The 5 best places in the U.S. to visit in August

August may mark the crescendo of summer vacation season, but there’s still plenty of time for a long weekend at the beach or in the mountains — especially if you’re looking to escape the summer heat.

Our list of the best places to travel in the U.S. this August includes a dreamy California beach town, a relaxing reset in the coastal forests of Washington and a lakeside retreat in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Plus, two huge festivals: one for lobster in New England and another for Native American art in the Southwest.

Already thinking about September? Here are our recommendations for the best early fall trips.

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1. La Jolla, Calif.

Go for: Calm waves and classic California beach town vibes

Southern California beach towns hit their paradise-like peak in August: The skies are reliably sunny and clear, and the water has fully warmed up. There are tons of options for an end-of-summer trip, but La Jolla stands out for its safe, easy-to-access beaches and laidback atmosphere. (It even made our list of the best beaches in the U.S.)

The coastline is a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coves and peaceful, palm-tree-lined overlooks. A few of the best spots are Windansea Beach, Marine Street Beach and La Jolla Shores, the area’s largest public beach. La Jolla Cove sits at the southern end of the shore and is known for its sea caves, bright blue waters and resident sea lion rookery. You can swim, surf, sunbathe and even take a kayak tour through the La Jolla sea caves.

Torrey Pines State Beach just north of La Jolla is also worth a stop, especially if you’re a surfer or just want some more space to spread out on the sand. Head to Mission Trails Regional Park east of town if you’re looking for a place to hike, bike or spot some wildlife.

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2. Rockland, Maine

Go for: A huge lobster festival in a charming New England coastal town

Rockland in summer is already an easy sell, with its dreamy waterfront and easy access to the islands of Penobscot Bay. Things get even better, though, during the Maine Lobster Festival, which will run from July 29 to August 2. It’s a yearly pilgrimage for seafood lovers, and you should put it on your list if you’re a fan of steamed lobster, lobster rolls, lobster chowder, lobster bisque, lobster mac and cheese … you get the idea.

Between feasts, walk out to the lighthouse on the Rockland Breakwater, wander the Farnsworth Art Museum or catch a film at the 103-year-old Strand Theater. You can also join a bay tour by sailboat or take the ferry east to Vinalhaven, a tiny island village. Nearby Camden and Rockport are also overflowing with coastal New England charm, and they’re quick and easy to reach from Rockland.

If you have the option to explore further, head north for the annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival from August 14 to 16. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are just an hour southwest of Rockland and worth a visit, especially if you’re vacationing with kids.

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3. Bellingham, Wash.

Go for: Beaches, forests, mountains and lakes, plus a lively art and culture hub

Bellingham’s tagline is “The City of Subdued Excitement,” which is fitting for a town that’s extremely laidback but always has plenty to do. Concerts, outdoor markets and festivals fill the calendar, alongside an endless array of outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, paragliding, and more. You can spend the day hiking to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the sea, then relax afterward on a sunny patio, local beer in hand.

Drive along Chuckanut Drive south of town for a jaw-dropping view of Bellingham Bay from atop surreal sandstone cliffs, and stop off at Larrabee State Park for a hike or a wander down to the beach. Catch an outdoor concert next to the water at Boulevard Park, and admire the massive artworks at Noisy Waters Mural Festival from August 14 to 16.

August is also the perfect time to see bioluminescence, a special type of glowing marine organism that turns the water electric blue-green. Finally, Bellingham has a massive downtown farmer’s market every Saturday, a renowned improv comedy theater and tons of bars, restaurants, cafés and shops. There’s even the Bellingham Circus Guild, which puts on a vaudeville-inspired show on the 15th of every month.

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4. Santa Fe, N.M.

Go for: A massive Native American art market and the height of the Santa Fe Opera season

August is one of the best times to experience the culture and creativity of this historic city. On August 15 and 16, you can catch the Santa Fe Indian Market, which features hundreds of Native American artists at one of the largest outdoor markets in the country. The Santa Fe Opera is also in full swing, with performances almost every night through the end of August.

If you’re craving some nature time, head to Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary for some up-close birdwatching, stroll through the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, or drive east of the city for a day hike in the Santa Fe foothills. Or, venture west to Bandelier National Monument for petroglyphs and ancient cliff dwellings.

There’s also the St. Dominic Annual Feast Day on August 4 in Santo Domingo Pueblo. It’s the largest Native American feast day event in the Southwest, honoring St. Dominic through music, drumming and a traditional Corn Dance.

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5. Marquette, Mich.

Go for: A serene lakefront escape from the crowds

If you’ve been to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you know August is just about the best time to go. And if you haven’t, you should add it to your travel list immediately. Few places feel as protected and tucked away as the shores of Lake Superior, and Marquette, which sits along the southern shore, is the ideal base for exploring them.

August is perfect for swimming, when the lake reaches its warmest temperatures of the year. It’s also great for paddleboarding and kayaking, two of the best ways to experience the majesty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Much of the region surrounding Marquette is state and national forest land, and Sugarloaf Mountain to the north is a particularly nice place to hike and snag a view of the lake. You can even try your hand at agate hunting at Presque Isle Park, though spring is when rock hounds have the most luck in this area.

In town, the Dead River Falls and Wright Street Falls are both worth a look as you explore the area. Jutting out from downtown, you can’t miss Marquette’s most famous landmark, the historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock. There’s also the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings.