You are talking about San Diego.

Great metropolitan area. World class zoo, actually better than world class.

Great wine area about an hour's drive north (Temecula). Coronado Island with sandy beach and the famous Hotel Del Coronado.

There are too many things to tell you. Here are some links for you to peruse.

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/casdmenu/ss/things-to-do-in-san-diego.htm

http://www.sandiego.org/articles/25-fun-free-things-to-do-in-san-diego.aspx

Fodor's favorites. http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/california/san-diego/feature_30002.html

You don't want Italy in August, period. Most of the country is on vacation, closing a lot of businesses and making those that are open packed.

I was thinking California too. August is very mild on the coast - the farther north you go, the more likely you are to run into fog, which can cool things down significantly. The weather is still great for touring though, even with the fog.

If you want mountains, the Sierra Nevada is great in August. Higher elevation means lower temps.

Hawaii (I think I said it before but I'll say it again because it's such a great idea)

Vancouver, Whistler and Vancouver Island are also excellent choices. Temperates are in the 70s, there's no humidity, and August is the best time to visit as it's when the city's alive and the weather's at its best (sunny).

Thanks to each of you! You have given us fresh & new ideas we had not thought about. We've given ourselves until this week to make our decision & reservations. I have found so many couples looking for a trip as they too are empting their nest this year. There seems to be a need for great ideas for couples to just get away and re-connect during a time that will be emotional.

For those who are searching for the "empty nest" trip to take like we have been, here's what we're doing & we couldn't be more excited! We booked a bundle (airfare & hotel) through expedia. We've used expedia in the past and have not experienced problems. By bundling we saved a little more then $1,200. We'll be staying in Venice at the Sant'Elana. We stayed at this location in 2010 and found the hotel to be very nice. The Jr. Suites have a sofa with a little extra space, they are nicely decorated, the breakfast buffet (included) is very large and tasty, and the staff was very nice and helpful. The hotel itself sits in a wooded park like area of Venice; away from the crowds but close to a boat/bus stop. It is also a nice walk from the hotel to San Marco (maybe 15 minutes). We've been watching the weather & checked out several sites, we checked out some reports on Italy in August and have decided it's all worth the trip. We decided we needed to go somewhere so different to really focus on us and not the fact that we just sent our last child to college. With our 4 kids all in a 5 year span are family was always close to one-another, laughing, and enjoying each other. So the idea of all that past us now is sometime difficult; that's why Venice. It is an adventure to walk/wonder around the streets, see the sights, taste such wonderful things, smell the espresso, explore the huge history, and experience something so different then the States can offer. If you've ever wanted to go & just were afraid of stepping out, don't. Go! Go and enjoy the adventure, we're going to!

You don't want Florida in August, truly not! I sweat at 70, and hate the heat - and I lived in Florida for 25 years (finally escaped to WV!).

Ireland would be my first suggestion, as it is about 70 every day there now. Nova Scotia is also lovely this time of year.