Are you wanting to plan a vacation for the month of September? Then you should add these “10 Magical Places in the USA to Visit in September” to your list. September is one of my favorite months to travel. You are starting to get away from summer crowds and the weather is typically great in a lot of destinations in the US. You may also start to find cheaper rates with airlines and hotels as well during September.
Here is a list of 10 Magical Places to Visit in the USA during September.
1. Bar Harbor, Maine
September in Bar Harbor is magical. The weather is fantastic. The summer crowds are starting to dissipate, but everything is still open and lively.
Things to do in Bar Harbor
Where to eat
Where to stay
For more in depth details on Bar Harbor, check out my Bar Harbor blog post: How To Spend 4 Days in Bar Harbor.
2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is my favorite place to travel any time of year, but in particular, September is my favorite. The crowds have thinned out and the weather could not be any better. It’s perfect. Grand Teton National Park is still full open, as well as all of the local shops and businesses.
Things to do in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park
Where to eat
Where to stay
For a more in depth look at a Jackson Hole itinerary, check out my blog post 4 Day Jackson Hole Itinerary. I also have a Jackson Hole Travel Guide that I curated with all of my favorite things in Jackson Hole and more details about everything: hotels, dining, hiking trails, maps, how to get around, experiences, favorite vendors and more.
3. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is such a magical destination. Honestly before traveling there, I did not think red rocks could be as beautiful as other mountain ranges, but they truly are. Sedona is a great destination for outdoor lovers: amazing hiking, jeep tours, and more. The weather will start to cool off in September as well, making it a perfect time to visit.
Things to do in Sedona
Where to stay in Sedona
Where to eat in Sedona
For a look at my Sedona itinerary check out my TikTok on How to Spend 4 Days in Sedona.
4. Oahu, Hawaii
I mean let’s be honest, Hawaii is a great destination any time of year, so why not visit in September when some of the summer crowds have dissipated. It is a beautiful, lush island with much more adventure than just laying around on the beach.
Things to do in Oahu
Where to stay in Oahu
Where to eat in Oahu
5. Charleston, South Carolina
When you think of southern hospitality, then you think of Charleston. Charleston is a great destination because it has amazing southern food, fantastic shopping, interesting history and nearby beaches.
Things to do in Charleston
Where to stay in Charleston
Where to eat in Charleston
If you want an easier way to plan your trip to Charleston, then check out my Charleston Travel Guide that I curated with all of my favorites and must do’s in Charleston.
6. Branson, Missouri
My family and I live within driving distance of Branson, MO so we travel here often. One of my favorite times to go is September. The summer crowds have thinned out and Silver Dollar City (Branson’s theme park) has started their fall festival. The decorations there are unbelievable.
Where to Stay in Branson:
Things to Do in Branson:
- Silver Dollar City
- Pink Jeep Tours
- Snow Flex Tubing Park
- Music Shows
- Lost Canyon Nature Trail
- Off Road Excursions
- Dogwood Canyon
Where to Eat in Branson:
- Branson Landing Restaurants
- Big Cedar Lodge Restaurants
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede
- The Keeter Center
- Level 2 Steakhouse
- Florentina’s
7. Glacier National Park
Glacier is so pretty in the summer so traveling there in September will still bring all of the beauty of the park, less crowds, and most of all of the roads will be open in September.
Where to Stay:
Things to Do in Glacier National Park:
Where to Eat:
- Whitefish Lake Restaurant
- Tupelo Grille
- Jalisco Cantina
- Latitude 48 Bistro
- Last Best Pizza
- Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery
Glacier National Park is so lovely and perfect to visit in September. The neighboring town of Whitefish is the most beautiful mountain town to serve as your home base. If you have a few extra days, then I suggest taking the drive down to Superior, MT and staying a few days at Alpine Falls Ranch. An all-inclusive ranch resort where nature and luxury meet. It has truly been one of the best vacations we have ever taken.
8. New York City
New York City’s energy is why I love traveling there. As soon as you step off of the plane and into the City, you feel transformed to the hustle and bustle of it all. September is the perfect time to travel there. Summer crowds are gone and it just seems a little less touristy this time of year.
Where to Stay in NYC:
Things to Do in NYC:
- Go see a Broadway show
- Pedi Cab Tour of Central Park
- Statue of Liberty
- 9/11 Museum and Memorial
- Food Tours
- Shop on 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue with a personal stylist
- Empire State Building &/or Top of the Rock
- Boat Tours around Manhattan
You can also grab a New York City City Pass which gives you access to many different attractions for one low ticket price. We have used this on a few of our trips, especially with kids and it is really a good value.
Where to Eat in NYC:
- Sarabeth’s for brunch
- The Blue Box Cafe
- Liberty Bagels
- Tavern on the Green
- Boathouse
- Keens Steakhouse
- John’s Pizza
- Patsy’s Italian Restaurant
If you want a more detailed itinerary on How to do NYC with Kids, then check out my blog post on that HERE.
9. Washington, DC
Washington DC is a must visit destination in the USA. September is a great time to visit. The weather can still be warm, but crowds have definitely thinned out, making it easier to see all of the museums without massive crowds.
Where to Stay in DC:
- Conrad Washington DC
- Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- The Hay-Adams
- Dupont Circle Hotel
- Rosewood Washington DC
- The Jefferson
Things to Do in DC:
- Tour the Smithsonian Museums
- Tour the Capitol
- Visit the White House
- Sightseeing Tours
- Lincoln Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Go to a Nationals game
- Visit Georgetown
Where to Eat in DC:
- Old Ebbitt Grill
- Founding Farmers
- Charlie Palmer Steak
- Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
- Top of the Yard
- The Hamilton
- Call Your Mother
10. 30A, Florida
September is my favorite time to visit 30A. If you go much later than September or October, then the weather can be too chilly to enjoy it. School has started back for most southern schools by September, so the crowds are light and beaches are free from tons of people.
Where to Stay on 30A:
- WaterColor Inn
- The Pearl Rosemary Beach
- The Lodge 30A
- The Pointe on 30A
- The Court-Seaside
- Vacation Home Rentals
Things to Do in 30A:
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Golf Cart Rentals
- Bike rentals
- Dolphin Cruise
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches
- Pontoon Rentals
Where to Eat in 30A:
- Cafe Thirty-A
- Old Florida Fish House
- Mimmo’s 30A
- Seagrove Village Market
- Bud & Alley’s
- Surfing Deer
- The Citizen
- Great Southern Cafe
30A has been a favorite destination of mine and my family’s for years. My husband and I got married here 12 years ago and we have come back every year as family to this beautiful beach destination. I have a more detailed travel guide available for purchase. Covering everything you will need to know about planning your trip to 30A. Check it out HERE.
There are so many amazing places to travel in the USA and September is great time to do that. It’s the start of shoulder season for a lot of areas, making it a great time to visit many destinations with great weather and fewer crowds. You should add these 10 Magical Places in the USA to Visit in September to your bucket list.
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Sharing my family's adventures across the USA. Hoping to inspire you to travel the US by sharing travel guides, itineraries, travel must haves, what to pack & what to wear.
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