August delivers perfect summer weather for couples exploring America’s East Coast. From misty mountain retreats to historic coastal towns, this guide reveals 19 Places to Visit in August in the USA East Coast for Couples. You’ll find scenic beaches ideal for sunset strolls, charming inns perfect for reconnecting, and outdoor adventures designed for shared memories. Each location offers unique attractions while avoiding extreme summer crowds. Whether you prefer coastal drives through fishing villages or forest hikes leading to panoramic vistas, these handpicked spots blend relaxation with discovery. Let’s explore the most couple-friendly destinations where summer magic awaits.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Nestled on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor offers cool August temperatures and stunning coastal scenery. Couples can explore Acadia National Park’s carriage roads by bicycle, hand-in-hand, or enjoy a peaceful kayak tour past granite islands and lighthouses. The town itself features quaint boutiques and seafood restaurants serving fresh lobster.
Don’t miss sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, where you’ll be among the first in America to greet the day. Later, unwind at Sand Beach’s unique shell-strewn shoreline. Evenings bring perfect stargazing conditions away from city lights, with Milky Way views visible throughout August.
- Acadia National Park’s 45 miles of carriage roads
- Private lighthouse boat tours
- Oceanfront clambakes at low tide
- Historic Jordan Pond House popovers
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod’s charming villages transform into romantic retreats during August. Stroll hand-in-hand through Provincetown’s art galleries before climbing the Pilgrim Monument for panoramic views. Chatham’s Lighthouse Beach offers spectacular waves and seal-watching opportunities from shore.
Book a private dune tour to discover hidden beaches accessible only by 4×4. For classic Cape Cod romance, take a sunset sail from Hyannis Harbor followed by fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. The Cape Cod Rail Trail provides 25 miles of car-free biking through cranberry bogs and salt marshes.
- Whale watching excursions from Barnstable Harbor
- Outdoor movies at Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre
- Scenic ferry to Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard
- National Seashore ranger-guided walks
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and coastal charm create an elegant backdrop for couples. Walk the 3.5-mile Cliff Path past oceanfront estates like The Breakers, then explore Bowen’s Wharf’s boutique shops. August brings perfect sailing conditions for harbor tours aboard classic schooners.
Time your visit for the Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff Mansion, where stunning gardens inspire romance. For active couples, the Ocean Drive loop offers breathtaking Atlantic views accessible by bicycle or convertible. End your day with sunset cocktails on a rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor.
- Mansion tours with audio guides
- Secret garden explorations
- Sailing lessons for beginners
- Coastal cuisine cooking classes
Finger Lakes, New York
This 11-lake region provides a refreshing summer escape with water temperatures perfect for swimming. Couples can cruise Seneca Lake aboard a vintage steamboat or hike to hidden waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park. The charming town of Skaneateles features romantic waterfront dining and antique shops.
Book a couples massage at a lakeside spa, then explore the Corning Museum of Glass together. August brings vibrant farmer’s markets bursting with fresh produce perfect for picnic baskets. Don’t miss the twilight concerts at Taughannock Falls State Park, where music echoes against 400-foot cliffs.
- Paddleboard yoga sessions
- Hot air balloon rides at dawn
- Historic canal boat tours
- Farm-to-table dining experiences
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach offers 35 miles of coastline with distinct experiences for couples. The Boardwalk features live music and outdoor cafes, while Sandbridge Beach provides a quieter retreat near Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. August brings warm ocean temperatures perfect for tandem kayaking through calm estuaries.
Dolphin-watching boat tours depart daily, often spotting playful pods near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. For culture, visit the ViBe Creative District’s murals and artisan workshops. End your day at First Landing State Park, where twilight walks trace the footsteps of English colonists.
- Sunrise yoga on the beach
- Guided photography tours
- Historic Cape Henry Lighthouse climb
- Coastal kayak eco-tours
Outer Banks, North Carolina
This 200-mile barrier island chain offers secluded beaches and rich history. Climb Jockey’s Ridge, the East Coast’s tallest sand dune, for sunset views over the Atlantic. Visit the Wright Brothers Memorial where aviation history was made, then explore charming Duck Village’s boardwalk.
Wild mustang tours in Corolla provide unique wildlife encounters, while Ocracoke Island’s ferry-accessed village feels worlds away. For romance, book a private beach bonfire complete with s’mores kit and cozy blankets. August’s warm waters make this ideal for couples’ surfing lessons.
- Historic lighthouse tours
- Kiteboarding lessons
- Shipwreck diving sites
- Fresh seafood markets
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s historic district shines in August with fewer crowds and lower hotel rates. Stroll beneath Spanish moss-draped oaks in Battery Park, then tour antebellum mansions with hidden gardens. Waterfront Park’s iconic pineapple fountain provides perfect photo opportunities.
Book a horse-drawn carriage tour through cobblestone streets, followed by Lowcountry cuisine at a courtyard restaurant. Day trips to nearby barrier islands like Kiawah offer pristine beaches and nature trails. Don’t miss the sunset harbor cruise past Fort Sumter where the Civil War began.
- Historic house museum tours
- Gullah cultural experiences
- Plantation garden walks
- Art gallery crawls
Jekyll Island, Georgia
This Golden Isle preserves natural beauty with 10 miles of bicycle trails winding through maritime forests. Driftwood Beach’s sculptural trees create unforgettable sunset views, while Summer Waves Water Park offers refreshing fun. The historic district features Rockefeller-era cottages perfect for leisurely strolls.
August brings sea turtle nesting season – join guided night walks to witness hatchlings making their first journey to sea. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides fascinating conservation insights. For romance, book a private picnic on the secluded south end beaches accessible only by tram.
- Historic trolley tours
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Birdwatching at 4-H Club Pond
- Miniature golf courses
St. Augustine, Florida
America’s oldest city blends history with coastal charm. Walk the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos fortress walls at sunset, then explore pedestrian-only St. George Street’s artisan shops. Anastasia State Park offers uncrowded beaches with kayak rentals for estuary exploration.
Couples will love the romantic ambiance of the Lightner Museum’s courtyard cafe, housed in a former Gilded Age hotel. For unique views, climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse’s 219 steps. August’s warm evenings are perfect for ghost tours through the historic district’s lantern-lit lanes.
- Fountain of Youth Park
- Scenic boat tours
- Alligator Farm wildlife exhibits
- Historic church tours
Mystic, Connecticut
This seafaring village offers nautical romance with its historic ships and seaport museum. Couples can explore the recreated 19th-century coastal village before dining on fresh oysters at waterfront restaurants. The Mystic Aquarium provides air-conditioned respite while featuring beluga whales and sea lions.
August brings perfect conditions for schooner sails down the Mystic River. For land adventures, nearby Bluff Point State Park offers scenic hiking trails with Long Island Sound views. Don’t miss the drawbridge’s daily lifts – a charming spectacle best enjoyed with local ice cream in hand.
- Historic ship restoration tours
- Riverfront picnic spots
- Artisan cheese tasting rooms
- Coastal bird sanctuary
Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers cool mountain air during August’s heat. Tour the Biltmore Estate’s gardens and conservatory, then explore the River Arts District’s working studios. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides countless overlooks perfect for sunset watching.
Book a couples waterfall tour to discover hidden cascades in Pisgah National Forest. Downtown’s vibrant arts scene includes live music in Pack Square Park every Friday evening. For relaxation, visit the historic Grove Park Inn’s subterranean spa with mountain views.
- Hot air balloon festivals
- Farm-to-table dining experiences
- Botanical garden walks
- Historic architecture tours
Block Island, Rhode Island
Accessible by ferry, this car-free island offers pristine beaches and dramatic clay cliffs. Rent mopeds to explore 17 miles of coastal roads leading to lighthouses and hidden coves. Mohegan Bluffs’ 141-step staircase descends to a secluded beach perfect for picnics.
August brings peak wildflower season at Rodman’s Hollow nature preserve with panoramic ocean views. For romance, book a sunset sail around the island followed by fresh seafood at a harborfront restaurant. Don’t miss the iconic Southeast Lighthouse, perched dramatically on sandstone cliffs.
- Coastal hiking trails
- Birdwatching at migratory stopover
- Historic inn stays
- Kayaking through salt ponds
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Famous for its wild ponies, this island provides unspoiled natural beauty. Take a guided boat tour to see the ponies grazing on Assateague Island, then explore the NASA Visitor Center showcasing Wallops Flight Facility. August’s full moon brings special pony swim viewing opportunities.
The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent birdwatching and bicycle trails through maritime forests. For couples, book a private photography tour to capture sunrise over the marshlands. Don’t miss the Island Creamery’s homemade ice cream after beachcombing along the Atlantic shore.
- Pony Centre Museum
- Oyster aquaculture tours
- Refuge visitor center exhibits
- Decoy carving workshops
Camden, Maine
Dubbed the “Jewel of the Coast,” Camden features a picturesque harbor surrounded by mountains. Hike Mount Battie for panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, then explore High Street’s historic sea captain homes. The Camden Public Library’s amphitheater hosts summer concerts overlooking the harbor.
Book a windjammer cruise aboard a historic schooner for overnight sailing adventures. For land-based romance, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers 300 acres of stunning landscapes. August brings perfect conditions for lighthouse tours along the Rockland Breakwater.
- Windjammer festival events
- Sea kayaking expeditions
- Antique wooden boat shows
- Fresh lobster dockside
Berkshires, Massachusetts
This mountain region offers cultural riches amidst natural beauty. Visit Tanglewood for Boston Symphony Orchestra performances under the stars, then explore the Norman Rockwell Museum’s iconic illustrations. August brings perfect weather for canoeing on the Housatonic River.
Couples will love the Mount Edith Wharton estate’s gardens and the Hancock Shaker Village’s historic crafts. For active pursuits, hike Monument Mountain for panoramic views across three states. Don’t miss the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival showcasing world-class performances.
- Covered bridge tours
- Farmers’ markets
- Art studio trails
- Historic inn stays
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Known for its bicycle-friendly pathways, this island offers 12 miles of beaches and nature preserves. Couples can kayak through salt marshes at sunrise, then enjoy world-class golf courses. The Coastal Discovery Museum provides fascinating ecology insights at Honey Horn Plantation.
August’s warm evenings are perfect for HarbourFest celebrations with fireworks and live music. For romance, book a dolphin-watching cruise followed by seafood at Skull Creek Boathouse. Don’t miss the Sea Pines Forest Preserve’s boardwalks through ancient maritime forests.
- Lighthouse heritage tours
- Tennis resorts
- Gullah heritage sites
- Shelling excursions
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
This family-friendly beach town offers a charming boardwalk without overwhelming crowds. Stroll hand-in-hand past boutique shops and eateries before riding the historic carousel. Nearby Cape Henlopen State Park provides pristine beaches and WWII observation towers to explore.
The Junction & Breakwater Trail offers 6 miles of shaded bicycle paths connecting to Lewes. For culture, visit the Rehoboth Art League’s historic campus. August’s warm ocean temperatures make this ideal for couples’ surfing lessons with local instructors.
- Tanger Outlet shopping
- Seaside dining experiences
- Kayak ecotours
- Summer concert series
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
This historic seaport features colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scenes. Walk the Harbor Trail past working docks to Prescott Park’s waterfront gardens. Take a cruise to the Isles of Shoals for lighthouse views and island history.
August brings outdoor concerts at Strawbery Banke Museum’s living history village. For romance, book a sunset harbor cruise followed by farm-to-table dining in Market Square. Don’t miss the seasonal tours of the USS Albacore submarine museum.
- Historic house museums
- Brewery tours (non-alcoholic options)
- Art gallery walks
- Coastal bike trails
Adirondack Mountains, New York
America’s largest protected wilderness offers cool mountain escapes during August. Canoe across mirror-like lakes surrounded by pine forests, then hike to fire towers for panoramic views. Lake Placid’s Olympic sites provide fascinating history and scenic gondola rides.
Book a romantic lakefront cabin with private dock access for stargazing and morning swims. The Wild Center in Tupper Lake features treetop walkways and otter exhibits. Don’t miss the Saranac Lake’s Thursday night concerts in Riverside Park.
- Historic great camp tours
- Scenic railway journeys
- Farmer’s markets
- Wildlife watching excursions
Amelia Island, Florida
Florida’s northernmost barrier island offers 13 miles of uncrowded beaches. Historic Fernandina Beach features 50 blocks of Victorian architecture housing boutiques and cafes. August brings excellent conditions for horseback riding along the surf at sunrise.
Explore Fort Clinch State Park’s preserved 19th-century fortress and nature trails. For romance, book a couples’ spa treatment using local sea salts and minerals. Don’t miss the Egans Creek Greenway for kayaking through tidal marshes teeming with birds.
- Shrimping industry tours
- Historic lighthouse visits
- Salt marsh eco-tours
- Timucuan heritage sites
