Best Places to Visit in September USA

September marks the transition from summer to fall across the United States. It’s a time when “summer crowds… have thinned out,” temperatures are pleasant, and “the first bursts of vibrant fall foliage” begin to appear. Travel experts agree that “September is a perfect time to explore the United States,” offering cooler weather and fewer tourists. In this guide, we highlight the best places to visit in September USA: destinations from the East Coast to the Pacific Coast and beyond, each with its own seasonal appeal. You’ll find everything from leafy New England drives to sunny Southern cities. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a couples’ retreat, or a solo road trip, these top-10 destinations combine ideal weather with unique fall events and scenery best places to visit in September USA

September is often called “shoulder season” – after the peak summer rush but before fall’s cold sets in. Many popular spots are quieter now: hotel rates drop, attractions are less crowded, and landscapes begin their autumn transformation. For example, Acadia National Park in Maine welcomes about 4 million visitors a year, making it one of the top 10 most-visited U.S. national parks. Visiting Acadia in September means enjoying that crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast without the peak-season crowds. best places to visit in September USA From mountain foliage to coastal beaches, the U.S. offers a wide array of fall experiences. Read on for our detailed list of the 10 best places to visit in September in the USA, complete with travel tips, weather notes, and highlights.

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1. Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor, Maine

Lighthouse at Acadia National Park, Maine, where September brings mild weather and vibrant fall colors.
Acadia National Park on Maine’s rugged coast is a September favorite. With the summer crowds thinned out, visitors enjoy “a peaceful post-Labor Day calm” and pleasantly mild weather. Early hints of autumn color start appearing across the forests and shorelines, making Acadia’s scenic drives especially stunning. For context, Acadia draws about 4 million visitors annually (top 10 in the U.S.), so September’s off-peak timing means more solitude on its 158 miles of trails and 27 miles of historic carriage roads best places to visit in September USA. Nearby Bar Harbor – the park’s gateway town – also buzzes with fall charm. In September, Bar Harbor’s shops and restaurants stay lively while cooler temps invite outdoor activities best places to visit in September USA.

• Hike Cadillac Mountain at sunrise: Enjoy panoramic views (Cadillac is the highest point on the Atlantic coast). Fall colors and dawn light make early September treks unforgettable.
• Drive the Park Loop Road: This 27-mile loop offers ocean vistas and forested trails. Look for changing leaves in Acadia’s woods.
• Explore Jordan Pond and Jordan Pond Path: The historic carriage-road trail around Jordan Pond has beautiful views of the Bubbles (granite peaks). Stop at the Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers and blueberry sodas – a classic Acadia treat best places to visit in September USA.
• Stay in charming Bar Harbor: Choose cozy B&Bs or inns (many in old Captain’s homes) and enjoy Maine’s famous seafood – lobster rolls, clam chowder, and even wild blueberry pie – at local cafés.

Visiting Acadia in September offers cooler hiking weather (average highs ~20°C) and a chance to see wildlife like moose and migrating birds. Just pack layers for crisp mornings, and you’ll have a front-row seat to nature’s early autumn display best places to visit in September USA.

2. New England (Vermont & New Hampshire)

Early September signals the start of foliage season in New England. Driving through Vermont’s Green Mountains or New Hampshire’s White Mountains, you’ll see “vibrant fall foliage… across the beautiful countryside”. The weather remains “pleasantly warm” during the day, and nights grow cool, creating ideal conditions for scenic road trips. This is prime leaf-peeping season: towns like Woodstock (VT) and Lincoln (NH) burst with reds, oranges, and golds. Popular routes like New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway offer breathtaking views as forests begin to turn best places to visit in September USA.

• Drive the Kancamagus Highway (NH-112): This scenic 34-mile route in the White Mountains is famous for autumn color. Several overlooks provide perfect photo ops of rivers and woodlands.
• Visit charming New England towns: Stop in Woodstock, VT (rocking chair-lined village green) or Stowe, VT (base of Mt. Mansfield) for local art galleries and farm stands selling apple cider and donuts. Try the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and maple treats best places to visit in September USA.
• Hike in state parks: Explore trails in Franconia Notch (NH) or Green Mountain National Forest (VT). The forests are quiet now, and peaks like Mount Mansfield begin to show fall tints.
• Attend harvest festivals: Early September hosts events like the Great North Woods Fall Festival in NH or small-town fairs with pumpkin displays. These celebrate New England’s agricultural heritage and crisp-season produce for best places to visit in September USA.

Since New England spans multiple states, temperatures vary: expect daytime highs in the mid-teens to low 20s°C. Layers are key as mornings can feel chillier. But with fewer tourists than in mid-October, you’ll enjoy iconic foliage sights in a peaceful, nostalgic setting.

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Historic waterfront street in Charleston, SC – September sees warm days, green gardens, and smaller crowds.
Charleston embodies Southern charm, and September is an ideal time to experience it. By early fall, “the summer heat had finally gone,” gardens and parks remain lush, and peak-season crowds are gone. This means you can explore the city’s cobblestone streets, colorful historic district, and waterfront at a leisurely pace. Hotel rates drop once September arrives, making it easier to book even oceanfront inns on nearby Sullivan’s Island. The vibe is elegant yet laid-back: sunny days (highs ~29°C) and comfortably warm evenings best places to visit in September USA.

• Stroll Rainbow Row and The Battery: Enjoy views of pastels Georgian houses along the harbor. This historic area is quiet in September – great for photos without summer throngs.
• Dine on Lowcountry cuisine: Don’t miss Charleston’s famed dishes. At the Charleston City Market or nearby restaurants, sample okra soup, shrimp and grits, and benne wafers. Cafés like Husk offer modern takes on southern classics.
• Visit plantations and gardens: It’s still warm enough to tour Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, or Boone Hall. These estates showcase grand gardens and live oaks draped with Spanish moss. In September, many hold off-season events like the “Beauti-Fall Festival” at Magnolia (garden tours and crafts) best places to visit in September USA.
• Enjoy outdoor activities: Spend afternoons on Folly Beach or hit the sandy shores of Isle of Palms. September ocean waters are warm but less crowded. Paddleboard in Charleston Harbor or bike along the scenic waterfront parkbest places to visit in September USA.

Many festivals resume in autumn: the MOJA Arts Festival (celebrating African-American and Caribbean culture) sometimes falls in September, and local bars often have oyster roasts. With summer’s humidity fading and big crowds gone, Charleston’s mix of history, food, and waterfront beauty shines this time of year.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, or “The Big Easy,” offers a unique late-summer getaway. In September the city is still warm (summer lingered longer down south), allowing you to keep the flip-flops on. The homeExchange travel guide notes you can “continue soaking up the sun in The Big Easy” in September. With Mardi Gras months away, you’ll enjoy NOLA’s music and festivities without shoulder-season winter crowds. The air is humid but gradually cooling, and you’ll find lively bars and jazz clubs active well into the nightbest places to visit in September USA.

• Savor Creole and Cajun cuisine: New Orleans is a foodie paradise. Eat your way through the French Quarter or Garden District – jambalaya, gumbo, po’boys, and red beans and rice are everywhere. A stop at Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait is a must. The travel blog recommends indulging in local Creole dishes at every corner best places to visit in September USA
• Listen to jazz on Frenchmen Street: After dark, head to Frenchmen Street or Preservation Hall for live jazz and blues. In September, many bars have outdoor seating with jazz bands, and you can enjoy music without summer’s oppressive heat.
• Take a riverboat cruise: Enjoy the cool breezes on the Mississippi River with a paddlewheeler cruise. It’s a relaxing way to see the city skyline and hear stories of New Orleans’ past best places to visit in September USA.
• Experience unique festivals: September 2025 features several events – for example, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival sometimes spans late September (dates vary). Also, concerts and cultural fests pop up as kids return to school best places to visit in September USA.

While New Orleans has no real winter, September brings more comfortable temperatures (averaging mid-20s°C) than summer peaks. Plan for humidity, and carry sunscreen for daytime. By visiting now, you “see summer out with a bang” in New Orleans style: food, music, and riverboat sunsets best places to visit in September USA

5. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago in September hits the sweet spot between hot summer and freezing winter. The HomeExchange guide notes the city’s “most mild weather” arrives in early autumn. Average highs drop to the 20s°C (mid-70s°F), making it perfect for exploring. With summer’s heat and humidity subsiding, Chicago’s architecture, lakefront, and neighborhoods are much more pleasant. This is also festival season – for example, the annual Chicago Jazz Festival (a major Labor Day weekend event) draws musicians and crowds, and is free to attend best places to visit in September USA

• Walk along Lake Michigan: Stroll the scenic Lakefront Trail or visit Navy Pier (less busy than in July). Chicago’s beaches (North Avenue, Oak Street) are still warm enough for a late-summer dip.
• Experience Millennium Park and The Loop: The iconic Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park are best enjoyed in this mild weather. Take an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River to see famous skyscrapers without the summer glare best places to visit in September USA
• Visit top museums: September is less crowded at world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago or the Museum of Science & Industry. Free-for-all days often happen around Labor Day.
• Catch a festival or game: In late summer, Chicago hosts the Chicago Jazz Festival and sometimes the Chicago Blues Festival. If you love baseball, see the Cubs or White Sox – the crowds are thinner, and the seats cooler best places to visit in September USA

In short, Chicago in September is “a softer side of the seasons”. The transition season means comfortable sightseeing weather. Evening fireworks at Navy Pier on Friday nights resume post-Labor Day, and many rooftop bars stay open as long as the temperature holds. Don’t forget a light jacket for cooler lakeside nights best places to visit in September USA

6. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is an art-lover’s and foodie’s September destination. Nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it offers warm days and cool mountain air in early fall. The travel guide describes “warm but comfortable weather, fewer crowds, great deals on accommodation,” and golden cottonwoods starting to glow in the hills around town. You can wander its historic adobe streets and art markets without summer’s heat or crowds. The city’s unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures comes alive with festivals and sunshine best places to visit in September USA

• Explore Canyon Road and the Plaza: Over 100 art galleries line Canyon Road. In September, you’ll find new exhibits and fewer tourists blocking the narrow street. The Plaza (central square) still buzzes with live music and local vendors.
• Enjoy local flavors: Try green chile stews, sopaipillas, and grilled blue corn dishes. The September Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta celebrates local cuisine with parades and music. Don’t miss the Burning of Zozobra festival (effigy burn) – a dramatic local tradition on late September best places to visit in September USA
• Visit nearby natural sites: Drive an hour to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks (unique cone formations) or Bandelier National Monument for light hiking through canyons. The cooler September temperatures (highs ~24°C) make hiking very pleasant.
• Take a scenic drive: The mountain roads around Santa Fe display early fall color. The Turquoise Trail (Highway 14 to Albuquerque) is one route with beautiful vistas of aspen groves best places to visit in September USA

Santa Fe’s high altitude means nights can get chilly (sometimes into the single digits °C) even in September, so bring layers. However, the daytime sun is strong and warm, perfect for touring the historic Plaza and relaxing on adobe patios. As one guide notes, Santa Fe “is one of the best places to visit in September in the USA” for its mix of culture and crisp mountain beauty best places to visit in September USA

7. Seattle, Washington

Seattle in September still feels like summer on the West Coast. GlobalGrasshopper reports “the weather was still pleasantly mild and mostly dry, the summer crowds had long gone”. Average highs are around 20°C, with low humidity. September is typically one of Seattle’s driest months, so it’s ideal for outdoor exploring. The city’s parks and trails look beautiful under clear skies, and you can often see Mount Rainier looming above the skyline when the air is this crisp best places to visit in September USA

• Visit Pike Place Market: Fewer tourists mean a more relaxed stroll through this iconic market. Fresh Northwest seafood, berries, and artisanal cheeses abound. Grab a cup of Seattle’s famous coffee and watch the fishmongers’ show without the summer rush.
• Sightsee with views: Ride the Seattle Great Wheel on the waterfront or head up the Space Needle. At the top of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park offers classic city-and-water panoramas. GlobalGrasshopper recommends gazing at sweeping mountain views from the Space Needle in September best places to visit in September USA
• Enjoy waterfront and parks: Explore green spaces like Discovery Park or Gas Works Park with comfortable weather. A kayak trip on Lake Union is popular before fall rains return.
• Attend festivals: In early September, the Washington State Fair runs in nearby Puyallup (rides, livestock shows). The Seattle Wine & Food Experience often takes place in mid-September as well. The guide notes Seattle’s late-September events such as the State Fair and a Jackson Street Jazz Walk – plan to catch local jazz and street food best places to visit in September USA

By late September, you may start feeling the cool Pacific Northwest evenings (down to ~10°C), but during the day it’s still T-shirt weather. Pack a light rain jacket just in case – one day of showers is possible – but you’ll mostly enjoy sunny skies. With no more crowds and plenty of clear days, Seattle offers one of the best places to visit in September in the USA for outdoor lovers and city wanderers alike.

8. Colorado Springs, Colorado

In September, Colorado Springs on the Front Range offers stunning early-fall scenery without heavy tourist crowds. The mountains around the city (including Pikes Peak) are beginning to turn golden with aspens. According to travel logs, the city is “absolutely magical in early fall — the weather was sunny and mild, the summer crowds had faded,” and the “golden aspens… were lighting up the nearby mountains”. Average daytime temperatures hover in the 20s°C, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

• Hike or drive Pikes Peak: The historic Pikes Peak Highway or the Cog Railway takes you to 14,115 ft, and fall colors burst along the route. September’s cooler air makes the summit less windy.
• Explore Garden of the Gods: This free park features towering red sandstone spires against mountain backdrops. In fall, the scrubby vegetation and sky contrast beautifully with the rocks – and the park is far less busy than in July.
• Check out local festivals: Fiesta en Septiembre celebrates Colorado Springs’ Hispanic heritage. There’s also “Pawtoberfest” – a dog-friendly festival in honor of animals at local shelters. These lively events happen in September when the weather is still pleasant.
• Visit Historic Downtown: Wander along Tejon Street for boutique shops and restaurants. In the evenings, catch a concert at an outdoor venue like Red Rocks Amphitheatre (just north in Morrison) – the foliage and cooler temps make the shows extra special this time of year.

All in all, early September lets you enjoy Colorado’s famous mountain attractions with crisp air and lower prices. Hotel rates in the Springs dip after Labor Day, so travel-savvy visitors can find “great deals on accommodation”. Bring a light jacket for nightfall – the high plains can cool off sharply after sunset.

9. Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is sometimes called the “American Riviera,” and September is arguably the best month here. Coastal California often suffers from “June Gloom” fog, but by September “the famous fog had lifted,” yielding clear skies and warm sunshine. The result is perfect beach weather without summer crowds. You’ll find Santa Barbara’s palm-lined streets and Spanish-style plazas active but not overcrowded, and temperatures in the low 20s°C.

• Relax on the beaches: East Beach and Butterfly Beach are often warm enough to sunbathe in September, and the ocean starts to warm up. You can swim or surf with fewer lifeguards on duty but more personal space.
• Stroll State Street and the Funk Zone: The downtown pedestrian mall (State Street) features shops, sidewalk cafés, and street musicians. West of downtown, the Funk Zone has breweries, wineries, and art galleries, perfect for an afternoon tasting tour.
• Scenic drives and wine tasting: Rent a convertible and cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway. A short drive over the coastal hills takes you to the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. September grape harvest events are in full swing, so you can sample new vintages. The travel guide suggests driving the PCH and wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley during September.
• Visit local missions: The historic Santa Barbara Mission, with its gardens and mountains backdrop, is especially beautiful in mild weather. It’s less crowded now, letting you appreciate the grounds.

According to HomeExchange, Santa Barbara “truly comes into its own in September,” offering “clear skies, warm sunshine, and the relaxed pace locals cherish”. In fact, many guidebooks list it among the best places to travel in September in the USA for couples and families, thanks to its mix of beach fun and Mediterranean climate. Pack sunglasses and a light jacket (it cools slightly after sunset), and you’re set for a picture-perfect coastal escape.

10. Hawaii (Big Island – Hilo)

Hawaii’s tropical climate means any time is a great time to visit, but September has some special advantages. It’s near the end of Hawaii’s summer peak season, so “crowds tend to be smaller”, while the weather is still warm and dry. Specifically, September falls in the Big Island’s dry season, so rain chances are lower than in winter months. You’ll get plenty of sunshine for beach and volcano adventures. The HomeExchange guide notes: “September is also part of the drier season on the Big Island, making it an excellent time to visit.”

• Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: On the Big Island near Hilo, visit Kilauea Volcano’s caldera and steam vents. While lava flows can vary by year, the park’s trails and lookout points offer unique volcanic landscapes. (One recent tip: Guided tours may allow safe viewing of active lava if conditions permit.)
• Relax on black-sand beaches: Hilo has its share of tropical parks. Richardson Beach Park is great for snorkeling and sea turtle sightings. In September, the ocean is calm and warm for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
• Visit waterfall country: The lush east side of the Big Island has many waterfalls (Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls). The hiking trails are in good shape and flora is verdant without the heavy rains of winter.
• Enjoy Hawaiian culture: Attend a hula performance or Hawaiian music show. September often features luaus in Waikoloa and Hilo’s local markets. Don’t miss sampling tropical fruits (mango, papaya, lychee) at the daily Hilo Farmers Market.

Daytime highs in Hawaii in September are around 27–30°C, and nights stay warm (rarely below 20°C). You can pack light clothing year-round. Sunscreen and reef-safe sunscreen are a must. With tourism slightly off-peak and guaranteed aloha spirit, the Big Island (or Maui/Kauai) makes a superb September getaway. As one guide puts it: “September can be particularly enticing as crowds tend to be smaller…head to The Big Island of Hawaii” for paradise weather.

FAQs

Q: What are some of the best places to visit in September in the USA?
A: Aside from the 10 spots listed above, other great September destinations include New England’s coastal towns (like Bar Harbor and Portland, ME), the Great Smoky Mountains (for fall color in NC/TN), and national parks such as Yosemite or Glacier (crowds are lower and nights are cooler). The best places in the USA to visit in September typically have mild weather and seasonal events – think New England foliage, ocean breezes on the East Coast, or desert hiking in the Southwest.

Q: Why is September a good time to travel in the USA?
A: September is often the shoulder season of travel: kids are back in school, peak summer holidays are over, but the weather is still warm in much of the country. This means fewer crowds and lower hotel rates in many popular destinations. Many cities and parks enjoy pleasant temperatures (not too hot), and you can experience local harvest festivals or cultural events. For example, many U.S. national parks report significantly reduced visitation after Labor Day, so trails and viewpoints are more peaceful. (Acadia NP’s park official site notes you’ll find less congestion in September.)

Q: Are U.S. national parks less crowded in September?
A: Yes, generally. Popular parks like Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, and Zion still have good weather in September but see a drop in visitors as summer ends. The National Park Service confirms Acadia’s 4 million annual visits, noting that “after Labor Day… crowds thin”. Always check park websites for any seasonal road or facility schedules, but plan on more parking space and easier reservations in this month.

Q: What is the best place to visit in USA in September for warm weather?
A: For warmth, look south or west. Hawaii (Big Island or Maui) and Florida’s beaches (e.g. the Keys) remain hot. On the mainland, Southern California coastal cities (Santa Barbara, San Diego) and the Gulf Coast (New Orleans, gulf beaches of Alabama) stay warm. For an “all-inclusive” resort vibe, Hawaii’s beach resorts or Hawaiian cultural packages offer warm, dry weather in September.

Q: Where can I see fall foliage in September in the USA?
A: The higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains (e.g., Colorado’s aspens in the Rockies by late September) and some northern areas (Acadia, northern New England, Adirondacks) start seeing color in late September. In New England, expect peak foliage in mid-late October, but New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Vermont’s Green Mountains can begin turning at month’s end. For guaranteed color, head to higher altitudes or cool northern regions.

Q: What should I pack for a trip to the USA in September?
A: Packing depends on destination. Generally, bring layers: light shirts for warm afternoons and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in mountainous or coastal areas. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. For southern and western trips, also pack sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Rain gear is wise if you’re heading to the Northwest or New England (some September showers possible). And check local forecasts – desert and mountain regions can cool off sharply at night, so one warm layer is useful.

Q: Are there any Halloween or fall festivals in September?
A: Yes, many regions kick off fall celebrations early. For example, Santa Fe has the Burning of Zozobra festival. Asheville (NC) often hosts fall beer and music festivals. Small towns across New England start harvest fairs in late September. Many cities offer pumpkin patches and corn mazes by mid-September. It’s a great time to experience local culture as farmers celebrate the end of summer’s crop.

Q: How can I save money on a September trip in the USA?
A: Traveling in early September means off-peak pricing. Hotels in beach resorts, big cities, and national parks often drop prices after Labor Day. Look for package deals – some Caribbean-style resorts (e.g. in Hawaii or Florida) advertise all-inclusive packages even in September. If flights are your concern, mid-week travel often has lower fares. Also, booking in advance or using points/miles can yield savings. Always compare cross-city train or rental-car options, since off-season rates for trains or midweek car rentals can be reasonable.

Have you visited any of these destinations in September? Let us know your favorite fall getaway in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, please share it on social media – your fellow travelers will thank you. Happy autumn adventures!

Sources: Verified travel guides, park websites, and travel blogs.