September In the USA: 10 Amazing Locations Suggested By Experts

When I think of September in the USA I think of a riot of colors. I mean, it is after all fall season in the USA and it is the best time for all those perfect Instagram photographs. Plus… The weather is ideal. It isn’t too hot and it isn’t freezing either.

The question when it comes to September in the USA is where do you go? What’s the best place to experience the season?

We have you covered with a list of picture perfect destinations brought to you by travel experts and locals. Plus a horde of information about each location including where to stay, what to do and how to get there!

If you are browsing through the best places to visit in the USA series that we have put together, use the links below.

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1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is the perfect place to spend September in the USA!

Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Where To Stay: It is best to stay in the park if you can find availability. This will limit your driving time in and out of the park. Lodging in the park does fill up quickly, so if you’re looking for last-minute availability, you will need to check for cancellations or stay in West Yellowstone.

Staying in West Yellowstone is still a great option if you can’t find availability in the park or if that is outside of your budget. The park has loads to do so you can plan your Yellowstone National Park itinerary based on the time you have!

One of the best times to go to Yellowstone is the month of September. The summer crowds have left, but the weather is still nice enough to enjoy the beautiful hikes and wildlife. All of the services and amenities in the park, like ranger’s stations, visitor’s centers, and lodging, are still open.

Lodging also tends to be less expensive after the summer demand has dropped. This alone makes it an attractive place to spend September in the USA.

During the fall months, be sure to go on some hikes to see the changing fall foliage. There are lots of aspens in the park that turn beautiful colors during the early fall months.

Another great hike is to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most iconic sites in the park, and seeing it from above is amazing. The colors in these hot springs are so vibrant, and they are one of the best viewpoints in the park.

Temperatures can vary in the month of September, so make sure you are prepared for hot and cooler temperatures.

By Candice from CS Ginger

Note: Don’t forget to check out the local guides, tours and hikes that are conducted in Yellowstone.

2. Stanley, Idaho

Stanley is a picturesque spot to spend September in the USA.

Location: Stanley, Idaho

Getting there: Stanley is tucked away in the stunning Sawtooth Mountains, 130 miles northeast of Boise. To get here, you’ll drive along the jaw dropping Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, past steep mountain slopes, rushing rivers, and thick forests of pine trees.

Where to stay: Given Stanley’s teeny size, the accommodations here are quite limited. That being said, Valley Creek Lodge offers squeaky clean rooms and awesome perks, like balconies or patios in almost every room.

Stanley, Idaho is a hidden gem of outdoor adventure, tucked into the dramatically jagged Sawtooth Mountains.

September is the perfect time to visit- the summer crowds have departed, while the mountains and alpine lakes remain unfrozen, allowing you to hike, climb, and kayak your heart out.

For an epic hike, check out the Alice Lakes trail, which can either be completed as a 12.5-mile day hike or 21.3 mile multi day backpacking trip. Along this trail, you’ll skirt along a stunning lake, climb up to a mountain ridge with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountain peaks and forests below, and to the shores of two stunningly colored alpine lakes.

For something lower impact, consider renting a kayak or canoe at Redfish Lake, a calm body of water that stretches on for 4.5 miles and provides absolutely gorgeous views of the Sawtooths towering overhead.

After you’re done out on the water, be sure to pop into the Redfish Lake Lodge for a well-earned beer or ice cream cone and sit outside with your treat, soaking up the last couple days of the late summer sun.

After all that hiking and kayaking, it’s time to take advantage of the many hot springs in Stanley, like Sunbeam Hot Springs or Boat Box Hot Springs. There’s a variety of options in the area, ranging from family-friendly to ones that require a challenging hike to access them.

Whichever one you choose, find a cozy spot to sit back, enjoy the steamy water, and soak in those incredible Idaho views. If you love the outdoors then this is the perfect spot to spend your September in the USA!

By Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

3. Mount Dora, Florida

If you haven’t considered Mount Dora for your vacation in September in the USA then you are missing out!

Location: Mount Dora is located just 33 miles northwest of Orlando.

Getting There: You can reach Mount Dora by a quick drive along Interstate 414 West and Interstate 429 North. It should take just under 40 minutes to get there.

Where to Stay: Stay at the historic Lakeside Inn!

Mount Dora is an adorable lakeside town conveniently located close to Orlando but not well-known outside of the state. It’s best known for its red and white striped lighthouse located on Lake Dora. The lighthouse is one of only three freshwater lighthouses in the state, and it’s a beautiful place to visit during September in the USA.

During September, the hot weather of summer finally starts to cool off into more comfortable temperatures as fall approaches. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy the lake and other outdoor activities. You can take a boat tour or head to Palm Island Park to explore 8 acres of trails, boardwalks, and wildlife-viewing spots.

Nearby there’s also a free art museum and an indie bookstore that has a unique book mural painted on the outside of the building. This artsy town also hosts many festivals in September, including craft fairs and special family painting nights.

If you’re looking for somewhere unique to spend September in the USA, definitely consider taking a trip to Mount Dora, Florida!

By Jillian Michelle from Adventure Dragon

4. Denver, Colorado

Want to spend September in the USA in a city? Think of Denver!

Location: Denver, Colorado

Getting there: Denver is accessible by three major interstates, I-25, I-76, and I-70, as well as the Denver International Airport. Be aware that Denver’s airport is set a bit east of the city, so you’ll need to drive about 45 minutes or take public transport to reach the downtown area.

Where to stay: If you can, stay in one of these neighborhoods: Capitol Hill, Washington Park, River North (RiNo), Ballpark, or the Lower Highlands (LoHi). They’re all relatively central and will have plenty to do nearby. Rent a car or plan to take Ubers/Lyfts in order to visit any surrounding areas.

September is the perfect time to visit Denver, Colorado! It’s sunny and warm most days, but the city is past the high temperatures of mid-summer. You’ll want to dress like an onion, with lots of layers to stay comfortable in the chilly September evenings.

If you’re traveling with children, or if you’re interested in paleontology, you can make a stop at Dinosaur Ridge to see some real dinosaur footprints. The geology in this area is pretty interesting, and you can read more about the ancient sea that once covered the eastern plains of Colorado in the Visitor’s Center.

Then, head to a concert under the stars at the renowned Red Rock Amphitheater, where you can see some of the biggest names in the world. If you can’t make it for a concert, you can still wander the grounds and check out the view of Denver.

Denver is also home to many breweries, some of which offer tours if you’re curious about the brewing process. You’ll also find a number of fun and funky restaurants throughout the city with large outdoor patios, perfect for enjoying the sunshine making it an ideal spot for September in the USA.

Denverites love to exercise, so practice some self-care and attend a yoga class in the park or go for a hike in the nearby hills of Golden, Colorado.

Amber from Amber Everywhere

Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Denver.

5. Paso Robles, California

As you can see, Paso Robles is a really cool place to spend September in the USA.

Location: Paso Robles is a wine country destination in the central coast of California.

Getting there: Paso Robles is around 2-3 hours drive from both San Francisco and Los Angeles making it the perfect weekend getaway for California locals.

For people visiting from outside of California flying to either San Jose international airport or Santa Barbara airport or Los Angeles airport will be the best options. From there Paso Robles is around 2 hours drive.

Where to stay: There are plenty of vacation rentals on Airbnb and VRBO with great views and amenities, many even have a pool! There are also some great hotels in downtown Paso Robles like the historic Paso Robles Inn and Hotel Cheval.

Paso Robles is a great getaway destination in Central California known for its hundreds of wineries and vineyards. But there are also lots of other amazing things to do in Paso Robles besides wineries if you are traveling with family. It is a laid back town with lots to offer.

September is a great time to visit Paso Robles as it is the beginning of harvest season and there are lots of festivals and events going on to celebrate harvesting of the grapes. The weather in September is warm, averaging around 80 degrees during the daytime making it pleasant to enjoy the vineyards and many other attractions.

Sensorio Field of Lights is a famous light and art display in Paso Robles by Bruce Munro and is a must visit! It is becoming quite popular and it is a breathtaking experience to see thousands of colorful lights at night against the rolling hills landscape of Paso Robles.

Sensorio recently added another display ‘Light Towers’ which is made of 17,000 wine bottles as a tribute to Paso Robles as a wine country.

Paso Robles downtown is very charming and has a small town feel. There are numerous boutiques, art galleries, and shops here. The downtown has wine tasting rooms for most of the famous vineyards in the region. The city park is in the center of downtown and a great place to have a picnic or visit the historic Carnegie library museum.

Studios on the Park art gallery features work of local artists. Sculpterra winery and sculpture garden also has interesting art sculptures to admire. If you choose to stay in downtown you can walk to many of the wine tasting rooms, restaurants and shops.

Tin City in Paso Robles is an upcoming local brewer’s market famous for craft beverages like beer, cider and spirits. It also has some great places to eat like Mcphee’s canteen. Paso Robles is also known for mineral hot springs, olive farms and olive tasting.

Paso Robles in California is a perfect destination to visit during September in USA.

By Anu from Destination Checkoff

Note: Don’t forget to check out the local guides, tours and hikes that are conducted in Paso Robles.

6. Sonoma Valley, California

If you love wine then the Sonoma County is the best place to spend September in the USA.

Location: Sonoma County, California

Getting There: Depending on where you are flying from, several airports are within an hour’s distance of the center of Sonoma County. The airport in Santa Rosa (STS) is the closest, but also has the fewest direct flights. Larger alternatives are Sacramento (SAC), San Franscisco (SFO), and Oakland (OAK).

Where to Stay: Sonoma County is known for its quaint, little towns, nestled in between some of the best boutique wineries in the country. Some of the best towns to stay in are Guerneville, Petaluma, Sonoma, and Novato. A long-time favorite hotel is the Olea, located in Glen Ellen.

Sonoma County is a less commercialized version of California’s Napa Valley. Known for fantastic wine, the vineyards in this area tend to be smaller and do not distribute as widely. This is one of the main reasons a trip to Sonoma is so special – you get to try their wine!

Aside from the vineyards, Sonoma County has stunning nature and is also the home to some amazing hikes around the Jack London Historical Park.

So why is Sonoma County an ideal place to spend September in the USA? The fantastic colors of course! It’s a little-known fact that the leaves on grapevines change colors in the autumn.

Imagine gazing at endless rows of yellow and red grapevines, terraced into the California Hills while the sun begins to set and you are sipping on your favorite wine.

As a bonus, in September, you’ll find fewer crowds and cooler weather. What’s not to love?

By Michele from Slow Traveling Cat

7. Newport, Rhode Island

Let’s not forget Newport in Rhode island when it comes to September in the USA.

Location: Newport, Rhode Island

Getting There: The Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is the closest airport to Newport, located just a one-hour drive from the city. However, the Boston Logan International Airport is less than a two-hour drive from Newport. Since it’s a bigger airport, flying into Boston and driving to Newport is typically cheaper.

Where to Stay: Newport, Rhode Island, has several beautiful hotels, but Hammetts Hotel offers gorgeous rooms, fantastic amenities, and quick access to Bowen’s Wharf and other popular attractions in Newport, making it one of the best places to stay!

September is a beautiful time to visit Newport, Rhode Island—and arguably, the best time of the whole year! By September, the summer tourists have left the beaches, but the warmer weather sticks around until the end of the month, creating the ideal environment for a peaceful vacation.

Newport is known for its glamorous mansions that pepper the coastline. During your vacation, you can’t miss the chance to tour one (or more!) of these ornate “summer cottages.” The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are the most popular, though there are 11 Newport Mansions you can tour in total.

The Cliff Walk is another one of the best things to do in Newport, RI. This 3.5-mile stretch of coastline offers gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and Newport Mansions. It’s a great place to take a relaxing stroll while enjoying the ocean breezes during your September vacation.

When you’re ready to eat, head to Thames Street or Bellevue Avenue. These popular streets are filled with boutique shops, fascinating museums, and, most importantly, fabulous local restaurants. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, Pasta Beach, and CRU Café are just a few restaurants you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Newport.

Regardless of how you choose to spend a relaxing fall vacation in Newport, Rhode Island, you’re sure to have an incredible time! Definitely one of the top picks for September in the USA.

By Brittany from Travel By Brit

Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Newport.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a popular location to spend September in the USA.

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada is in the middle of the Mojave Desert, which is one reason why September is a great time to visit. In September it’s no longer unbearably hot, which means you can enjoy all the city has to offer in beautiful weather.

Getting there: Fly into McCarran International Airport and grab a cab for the 15 minute trip into the city. It’s also possible to drive to Las Vegas. From Los Angeles, it’s a 4 hour trip, from Palm Springs it’s 2.5 hours, and it’s about 6 hours from San Diego or Salt Lake City.

Where to stay: For a quintessential Las Vegas experience, stay on the Vegas Strip in The Bellagio, The Venetian, or Caesar’s Palace. For a mid-range budget on the strip, check into the STRAT hotel. And for budget options, go Fremont Street for hotels like the Golden Nugget and Four Queens.

A visit to Las Vegas isn’t complete without stopping by the famous Las Vegas sign. Then, head to the Las Vegas Neon Museum. This outdoor museum features famous Vegas signs from old casinos and other businesses.

After doing some casino hopping on the Vegas strip, head to Fremont Street, home of the “Fremont Experience.” This pedestrian mall has a canopy of lights and every day it hosts street performances and free concerts. The area is lively, with casinos, tons of restaurants, and more.

If you are looking for a happening location for September in the USA then this is an ideal spot.

By Erin from Pina Travels

Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Vegas.

9. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

A mountain destination for September in the USA? Try Shenandoah National Park!

Location: Shenandoah National Park is in the mountains of Virginia and stretches from Waynesboro in the south to Front Royal in the north. The Front Royal Entrance Station is about an hour and a half from Washington D.C.

Getting There: If you’re flying, then you’ll want to fly into Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. and rent a car. You can also fly into Richmond International Airport if you want to be closer to the southern entrance.

Where To Stay: For the best experience, you’ll want to stay inside the park. Big Meadows Lodge is centrally located and has traditional hotel rooms as well as cabins for rent. You can also find the same type of lodging at Skyland Resort toward the northern end of the park.

Visiting Shenandoah National Park in September is one of the best times because there are much fewer crowds to contend with. Kids are back in school but the weather is still beautiful. The days are warm but you’ll need a jacket and nights have started to cool down.

Depending on the year, the leaves may begin to change in late September so leaf peepers may be the only thing to watch out for.

Some people love to just drive along Skyline Drive, stop at the overlooks, and enjoy the views but there are also some amazing hiking trails here.

Doyles River Falls, Stony Man, and Blackrock are some of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Old Rag is one of the most difficult and arguably the most famous in the park.

Dark Hollow Falls is the most popular waterfall hike and Upper Hawksbill is another hike with beautiful mountain views. Note that some of the waterfalls may be very dry in the fall depending on rainfall amounts.

You’ll likely want sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles as this is a very rocky area to hike in. Also, be prepared for spotty cell phone service.

One thing you must do while in the park is eat their famous dessert – the Blackberry Ice Cream Pie. You can find it at the restaurants at Skyland and Big Meadows.

Definitely a highly recommended place to spend September in the USA.

By Anna Cook of Stuck On The Go

10. Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is one dreamy location to spend September in the USA.

Location: Oahu, HI is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the sub region of Polynesia, about 2,500 miles southwest of California.

Getting there: Flights to Oahu run constantly from all over the continental US. There are non-stop flights from 27 cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and more.

Where to Stay: Waikiki Beach is the most popular place to stay on the Island, with the Sheraton Waikiki as the best hotel in that area. Located right on the ocean, this hotel is perfect for all types of travelers, but especially great for couples, or people who will not be renting a car.

Or stay at Ko Olina which is best for families, because of the Disney Aulani hotel and man made lagoons, perfect for kids to swim.

September is the perfect time to visit Oahu because the crowds reduce greatly this month. Oahu also experiences extremely consistent weather year round. As it begins to get cooler at home, Oahu will have an average high of 85 degrees fahrenheit, and very little rain this month.

With so many amazing things to do on Oahu, your itinerary will be full. Go hiking and catch beautiful views from Koko Crater Tramway Trail, Diamond Head Trail, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and Kaiwa Ridge Trail. They range from easy to hard and offer a variety of distances.

While you’re on Oahu, you’ll also want to visit Kualoa Ranch, a movie set where they film Jurassic Park and many other famous films. At the ranch you can take a movie set tour, or try something more unique like UTV tours and horseback riding through the property.

Some additional great activities include a visit to the North Shore, attending a luau, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and learning to surf in Waikiki!

You’ll never go hungry on this island with some of the best food in the world served here. You should try a variety of things including acai bowls, poke, malasadas, shave ice, loco moco, Dole Whip and so much more. Some of the best restaurants include Doraku sushi, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Koko Head Cafe for breakfast and Duke’s where you have to try the Hula Pie.

By Tori from Tori Pines Travels

Note: Don’t forget to check out the city passes, local guides, tours and popular activities in Oahu.