The Best Last-Minute Summer Escape in Each State

If you haven't made any late summer travel plans yet, don't fret because you still have time to squeeze in a fantastic summer trip. Click on the slideshow to see where you can have a fantastic last-minute escape in each state.

Whether you have already made a run for the sugary white sand of Alabama's Gulf Coast this summer or not, a last-minute trip to the beach can never be beaten. Spend your days at the seaside and your night enjoying wonderful seafood.

If you're going to plan a trip to Alaska on a whim, why not go somewhere you know is going to knock your socks off. Denali is the land of your Alaska dreams and in summer it is still at its absolute best.

When you've had just about enough of the heat in other parts of the Grand Canyon State, you can always rely on Flagstaff to provide a breath of fresh air. Get out and explore the great outdoors during the day and swap nature stories over a quality local craft beer at night.

The Hope Watermelon Festival has been going strong for 43 years and you won't find a more fun (or fruiter!) event on the Arkansas August calendar. Head to hope to sample the refreshing melons and for plenty of interesting events.

In addition to hosting the always-stellar Outside Lands music festival in August, San Francisco is also the setting for Eat Drink SF, a dream come true for foodies and "drinkies".

The patios at the craft beer bars in the capital are still buzzing this time of year as residents enjoy being outside. Join them before taking to the great outdoors in the surrounding Rockies or just taking in a concert at world-famous Red Rocks amphitheater.

The living history of Mystic Seaport captivates all who visit and a quick trip to this coastal town may just end up being the highlight of your entire summer.

Walking along the shores of Bethany Beach is an August thrill not to be missed. Join in on a beachside bonfire in the evening or watch a talent show under the stars at Bethany's beloved bandstand.

Some people make the mistake of thinking it's too warm this time of year in Florida, but don't fall for that one. The temperatures and the water are just right and so are the attractions, dining and nightlife throughout the entire Tampa-St. Pete area.

Swing into Savannah during the first few days of the month and you will have your taste buds tickled at the Savannah Gourmet Seafood & Spirits Festival. Later on in the month, nearby Tybee Island throws a bash over the long Labor Day weekend.

Whether you just take a day trip or decide to spend a couple of days by the waves of Waimea Bay, late summer is the time to do it. The waves here can now be enjoyed by swimmers and it makes for a refreshing end to a spur-of-the-moment island road trip.

Head for this lakeside town in Northern Idaho while the weather is still mild and the sunshine is still strong. The month starts out with the beloved Taste of Coeur d'Alene and the rest of August is ideal for exploring the surrounding forests and namesake lake.

A trip to the Windy City on a whim in August will find you in the thick of one of the best music festivals on the planet: Lollapalooza. It takes over the city on the first weekend of the month, but fear not if you come to town late in the month, because then you can enjoy the Chicago Jazz Festival.

As if you needed another reason to visit the state's biggest city, the Indiana State Fair takes place for 16 days in August. Free entertainment, lots of wacky (and wonderful) food items and a salute to "Heroes in the Heartland" are just the tip of the iceberg of the fun this year.

Des Moines is the cosmopolitan capital of the state and like Indy, the town is always hopping in August due to the state fair. The Iowa State Fair and its wondrous array of great food & drink, live entertainment and rides take place for 10 days in the middle of the month.

The 85th edition of the NBC World Series baseball tournament takes place during the beginning of the month in Wichita but the rest of August is ideal for exploring the rest of the reasons that make this Kansas town so special.

At a certain point in August, it's okay to get fed up with the stifling summer heat outside. So why not go underground at the world's longest known cave complex where the temperature is always cool?

It's never a bad decision to spend a few nights in NOLA, but in August you'll have the smooth jazz sounds of the Satchmo Summerfest to look forward to. The event takes place at the start of the month, but Museum Month (discounted museum admissions) and Coolinary New Orleans (special menus around town) run all August long.

Join the crowds in early August in this charming seaside town for a fiesta dedicated to the fruits of the sea. In addition to plenty of lobster, those that visit Rockland will be able to watch a colorful parade, lobster crate racing, and the crowning of the newest Maine Sea Goddess.

If you haven't made it to Ocean City yet this summer, now is your chance to make a last-minute visit. Hit the beach, play mini-golf or ride go-karts, either way, you are going to end the season on a high note. As a bonus, during the early part of the month, the White Marlin Open, the world's largest billfish tournament.

The entire peninsula comes alive this time of year and while you certainly won't be alone, you won't go home without having a great time. Stop by the town of Sandwich to track down 22 colorful Adirondack chairs that have been decorated by artists and are on display all over the town. Then, hit the beach.

Take a last-minute road trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes and you might just think you've driven much further south than the Great Lakes. The powdery white sands and blue water of this National Lakeshore are sure to end your summer with a beautiful bang.

While it's always hard to pick between the twin cities, St. Paul sure has a strong case going for it this August. There's the Irish Fair (the country's largest), the Beer Dabbler, and of course the Minnesota State Fair. This is to say nothing of the fun of attending a Minnesota United FC game at sparkling new Allianz Field.

The capital of the state is always home to a host of both free and fun things to do (this month features several quality concerts) but those who are in town on August 17th will get the chance to attend a "literary lawn party" in the form of the annual Mississippi Book Festival.

Branson overflows with shows (running the spectrum of musical genres and entertainment styles) but you don't have to go into a theater to have a great time here. No, the town is also home to a fantastic array of family attractions that is sure to please you and your crew.

You only have a limited time to drive on the park's breathtaking Going-To-The-Sun-Road (it's only accessible from June until early autumn), so get out there and soak up the scenery while you can.

Omaha has it going on and if you decide on a whim to visit will be spoiled for choice on fun things to do this month. The annual Jazz on the Green concerts are still going strong and the nation's fourth-largest fashion event: Omaha Fashion Week takes over the town during the middle of August.

The dog days of summer are absolutely sizzling in Sin City, so pack the car and head up north to Lake Tahoe. Get out on the water, having a sunset drink a lakeside bar or watch a concert under the stars-Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and the Steve Miller Band are among the big names performing this August.

After spending the first part of the summer exploring the state's small but beautiful stretch of seacoast, head inland to Lake Winnipesaukee and the town of Meredith. This charming town a great base from which to explore the countless islands on the lake.

While it could be tempting to stay away because of the crowds, this is your last chance to see the Jersey Shore at its best, so don't miss out. Boardwalks, beaches, nightlife, it's all at "peak summer" conditions up-and-down the coast.

The mesmerizing sweeps at White Sands National Monument are one of the most underrated natural attractions of the Southwest. Make a last-minute run to see them and if you happen to visit during the last weekend of the month, then head to nearby Hatch, New Mexico for the famous Chile Festival.

No matter what month the calendar page is on, a spontaneous trip to the Finger Lakes are always a fine idea. Wind down summer here with some of the regions fantastic wine, and in August, you can also visit the New York State Fair in neighboring Syracuse.

While everyone is heading for the coast for their last-minute beach vacations, take in one of the state's most captivating cities. After you watch a Durham Bulls baseball game, take in a concert as this month sees a series of top-notch shows scheduled from the likes of Gladys Knight, Richard Marx and Gavin DeGraw.

There is always something fun going on in Fargo and the end of summer is certainly not the end of the good times. In 2019, you can expect a happening Pride Week in the middle of the month and a captivating Pioneer Days event as well.

Not only is the Ohio State Fair taking place in Columbus at the beginning of the month, nearby Dublin, Ohio is also the setting for one of the country's most impressive Irish Festivals too.

While the summer temps can still be sweltering in August, it's always a little bit cooler on Grand Lake. Throw your bags in the car and just go to Grove on a whim to experience the best of this heavenly body of water.

Pack the car up and head for the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, a 360-mile road that hugs Oregon's gorgeous coast. Park up at Cannon Beach though, where you can spend your days admiring art and sunsets gazing upon arguably the most handsome stone on the shore: Haystock Rock. from a great beachside restaurant.

The Independence Day celebrations may be in the past, but the past is always alive in Philly. Spend an August day here following in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers before perusing the food trucks at the beloved pop-up "park" Oval+. Then, check out the fantastic Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood Gardens.

Jump in the car or head to the airport to get here during the first weekend of the month to experience one of North America's leading musical gatherings: The Newport Jazz Festival. If you miss it, don't fret though because this grand coastal town-and its one-of-a-kind cliff walk-always provides good times.

Haven't gotten to Greenville yet this summer? Well, go now and find out what all the fuss is about. The town is racking up accolades as one of America's coolest up-and-coming destinations and one short spontaneous trip is all it takes to fall in love with this place.

Sturgis is arguably the country's most famous gathering for motorcycle aficionados but that is just the tip of the iceberg of the fun going on at this August festival. A-list concerts, excellent food and revelry await those who head for the beautiful Black Hills this month.

Memphis makes for a great last-minute getaway because while Beale Street bumps all year round, there is something special about hearing the Blues billow out from its bars on a steamy August night. This is also the month of the annual Elvis Week celebrations at nearby Graceland.

There's no better last-minute trip idea than one that includes throwing everything in the car and heading to the beach. South Padre is Texas' favorite beach destination and here you'll find miles and miles of sand to explore and a unique ecosystem to admire. Plus, the island's famous fireworks displays carry on strong throughout the month.

Sure, the temperatures are still high, but that doesn't mean Moab isn't marvelous in August. Fill up your memory card with stunning images from the neighboring national parks before enjoying the soothing sounds of the Moab Music Festival, which features performances set among natural splendor.

The sensational Shelburne Museum offers a fun, educational and art-centric escape all summer long but this month there's also cheese. Lots and lots of great cheese. Stop by early in the month for the latest edition of the beloved Concerts on the Green before visiting for the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, which will take place in the middle part of the month.

You will always be filled with wonder after a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. This month, you will have the added bonus of being able to stop by nearby Jamestown on the anniversary of the 400th anniversary of the first representative legislative assembly in the New World. Events will mark the occasion throughout the month there.

The beloved summertime tradition that is Seafair ends with a flourish during the first weekend of August with appearances by the Blue Angels, aerobatic planes and hydroplane racing on the water. The rest of the month is the perfect time to re-acquaint yourself with the rest of Seattle's star attractions, like the Space Needle, which has just undergone a multi-million dollar makeover.

There's never a bad time to visit "America's Resort", but in August the crazy-fun West Virginia State Fair just so happens to be going down right down the road. Spend one day at the fair and the next on the fairways at the resort-before the pros come to town in September.

Late summer is always more fun when the Brewers are in the hunt for the postseason and that is the case this year. Spend a day out on Lake Michigan before watching a game-and sampling plenty of the decadent food-at Miller Park. Or just head to the Wisconsin State Fair, which also takes place in the city each August.

This mountain town is made for all seasons and the last few weeks of summer are still peak fun. The fish will still be biting at the world-famous "Miracle Mile" (a particularly excellent stretch of the North Platte River for angling) and the patios at the bars and restaurants in historic downtown will still be jumping. August also features the sounds of Bluegrass in the hills at the always-fun Beartrap Festival.