There are such a lot of superb 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 might be delicate and nice in lots of elements of the nation. It’s simply my favourite month of the yr as summer time crowds are dying down, nevertheless it’s nonetheless loads heat sufficient to benefit from the nice open air.
By the tip of the month, you may see the leaves flip lovely orange, yellow, and pink in lots of elements of the nation, and because it’s not peak season, many lodges, 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 just a few of our favorites on this breakdown of the perfect 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 bushes are beginning to change coloration, 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 greatest 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.
Head downtown and take a look at the retailers, many Whitefish eating places and cafes of Central Avenue and go for a scenic drive by way of the Kootenai Nationwide Forest the place the autumn foliage actually stands out towards the mountains. Among the finest issues to do 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 September so make sure to test it out! Â
2. Kenai Fjords, AlaskaÂ
Lovely surroundings, an abundance of wildlife, and out of doors journey are the principle issues that draw folks to Kenai Fjords. In September, it’s the first rate climate, lengthy days, decrease costs, fall colours, fewer crowds, and the possibility to see the northern lights that individuals come 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 mountain 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 generally recognized for its white, sandy US seashores however in September, it’s recognized for its heat climate and fewer crowds which makes exploring the realm extra gratifying.
Go to Gulf State Park, the place you may go mountain climbing, {golfing}, and ziplining. Discover the Bon Secour Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and go to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Among the greatest 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 suppose Saugatuck is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Michigan, however come late September, Saugatuck is a superb place to see lovely fall foliage.
That is additionally the time of yr when there are fewer vacationers round and the climate is comfy for taking part in out of doors actions and having fun with the patios in any respect the Saugatuck eating places.
You may nonetheless take pleasure in Oval Seaside on the nice and cozy days, or if it’s too cool discover the full of life 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 fantastic lake surrounded by the fantastic thing about the Adirondack Mountains. In September, the annoying black flies 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, that is the perfect time to go to!
Take a trip up Whiteface Mountain on the Cloudspitter Gondola and see beautiful views, go mountain climbing within the Excessive Falls Gorge, and go to the John Brown Farm State Historic Website. You should definitely 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 should struggle your means by way of the crowds of peak season!
You’ll even have an opportunity to see the leaves beginning to change coloration. The park is thought for its pink sandstone cliffs that distinction with the vivid colours of the panorama.
There are many Zion hikes to take pleasure in in September, and also you gained’t be mountain climbing below the warmth of the summer time American Southwest solar.
Try Canyon Overlook, hike alongside trails akin to Angels Touchdown, Commentary Level and Emerald Swimming pools, 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 study extra concerning the space.Â
7. Burlington, Vermont
Vermont is thought for its spectacular fall foliage and in late September, the autumn colours are out in full pressure! Temperatures hover round a cushty 70°F so you may take pleasure in many out of doors actions. Head to Waterfront Park and admire the beautiful views of Lake Champlain bordered by the Adirondack Mountains.
Stroll by way of the Church Road pedestrian mall the place you’ll discover avenue performers and plenty of retailers of eateries and go 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 should definitely go to not less than just a few of them and pattern scrumptious native craft beer.Â
8. Beaufort, South CarolinaÂ
Beaufort is a picturesque city on Port Royal Island and is thought 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 study 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 Searching Island Lighthouse.Â
Once you’re completed for the day, there are many scrumptious Beaufort seafood eating places to take pleasure in a recent catch.
9. Santa Fe, New MexicoÂ
Santa Fe is without doubt one of the greatest price range locations within the US! If you’d like heat climate, fewer crowds, and nice offers on lodges, Santa Fe is the right vacation spot in September. Admire the gorgeous fall foliage the area is thought for and go to the numerous artwork galleries and historic websites.
Browse native merchandise on the farmer’s markets, stroll alongside Canyon Highway 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.
In the event you’re on the town across the second week of September, make sure to take a look at the meals and artwork cubicles on the Fiesta Weekend. The Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta is one other standard competition occurring the final week of September!
10. Salem, Massachusetts
Among the finest 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 little 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 a little bit spookier! With an extended 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, make sure to go to Frankenstein’s Laboratory, Salem Witch Village, and Rely 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 treatments. The Salem Meals Truck and Craft Beer Competition options meals vans and plenty of craft beer.Â
11. Valley of Fireplace State Park, NevadaÂ
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 brilliant pink sandstone rock formations that stand out towards the panorama. Whereas it will get very popular in the course of the summer time, come September, temperatures drop however stay comfy for mountain climbing and exploring.Â
As you make your means across the park, you’ll see Rainbow Vista, Pink Canyon, Fireplace Wave, Seven Sisters, Fireplace Cave, and varied websites that includes petrified bushes and historical 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
In the event you suppose The Hamptons is someplace that solely prosperous New Yorkers go on, suppose once more! The Hamptons has a small-town really feel with tons of issues to do, and it’s the right 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.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 mountain 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 comfy nevertheless it’s the gorgeous fall foliage and fewer crowds that draw guests.
Mountaineering alongside the Wilson Meadow and Bismarck Lake trails is a well-liked exercise and one other method 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 standard 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 superb vacation spot to go to in September if you’d like comfy climate to take pleasure in tenting, mountain climbing, and different out of doors 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 celebration on the McDonald Observatory, or calm down 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 probably the most lovely occasions of yr within the space.
That is additionally the time of yr when standard 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.Â
16. Grand Rapids, Michigan
There are numerous the reason why Grand Rapids is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in September! For starters, the climate is unbelievable. 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 – among the best Michigan breweries!
Fall festivals happen all through the month together with the Sunflower Competition and Frankenmuth Oktoberfest. You should definitely 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. 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 having fun with 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 also needs to take a look at the Charleston Beer Competition and Lowcountry Jazz Competition occurring in September!
18. Stanley, Idaho
Not everybody needs to flee to the seashore when temperatures begin to settle down, and for those who’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 beautiful sights together with glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains and pine tree forests and go white water rafting in waters which are at a really perfect degree in September.Â
After an extended day exploring the nice open air, head to a close-by sizzling spring and calm down in some sizzling, mineral-infused water. Â
19. Siesta Key, FloridaÂ
Siesta Key is without doubt one of the greatest 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…excellent for seashore excursions and suntans (so convey all of your seashore necessities!)
In any case, the water continues 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 take pleasure in cheaper costs and fewer crowds. Spend the day at one of many nation’s greatest seashores, Siesta Key Seaside, kayak by way of mangroves, be daring and check out 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 unbelievable place to go to in September. The water temperature continues to be heat so you may benefit from the space’s seashores.
Admire the Victorian structure, store until you drop on the Washington Road Pedestrian Mall, dine at superb 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 possibility to attend the Exit Zero Jazz Competition and the Harvest Brew Competition.Â
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 trip 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 very best peak within the area, Mount Washington.
Hike the Flume Gorge Path and discover the wonders of the little villages which are situated 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 thought for.
Have a good time the Scottish tradition that’s distinguished within the area by attending the New Hampshire Highland Video games & Competition.Â
22. Mammoth Lakes, California
In the event you’re in search of prime leaf-peaking alternatives in September mixed with good climate with comfy temperatures round 77°F and fewer vacationers, Mammoth Lakes within the Jap Sierra Nevada is the place for you!
This quaint mountain city provides up a wide range 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.Â
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 make sure to catch not less than one! In September, the Mammoth Yoga Competition and the Annual June Lake Autumn Brew Competition are standard occasions. Â
23. Cincinnati, Ohio
Whilst you might not consider Ohio as among the best locations to go to in September within the US, hear me out! In September, Cincinnati hosts the largest Oktoberfest exterior of Munich! And comfy temperatures and decrease costs additionally entice guests.
Step again in time with a stroll by way of the Over-the-Rhine district recognized 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 Heart, and take a look at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Backyard.
On the Ohio Renaissance Competition, get a style of what life was like within the sixteenth century and take a look at native music and different thrilling occasions at Ohio is for Lovers Competition.Â
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 superb selection! This lovely wilderness space is a bit cooler than many locations, nevertheless 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 coloration which is another excuse why folks 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 mountain 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 direction of the tip of the month, the North Cascades Bluegrass Competition takes place, and is a enjoyable time for all!
25. Ozarks, Missouri / Arkansas / OklahomaÂ
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 are beginning to change coloration in mid-September so that you’ll take pleasure in spectacular views framed in gold and pink foliage!