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, that means that the climate could be delicate 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 yr as summer time crowds (and costs) are dying down, however it’s nonetheless lots heat sufficient to benefit from the nice open air.
By the tip of the month, you may see the leaves flip stunning orange, yellow, and pink in lots of elements of the nation, and because it’s not peak season, many motels, airways, and tour operators supply 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 identify a number of of our favorites on this breakdown of one of the best locations to go to in September within the US! Let’s dig in.
Greatest Locations to Go to in September within the US
1. Whitefish, Montana
September in Whitefish is magical – the air is crisp, the bushes are beginning to change colour, and the climate is ideal for embarking on outside 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 stunning Whitefish Lake State Park.
Or when you’re not seeking to hike, head downtown and take a look at the retailers, the numerous Whitefish eating places and cafes of Central Avenue, or go for a scenic drive. Driving by Kootenai Nationwide Forest, you’ll see the place the autumn foliage actually stands out towards the mountains. The most effective issues to do within the space is drive the Going to the Solar Highway and luxuriate in all of the Glacier Nationwide Park has to supply.
The Whitefish Songwriter Competition takes place in mid-September so be sure you test it out! Â
2. Kenai Fjords, AlaskaÂ
Lovely surroundings, an abundance of wildlife, and outside journey are the principle issues that draw folks to Kenai Fjords. In September, it’s the respectable climate, lengthy days, decrease costs, fall colours, fewer crowds, and the prospect 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 climbing 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 usually recognized for its white, sandy US seashores however in September, it’s recognized for its heat climate and fewer crowds which makes exploring the world extra pleasing.
Go to Gulf State Park, the place you may go climbing, {golfing}, and ziplining. Discover the Bon Secour Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and go to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Among the finest issues to do when not on the seashore is study native historical past at Fort Morgan and the Gulf Shores Museum.  Â
4. Saugatuck, MichiganÂ
We already assume 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 stunning fall foliage.
That is additionally the time of yr when there are fewer vacationers round and the climate is snug for collaborating in outside actions and having fun with the patios in any respect the Saugatuck eating places.
You possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from Oval Seaside on the nice and cozy days, or if it’s too cool discover the energetic downtown space and its galleries, gardens ,and retailers, and hike in Saugatuck Dunes State Park.Â
5. Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is a good looking lake surrounded by the fantastic thing about the Adirondack Mountains and top-of-the-line locations to go to on this planet 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 sizzling 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 climbing within the Excessive Falls Gorge, and go to the John Brown Farm State Historic Website. You’ll want to take a look at the occasions on the Fall Competition Weekend that occurs later within the month.
6. Zion Nationwide Park, UtahÂ
Consider 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 must battle your means by the crowds of peak season! You’ll even have an opportunity to see the leaves beginning to change colour. The park is understood for its pink 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 climbing beneath the warmth of the summer time American Southwest solar.
Try Canyon Overlook, or hike alongside trails equivalent to Angels Touchdown, Remark Level and Emerald Swimming pools. When you don’t wish to break a sweat climbing, take a street 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.Â
7. Burlington, Vermont
Vermont is understood for its spectacular fall foliage and in late September, the autumn colours are out in full power! Temperatures hover round a cushty 70°F so you may get pleasure from many outside actions. Head to Waterfront Park and admire the gorgeous views of Lake Champlain, bordered by the Adirondack Mountains.
Stroll by the Church Avenue pedestrian mall, the place you’ll discover road performers and plenty of retailers and eateries. After strolling downtown, we advocate a go to to the Echo Heart, which options reveals about science and nature.
Did I point out that Vermont has extra breweries per capita than anyplace else within the nation? You’ll want to go to not less than a number of of them and pattern scrumptious native craft beer.Â
8. Beaufort, South CarolinaÂ
Beaufort is a picturesque city on Port Royal Island and is understood for its stately mansions constructed earlier than the Civil Conflict 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’ll want to 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 fantastic thing about Looking Island Lighthouse. Once you’re achieved for the day, there are many scrumptious Beaufort seafood eating places to get pleasure from a recent catch.
9. Santa Fe, New MexicoÂ
Santa Fe is taken into account top-of-the-line price range locations within the US! If you need heat climate, fewer crowds, and nice offers on motels, Santa Fe is the proper vacation spot in September. Admire the attractive 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 Highway, and go to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, Museum of Worldwide Folks 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, be sure you take a look at the meals and artwork cubicles on the Fiesta Weekend. The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is one other well-liked competition occurring the final week of September!
10. Salem, Massachusetts
The most effective locations to go to in September in the 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 thing ghoulish in September. And why not?
That is the time of yr 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 anyplace appear slightly spookier! With a protracted historical past that features the notorious Salem Witch Trials, this place is already fairly spooky!Â
To get the hair on the again of your neck standing up, be sure you 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.Â
In September, there are a lot of festivals, together with the Salem Spice Competition, the place you may attend storytelling occasions and study natural cures. The Salem Meals Truck and Craft Beer Competition options meals vehicles and many craft beer.Â
11. Valley of Hearth State Park, NevadaÂ
Once you see the Valley of Hearth State Park, you instantly know the way it bought its identify; the park’s dominant characteristic is the brilliant pink 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 climbing and exploring.Â
As you make your means across the park, you’ll see Rainbow Vista, Pink Canyon, Hearth Wave, Seven Sisters, Hearth Cave, and varied websites that includes petrified bushes and historic petroglyphs. Hike alongside the White Domes Path or Pastel Canyon Path and go for a scenic drive on Mouse’s Tank Highway.Â
12. The Hamptons, New York StateÂ
When you assume The Hamptons is someplace that solely prosperous New Yorkers go on, assume 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 looking for 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.Â
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 climbing at Shadmoor State Park. In September, the Westhampton Seaside Competition of the Arts takes place.Â
13. Flagstaff – Arizona
In September, the climate in Flagstaff is snug, however the stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds draw guests. Mountain climbing 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.Â
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 well-liked with historical past buffs. You’ll want to 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 if you’d like snug climate to get pleasure from tenting, climbing, and different outside actions. Watch historic reenactments on the Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Website, 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.Â
At dusk, attend a stargazing occasion on the McDonald Observatory, or chill out with an out of doors film expertise on the Cinema on the Courthouse Garden.Â
15. Arcata, California
September in Arcata is when the temperatures dip to a cushty 64°F, and the bushes begin to present their fall colours to disclose some of the stunning occasions of yr within the space.
That is additionally the time of yr when well-liked festivals happen together with the North Nation Truthful and the Pure Fiber Truthful which options artwork shows, workshops and a fleece market. When not testing festivals, discover the Arcata Neighborhood Forest and go to the Humboldt State College Historical past Museum.Â
16. Grand Rapids, Michigan
There are various the reason why Grand Rapids is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in September! For starters, the climate is incredible. 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 – top-of-the-line Michigan breweries!
Fall festivals happen within the area all through the month, together with Frankenmuth Oktoberfest within the small city of Frankenmuth. You’ll want to put time apart to discover the Blandford Nature Heart, hike the paths in Millennium Park and study native historical past at Grand Rapids Public Museum.
17. Charleston, South CarolinaÂ
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.Â
The Carolinas are fairly sizzling and humid all through the summer time. Nevertheless 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, study 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 must also take a look at the Lowcountry Jazz Competition occurring in September!
18. Stanley, Idaho
Not everybody needs to flee to the seashore when temperatures begin to settle down, and when 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 might be at an excellent degree in September.Â
After a protracted day exploring the nice open air, head to a close-by sizzling spring and chill out in some sizzling, mineral-infused water. Â
19. Siesta Key, FloridaÂ
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 sizzling 90°F…good for seashore excursions and suntans (so deliver all of your seashore necessities!)
In spite of everything, the water remains to be heat, so why not head someplace the place you may 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 Seaside, kayak by mangroves, be daring and take a look at some parasailing, embark on a dolphin-watching tour and spend evenings having fun with dwell music within the native pubs.Â
20. Cape Could, New JerseyÂ
With the summer time crowds gone and temperatures averaging 77°F in September, Cape Could is a incredible place to go to in September. The water temperature remains to be heat, so you may 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 Could Lighthouse, Emlen Physick Property and the Nature Heart of Cape Could.
In September, you’ll have the prospect to attend the free Harvest Brew Competition the place you may indulge within the wealthy flavors of craft beers and embrace the spirit of South Jersey at this day-long competition devoted to every 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 might be positioned within the space. Discover Franconia Notch State Park and Echo Lake State Park and go to a few of the breweries and distilleries that the White Mountains area is understood for.
Have fun the outstanding Scottish tradition within the area by attending the New Hampshire Highland Video games & Competition.Â
22. Mammoth Lakes, California
When you’re looking for 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 gives up a wide range of methods to see spectacular fall foliage together with scenic street journeys alongside the Mammoth Lakes Scenic Drive and hikes on Sherman Lakes Path and Coronary heart Lake Path.Â
Discover the pure landscapes of Devils Postpile Nationwide Monument and take a look at stunning Rainbow Falls. The sunsets on the Minaret Vista Viewpoint are second to none, so be sure you catch not less than one!
23. Cincinnati, Ohio
Whilst you might not consider Ohio as top-of-the-line locations to go to in September within the US, hear me out! In September, Cincinnati hosts the most important Oktoberfest exterior of Munich! And cozy temperatures and decrease costs additionally entice guests.
Step again in time with a stroll by the Over-the-Rhine District, recognized for its historic structure and breweries. Admire art work from way back to 6,000 years on the Cincinnati Artwork Museum, go to the Nationwide Underground Railroad Freedom Heart, 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, WashingtonÂ
If nature is what you’re on the lookout for in your subsequent September getaway, North Cascades Nationwide Park is a good selection! This stunning wilderness space is a bit cooler than many locations, however it’s nonetheless heat sufficient to get out and benefit from the nice open air with out excessive season crowds.Â
Later within the month, the leaves begin to change colour which is another excuse why folks go to the park in September. Gorgeous waterfalls, towering mountains, glaciers, sprawling meadows, and deep valleys are simply a few of the pure options you’ll see as you discover this place.
Go climbing 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 the 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 / OklahomaÂ
The most effective 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 colour in mid-September, so that you’ll get pleasure from spectacular views framed in gold and pink 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 one of the best time to journey. Children are again to high school, and the summer time excessive is winding down after the vacation.
The place is heat in America in September?
On this listing, Siesta Key, or anyplace in Florida for that matter, is sort of heat in September. The Carolinas, and anyplace within the south see snug temperatures all through September.
Why September is one of the best month to journey?
September could be thought-about top-of-the-line months to journey for a number of causes. First, it marks the transition from summer time to autumn, and plenty of locations deliver on fall foliage. This implies you may typically get pleasure from nice climate with milder temperatures, making it extra snug for outside actions and sightseeing.
September is mostly thought-about shoulder season for tourism all through the US, that 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!