Searching for one of the best locations to go to in September USA? September is the perfect time for a visit, with gentle climate, fewer crowds, and decrease lodge charges. It’s the right shoulder season to get pleasure from vibrant fall colours, outside actions, and iconic sights.
Whether or not you’re planning a New England foliage journey, a highway journey by way of the mountains, or a coastal escape, this information covers one of the best locations to benefit from your September trip. From Sedona’s crimson rocks to Napa’s harvest season and Maine’s rugged shoreline, there’s an ideal spot for everybody.
Why Journey in September within the USA?
September is the right shoulder season for a US trip. You’ll get pleasure from fewer vacationers, gentle climate, decrease lodge charges, vibrant fall colours, and a mixture of summer time adventures and comfortable autumn vibes.
Fast Checklist: Greatest Locations to Go to in September USA
September is among the greatest months to discover the USA due to gentle climate, early fall colours, and fewer vacationers. Listed below are some prime locations to go to:
Santa Barbara, California: Coastal tradition & sunsets
Sedona, Arizona: Crimson rock hikes & religious power
Lake Tahoe, California: Fall foliage & outside enjoyable
Bar Harbor, Maine: Coastal allure & Acadia adventures
Chicago, Illinois: Structure, lakefront, and festivals
Hudson Valley, New York: Apple choosing & scenic drives
Oregon Coast: Whale watching & iconic seashores
Charleston, South Carolina: Historic streets & gardens
San Diego, California: Limitless summer time seashores
Taos, New Mexico: Artwork & Native American heritage
Moab, Utah: Climbing & desert landscapes
Extra Of The Greatest Locations to Go to In The USA By Season
Introduction to September Journey
September is one among our favourite months to discover the USA. It’s an ideal mix of summer time heat and crisp fall air, providing one of the best of each worlds. You’ll dodge the heavy summer time warmth and massive crowds, making it simpler to get pleasure from standard sights with out lengthy traces.
Because the shoulder season kicks in, lodge charges drop, flights are sometimes cheaper, and also you’ll discover extra companies and experiences accessible with out the peak-season rush. Many parks and climbing trails are nonetheless open and welcoming, making it a perfect time for outside actions.
Whether or not you’re taking a highway journey by way of New England to see vibrant fall colours, absorbing seashore days in California earlier than winter, or exploring the rugged fantastic thing about Washington’s nationwide parks, September provides unbeatable selection. From apple choosing within the Hudson Valley to wine tastings in Napa Valley and epic leaf-peeping within the Smoky Mountains, there’s one thing for each type of traveler — {couples}, households with youngsters, or solo adventurers.
So pack your layers, seize your digicam, and benefit from this candy spot earlier than winter snow and vacation crowds arrive. September is actually one of the best time to hit the highway and uncover the USA in a complete new mild.
1. Sedona, Arizona
A September journey to Sedona is all about beautiful views, cooler climate, and fewer crowds. With common highs within the 70s, it’s a good time to hit the climbing trails or discover the various parks with out the extraordinary summer time warmth.
We’ll always remember climbing Cathedral Rock at golden hour, the best way the sunshine bounced off the crimson rock formations felt nearly religious. It’s the type of place that stops you in your tracks.
High Issues to Do
Hike to Satan’s Bridge for panoramic views
Take a jeep or ATV tour by way of crimson rock canyons
Go to the Chapel of the Holy Cross and discover religious vortex websites
Be a part of guided hikes in Crimson Rock State Park
Strive a helicopter tour for a chicken’s-eye account of Sedona‘s epic surroundings
Native TipMid September is a perfect time when temperatures are comfy and lodge charges start to drop.
2. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe in September is nature’s playground. It’s nonetheless heat sufficient for swimming and water sports activities, however cool sufficient for mountain hikes. You’ll catch vibrant fall colours reflecting on the lake’s floor, making it a picture-perfect trip spot.
We rented paddleboards on a whim and ended up watching the solar set from the center of the lake. The water was glassy and nonetheless, a kind of spontaneous moments that seems like a scene from a film.
High Issues to Do
Hike the Tahoe Rim Path or Eagle Lake Path
Kayak, paddleboard, or swim within the lake
Attend Pattern the Sierra pageant for native eats and drinks
Take a scenic drive to see vibrant fall foliage
Loosen up at Sand Harbor Seashore
Native TipSeptember is a shoulder season benefit, providing fewer crowds and higher entry to standard spots.
3. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a dreamy New England getaway. September brings crisp air, colourful foliage in Acadia Nationwide Park, and decrease lodge charges. You’ll expertise the magic of early fall with out the large summer time crowds.
High Issues to Do
Hike Cadillac Mountain or the Beehive Path for beautiful views
Kayak in Frenchman Bay
Trip the Downeast Scenic Railroad
Stroll the Shore Path at dawn
Eat lobster rolls and blueberry pie downtown
Native TipBook dawn permits for Cadillac Mountain early because it’s a well-liked time for photographers.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is at its greatest in September. The summer time warmth is gone, making it a good time to discover the town’s lakefront, structure, and vibrant festivals.
High Issues to Do
Stroll or bike the Lakefront Path
Take an structure boat tour
Get pleasure from Chicago Jazz Competition and World Music Competition
Go to Millennium Park and the Artwork Institute
Strive native eats at farmers markets and meals festivals
Native TipCheck for outside live shows and rooftop patios, as that is the final huge push earlier than winter arrives.
5. Hudson Valley, New York
Hudson Valley in mid September is all about apple choosing, winery hopping, and scenic drives. Fall colours begin popping, and native farms welcome guests with open arms.
We discovered this roadside farm stand close to Rhinebeck that bought scorching cider and apple cider donuts. Secure to say, we turned a 10-minute cease right into a full hour, and got here again the subsequent day for extra.
High Issues to Do
Go apple choosing and style contemporary cider
Go to artwork galleries and sculpture parks throughout Upstate Artwork Weekend
Drive alongside the Hudson River for lovely views
Hike in Minnewaska State Park or alongside many parks within the space
Try charming cities and markets
Native TipSeptember is a shoulder season candy spot with fewer vacationers and nice lodge offers.
6. Oregon Coast, Oregon
The Oregon Coast provides a refreshing September journey, with gentle climate excellent for coastal hikes and whale watching. Cannon Seashore is our favorite. WE do suggest doing sundown there, like we did.
High Issues to Do
Go to Cannon Seashore and Haystack Rock
Tour Sea Lion Caves and watch migrating whales
Drive Freeway 101 for scenic ocean views
Discover coastal state parks and tidepools
Eat contemporary seafood and pattern craft beers
Native TipPack a windbreaker as a result of coastal winds will be sturdy even on sunny days.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s charming streets and historic properties shine in September. Decrease humidity and gentle temps make it a good time to wander, and the town feels vibrant with occasions and markets. We took a strolling tour, and the information sang gospel in the midst of a church courtyard. It was a kind of surprising, shifting journey moments that stays with you.
High Issues to Do
Go to Rainbow Row and the historic district
Store at Charleston Metropolis Market
Tour Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Take a harbor sundown cruise
Discover hidden gardens and courtyards
Native TipSeptember continues to be hurricane season so keep watch over forecasts and journey insurance coverage choices.
8. San Diego, California
San Diego delivers an infinite summer time vibe in September. With heat climate, clear skies, and enjoyable festivals, it’s a perfect time to go to earlier than winter rain arrives.
High Issues to Do
Loosen up at La Jolla Shores or Coronado Seashore
Go to Balboa Park’s museums and gardens
Benefit from the San Diego Zoo and animal encounters
Log on or swimming within the Pacific
Try San Diego Restaurant Week
Native TipMorning seashore visits provide the calmest water and open parking spots.
9. Taos, New Mexico
A September trip to Taos provides artwork, historical past, and outside journey in a surprising excessive desert setting. It’s a place you could have most likely by no means heard of, however belief us, it’s best to positively add this to the September journey record.
High Issues to Do
Tour Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Website
Hike in Carson Nationwide Forest
Discover Ledoux Road artwork galleries
Go to historic church buildings like San Francisco de Asis
Eat conventional New Mexican delicacies
Native TipEvenings calm down quick so layers are a good suggestion.
10. Moab, Utah
Moab’s crimson rock landscapes are spectacular in September. The climate is cooler, making it a good time to hit the climbing trails and discover two iconic nationwide parks.
High Issues to Do
Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches Nationwide Park
Discover Canyonlands’ viewpoints and trails
Bike the well-known Slickrock Path
Raft the Colorado River
Camp beneath star-filled desert skies
Native TipSeptember is a well-liked time so guide campsites and excursions early.
11. Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara combines luxurious and laid-back seashore life in September. It’s heat sufficient for swimming and seashore days and funky sufficient for wine tasting and festivals.
High Issues to Do
Sail or kayak alongside the coast
Discover State Road retailers and artwork galleries
Go to native wineries and tasting rooms
Try the Santa Barbara Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Competition
Get pleasure from sundown views at Butterfly Seashore
Native TipWeekends guide up rapidly so plan forward.
12. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley shines in September throughout harvest season. Crisp mornings and sunny afternoons create excellent circumstances for winery excursions and outside actions. We by chance timed our go to with the grape harvest, and let’s simply say the free tastings and crisp morning walks by way of the vineyards turned us into early-rising wine lovers.
High Issues to Do
Attend grape harvest and wine tasting occasions
Trip the Napa Valley Wine Prepare
Strive a scorching air balloon experience for panoramic views
Get pleasure from farm-to-table eating places
Bike by way of scenic winery routes
Native TipSeptember is the preferred time to go to so tasting reservations are important.
13. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a implausible September journey concept with early hints of fall shade and a vigorous arts scene.
High Issues to Do
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for beautiful views
Go to Biltmore Property and gardens
Hike in Pisgah Nationwide Forest
Attend meals and artwork festivals like Goombay
Get pleasure from native breweries and music venues
Native TipSeptember weekdays are quieter for leaf peeping and trails.
14. Nice Smoky Mountains, TN/NC
The Smoky Mountains are excellent for a September journey, with cooler days and fewer guests. Considered one of our favourite September mornings began with fog drifting by way of the bushes on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Path. The quiet, the colour, and the odor of damp forest made us decelerate and simply breathe all of it in.
High Issues to Do
Hike Chimney Tops or Alum Cave
Bike or drive Cades Cove Loop
Watch sundown from Clingmans Dome
Go fly fishing in mountain streams
Discover Gatlinburg’s harvest festivals
Native TipStart early to see wildlife and beat afternoon rain showers.
15. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston in September feels alive with fall power. Gentle days are perfect for strolling excursions and outside sights earlier than the snow and winter chill set in.
High Issues to Do
Stroll the Freedom Path
Go to Fenway Park or catch a Crimson Sox recreation
Take a Boston Harbor cruise
Try Boston Arts Competition
Discover markets and historic neighborhoods
Native TipBook excursions forward as September weekends are standard.
16. Denver, Colorado
We’ve at all times discovered Denver to be a kind of cities that surprises you, in the easiest way. September hits that candy spot between summer time warmth and fall crispness, making it excellent for rooftop dinners, day hikes simply outdoors the town, or catching a Rockies recreation with out melting within the solar. As soon as, we ended up at a neighborhood bluegrass pageant in RiNo and ended the night time two-stepping with strangers. Denver is aware of easy methods to make guests really feel like locals.
High Issues to Do
Day journey to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
Hike Crimson Rocks Park or Mount Falcon
Go to Nice American Beer Competition
Discover artwork districts like RiNo
Get pleasure from Denver Botanic Gardens
Native TipSeptember weekends are a good time for mountain cabin getaways earlier than winter snow arrives.
17. Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes area is magical throughout September. With the grape harvest underway and waterfalls flowing, it’s an ideal spot for a calming trip. We discovered a small winery providing wood-fired pizza and wine flights on the patio, no reservation wanted. By sundown, we had been swapping journey tales with the proprietor over a glass of rosé. We love moments like these.
High Issues to Do
Style wine alongside Seneca and Keuka Lake trails
Hike round Taughannock Falls State Park
Kayak or sail on the lakes
Go to Naples Grape Competition
Discover small cities like Skaneateles
Native TipBook lakeside cabins early as fall is a well-liked time for romantic escapes.
18. New Orleans, Louisiana
September is a superb time to go to New Orleans, when the summer time warmth lastly breaks and pageant season kicks in. Having visited New Orleans on a number of events, you will be positive there might be no scarcity of issues to see and do.
High Issues to Do
Attend Beignet Fest and Fried Hen Competition
Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi
Hearken to jazz on Frenchmen Road
Discover the Backyard District
Try native artwork galleries and markets
Native TipBook early as pageant weekends fill quick.
19. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe in September has this golden glow, just like the adobe partitions are absorbing the solar and radiating calm. On our final go to, we wandered right into a courtyard through the Fiesta de Santa Fe and located ourselves consuming roasted chiles and dancing with a mariachi band. It’s not simply concerning the artwork galleries (although they’re unbelievable), it’s the scent of piñon wooden within the air, the nice and cozy hospitality, and the best way the city pulses with tradition.
High Issues to Do
Attend Wine and Chile Fiesta
Go to Canyon Highway galleries
Hike Santa Fe Nationwide Forest trails
Tour adobe church buildings and museums
Browse native farmers markets
Native TipSeptember is shoulder season so you may get pleasure from decrease lodge charges and more room.
20. Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
There’s one thing soul-soothing about driving Skyline Drive in mid-September earlier than the leaf-peeping crowds arrive. We spent a full day hopping between overlooks and climbing trails, chasing mild by way of the bushes. One morning, we watched deer graze beside our cabin as fog rolled by way of the valley. In case you’re craving crisp mountain air and a slower tempo, this is among the most peaceable corners of the East Coast.
High Issues to Do
Drive Skyline Drive for colourful vistas
Hike Previous Rag or Stony Man
Go to Luray Caverns
Be a part of ranger-led wildlife walks
Stargaze at Massive Meadows
Native TipPlan a midweek go to to get pleasure from quieter trails and companies.
21. Portland, Maine
Each time we go to Portland in September, it seems like the town is in its aspect. Meals vehicles are buzzing, the air smells like espresso and pine, and everybody’s out biking or climbing earlier than the rain returns. One afternoon, we biked the Springwater Hall and ended up at a craft cider pageant we didn’t even know was taking place. Portland thrives on this in-between season, and it’s the right mixture of city cool and Pacific Northwest nature.
High Issues to Do
Strive native seafood at Harvest on the Harbor
Go to Casco Bay Islands by ferry
Tour Portland Head Gentle
Discover Previous Port’s retailers and eating places
Sip native craft beers outside
Native TipSeptember is a perfect time to strive lobster rolls earlier than seasonal spots shut.
22. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine
Acadia provides crisp air and rugged shoreline, making it top-of-the-line locations for a September journey. We as soon as awoke at 4:30 am simply to catch the dawn from Cadillac Mountain. Completely value it. There’s one thing particular about being one of many first individuals within the U.S. to see the solar rise that day.
High Issues to Do
Hike Cadillac Mountain or Gorham Mountain
Bike the car-free carriage roads
Paddle in Frenchman Bay
Drive Park Loop Highway
Be a part of ranger stargazing applications
Native TipGet dawn permits for Cadillac Mountain properly upfront.
We love September as a result of it feels just like the nation is taking a deep breath after the summer time rush. The paths are quieter, the sunsets are golden, and there’s a sure magic within the air as fall begins to roll in.
Whether or not you’re highway tripping by way of New England, catching the final heat days on the seashore, or chasing mountain views, there’s no higher time to get on the market and discover. Belief us — you’ll come dwelling with tales (and pictures) you’ll be speaking about all yr.
Regularly Requested Questions In regards to the Greatest Locations to Go to in September in The USA
What are one of the best locations to go to within the USA in September?
High picks embody Sedona, Lake Tahoe, Bar Harbor, Hudson Valley, Asheville, Napa Valley, and Acadia Nationwide Park.
The place is one of the best fall foliage in September USA?
Hudson Valley, Acadia Nationwide Park, and the Smoky Mountains present vibrant fall colours beginning mid September.
Is September an excellent month to go to US nationwide parks?
Sure. It’s a good time due to fewer crowds, open trails, and gentle climate throughout many parks like Acadia, Shenandoah, and Mount Rainier.
Are these locations budget-friendly in September?
Sure. Decrease lodge charges and shoulder season offers make it extra inexpensive than peak summer time.
What festivals occur in September USA?
Wine harvest festivals in Napa and Finger Lakes, jazz in Chicago and New Orleans, meals festivals in Santa Fe and San Diego, and artwork occasions in Boston.
