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The 10 Best Places to Stay in Florida in August
August in Florida rewards travelers who understand the state’s summer cadence. Heat, humidity, and afternoon showers are part of the landscape, but so are warm seas, lighter crowds, and destinations that feel more relaxed once peak season passes. The key is choosing places that work with the climate rather than against it. Coastal airflow, water access, and homes designed for indoor and outdoor living make all the difference.
This guide highlights the best places to visit in Florida in August, focusing on destinations that genuinely shine at this time of year. From Gulf Coast islands and boating hubs to quieter Atlantic beaches and flexible city bases, each location offers a different take on late summer travel. If you’re deciding where to visit Florida in August, these are places that make the month feel comfortable, intentional, and well-paced, especially when paired with the right place to stay.
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1. Miami & Miami Beach
Why August works here
August in Miami rewards travelers who move with the day rather than against it. The city settles into a softer rhythm, shaped by warm water, late sunsets, and a noticeable drop in seasonal pressure. Beaches feel less performative, dining rooms open up, and the focus shifts toward comfort, flexibility, and time spent near or on the water.
The heat is real, but it’s expected, and Miami is built for it. Ocean temperatures stay inviting all day, afternoon rain tends to arrive and pass quickly, and breezes off Biscayne Bay make waterfront neighborhoods feel far more livable than inland alternatives. Structure your days well, and August becomes less about endurance and more about ease.
What to do
Get to the beach early, especially along Mid Beach or Surfside, when conditions are calm and uncrowded.
Treat the middle of the day as pool time, leaning into shade, water, and slower pacing.
Use brief afternoon rain as an excuse to explore museums or galleries like PAMM or The Bass.
Plan boat outings later in the day, when light softens, and air movement picks up.
Reserve dinners for after sunset, when the city cools and social energy returns.
Our favorite Wander homes for August in Miami
Wander Miami Grace: A polished private estate with a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and game areas, designed for long August afternoons that drift naturally into social evenings.
Wander Miami Hammock: A spacious retreat with a pool, hot tub, tennis court, and basketball court, well-suited for group stays where activity and downtime can coexist comfortably.
Wander Miami Vista: A waterfront home with a private dock, pool, hot tub, and game room, ideal for travelers who want their August days shaped around boating, water views, and relaxed nights by the canal.
2. Destin & the Emerald Coast
Why August works here
In August, Destin is shaped almost entirely by the Gulf. Calm, vividly colored water defines the days, while wide beaches and open skies give the area a sense of space that’s hard to find elsewhere in Florida during summer. Life here naturally organizes itself around the coastline, with early mornings by the water, slower afternoons, and evenings that return to the shore as the heat eases.
By August, the pace softens further. Peak congestion fades, making beaches like Henderson Beach State Park feel noticeably calmer and harbor restaurants easier to enjoy without rigid planning. The water stays warm and inviting, floating and swimming feel effortless, and Gulf breezes bring relief once the sun begins to set. Destin works especially well for travelers who want summer to feel uncomplicated, guided more by light, water, and comfort than packed itineraries.
What to do
Walk the shoreline at Henderson Beach early, when the sand is cool and nearly empty.
Paddle or kayak in Choctawhatchee Bay while conditions are calm.
Spend an evening at Destin Harbor, pairing casual seafood with live music.
Take a boat out to Crab Island for shallow-water swimming and floating.
Plan sunset dinners along the harbor or Gulf-facing patios.
Let the Gulf set the pace
August in Destin feels easiest when you organize your days around the water’s mood. Mornings along Henderson Beach are noticeably calmer, with softer light and cooler sand that makes long shoreline walks more comfortable.
By early afternoon, heat settles in, so shift your focus to shaded patios or time in the pool rather than open beach setups. If you are planning a visit to Crab Island, aim for a weekday and go before noon for clearer water and fewer boats.
Evening breezes along the harbor bring relief, especially if you linger over dinner and let the temperature ease before heading back out.
Our top Emerald Coast retreats for an easy August stay
Wander Destin Beach: An expansive coastal retreat with a heated pool, spa, putting green, kids’ game room, and golf cart access, designed for group stays built around beach time and shared evenings.
Wander Destin Cove: A waterfront home with a private pool, fire pit, and open patios overlooking the Gulf, well-suited to mornings on the water and quiet nights outdoors.
Wander Destin Harborfront: Set directly along the harbor with a private dock, pool, and multiple gathering spaces, this home works especially well for boating-focused stays and relaxed August routines.
3. Melbourne Beach
Why August works here
Melbourne Beach in August has the kind of unforced, coastal calm that makes the Space Coast feel refreshingly different from busier Florida beach towns. Dunes and sea oats frame long stretches of shoreline, and the Atlantic’s warmth makes early morning dips and sunset wading equally effortless. Traffic here rarely builds to a roar, and the town’s low-key rhythm invites travelers to settle into the day rather than rush through it.
That slower pace suits August particularly well. Heat and humidity are part of the climate, but they encourage a natural flow of activity: beach mornings, shaded breaks in the warmest hours, and evenings that all but insist on a slower tempo. Wildlife viewing, especially around the Indian River Lagoon and nearby paddling spots, adds a gentle sense of discovery to the day, while casual shoreline strolls feel effortless in the soft, late-summer light. For travelers seeking sun without spectacle, this quieter beach lends itself to relaxed days and meaningful moments by the water.
What to do
Take a pre-breakfast walk along the quiet shoreline to watch pelicans glide just above the surf.
Rent a kayak on the Indian River Lagoon and drift with the tide under open skies.
Spend afternoons in shaded coastal cafés or back at your pool if midday heat peaks.
Visit scenic Melbourne Beach Pier for photography and sunset views.
Enjoy easy dinners at home or at nearby seafood spots once the sun drops and the temperature cools.
Our favorite oceanfront escapes in Melbourne Beach this August
Wander Melbourne Beach: A spacious, waterfront retreat with a pool, hot tub, private dock, and classic coastal spaces, perfect for days shaped around water and unhurried evenings.
Wander Melbourne Beach Shores: A modern oceanfront haven with private beach access, a sparkling pool, an outdoor grill, and expansive views that blur the line between indoors and the Atlantic.
Wander Anna Maria Shores: A Gulf-facing coastal escape a short drive north, offering elevated indoor-outdoor living, expansive water views, and sunset moments that bring Florida’s summer sky to life.
4. West Palm Beach
Why August works here
West Palm Beach in August feels polished but unhurried. The Atlantic keeps the air moving, palm-lined neighborhoods stay quiet, and the city’s design makes it easy to balance heat with comfort. Beach mornings come early, afternoons slow down naturally, and evenings stretch later once the sun drops and the waterfront cools.
This part of South Florida suits travelers who want warmth without intensity. August brings fewer crowds, easier reservations, and a softer social rhythm, while access to the Intracoastal and shaded residential streets keeps days feeling manageable. It’s a destination that rewards intentional pacing and a comfortable home base.
What to do
Walk or swim at Palm Beach early, when the shoreline feels calm and uncrowded.
Spend late mornings along the Intracoastal, watching boats pass from shaded paths.
Use afternoons for pool time or indoor breaks when humidity peaks.
Browse galleries and shops along Worth Avenue in the early evening.
Plan waterfront dinners once temperatures ease and the breeze returns.
Structure the day around shade and breeze
In August, West Palm Beach rewards thoughtful pacing. Start across the bridge on Palm Beach Island, where early swims feel refreshing, and the Atlantic is at its calmest. By late morning, retreat toward the Intracoastal, where shaded walkways and waterfront paths feel noticeably cooler than open sand.
Afternoons are best spent indoors or poolside, especially in homes designed for cross ventilation and covered terraces.
Dinner plans improve dramatically after sunset, when Worth Avenue and Clematis Street regain their energy without the midday intensity. A later reservation often means better airflow and a more relaxed experience overall.
Our handpicked West Palm Beach homes for August
Wander West Palm Beach: A refined coastal home with a rooftop terrace, pool, hot tub, steam room, and open living spaces, designed for relaxed August stays that flow easily from day to night.
Wander West Palm Beach Horizon: Elevated views, modern interiors, and generous outdoor areas define this polished retreat, well-suited to travelers who want quiet mornings and social evenings without leaving home.
Wander Deerfield Intracoastal: Positioned along the water with a private dock, pool, and expansive patios, this home works especially well for boat days, shaded downtime, and slow nights overlooking the Intracoastal.
5. Sarasota
Why August works here
Sarasota offers a broader version of Florida’s Gulf Coast in August, blending barrier-island beach life with a cultural scene that gives you options when the sun is high. The Gulf moderates temperatures, water stays calm and warm, and the city’s layout makes it easy to shift between beach mornings, indoor breaks, and relaxed evenings.
August brings fewer crowds than early summer, which makes a noticeable difference on Siesta Key’s wide beaches and in Sarasota’s dining districts. The pace slows without going quiet, creating space for longer stays that balance coastal downtime with museums, restaurants, and shaded neighborhoods.
What to do
Start mornings on Siesta Key Beach, where the sand stays cool, and the shoreline feels expansive.
Retreat inland for lunch, galleries, or shopping during peak heat.
Explore Sarasota Bay by kayak or paddleboard when conditions are calm.
Walk St. Armands Circle in the early evening as temperatures ease.
Plan dinners later, leaning into waterfront patios or downtown restaurants.
Our favorite Sarasota & Siesta Key homes for August
Wander Siesta Key Sunset: Rooftop views, direct beach access, and open living spaces make this home ideal for August mornings on the sand and unhurried evenings watching the light change over the Gulf.
Wander Siesta Key Palms: Elevator access, shaded outdoor areas, and a private pool create a comfortable base for balancing beach time with Sarasota’s dining and cultural scene.
Wander Siesta Key Sands: Ocean-facing interiors pair with a hot tub and outdoor entertaining areas, well-suited to groups planning to split time between the shoreline and relaxed nights at home.
6. Marco Island
Why August works here
Marco Island feels deliberately unhurried in August. Surrounded by water on all sides, the island benefits from steady Gulf breezes that soften the heat and shape days around outdoor living. The beaches remain wide and calm, the water stays warm well into the evening, and the overall pace slows once peak summer travel passes.
This is a destination that works best without overplanning. August encourages late starts, shaded afternoons, and evenings that stretch comfortably toward sunset. Boat traffic lightens, reservations are easier to secure, and the island’s residential layout makes it simple to move between beach, pool, and waterfront dining without feeling rushed.
What to do
Spend early mornings walking the shoreline while the sand is cool and quiet.
Plan boat days through the Ten Thousand Islands, where mangroves offer shade and calm water.
Use midday hours for pool time or indoor breaks when humidity peaks.
Take a dolphin or wildlife tour in the late afternoon.
Head into nearby Naples for an evening meal or waterfront stroll.
Keep plans loose and the water close
Marco Island in August is not a place for rigid itineraries. Conditions shift throughout the day, so flexibility becomes your greatest asset. Early shoreline walks feel peaceful and nearly private, while boat outings through the Ten Thousand Islands are smoother before winds build.
If you are heading into Naples for dinner, wait until the sun drops and traffic lightens. The island’s residential layout makes it easy to return quickly if the weather rolls through. Staying close to water, whether beach or canal, keeps the heat manageable.
Our top Marco Island retreats for late summer
Wander Marco Crystal: A refined island retreat designed around outdoor living, featuring a custom saltwater pool, spa, shaded lounging areas, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow suited to long, sun-filled August days.
Wander Marco Shores: A modern waterfront home with canal access, private pool, and clean-lined interiors, ideal for travelers planning a relaxed mix of boating, quiet afternoons, and easy evenings at home.
Wander Marco Pearl: Set directly on the water with a private dock, expansive living spaces, and sunset-facing views, this estate works especially well for boat-first stays and calm nights overlooking the bay.
7. Orlando
Why August works here
Orlando in August rewards travelers who treat the city as more than a theme park checklist. The heat encourages a different rhythm, one built around early starts, planned breaks, and a comfortable place to reset. Crowds thin slightly compared to peak summer, daylight stretches long into the evening, and the city feels more manageable with the right pacing.
Staying in a private home changes the experience entirely. Pools, theaters, and generous living spaces turn downtime into something intentional, not incidental. August works best when park days are balanced with rest days, letting Orlando feel less overwhelming and far more flexible.
What to do
Arrive at theme parks early, then step away by mid-afternoon.
Schedule pool or rest days between park visits to avoid burnout.
Use evenings for dining, shows, or relaxed time back at home.
Mix in lower-energy activities like outlet shopping or golf.
Treat your rental as part of the itinerary, not just a place to sleep.
Our favorite Orlando homes for a well-paced August stay
Wander Orlando Fairway: A well-appointed retreat with a private movie theater, hot tub, and quiet living spaces, ideal for recovery days and relaxed evenings after long park outings.
Wander Orlando Cove: Designed with families in mind, this spacious home features a pool, water slide, themed bedrooms, and entertainment areas that keep energy high without leaving the house.
Wander Orlando Sky: A resort-style home offering a pool, sauna, gym, and game room, giving groups the flexibility to split time evenly between high-energy days and comfortable downtime.
8. The Florida Keys (Marathon)
Why August works here
August in the Florida Keys is defined by water, not schedules. The ocean stays warm from morning through evening, breezes move steadily across the islands, and life naturally slows to match the heat. Marathon’s central location keeps you surrounded by open water rather than dense development, which makes the days feel lighter and less confined.
This is a month for unstructured routines. Mornings belong to the water, afternoons drift between shade and swimming, and evenings settle in around docks, decks, and sunset views. While temperatures are high, the Keys are built for it, and August rewards travelers who lean into the pace rather than trying to outmaneuver it.
What to do
Snorkel early while visibility is clear and the water feels calm.
Plan boating days that stretch into late afternoon without feeling rushed.
Visit Sombrero Beach in the morning or near sunset for quieter shoreline time.
Book a fishing charter during stable summer conditions.
Let evenings revolve around dockside dinners and open-water views.
Think in tides, not timetables
August in Marathon works best when you pay attention to the tides rather than the clock. Clearer water and gentler conditions often align with earlier hours, which makes snorkeling and paddle outings far more comfortable before the sun climbs.
Midday heat can feel intense, so plan to alternate between swimming and shaded downtime rather than remaining fully exposed. Afternoon showers pass quickly but can build fast, especially over open water, so keep boating routes simple and flexible. Evenings along the dock feel different once the light softens. That is when the Keys settle into their most relaxed, unhurried version of summer.
Our favorite Florida Keys waterfront homes for August
Wander Marathon Key: A three-story waterfront home with a private dock, pool, and wide balconies, designed for boat-centered August days and slow evenings overlooking open water.
Wander Marathon Haven: A beachfront retreat offering direct sand access, a private pool, and shaded outdoor spaces that make it easy to move between swimming, resting, and open-air living.
Wander Sombrero Oasis: A large waterfront estate with a saltwater infinity pool, private dock, and expansive outdoor areas, well-suited to long Keys afternoons shaped around the water.
9. Anna Maria Island
Why August works here
Anna Maria Island settles into a deeply local rhythm in August. The Gulf moderates the heat, breezes move steadily across the island, and daily life feels oriented around comfort rather than crowds. With spring visitors long gone and peak summer easing, beaches open up, and the island’s residential character becomes more apparent.
This is a place where August encourages simplicity. Mornings start early, afternoons slow down naturally, and evenings revolve around shade, water, and watching the light change over the Gulf. Distances are short, bike rides replace most driving, and it’s easy to structure days around how the weather unfolds rather than fixed plans.
What to do
Bike the length of the island in the morning before temperatures rise.
Spend late mornings and afternoons alternating between the beach and the pool.
Walk the shoreline near Bean Point during quieter early or late hours.
Book a dolphin or wildlife cruise during calm Gulf conditions.
Keep dinners casual, favoring walkable waterfront spots and sunset views.
Our favorite Anna Maria Island stays for August
Wander Anna Maria Shores: A Gulf-facing home with elevated views, rooftop fire pit, private pool, and open living spaces, designed for August days that move easily between beach time and relaxed evenings outdoors.
Wander Serendipity Sol: Direct beach access pairs with a pool, sauna, and fitness space, making it easy to stay active early in the day and unwind close to the water later on.
Wander Holmes Beach: Built around indoor-outdoor living, this coastal retreat features a heated saltwater pool and comfortable gathering areas that suit Anna Maria’s unhurried, residential pace.
10. Fort Lauderdale
Why August works here
Fort Lauderdale in August feels fluid and adaptable, shaped by its waterways as much as by the ocean. The Intracoastal keeps air moving through residential neighborhoods, boat traffic sets a relaxed daily rhythm, and the city’s layout makes it easy to adjust plans as heat and weather shift.
August brings fewer crowds without draining the city's energy. Beaches feel more breathable, dining reservations are easier to secure, and time on the water becomes the focus rather than an add-on. Fort Lauderdale suits travelers who want variety without pressure, where mornings, afternoons, and evenings can all feel different without requiring long drives or rigid schedules.
What to do
Start the day at the beach before the midday heat builds.
Cruise the Intracoastal by boat or water taxi in the late morning or early evening.
Spend afternoons poolside or indoors near the canals.
Walk Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and dinner after sunset.
Plan waterfront meals timed to catch the evening breeze.
Use the waterways to your advantage
Fort Lauderdale in August is shaped by the prevailing winds. Ocean mornings are ideal, yet the Intracoastal often feels more comfortable as the sun rises higher, as the moving water creates a steady breeze. A water taxi can double as both sightseeing and cooling relief, particularly if you time it for late morning or early evening. Afternoon storms tend to be brief but heavy, so avoid tightly scheduled reservations during peak heat. After eight in the evening, canal-front restaurants feel significantly more pleasant. Lingering by the water as boats idle past makes the city feel relaxed rather than humid.
Our favorite waterfront homes in Fort Lauderdale for August
Wander Fort Lauderdale: A spacious waterfront home with a private dock, pool, and open living areas, designed for August stays, built around boating, shaded afternoons, and relaxed group evenings.
Wander Fort Lauderdale Waterfront: Canal-front positioning pairs with a hot tub, outdoor dining space, and generous patios, creating an easy base for slow mornings and comfortable downtime between outings.
Wander Fort Lauderdale Oceanfront: Set directly on the sand with sweeping ocean views, this home offers seamless beach access and open interiors, ideal for travelers who want their days anchored by the shoreline.
Choosing your Florida vacation destination in August with Wander
Florida in August is not about doing everything. It is about doing the right things, in the right places. Travelers who prioritize water, space, and flexibility tend to find the month far more enjoyable than its reputation suggests. Whether you’re drawn to island routines, boating days, family travel, or quieter coastal towns, the destinations in this guide are chosen for how well they align with late summer conditions.
Where you stay matters just as much as where you go. A well-designed Wander luxury vacation rental gives you room to slow down, cool off, and shape days around comfort rather than crowds.
→ Explore all luxury Florida vacation rentals here
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