The 9 Best Places To Visit In California in August

August in California has a distinct rhythm: long, warm days along the coast, clear alpine mornings in the Sierra, harvest energy building in wine country, and small mountain towns running on peak-summer buzz. Travelers come for everything from fog-free beach weeks to high-country hiking or late-summer festivals.

This guide highlights where the season truly excels – places with reliable conditions, memorable August events, and experiences that feel unmistakably Californian.

You’ll also find suggestions for Wander’s luxury vacation homes in California, offering space, privacy, and hotel-level amenities in prime coastal and mountain locations.

1. San Diego

San Diego sits in its sweet spot this month: warm (but rarely sweltering) days, cooler nights, and steady sunshine once the marine layer burns off. Beaches have their liveliest energy of the year, and the city’s neighborhoods – from North Park to Liberty Station – host peak-season outdoor concerts and food events. Mornings are ideal for coastal walks at Torrey Pines or tide pooling at low tide along Sunset Cliffs.

August is also prime time for ocean wildlife. Kayaking at La Jolla Shores often brings sightings of bright orange garibaldi and, with luck, harmless leopard sharks that migrate through the protected cove.

Things to Do

• Kayak or snorkel the La Jolla Sea Caves.

• Spend a late afternoon at Pacific Beach, then walk the Crystal Pier at sunset.

• Explore Balboa Park’s gardens or wildlife activities.

• Reserve a table at Cesarina or Fort Oak for seasonal coastal cuisine.

• Hike the Guy Fleming Trail in Torrey Pines for wide-open ocean views.

Travel Tips

• Mornings can start cool; pack a light layer.

• Beach parking fills quickly – plan for early arrivals or rideshares.

• For surfing, aim for mid-tide; afternoon winds tend to be stronger.

Where to Stay Near San Diego

• Wander San Diego Canopy - Clean architecture, open sightlines, and wide mountain views define this 6-guest retreat. The outdoor wellness zone features a pool, hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge, while the interior’s Thermador kitchen and airy layout make it an inviting place to settle in after coastal adventures.

• Wander San Diego Aura - Perched above the Pacific, this expansive coastal hideaway hosts groups of up to 14 with room to spread out. Sun-filled decks frame ocean views, while the pool, hot tub, sauna, gym, and putting green create a laid-back, resort-style rhythm from morning to sunset.

• Wander San Diego Coast - Set directly on the water, this oceanfront retreat greets you with sunrise light and uninterrupted Pacific views. Evenings revolve around the fire pit and al fresco dining, with a calm, contemporary interior offering a restful contrast to the energy of the shoreline below.

2. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate peaks beautifully in late summer. Temperatures hover in the high 70s, vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley are shifting toward harvest, and the city’s waterfront feels lively but not overwhelming. Cabrillo Boulevard hums with cyclists, and the Santa Barbara Bowl’s August lineup often draws major artists.

A base here lets you mix beach mornings with inland wine tasting. The Funk Zone’s tasting rooms and cafes stay busy deep into the evening.

Things to Do

• Paddleboard along East Beach in calm morning water.

• Drive the 154 toward Los Olivos for a wine tasting experience.

• Explore the Rose Garden at Mission Santa Barbara.

• Book a chef’s counter meal at Loquita.

• Catch a show at the open-air Santa Barbara Bowl.

Travel Tips

• The 154 can be foggy at dawn; midday offers the clearest views.

• Parking near Stearns Wharf is easiest before 10 a.m.

• Evenings cool quickly – bring layers for outdoor concerts.

Where to Stay Near Santa Barbara

• Wander Montecito Estate - Montecito grandeur meets quiet, lived-in elegance at this historic George Washington Smith property. A theatre, wine cellar, billiards room, and multiple guest houses extend the experience, while the pool, spa, and private courts turn long afternoons into slow, luxurious days.

3. Big Sur

August brings some of the most dependable visibility on the Big Sur coast. With summer fog lifting earlier, Highway 1 reveals its full drama – cliffs, coves, redwood canyons, and the Pacific stretching to the horizon. Trails in Andrew Molera and Garrapata offer coastal breezes that keep hikes comfortable, and the region’s small cafés and roadside bakeries are in full swing.

Staying anywhere along this rugged stretch is a luxury in itself, but having a private home base takes the experience to the next level.

Things to Do

• Walk the Bluff Trail at Andrew Molera for sweeping ocean panoramas.

• Photograph the sunrise at Bixby Bridge before traffic builds.

• Picnic at Pfeiffer Beach’s iconic purple sand.

• Enjoy a late lunch at Nepenthe, overlooking the canyon.

• Hike Garrapata State Park’s coastal loop.

Travel Tips

• Cell service is unreliable – download maps in advance.

• Fuel up in Carmel or Cambria; stations on the coast are limited.

• Mornings offer calmer winds and fewer crowds at popular viewpoints.

Where to Stay Near Big Sur

• Wander Big Sur Coast - Suspended between mountains and ocean, this modern Big Sur home pairs dramatic views with thoughtful spaces: a separate guest house, game and movie rooms, a gym, and a sauna. It’s a private vantage point for cliffside sunsets and long hikes through the surrounding wilderness.

4. Lake Tahoe (North & South)

Lake Tahoe in August means warm lake days, crisp nights, and endless alpine access. The high-country snowmelt is long gone, leaving trails dry and clear from Emerald Bay to Mount Judah. Water temperatures peak for the season, making paddleboarding on calmer morning water especially rewarding.

Both sides of the lake host summer events – outdoor film nights, craft fairs, and live music on the beach. With so many visitors, having a private retreat becomes invaluable, and Wander’s mountain homes across California offer that blend of comfort and access.

Things to Do

• Paddleboard from Sand Harbor before the rental queues form.

• Hike Eagle Lake or the quieter Velma Lakes trail.

• Book a boat day departing from South Lake’s marinas.

• Mountain bike the Flume Trail for dramatic lake views.

• Catch sunset from Inspiration Point above Emerald Bay.

Travel Tips

• Afternoon winds pick up – plan water activities early.

• Parking at Sand Harbor fills by 8:30 a.m.

• Smoke from regional wildfires can affect visibility; morning conditions are typically clearer.

Expert Tips on August Vacations in Lake Tahoe

If you're tackling the lake in one day, start in Incline Village and move clockwise. You’ll hit Sand Harbor before crowds peak and reach Emerald Bay when the afternoon sun lights up the water’s deep turquoise. End with dinner in South Lake to avoid westbound traffic at dusk.

Where to Stay Near Lake Tahoe

• Wander Tahoe Glade - Set on its own meadow with stunning mountain and lake views, this spacious Tahoe estate is perfectly suited for gatherings. An indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, theater, bar, and game room anchor the social spaces, while oversized sofas and a generous kitchen make downtime just as appealing.

• Wander Tahoe Cove - With sweeping lake vistas and true ski-in, ski-out access to Heavenly, this standout property blends scale with style. Indoor infinity pool, hot tub, sauna, multiple fireplaces, expansive decks, and a full entertainment floor make it a memorable base for large groups.

• Wander Tahoe Canyon - High on a sunlit hillside, this contemporary mountain home opens to panoramic views on every level. An indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, theater, and game room fill its three stories, balanced by bright living spaces and a modern kitchen designed for easy group meals.

5. Sonoma County

Sonoma leans into late-summer rhythm earlier than Napa. Vineyards start to show the first signs of harvest, evening temperatures dip comfortably, and good farmstand produce is everywhere. Roads remain busy but manageable outside of weekends, providing travelers with a more relaxed route between Healdsburg, Sebastopol, and the coast.

Beyond wine tasting, August is prime for river time. The Russian River stays warm enough for long floats, and coastal towns like Jenner offer breezy hikes with whale-spotting potential.

Things to Do

• Sip Pinot Noir flights in the Russian River Valley.

• Float the river from Steelhead Beach.

• Wander Healdsburg Plaza’s tasting rooms and bakeries.

• Drive out to Goat Rock Beach for dramatic coastal views.

• Explore the art-forward town of Sebastopol.

Travel Tips

• West-county mornings can be foggy; coastal hikes often clear by midday.

• Dinner reservations in Healdsburg fill fast in August – book ahead.

• Tasting rooms are quieter midweek.

Where to Stay Near Sonoma County

• Wander Sonoma Vista - Framed by rolling hills, this Sonoma hideaway offers a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, shuffleboard, and a firepit for long evenings outside. Indoors, warm finishes and a quiet office create a comfortable, flexible base for wine-country days.

6. Yosemite

August is Yosemite’s high-summer window – waterfalls shrink, but granite walls glow in golden light, meadows are wide open, and Tioga Road grants access to the high country. With longer days, hikers can comfortably reach Sunrise Lakes, Cathedral Lakes, or Tenaya Lake for late-afternoon swims.

Crowds are unavoidable, but smart timing transforms the experience. Staying outside the valley in quieter mountain towns pairs well with a private home base, and Wander’s assortment of California mountain properties offers quiet, scenic retreats after long trail days.

Things to Do

• Walk the Mist Trail early for Vernal and Nevada Falls.

• Picnic at Tenaya Lake’s eastern shore.

• Photograph Half Dome from Glacier Point at sunset.

• Explore Tuolumne Meadows’ alpine trails.

• Visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Travel Tips

• Trailheads along Tioga Road offer better parking before 8 a.m.

• Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in the high country – watch cloud build-up.

• Valley temperatures tend to be warm; plan for shade breaks near the river.

Where to Stay Near Yosemite

Wander Yosemite Park - Set within Yosemite National Park itself, this retreat brings the forest right to the balcony railing. With the valley and trailheads nearby, guests can stay immersed in the park’s granite landscapes while enjoying the calm, modern comfort of a private home.

7. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz thrives on a classic summer atmosphere: surfable waves, warm afternoons, cool nights, and a boardwalk buzzing with seasonal events. But step beyond the waterfront and you’ll find redwood canyons, quiet beaches near Aptos, and a craft food scene centered around Swift Street.

August reliably delivers comfortable beach weather without the intense heat of Southern California.

Things to Do

• Surf or watch the pros at Steamer Lane.

• Hike the redwood loops in Wilder Ranch State Park.

• Spend an evening on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

• Explore Capitola Village’s colorful seaside shops.

• Grab a coffee at Verve before a West Cliff walk.

Travel Tips

• Fog can linger until late morning – beachgoers should aim for midday.

• Parking near Capitola is limited; consider walking from slightly inland streets.

• Evenings in the redwoods get surprisingly calm.

8. Palm Springs

August in Palm Springs is hot (often extremely), but that’s exactly why it appeals to travelers seeking quiet resorts, warm nights, and desert landscapes at their emptiest. Mornings are surprisingly calm and beautiful, especially around sunrise when the San Jacinto Mountains glow pink.

If you’re staying in a private villa or premium home – and Wander has several luxury desert properties across Southern California – you can enjoy the heat on your terms: shaded outdoor lounges, cooled interiors, and late-night swims.

Things to Do

• Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to cooler temperatures.

• Explore midcentury architecture by bike in the Movie Colony.

• Visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza.

• Stargaze from the desert’s darker outskirts.

• Shop the Uptown Design District’s vintage stores.

Travel Tips

• Outdoor activities should be completed by 10 a.m.

• Hydration is non-negotiable; keep water in every bag.

• Even upscale restaurants run lighter crowds, making last-minute dining easier.

Expert Tips for Vacations to Palm Springs in August

Plan pool time around the shifting shade. Many homes and hotels lose their best shadows between 1 and 3 p.m., when temperatures are highest. Early-morning or post-sunset swims are the most comfortable – and the desert colors at those hours are exceptional.

Where to Stay Near Palm Springs

• Wander Five Palms - A true desert playground, this estate sits between two mountain ranges and comes stocked with a lap pool, oversized jacuzzi, tennis and pickleball court, bocce, and ping pong. Indoors, a fitness center and spacious living areas keep the atmosphere relaxed and social.

• Wander Palm Springs Buena Vista - In Old Las Palmas, this refined estate seamlessly blends mid-century lines with the heritage of Beverly Hills ranches. The southwest-facing pool and fire pit catch perfect desert sunsets, while Palm Springs dining and shopping sit just a short walk away.

• Wander Palm Springs Haven - Mountain views wrap nearly every corner of this bright Palm Springs escape. The outdoor dining terrace, pool, and hot tub shape relaxed, sun-soaked days, with a clean, modern interior offering a serene counterpoint to the desert’s vibrant energy.

9. Mendocino Coast

Calm, fog-kissed, and deeply scenic, Mendocino offers a refreshing contrast to the state’s hotter regions. August brings some of the clearest ocean views of the year, and the headlands trails feel breezy rather than cold. The towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg stay relaxed even in peak season, with excellent seafood and quiet beaches tucked below dramatic cliffs.

Travelers seeking a restorative coastal experience appreciate the lower temperatures and slower pace. Wander’s Northern California homes make an excellent base for exploring redwoods, sea caves, and small historic towns.

Things to Do

• Walk the Mendocino Headlands bluff path.

• Kayak the Big River estuary.

• Visit the tide pools at MacKerricher State Park.

• Ride the Skunk Train into the redwoods.

• Book dinner at Café Beaujolais for seasonal coastal cuisine.

Travel Tips

• Mornings may start foggy, but often clear by early afternoon.

• Bring layers – temperatures can drop quickly near sunset.

• Roads are winding; allow extra time for transit between towns.

Plan an August Vacation in California with Wander

August brings out California’s extremes in the best way: fog-free beaches, crisp alpine lakes, warm vineyard evenings, and quiet desert nights. The right destination depends on your ideal pace – ocean breezes, mountain trails, or late-summer wine country.

Pairing these spots with Wander’s luxury vacation homes in California transforms the trip, giving you space, comfort, and privacy in some of California’s most scenic regions. Wherever you land, August rewards unhurried days and long, glowing evenings outdoors.