25 BEST Places To Visit In September In The US

There are such a lot of wonderful locations to go to in September within the USA. September is commonly a transitional month between summer time and fall, which means that the climate may be gentle and nice in lots of elements of the nation, and in different elements, it means attractive fall foliage. It’s simply my favourite month of the 12 months as summer time crowds (and costs) are dying down, but it surely’s nonetheless lots heat sufficient to benefit from the nice outdoor.

By the tip of the month, you’ll be able to see the leaves flip lovely orange, yellow, and purple in lots of elements of the nation, and because it’s not peak season, many resorts, airways, and tour operators provide decrease costs and offers to draw vacationers!

Final however not least, September is a month of many festivals and occasions throughout the USA. We’ll title a couple of of our favorites on this breakdown of the very best locations to go to in September within the US! Let’s dig in.

Finest Locations to Go to in September within the US

1. Whitefish, Montana

September in Whitefish is magical – the air is crisp, the timber are beginning to change shade, and the climate is ideal for embarking on out of doors adventures. One factor is for sure, Montana as a complete is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in September within the USA.

Hike alongside the Viking Creek Protect Path, The Lion Mountain Path, and the Swift Creek Path, and discover lovely Whitefish Lake State Park.

Or should you’re not seeking to hike, head downtown and take a look at the outlets, the numerous Whitefish eating places and cafes of Central Avenue, or go for a scenic drive. Driving via Kootenai Nationwide Forest, you’ll see the place the autumn foliage actually stands out towards the mountains. Among the finest issues to do within the space is drive the Going to the Solar Street and luxuriate in all of the Glacier Nationwide Park has to supply.

The Whitefish Songwriter Competition takes place in mid-September so you should definitely test it out!  

2. Kenai Fjords, Alaska 

Lovely surroundings, an abundance of wildlife, and out of doors journey are the primary issues that draw individuals to Kenai Fjords.  In September, it’s the respectable climate, lengthy days, decrease costs, fall colours, fewer crowds, and the possibility to see the northern lights that folks head to Alaska for!

The park’s most notable characteristic is its 40 glaciers, however you’ll additionally see coastal fjords, forests, and loads of wildlife together with bears, sea lions, whales, orcas, otters, puffins, wolves, and dolphins. Spend your days mountaineering on the paths at Exit Glacier and kayaking clear, icy waters.

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Located alongside the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf Shores area is generally identified for its white, sandy US seashores however in September, it’s identified for its heat climate and fewer crowds which makes exploring the world extra fulfilling.

Go to Gulf State Park, the place you’ll be able to go mountaineering, {golfing}, and ziplining. Discover the Bon Secour Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and go to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. A number of the finest issues to do when not on the seaside is find out about native historical past at Fort Morgan and the Gulf Shores Museum.   

4. Saugatuck, Michigan 

We already suppose Saugatuck is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Michigan, however come late September, Saugatuck is a good place to see lovely fall foliage.

That is additionally the time of 12 months when there are fewer vacationers round and the climate is snug for collaborating in out of doors actions and having fun with the patios in any respect the Saugatuck eating places.

You possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from Oval Seashore on the nice and cozy days, or if it’s too cool discover the full of life downtown space and its galleries, gardens ,and outlets, and hike in Saugatuck Dunes State Park. 

5. Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is a phenomenal lake surrounded by the great thing about the Adirondack Mountains and probably the greatest locations to go to on the earth in September. In September, the annoying black flies of summer time have retreated, the high-season crowds have dispersed, the autumn colours are peaking, and the temperatures are neither too scorching nor too chilly. For these causes, September is the perfect time to go to!

Take a journey up Whiteface Mountain on the Cloudspitter Gondola and see gorgeous views, go mountaineering within the Excessive Falls Gorge, and go to the John Brown Farm State Historic Web site. You should definitely take a look at the occasions on the Fall Competition Weekend that occurs later within the month.

6. Zion Nationwide Park, Utah 

Imagine it or not, even within the mountains of Zion Nationwide Park in September, temperatures nonetheless attain the excessive 80s. The excellent news is you gained’t need to combat your means via the crowds of peak season! You’ll even have an opportunity to see the leaves beginning to change shade. The park is understood for its purple sandstone cliffs that distinction with the vivid colours of the panorama.

There are many Zion hikes to get pleasure from in September, and also you gained’t be mountaineering underneath the warmth of the summer time American Southwest solar.

Take a look at Canyon Overlook, or hike alongside trails akin to Angels Touchdown, Statement Level and Emerald Swimming pools. When you don’t wish to break a sweat mountaineering, take a highway journey alongside the Freeway Scenic Drive, and see Zion Canyon. The Zion Human Historical past Museum is a must-visit if you wish to be taught extra concerning the space. 

7. Burlington, Vermont

Vermont is understood for its spectacular fall foliage and in late September, the autumn colours are out in full drive!  Temperatures hover round a cushty 70°F so you’ll be able to get pleasure from many out of doors actions. Head to Waterfront Park and admire the gorgeous views of Lake Champlain, bordered by the Adirondack Mountains.

Stroll via the Church Avenue pedestrian mall, the place you’ll discover avenue performers and lots of outlets and eateries. After strolling downtown, we advocate a go to to the Echo Middle, which options displays about science and nature.

Did I point out that Vermont has extra breweries per capita than wherever else within the nation? You should definitely go to no less than a couple of of them and pattern scrumptious native craft beer. 

8. Beaufort, South Carolina 

Beaufort is a picturesque city on Port Royal Island and is understood for its stately mansions constructed earlier than the Civil Battle and its historic downtown space with its water views and tree-lined streets. In September, you’ll get heat temperatures and a laid-back environment with out the summer time crowds.

That is additionally when many festivals happen together with the Dragon Boat races, Bluffton Boiled Peanut Competition, and Hardeeville Catfish Competition.

You should definitely be taught concerning the city’s fascinating historical past on the Beaufort Historical past Museum, take a hike alongside the scenic Spanish Moss Path, and admire the great thing about Searching Island Lighthouse. Once you’re executed for the day, there are many scrumptious Beaufort seafood eating places to get pleasure from a recent catch.

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Santa Fe is taken into account probably the greatest price range locations within the US! In order for you heat climate, fewer crowds, and nice offers on resorts, Santa Fe is the proper vacation spot in September. Admire the gorgeous fall foliage the area is understood for and go to the numerous artwork galleries and historic websites.

Browse native merchandise on the farmer’s market, stroll alongside Canyon Street, and go to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, Museum of Worldwide People Artwork, Museum of Indian Arts & Tradition, and the New Mexico Historical past Museum.

When you’re on the town across the second week of September, you should definitely take a look at the meals and artwork cubicles on the Fiesta Weekend.  The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is one other widespread pageant taking place the final week of September!

10. Salem, Massachusetts

Among the finest locations to go to in September in your complete world is that this small Massachusetts city! Whereas most locations don’t begin the spooky season till October, Salem will get a head begin on every little thing ghoulish in September. And why not?

That is the time of 12 months when the times are shorter, the air is crispier and the autumn foliage is at its peak towards the tip of the month.  All issues that make the environment of anywhere appear slightly spookier! With a protracted historical past that features the notorious Salem Witch Trials, this place is already fairly spooky! 

To get the hair on the again of your neck standing up, you should definitely go to Frankenstein’s Laboratory, Salem Witch Village, and Depend Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery.  Watch witch trial reenactments on the Witch Dungeon Museum and listen to chilling tales on a Haunted Salem Witch Metropolis Tour. 

In September, there are numerous festivals, together with the Salem Spice Competition, the place you’ll be able to attend storytelling occasions and find out about natural cures. The Salem Meals Truck and Craft Beer Competition options meals vehicles and many craft beer. 

11. Valley of Fireplace State Park, Nevada 

Once you see the Valley of Fireplace State Park, you instantly know the way it acquired its title; the park’s dominant characteristic is the intense purple sandstone rock formations that stand out towards the panorama.  Whereas it will get very popular through the summer time, come September, temperatures drop however stay snug for mountaineering and exploring. 

As you make your means across the park, you’ll see Rainbow Vista, Pink Canyon, Fireplace Wave, Seven Sisters, Fireplace Cave, and numerous websites that includes petrified timber and historical petroglyphs. Hike alongside the White Domes Path or Pastel Canyon Path and go for a scenic drive on Mouse’s Tank Street. 

12. The Hamptons, New York State 

When you suppose The Hamptons is someplace that solely prosperous New Yorkers go on, suppose once more!  The Hamptons have a small-town really feel with tons of issues to do, and it’s the proper trip vacation spot for anybody in search of a soothing escape. That is very true in September when peak season crowds are gone, costs go down, and temperatures stay heat at round 73°F. 

Stroll alongside sandy seashores, go to sprawling vineyards and pattern native wines, get a historical past lesson on the Montauk Level Lighthouse Museum, admire native artwork on the Parrish Artwork Museum, and go mountaineering at Shadmoor State Park. In September, the Westhampton Seashore Competition of the Arts takes place. 

13. Flagstaff – Arizona

In September, the climate in Flagstaff is snug, however the lovely fall foliage and fewer crowds draw guests. Mountaineering alongside the Wilson Meadow and Bismarck Lake trails is a well-liked exercise. One other approach to discover pure wonders is with a go to to Walnut Canyon Nationwide Monument and Sundown Crater Volcano Nationwide Monument. 

As you discover Flagstaff, you’ll see vistas that includes mountains, desert landscapes and ponderosa pine forests. A go to to the Lowell Observatory is a should, and the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Pioneer Museum are widespread with historical past buffs. You should definitely take a look at the Pickin’ within the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Competition!

14.  Fort Davis, Texas

Fort Davis is a good vacation spot to go to in September in order for you snug climate to get pleasure from tenting, mountaineering, and different out of doors actions. Watch historic reenactments on the Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Web site, take a look at native artwork on the Wild Rose Gallery and go to the Rattlers and Reptiles Museum and the Chihuahuan Desert Analysis Institute. 

At dusk, attend a stargazing social gathering on the McDonald Observatory, or calm down with an out of doors film expertise on the Cinema on the Courthouse Garden. 

15. Arcata, California

September in Arcata is when the temperatures dip to a cushty 64°F, and the timber begin to present their fall colours to disclose probably the most lovely occasions of 12 months within the space.

That is additionally the time of 12 months when widespread festivals happen together with the North Nation Honest and the Pure Fiber Honest which options artwork shows, workshops and a fleece market. When not testing festivals, discover the Arcata Group Forest and go to the Humboldt State College Historical past Museum. 

16. Grand Rapids, Michigan

There are various explanation why Grand Rapids is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in September!  For starters, the climate is improbable. Secondly, the spectacular Michigan fall foliage of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is in full swing and so is the pumpkin beer on the Founders Brewing Firm – probably the greatest Michigan breweries!

Fall festivals happen within the area all through the month, together with Frankenmuth Oktoberfest within the small city of Frankenmuth.  You should definitely put time apart to discover the Blandford Nature Middle, hike the paths in Millennium Park and find out about native historical past at Grand Rapids Public Museum.

17. Charleston, South Carolina 

If there’s any metropolis that portrays the tradition and historical past of the Deep South, it needs to be Charleston. Stroll down its historic streets and also you’ll see Antebellum-era mansions, cobblestone walkways, old-style streetlamps, and horse-drawn carriages. 

The Carolinas are fairly scorching and humid all through the summer time. Nonetheless issues begin to cool off in September. Although the air is heat so it’s an ideal time to discover this charming coastal metropolis and luxuriate in all of the Charleston seashores with out the crowds.

Stroll alongside sandy seashores, find out about native historical past on the Fort Sumter Nationwide Monument, take a look at the Gibbes Museum of Arts, and go paddleboarding at Shem Creek. The MOJA Arts Competition showcases and African and Caribbean tradition.  You also needs to take a look at the Lowcountry Jazz Competition taking place in September!

18. Stanley, Idaho

Not everybody desires to flee to the seaside when temperatures begin to quiet down, and should you’re somebody who prefers a spot the place the climate is cooler, Stanley is the place for you in September!

Hike alongside many trails, together with Alice Lakes Path, see gorgeous sights together with glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains and pine tree forests and go white water rafting in waters which are at a perfect degree in September. 

After a protracted day exploring the good outdoor, head to a close-by scorching spring and calm down in some scorching, mineral-infused water.  

19. Siesta Key, Florida 

Siesta Key is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in September within the US! Within the extra northern areas of the nation, temperatures are dropping come September, however in Siesta Key, they’re nonetheless reaching a scorching 90°F…excellent for seaside excursions and suntans (so carry all of your seaside necessities!)

In any case, the water remains to be heat, so why not head someplace the place you’ll be able to nonetheless take a refreshing dip within the Atlantic Ocean?

As a bonus, you’ll additionally get pleasure from cheaper costs and fewer crowds. Spend the day at one of many nation’s finest seashores, Siesta Key Seashore, kayak via mangroves, be daring and take a look at some parasailing, embark on a dolphin-watching tour and spend evenings having fun with reside music within the native pubs. 

20. Cape Might, New Jersey 

With the summer time crowds gone and temperatures averaging 77°F in September, Cape Might is a improbable place to go to in September. The water temperature remains to be heat, so you’ll be able to benefit from the space’s seashores.

Admire the Victorian structure, store until you drop on the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Mall, dine at wonderful eating places and go to prime points of interest together with the Cape Might Lighthouse, Emlen Physick Property and the Nature Middle of Cape Might.

In September, you’ll have the possibility to attend the free Harvest Brew Competition the place you’ll be able to indulge within the wealthy flavors of craft beers and embrace the spirit of South Jersey at this day-long pageant devoted to every little thing native!

21. White Mountains, New Hampshire

With cooler temperatures within the excessive 50s, fewer vacationers and fairly fall foliage, the White Mountains area of New Hampshire is a prime place to go to within the US in September.

Take a journey on the Conway Scenic Railroad, take a look at the waterfalls and swimming pools of Dian’s Baths, and go for a drive to the highest of the best peak within the area, Mount Washington. Hike the Flume Gorge Path and discover the wonders of the little villages which are positioned within the space. Discover Franconia Notch State Park and Echo Lake State Park and go to among the breweries and distilleries that the White Mountains area is understood for.

Rejoice the distinguished Scottish tradition within the area by attending the New Hampshire Highland Video games & Competition. 

22. Mammoth Lakes, California

When you’re in search of prime leaf-peaking alternatives in September mixed with good climate with snug temperatures round 77°F and fewer vacationers, Mammoth Lakes within the Japanese Sierra Nevada is the place for you!

This quaint mountain city presents up quite a lot of methods to see spectacular fall foliage together with scenic highway journeys alongside the Mammoth Lakes Scenic Drive and hikes on Sherman Lakes Path and Coronary heart Lake Path. 

Discover the pure landscapes of Devils Postpile Nationwide Monument and take a look at lovely Rainbow Falls. The sunsets on the Minaret Vista Viewpoint are second to none, so you should definitely catch no less than one!

23. Cincinnati, Ohio

When you might not consider Ohio as probably the greatest locations to go to in September within the US, hear me out! In September, Cincinnati hosts the most important Oktoberfest outdoors of Munich! And comfy temperatures and decrease costs additionally appeal to guests.

Step again in time with a stroll via the Over-the-Rhine District, identified for its historic structure and breweries. Admire paintings from way back to 6,000 years on the Cincinnati Artwork Museum, go to the Nationwide Underground Railroad Freedom Middle, and take a look at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Backyard.

On the Ohio Renaissance Competition, you will get a style of what life was like within the sixteenth century. The Ohio is for Lovers Competition additionally occurs towards the start of the month, and is when town is alive with native music!

24. North Cascades Nationwide Park, Washington 

If nature is what you’re in search of in your subsequent September getaway, North Cascades Nationwide Park is a good selection! This lovely wilderness space is a bit cooler than many locations, but it surely’s nonetheless heat sufficient to get out and benefit from the nice outdoor with out excessive season crowds. 

Later within the month, the leaves begin to change shade which is another excuse why individuals go to the park in September. Gorgeous waterfalls, towering mountains, glaciers, sprawling meadows, and deep valleys are simply among the pure options you’ll see as you discover this place.

Go mountaineering at Artist Level, go kayaking on one of many glowing lakes, and look ahead to wildlife together with deer, bears, elk, and mountain goats. In direction of the start of the month, the North Cascades Bluegrass Competition takes place, and is a enjoyable time for all!

25. Ozarks, Missouri / Arkansas / Oklahoma 

Among the finest occasions to go to the Ozarks is in September when temperatures drop to a cool 75°F, and there’s little or no rain. Discover the pure wonders of Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park, hike in Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park, tour the Stark Caverns and go to the area’s wineries. The leaves begin to change shade in mid-September, so that you’ll get pleasure from spectacular views framed in gold and purple foliage!

Locations to Go to in September within the US FAQ

What days are finest to journey in September?

After Labor Day, which is the primary weekend in September, is commonly the very best time to journey. Youngsters are again to highschool, and the summer time excessive is winding down after the vacation.

The place is heat in America in September?

On this checklist, Siesta Key, or wherever in Florida for that matter, is sort of heat in September. The Carolinas, and wherever within the south see snug temperatures all through September.

Why September is the very best month to journey?

September may be thought of probably the greatest months to journey for a number of causes. First, it marks the transition from summer time to autumn, and lots of locations carry on fall foliage. This implies you’ll be able to typically get pleasure from nice climate with milder temperatures, making it extra snug for out of doors actions and sightseeing.

September is usually thought of shoulder season for tourism all through the US, which means it falls between the height and off-peak seasons, this implies fewer crowds and decrease costs than summer time!

Journey Across the USA By Month!