The Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Visit in the US in September.

  1. Aspen, Colorado

Nestled within the expansive Rocky Mountains, Aspen is recognized mostly for winter sports, but if you arrive in September, you'll see a quieter, just as pleasing, side to the resort town. By mid-September, the lush green temperate forest of aspen trees starts to turn a shimmering gold and creates a beautiful aesthetic in the hiking and biking trails. 

  

Things to do: 

• Hike the Maroon Bells which is one of the most photographed sites in North America. 

• Take scenic drives like Independence Pass. There are beautiful panoramic mountain views. 

• Visit the Aspen Saturday Market and discover local produce, art, and handmade products. 

  

Travel tip: 

If you are heading to Aspen later in the month, try to attend, Aspen Filmfest.

 

 

 

  2. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, and by September, it is the next step in Maine’s fall beauty. With fewer summer tourists and the first signs of autumn colors, it is a beautiful coastal vacation with views of the ocean, woods, and tranquility inspired by the nature surrounding you.

 

Things to do:

• Drive or bike along Park Loop Road in Acadia for amazing views of ocean vistas and mountains.

• Climb Cadillac Mountain and catch a sunrise that is one of the earliest in the U.S.

• Indulge in some fresh lobster rolls at the oceanfront shacks.

 

Traveler tip: 

Make your lodging reservations early. Harbor is no longer an unknown vacation destination with great beauty, especially during the shoulder season.

 

  3. Sedona, Arizona

For those who thought summer was a little too hot to fully enjoy Arizona's desert landscapes, the month of September is a great alternative. Sedona's red rock formation will glow in the warm sun, whilst cool breezes blow over the canyons and creeks. 

 

Things to do:

• Hike up Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or the Devil’s Bridge Trail.

• Go for a jeep tour to get backcountry and off-the-beaten-path views. 

• Take a vortex meditation session or shop from the meditative variety of spiritual goods available in Uptown Sedona.

 

Travel tip: 

September can be warm, so hike early and take along plenty of water and stargaze under some of the clearest skies in the Southwest. 

 

 

  4. Napa Valley, California

After hibernating in winter and spring, and wandering in summer, September arrives, and it's grape harvest time in Napa Valley or "crush" time in the wine world. This is the time of year with the most activity, festivals, grape stomping, and the most beautiful drives through abundant and vivid green and gold rolling hills.

 

Things to do: 

• Visit the popular vineyards here and experience the wine-making process.

• Take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, where you enjoy a tasting experience in a plush train seat with luxurious, rolling views.

• Attend harvest events like Calistoga Harvest Table or Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.

 

Travel tip: 

Some events require early reservation due to fast sell-out times, so plan.

 

 

 

  5. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled within the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a lively hub of art, nature, music, and beer. September is one of the best times to visit Asheville before the leaf-peeping crowds flow in throughout October.

 

Things to Do:

• Check out Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned home in the United States.

• Take a joyride on the Blue Ridge Parkway and catch a glimpse of the early autumn foliage.

• Hike Craggy Gardens, Looking Glass Rock, or Mount Pisgah.

 

Travel tip: 

The weather is perfect in September so pack those layers, and don't forget your hiking shoes.

 

 

 

  6. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone in September goes from a busy tourist center to a peaceful wilderness retreat. The wildlife starts to be more active, as the elks are starting their rutting calls, the geysers still performing their spectacular displays, but now there is space to enjoy them.

 

Things to do:

• Check out Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

• Look for bison, bears, wolves, and elk in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.

• Camp under the stars- it is cold at night, but breathtaking.

 

Travel tip: 

Dress in layers because it can get chilly in the high country in September.

 

 

  7. Chicago, Illinois

September is one of the greatest months to take a trip to Chicago. The weather is still warm but not too hot, festivals are taking place, and the beaches at Lake Michigan are still warm enough to enjoy. The incredible architecture, along with deep-dish pizza, creates a great getaway destination.

 

Things to do:

• Visit Millennium Park, or Navy Pier, or take a stroll down the Chicago Riverwalk.

• Take an architectural boat tour which provides a different perspective of the skyline.

• Visit some of the best museums in the world including the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum.

 

Travel tip: 

Be part of some great events like Riot Fest, Chicago Gourmet, or the World Music Festival.

 

 

 

  8. Glacier National Park, Montana

Before parts of it close off for the winter, Glacier National Park provides solitude, incredible scenery, and cool, crisp air in September. The fall foliage here comes early, and the views are spectacular.

 

Things to do:

• Drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.

• Hike trails, including Hidden Lake Overlook, Grinnell Glacier, or Avalanche Lake.

• Take a boat cruise on either Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake.

 

Travel tip: 

Watch for wildlife, especially grizzly bears, that are typically visible at this time as they prepare for hibernation.

 

 

 

  9. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada 

Positioned along the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a year-round playground. The summer crowds and heat have faded away, the water is still warm but not too hot, and the lake is calm and clear, which is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or just lounging on the beach.

 

Things to do:

• Hike the scenic trails like Eagle Lake, Mount Tallac, or the Rubicon Trail. 

• Take a dip or boat cruise on Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed spots in all of Tahoe. 

• Check out the Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival, usually in mid-September. 

 

Travel tip: 

Carry a camera as the sunsets on the lake in September are some of the most colorful you'll ever see. 

 

 

 

  10. Taos, New Mexico

Taos possesses a heady mix of southwestern heritage, adobe architecture, and expansive desert landscapes. In September, the monsoon rains are mostly finished, the skies are blue, and the town is buzzing with creative energy.

 

Things to do:

• Check out some of the local art galleries and studios. Taos is a historic haven for artists.

• Hike nearby to the Rio Grande Gorge.

• If you are there toward the end of the month, check out the Taos Fall Arts Festival. 

 

Travel tip: 

Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S.

 

 

  11. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. September is a sweet spot, before the colorful October crowd fills the park, and after the heat of the summer has faded. 

 

Things to do:

• Visit the historical cabins in Cades Cove and the historic mills in a very active wildlife area.

• Go waterfall hopping in the park with hikes to Laurel Falls, Abrams Falls, or Grotto Falls.

• Spend the evening in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge where the mountains meet some quirky fun. 

 

Travel tip:

Wildlife is more active in the cooler temps, so bring binoculars for black bears or elk watching.

 

 

 

  12. Acadia National Park, Maine

Trek the rugged shoreline trails, bike the heritage paths and enjoy the beautiful sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain. The ultimate experience of forest, ocean, and solitude.

 

Things to do:

• Sunrises from Cadillac Mountain, one of the first locations in the U.S. to witness a sunrise.

• Hike the landscape trails, like the Jordan Pond Path, Beehive Trail, and Precipice Trail, for whatever adventure and scenic view you're looking for.

• Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Eagle Lake, or Long Pond, and enjoy moments of nature around you. 

 

Travel Tip: 

September can still be crowded, so it is recommended to visit early when there are fewer crowds and enjoy the great seafood in Bar Harbor.

 

 

 

  13. Charleston, South Carolina

If you are looking for a neat place to visit in September, check out Charleston! The weather is getting cooler, the scenery is great, the gardens are in bloom, and it's an overall amazing experience. You can take a relaxing walk along the water, go to a cultural event, and taste great Southern food.

 

Things to do:

• Stroll along the Battery and gawk at the old mansions on Rainbow Row.

• Go see Boone Hall and Magnolia Plantation – they have pretty gardens and cool-looking oak trees covered in moss.

• Check out the MOJA Arts Festival. It’s a celebration of African-American and Caribbean art with dance, music, and plays.

 

Travel tip:

Keep an eye on the weather! September is the start of hurricane season on the Atlantic coast.

 

 

  14. Seattle, Washington

With clear skies, no humidity, and usually Mount Rainier clearly visible, the city of Seattle is both a city and the place where mountains, lakes, and evergreen forests lie within striking distance.

 

Things to do:

• Stroll through Pike Place Market for artisanal food items, flowers, and the world-famous fish-throwers.

• Spend a day hiking or photographing Mount Rainier National Park - it's easy to get to and will be unbelievable at this time of year.

•  Rent a paddle-board or kayak and enjoy Lake Union - houseboats and a skyline view will surprise you.

 

Travel tip:  

Explore lively neighborhoods like Fremont, Capitol Hill, and Ballard for foodie finds, music, and indie shops.

 

 

 

  15. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a cool spot if you want something real but also artsy. The city's got a unique vibe from Native American, Spanish, and Mexican feeling that shows up in its art, food, and buildings. 

 

Things to do:

• Walk around Canyon Road in the afternoon. There are tons of galleries and studios with flowers all over the place.

• Check out the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to learn about her life and art from the Southwest.

• Visit the historic Santa Fe Plaza and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi nearby.

 

Travel tip: 

Santa Fe's is way high up, over 7,000 feet. If you're coming from lower spots, give yourself a day to get used to it. Drink lots of water and chill with the spicy food until you feel normal.