along the way.

Most schools in San Antonio start mid- to late-August, so if you time your visit right you should expect smaller crowds and better prices around that time.

Although San Antonio is a popular destination, I found the prices in the San Antonio area to be generally reasonable (or maybe it was the shock of coming in from LA). Some touristy areas can be more expensive, but overall this is a great place to enjoy without over-spending.

Things to Do:

• Stroll around the famous Downtown River Walk
• Take a guided boat tour around the River Walk
• Hike the trails at the Natural Bridge Caverns
• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
• Visit the Alamo
• Play pickleball and outdoor games at Chicken & Pickle
• Walk around the Sunken Japanese Tea Gardens
• Take a day trip to the Corpus Cristi beaches

Places to Eat

• Umiya – the bang for your buck at this delicious all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant cannot be matched!
• The Box Street Social – incredible brunch with homemade donuts (photos below)
• Sangria on the Burg – catch their Taco Tuesday, $6 burger Wednesday or happy hour
• Check out the Pearl District and Hotel Emma, then grab food from the Food Hall at the Bottling Department
• Summer Moon Coffee
• Bar 1919 – fun speakeasy bar near downtown offering happy hour
• Breakfast from Magnolia Pancake Haus – omg you must order the apple Dutch baby pancake! Photographed below.

Where to Stay

• If you want to splurge a little, I highly recommend the Canopy Riverwalk Hotel! The rooms are comfortable and cute, and the restaurant and bar on property are outstanding. Great location on the River Walk too!

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3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Known For: Vacations near the Great Smokey Mountains

Average August Temps: high of 85°F (29°C) and low of 63°F (17°C)

Let’s head over toward the east coast for a minute and give some love to the charming mountain town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg’s perfect summer weather and mountain vibes make it perfect for a cheap August getaway. There are plenty of free things to do, or you can spend your time strolling the downtown streets or getting lost in the forest. This location is great for a romantic getaway or a family trip with kids (surprisingly yes, it works well for both of those things).

Things to Do:

• Stroll around the streets of downtown Gatlinburg
• Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Ride the Moonshine Mountain Coaster
• Zip Line through the mountain forest
• Visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge
• Tour Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
• Shop at the Village Shops
• Check out the views from the 680-foot Gatlinburg Sky Bridge on the famous SkyLift Park.

Places to Eat

• The Local Goat – highly-rated American food
• The Old Mill Restaurant
• Pancake Pantry – lots of flavors, and the pancakes here are delicious!
• Gatlinburg Brewing Company

Where to Stay

• River’s Edge Inn – affordable rates, great location and view. Breakfast included.
• Glenstone Lodge – mountain vibes and a beautiful pool area
• Cozy Cabin in the Woods – with a hot tub and wifi

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4. Astoria and Seaside, Oregon

Known For: Small Beach Town

Average August Temps: high of 68°F (20°C) and low of 50°F (10°C)

Seaside is a charming small town with a beautiful coastline, shops, and plenty of outdoor scenery, all at affordable prices. The August weather will provide a lower chance of rain and more opportunity to soak in the nature around you.

I recommend also checking out Astoria, which is just a short 30-minute drive north with even more things to explore.

Things to Do:

• Seaside Aquarium
• Seaside Inverted Experience
• Hike the trails at Ecola State Park
• Climb the observation tower in Astoria
• Tour the Flavel House Museum in Astoria (photos below)
• Play Plunko in downtown Seaside
• Fly a kite at the beach
• Explore Lewis & Clark National Park
• Try some of the 172 flavors of salt water taffy from the Seaside Candyman
• Shop at the Seaside Outlet Malls
• Take walks on the beach at sunset

Places to Eat

• Custard King – great local spot for ice cream in Astoria
• Pig n Pancake – well-known pancake house since 1961
• Thai Me Up by Mink – amazing chicken wings!
• Mo’s Seaside – the best clam chowder around

Where to Stay

• Inn at the Prom -oceanside view from the property, great location. Some rooms have spa baths and ocean views.
• Rivertide Suites – pull out sofa in each room, makes it great for families
• Gaea Vacation House – great for groups or families, sleeps 6

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5. Yosemite National Park, California

Known For: World-Class Hiking and Nature Views

Average August Temps: high of 84°F (29°C) and low of 50°F (10°C)

Whether you’re an avid hiker or not, everyone should visit Yosemite at least once! The views are absolutely stunning. There is truly nothing else like it.

This ranks nicely on cheap places to visit in August because the temperatures make it great for hiking and exploring. And because you’ll spend most of your time in the park, the cost for lodging and transportation are the majority of your total costs.

Things to Do:

• For an advanced hiking adventure, check out the Half Dome Cables. You’ll need to get a permit in advance, but this is an epic hike and worth the effort!
• Hike up to Nevada Falls (the first portion of the journey to Half Dome). You do not need a permit for this portion.
• Rent a bike and explore the park
• Approach the park from Wawona Road on the south to catch Tunnel View

Places to Eat

• Breakfast at the Ahwahnee Dining Room – gorgeous dining room (photos below)
• Ahwahnee Bar
• 1850 Restaurant – gastropub in Mariposa
• June Bug Cafe – Midpines
• Pizza Deck at Curry Village

Where to Stay

• AutoCamp Yosemite – read my full review of staying in an Airstream at this lovely property
• I personally think that this is a place to splurge a little more than usual and stay somewhere unique! You won’t be spending up on daily activities, so that should free up some extra funds for a unique and memorable stay!Check out these fabulous bed and breakfasts near Yosemite for more great options.

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6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Known For: Nightlife, Mardi Gras, and Cajun Cuisine

Average August Temps: high of 90°F (32°C) and low of 74°F (23°C)

New Orleans, Louisiana is a unique and energetic city that is particularly lively in the month of August.

August falls at the end of the summer season in New Orleans, but the city’s hot and humid climate continues through the fall. This doesn’t stop New Orleans from celebrating with plenty of festivals and events during August.

New Orleans is also a great city to visit on a budget in August. While the summer is considered peak tourist season, August however is actually considered the city’s shoulder season, meaning hotel prices tend to drop significantly. Also, New Orleans is a great city to explore on foot or with a bike, allowing you to take in the culture of the city for free.

Things to Do:

• Stroll around Bourbon Street
• Take a swamp and bayou boat tour
• Ride the old fashioned streetcars around town for only $1.25
• Listen to live music on Frenchmen Street
• Visit the French Quarter and Garden District
• Tour The Sazerac House distillery and enjoy samples
• Rent bikes and wander around the waterfront

Places to Eat

• Cafe Du Monde – the obvious New Orleans favorite! The beignets are really quite delicious.
• St. Roch Market – a food hall with award-winning chefs
• Brennan’s – upscale Creole cuisine, serving unique flavors like turtle meat soup and their world famous banana’s foster

Where to Stay

• NOPSI Hotel New Orleans – good price, great location, and pet-friendly
• Hotel Mazarin – charming hotel in French Quarter

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7. Portland, Oregon

Known For: Breweries and the Willamette River

Average August Temps: high of 80°F (27°C) and low of 59°F (15°C)

With its hipster vibe and endless food options, Portland is a foodie’s paradise. Food carts are a staple here, offering a wide range of cuisine options that are not only affordable but also delicious.

August is a great time to visit because of the near-perfect weather for exploring the beauty of the Northwest and it’s many wineries. If you’ve ever watched Portlandia, you’ll understand the hipster and quirky vibes that you are sure to find in Portland, Oregon!

Things to Do:

• Stroll around the Downtown Riverwalk
• Powells City of Books – the world’s largest independent bookstore
• Visit Multnomah Falls – or take a guided tour of the Gorge with transportation if you don’t have a car
• Visit the Portland International Rose Test Garden
• Tour the Pittock Mansion
• Spend a few hours at OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, for really fun exhibits

Places to Eat

• Stumptown Coffee
• Multnomah Whiskey Library – you’ll likely need a reservation, but this is super worth it for the experience!
• Voodoo Doughnut – unique and quirky doughnuts
• Portland City Grill Happy Hour – undoubtedly the best happy hour with an incredible view of the city
• Bamboo Sushi
• Screen Door – popular brunch spot
• Cartopia Food Carts

Where to Stay

• About 30 minutes outside of Portland toward the Gorge you’ll find McMenamins Edgefield Hotel . This is a renovated old boy’s orphanage which now houses a quirky brewery, hotel, spa, winery, and amphitheater.
• Moxy Hotel Downtown – clean, affordable and great location. Plus, free welcome drinks!

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Other Travel Articles You Might Like

Travel Tip Tuesday – A Collection of Great Travel Tips

How to Fly Nearly Free

Best Hotel Hacks to Save You Money

Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite

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Which of these cheap places to visit in August are going on your travel list?

Well, who says you can only pick one?

These destinations are all great choices for cheap places to visit in August when the weather and crowds are just right. In addition, the prices are also great during this time of year. So start booking your next August trip now and enjoy all the wonderful things these cities have to offer.

Happy travels!

-Hannah

This post was all about the best cheap places to visit in August in the US.

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