August is an interesting time of year. These are those in-between months where, mentally, we might be moving into another season, but in many ways, we’re not ready for the end of the summer. Many people are on vacation this month, which means your hometown or city may be completely deserted. Before you despair, remember: this is a good thing! There are still plenty of things to do in August to make the most of this quiet time before the busy fall storms begin.
August is a private time to enjoy the last long days of summer. Our list of things to do in August is a pretty lazy one (yes, we’re actually telling you to sleep in). Because even if you graduated a decade or more ago, back-to-school season still sweeps us all through at a hectic pace. August is our last chance to take it easy and take it easy every day. I encourage you to take naps in the sun when possible, take walks whenever you feel like it, and eat outside.
31 things to do in August
After all, despite the sometimes unbearable heat, summer is a season worth savoring. I always find myself wanting to really dive into this time of year, wishing I could stop time for a moment. While I love this cozy season and fully embrace it when the air is crisp, I’ve learned to make the most of every moment I have. Summer doesn’t last forever, so read on for some ideas to help you make the most of the time you have left.
Keep scrolling to see 31 things to do in August. Our wish list is packed with ideas to keep you inspired every day of the month. Get ready to enjoy every minute – August flies by in a blink of an eye.
August 1-4
1. Plan for the month ahead. What’s better than drawing a little map of your life? Get your vision board out at the beginning of the year and do a mid-year review. Celebrate your wins, reflect on the things that no longer resonate, and maybe set some new goals to achieve.
2. Embrace new healthy habits. We asked our favorite female fitness founders to share the routines and exercises that keep them looking their best. Steal their advice.
3. Design your dream backyard. Whether you have a spacious space or want to decorate a small balcony for two people (hi, me), these backyard ideas have you covered.
4. Drink coffee and go for a walk with friends. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered how much I enjoy talking over coffee and catching up. Trust me: It’s a lot more fun than screaming in a crowded bar.
August 5-11
5. Upgrade your afternoon tea. A reminder that every part of your life can benefit from a little romance—including your afternoon snacks. I am obsessed with these high protein snacks and you know I eat this spicy corn toast all the time.
6. Perform a quick cleaning. I like to set an alarm for 45 minutes, throw the laundry in the washer, and see how much I can get done. I’m obsessed with watching this girl’s routine reels – she knows how to make the most of half an hour.
7. Make a mid-week cake. just because of! This strawberry cake with mascarpone cream requires a few steps, but trust me: it couldn’t be easier. I also love this Strawberry Crumb Olive Oil Cake – for dessert, snack, breakfast…
8. Send postcards to friends. I like to keep a bunch of cards and postcards on hand so I can send a sweet note to friends and family whenever I wish. Write a sweet and simple note – it means so much.
9. Start asking better questions. I’m going to leave here these 250 questions I never had. they are so pleasure.
10. Take a road trip. Today is Saturday, let’s go somewhere! I live in Chicago and like to choose a small town within an hour’s drive to spend a few hours in. Grab a coffee, have lunch, go shopping and enjoy the charm of a quiet, sleepy suburb.
11. Allow yourself to sleep in. you deserved! While doing this every weekend isn’t ideal (making this habit can seriously disrupt your sleep cycle), I’ve found that there’s nothing quite like the luxury of grabbing a few extra hours and waking up feeling refreshed. Bonus points if you take your coffee back to bed.
August 12-18
12. Do something that scares you. Send a text, book a trip or take the leap – whatever that means to you. This is not meant to be reckless or to scare yourself. Instead, it encourages you to do those things you’ve been putting off, which makes you feel so good Once you’ve finished it.
13. Do something that makes you feel particularly comfortable. Now that you’ve done something that takes you out of your comfort zone, reward yourself with a comfortable activity. On my list? Spend the evening reading with my cat, cooking my favorite dinner, and then spending the afternoon working by the pool.
14. Embrace the Italian way of summer. As the season comes to an end, now is the perfect time to make the most of those fleeting sunny days. Pick up one of my favorite coffee table books: Lazy. Its pages are filled with beautiful photos of Italy’s southern coast – famous for its fashion and lifestyle. Expect to be inspired.
15. Create a late-summer playlist. I’ve been playing our Casa Zuma playlist on repeat since June, but you’re welcome to customize it to your liking. Embrace the ethereal, magical atmosphere that is so present this time of year. (Sufjan Stevens, Jungle and Dominic Fike are my current favorites.)
16. Invite friends over for an impromptu dinner party. Break out some snacks, order in — or make these quick and crowd-pleasing chicken fajitas — and ask friends to bring drinks. Remember: the purpose of a party is to enjoy the beautiful, wonderful people in your life. So don’t stress about it!
17. Go shopping at an estate sale. Treasures abound at these obscure auctions. See our estate sale shopping guide for everything you need to know.
18. Back to school shopping. Yes, even if you graduated a few years ago. What’s more fun than stocking up on cute pencils and pens, a new notepad, and maybe even adding a few things to your vision board?
August 19-25
19. Make fruit popsicles. There’s nothing like a sweet and simple treat to make you feel like a kid immersed in the last days of summer. Our Easy Mango Lassi Popsicles are perfect.
20. Book a new fitness class. In the spirit of trying new things, challenge yourself to explore different forms of fitness. If you’re a spin girl, try taking a strength training class. If you’re a barre fan, try yoga. You’ll move your body in new ways and maybe even make some friends!
21. Go for a walk after dinner. It’s great for digestion, gets you outdoors, and is great to play with family or friends. I’ve developed this habit over the years – it makes me feel so european.
22. Call your mom. I know it’s on your list (because yes, it’s on mine too). This is the easiest mood boost.
23. Start the weekend off with a new summer cocktail. These are our favorite warm weather cocktails that we think we must make before summer is over. (Think: Palomas, limoncello spritzers, and the best spicy margaritas you’ve ever had.)
24. Start planning your fall capsule wardrobe. These are the fall essentials you need. While the weather is still hot and we probably won’t be wearing sweaters for another month and a half, you can start looking for inspiration on Pinterest, put together your favorite pieces, and make room in your closet to accommodate Seasonal clothing changes.
25. Go swimming. While I feel better about it in 2024, the last few years I haven’t realized until late summer that I haven’t jumped in the water yet. If that’s you, use this Sunday as an excuse to jump into the lake, the pool, the ocean—anything. If you’ve already done this, do it again. Swimming is a lifelong pleasure.
August 26-31
26. Change your morning routine. With back-to-school season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to think about how to change your AM habits. Try these 26 ideas for prioritizing energy and productivity, or get inspired by Camille’s own morning routine.
27. Make a jar of affirmations. Write positive affirmations on a piece of paper and cut into small strips. Gently crumple them up and place in jars. Every morning, come up with a new affirmation to remind yourself of how incredible and capable you are.
28. Organize. Spring isn’t the only time we can benefit from a clean slate. Start identifying the things you rarely use and consider whether it would be more beneficial for you to keep them or enjoy a clean space. Steal our comprehensive guide to organizing your home.
29. Take lunch outside. If you’re still guilty of shoving salad into your mouth over your keyboard, stop it. These mindful lunch break ideas will help you make the most of your lunch time.
30. Reflect on this month. What went well? Is there anything that surprises you? Are there goals you can’t prioritize—and why? Take an hour to journal about the month and ask yourself how you want to move into September.
31. Go to the farmer’s market. Enjoy the last of the late summer produce! Make these easy grilled peaches, a chic summer fruit salad, or lemon raspberry cake for your Labor Day party.
