I am getting married in August and we wanted to take a vacation in the 3rd and/or 4th week in August. I am trying to think of a good place to go. I would really appreciate some ideas. Here are some considerations:

-We live in the NYC metro area
-Hawaii is on our list, but we want to explore other options
-I have never been to the West Coast, but it is not a necessity
-We ruled-out vegas

Thank you

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

What type of vacation are you looking for? Are you looking for big cities/cultural arts? Or beach & lounging around? Or outdoorsy + hiking, sea kayaking? Or spa/golf + pampering? Or fine dining and wine tasting?

It also would be helpful to know where you've visited before and which places you liked/disliked.

We are not really looking into beach locations outside of Hawaii. We went to Mexico twice already and liked it, but I don't think that a US beach would be any better than Play Del Carmen. She does not want to go to a big city. We like sea kayaking, dining, wine tasting, boating and cultural arts.

How long are you planning this trip for?

What sort of lodgings are you looking for? Hotels, condos, camping?

You'd probably find no lovelier place that time of the year than the Pacific Northwest. I'd look into the San Juan Islands, Seattle area, Vancouver BC, or Portland. It's all truly gorgeous!

I was thinking Pacific NW too. The California coast would be nice too - central coast and/or north coast. It will be cool that time of year, and probably some fog - but if you don't need guaranteed sunshine, it fits the bill.

I was also going to suggest PNW (I agree with LevAmus and November_moon) - a few days in Seattle for art/dining, maybe stay at Willows Lodge in Woodinville to combine some easy wine tasting and a terrific celebratory meal at The Herb Farm, then head to the San Juan Islands for kayaking, sailing/boating, whale watching, more dining and sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine. The Islands also have a local art scene. If there is lots of time in the honeymoon schedule consider adding Victoria &/or Vancouver.

How about California wine country and the coast? If you've never been out west, you will be blown away by the beauty of this area - hundreds of wineries, giant redwoods, spectacular (but often foggy) coastline. San Francisco is the most beautiful city in the USA, and wine country is just an hour away.
Another totally different option would be Montreal, Quebec City, and the surrounding countryside. Very French, very unique, great hiking, biking, wineries, etc.

I agree with everyone above!!!!:

Seattle and surrounding area, Vancouver BC and surrounding area, Portland OR and surrounding area, San Francisco and surrounding area, Montreal and surrounding area, Quebec City and surrounding area. ALL excellent ideas that offer the best of urban, rural, sightseeing, dining, etc. Pick ANY of them and you'll have a wonderful time.

One note: Don't attempt to see Quebec City from Montreal or vice versa as a day trip. Do as overnights. The same applies to the other destination ideas as well: Olympic National Park is an overnight stay from Seattle, Whistler (or Victoria) is an overnight stay from Vancouver, etc.