Relaxing Locales with Toddler in August?

Probably not an answer that you would expect, but I would recommend Iceland/Reykjavik. It's very child-friendly and not at all hot in August, unlike Spain and France. The only downside is that it is quite expensive and you'll get almost round-the-clock daylight (which I actually enjoyed, but it does screw up your circadian rhythms). But it's clean, safe, walkable and has great landscapes. Other Scandinavian/Nordic countries are also very child-friendly and cooler than Southern Europe in August.

Did you write off the Munich/ Salzburg idea you asked about a few months ago?
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/itinerary-ideas-traveling-to-munich-salzburg-with-an-11-month-old

I think "relaxing" has more to do with your travel speed and activity level than a certain locale (of course large busy cities notwithstanding)

Much of Southern Europe will be very hot in August and most coastal places will be busy.

The western Algarve in Portugal gets a cooling breeze, taking the edge off the heat. Alvor is an ideal location for families.

Northern Spain is more temperate and the beaches are good.

West Coast of Ireland.

I would recommend Scotland or Ireland. You could easily drive both so go at your own pace and adjust to your little ones needs. Get a carrier and you won't have to worry about those areas that aren't stroller accessible. And, in August, they won't be overwhelmingly hot.

It may not be your thing but check out the kinder hotels in Austria. They are very well geared up for toddlers even if you don't use their kids club it's the simple things like baby food, high chairs, cots etc. Austrian climate is also good in August. You could also check out the website babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk or .com can't remember which but they are full of rentals and hotels that would offer you a suitable accommodation.

August with a toddler? Certainly not the South of France or Spain, it'd be miserable for the poor kid.

I would look at Germany, Scandinavia, the Baltic Coast, the UK and Ireland.

I would consider a agrotourismo in Austria. These are farms that rent rooms. We stayed in one near Altmarkt just south of Salzburg. It was a ski chalet, and inexpensive in the summer. There were chickens, goats, etc. 11 MO kids enjoy their chickens and goats. It was close to a castle with a falcon show, small towns in rural Austria, and nice places to walk. Nothing exciting out there, just grass, trees, small towns, and so forth.

Denmark, for similar reasons. You're never far from a beach but there's lots to see.

I'm not sure that there are any relaxing locales once you add the toddler into the mix.....

Relaxing for you may mean easy access to resources, sidewalks for the stroller, and less traffic than the middle of an urban area.

Stockholm. It is about the most child-friendly place that I’ve ever been.

@Agnes, We didn’t write off Munich/Salzburg, just putting it on hold. Our close friend is getting married in Germany next summer so we’ll take that trip next year—so it’s back to the drawing board for us!

These are all excellent recommendations! We’ve been to Ireland and Iceland before, so it’s certainly something to think about—going back with the little one!

We were thinking of taking a Scandinavia trip in a few years, but it sounds like it might be worth going sooner rather than later!

@Carol--you're right, bringing the baby along is certainly going to keep us on our toes! And yes, when I say relaxing I do mean less traffic and staying away from bustling cities.