21 Best Places to Travel in September

If you’ve been waiting for summer vacationers to head back to work or school so you can enjoy your favorite—or new—destinations without the crowds, now is the time to plan your travel. Warm weather continues in most places, prices may be lower, and restaurant and tour reservations are easier to secure. With that said, we’ve compiled a variety of nearby and far-off places for you to explore. Here are our suggestions for your ideal September vacation.

Sacramento, California

It’s California’s capital, but it’s becoming better known as a foodie destination with more than 15 Michelin-recognized restaurants, multiple food and wine festivals, a James Beard Award finalist chef, and a 2024 Sustainable Food Award for its organic, farmer-owned Pachamama Coffee. Sacramento’s premier wine celebration, Legends of Wine (Sept. 4), is an open-air event with food from local restaurants, fine wine, and evening music. A few days later, on Sept. 6, Our Street Night Market will transform six downtown blocks into a celebration of global street food with sizzling grills, bold flavors, and thousands of locals filling the streets. The Tower Bridge Dinner on Sept. 7 is an unforgettable 800-person, white-tablecloth, family-style feast on Sacramento’s golden bridge. In case you’re not convinced, the city ends the month with a new chapter of its Farm-to-Fork event from Sept. 26 to 28, evolving into Terra Madre Americas, the first-ever U.S. edition of Slow Food’s globally renowned gathering. The inaugural event is free and open to the public with tastings, artisan markets, and chef demos.

Where to Stay: Sacramento has a range of places to stay, with more than 2,000 hotel rooms. The Kimpton Sawyer offers a unique pool deck that overlooks Golden 1 Center, home of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.

Jersey Shore, New Jersey

More than 90 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, a variety of cities and towns, lighthouses, entertainment venues, restaurants, and fresh local produce make the Jersey shore a great vacation destination. In September, summer crowds have gone, but the weather and ocean waves are still warm. There’s always something to do on the Atlantic City Boardwalk with the historic Steel Pier amusement park rides. For nightlife, there are casinos, clubs, restaurants, and concerts. Jersey shore September events include the Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow, from Sept. 5 to 6, with performances by military jets, vintage aircraft, stunt pilots, and precision parachute teams. Wildwoods beaches, known for their rock ‘n roll history, are free, and there’s live music, amusement park rides, and a two-mile boardwalk. Further south, charming Cape May is one of the country’s oldest resort destinations with nearly 600 preserved Victorian buildings.

Where to Stay: In Atlantic City, stay at Ocean Casino Resort, Borgata Hotel Casino, or Caesar’s Atlantic City. In Asbury Park, choose Asbury Ocean Club. In Cape May, The Virginia Hotel is an adults-only boutique, and Congress Hall is America’s oldest seaside resort. The boutique James Bradley in Bradley Beach is a block from the boardwalk.

Telluride, Colorado

High in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride hosts late summer events that earned it the nickname “Festival Capital of the Rockies.” The Old West-style mountain town, a National Historic Landmark and a favorite for winter sports, is a perfect September destination. Labor Day Weekend brings the annual Telluride Film Festival from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, and the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Sept. 12 to 14, is a family-friendly event with multiple stages, an eclectic mix of music genres, craft brews, kids activities, a 5K race, food, and morning yoga sessions. Celebrating motorcycles, aircraft, and exotic vehicles, the Telluride Autumn Classic includes live music and art from Sept. 25 to 27, and Corvette fans won’t want to miss Corvettes & Colors, three days of cool cars starting Sept. 29. Between festivals, there’s time to enjoy the views with a ride on the free gondola, a scenic hike, a canoe trip, a zipline tour, and more outdoor activities.

Where to Stay: Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, offering guest rooms, suites, and spacious private residences, has recently announced the debut of Crest Club, a private membership community. With Exceptional Stays, you can choose from a variety of vacation homes.

Greenville, South Carolina

Where else can you find a waterfall in the center of the city, a tree-shaded walkable downtown, street art, and a stunning pedestrian bridge overlooking 32 acres of streams, rock formations, and greenery? In addition to all that, Greenville is one of the best food cities in the country, with inventive new restaurants opening almost weekly. I fell in love with Greenville on a solo visit a few years ago with a delightful lunch overlooking the park after a quiet stroll among downtown boutiques. The sound of flowing water blended with music from a nearby guitar-playing singer, and I was hooked. I returned for the annual culinary celebration, Euphoria, to be held this year from Sept. 18 to 21, where top chefs, local restaurants, wineries, and entertainment highlight the best of Greenville. Fall for Greenville in October brings another opportunity to indulge in the city’s culinary attractions. Whether you visit for a festival, the park, or a performance at one of Greenville’s many venues, you’ll find, as I did, that your first visit won’t be your last.

Where to Stay: Hotel Hartness topped the list of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite South Carolina resorts in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. Originally the home of a prominent family, the resort blends historic architecture with contemporary design. Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection in downtown’s Falls Park is a convenient choice for exploring.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

For one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Munich, plan a visit to Frankenmuth, called “Little Bavaria” for its German heritage and architecture. From Sept. 18 to 21, there’s German beer from Munich-based Hofbrauhaus, the festival’s official sponsor, making Frankenmuth the first U.S. city to import the brew. German bands, dancing, food, wiener-dog races, and a scaled-down version of a German beer hall are all part of the fun. Located about 90 miles from Detroit, the city also hosts Frankenmuth Auto Fest, from Sept. 5 to 7, with classic cars, competitions, fireworks, and more than 700 German amphibious cars floating in the Cass River. The Fire Arts Festival, from Sept. 26 to 27, features workshops, blacksmithing demonstrations, and more. Visit Frankenmuth in winter for a classic German-style holiday market and Zehnder’s Snowfest with family entertainment, ice carvings, a petting zoo, and fireworks.

Where to Stay: There’s a variety of places to stay in Frankenmuth, from bed and breakfasts to vacation rentals and hotels. German-style rooms in Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge and Marv Herzog Hotel keep up with the local theme.

San Antonio, Texas

It’s still summer in San Antonio with weather in the 70s and 80s, which makes it a perfect time for a narrated boat tour along the San Antonio River Walk to learn about local history and architecture, or a stroll along the pathways for restaurants, shops, and atmosphere. Noted by T+L as one of the Best Places to Travel in 2025 for Food & Drink, visitors won’t want to miss the new Pullman Market dining complex or chef and restaurateur Jason Dady’s dining spots, from Italian cuisine to award-winning barbecue. Historical places, including the Alamo, must be on every first-time visitor’s itinerary, along with San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, both designated as World Heritage sites. Called the “Theme Park Capital of Texas,” San Antonio is a family favorite destination, and parks include the fully wheelchair accessible Morgan’s Wonderland. Plenty of free things to do also make San Antonio an attractive vacation destination.

Where to Stay: Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk and Hotel Emma are excellent choices. There’s also JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, La Cantera Resort & Spa, and Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa.

Finger Lakes, New York

This year-round destination, named for the eleven long, narrow lakes that resemble fingers, is located about five hours from Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Boston in western New York state. The weather cools into the 70s in September, when the famed wine growing region begins harvest celebrations. The Naples Grape Festival (Sept. 27 to 28) includes music, art, food, craft beers, ciders, and the “Greatest Grape Pie Contest,” an annual tradition. The Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival (Sept. 26 to 28) highlights local farmers with tastings of apples, ciders, baked goods, and cider doughnuts. The Rochester Fringe Festival (Sept. 9 to 20) features a variety of multidisciplinary artistic events, and in Watkins Glen, the Finger Lakes Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival will be held in September. Letchworth State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is a beautiful stop in the area, with waterfalls, forests, hiking trails, and a spectacular gorge carved by the Genesee River.

Where to Stay: Lake House on Canandaigua and the Hotel Ithaca are both top-notch options. From historic inns to grand resorts, the Finger Lakes area offers a range of places to stay.

Taos, New Mexico

Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains about 70 miles from Santa Fe, Taos offers natural beauty and ideal weather for outdoor activities in September. Hiking trails take visitors to gorgeous views, wildlife, and the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge with an iconic bridge. Road trippers will enjoy the 84-mile Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, a drive around New Mexico’s highest peak. At nearly 7,000 feet in altitude, Taos sees the arrival of fall foliage season in September, when aspens and cottonwoods turn colorful shades of orange and yellow. Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance Music Festival (Sept. 4 to 6) features country, folk, and bluegrass music, and the Taos Fall Arts Festival takes place later in the month. Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating look at the area’s history with ancient adobe dwellings and a thriving Native American community. For travel convenience, JSX offers seasonal flights through September to Taos Regional Airport from Dallas, Austin, Carlsbad, and Burbank.

Where to Stay: The new Hotel Willa highlights Taos’ creative heritage with an Artist-in-Residence program and an onsite gallery with rotating exhibitions.

Highway 30A, Florida

Located on northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, the beach towns along Florida Panhandle’s Highway 30A are sometimes referred to as “Hamptons of the South” or the “Crown Jewel of the Southern Riviera” for their beauty and style. September in Florida means warm weather, less rain, and fewer crowds before the arrival of winter’s snowbirds from the chilly north. A drive along the 26 miles of 30A takes visitors past Old Florida architecture with Southern-style porches and overhangs and through communities that include Sandestin, Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seagrove, and Blue Mountain Beach. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park features freshwater dune lakes, pine forests, wetlands, and pristine beaches. There’s fishing, paddling, and miles of coastal forest trails at Grayton Beach State Park and a boardwalk across the dunes at Deer Lake State Park.

Where to Stay: Topsail Outfitters offers luxury glamping at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. For a luxury experience, stay at Kaiya Beach Resort in Inlet Beach, with spacious residences that are ideal for families or groups.

Napa Valley, California

September’s warm weather, harvest parties, and lively atmosphere make it a great time to visit wine country. Wine lovers thrill to see the grapes picked and processed at the wineries during this celebratory time. However, there’s plenty to do, even without one sip of Napa Valley’s outstanding wines. Exceptional restaurants, Calistoga mud baths, hot air balloon tours, the Napa Valley Wine Train, golf at Silverado Resort, falconry demonstrations at Bouchaine, and cooking classes at Cakebread Cellars are more ways to enjoy Napa Valley. With temperatures in the 80s, it’s still pool weather, and Napa Valley resorts offer luxurious spas as well. Two museums feature special exhibits, including one on beloved chef Julia Child. Keep in mind that harvest season is the busiest time of year, so make your reservations well in advance. You can fly directly into Napa Valley from certain cities, including Los Angeles, on semi-private JSX.

Where to Stay: T+L offers suggestions for the best hotels in Napa Valley. Four Seasons Resort & Residences, Meadowood, Alila Napa Valley, and Carneros Resort & Spa are excellent options.

Asheville, North Carolina

This vibrant western North Carolina city, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains, is rebounding from extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and welcoming visitors to return to its natural beauty and celebrated culinary scene. Also known for its bluegrass roots, art, and historic architecture, Asheville is home to the iconic Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home set on more than 8,000 acres. I was thrilled to tour the Estate a few years ago after reading about its construction and the life of George Vanderbilt, who was captivated by the area’s beauty, just as visitors are today. Asheville boasts a walkable downtown with art galleries and shops, as well as more than 70 breweries and many award-winning restaurants. September temperatures in the 70s are ideal for being outdoors and enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Where to Stay: The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville is open after renovation, and The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa features a subterranean spa with mineral pools. The Inn on Biltmore Estate just completed a two-year renovation and redesign. The Flat Iron Hotel is a charming boutique, and Asheville River Cabins offer both family and adults-only accommodations.

Iceland

September is considered shoulder season in Iceland, and after the busier summer months, you’ll find fewer visitors and pleasant weather with daytime temperatures in the 50s. A chill in the air will make Iceland’s hot springs especially appealing, and there’s still ample daylight for sightseeing, along with the possibility of seeing the northern lights at night. Often called “The Land of Fire and Ice,” Iceland isn’t as icy as it sounds; there are waterfalls, volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, and stunning landscapes to explore. September’s annual tradition of Rettir is when farmers bring their sheep down from the mountains, an exciting thing to see with farmers, dogs, and even drones guiding the sheep to the farms for winter. In Iceland’s capital, the Reykjavik International Film Festival is set for Sept. 25 to Oct. 5. If you’re planning to take advantage of September’s shoulder season prices, be sure to pack clothing for the variety of weather you might encounter — and leave some space for souvenirs, of course.

Where to Stay: Hotel Rangá, on the south coast, features an onsite observatory and geothermal hot tubs. Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll is a luxury option, opened in July 2023. Other top picks include The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, and Silica Hotel.

Santorini, Greece

Known for gorgeous sunsets, plush resorts, whitewashed buildings, and colorful beaches, Santorini is one of the most popular islands in the Cyclades. While Santorini’s summer visitor numbers begin to taper off in September, the weather is still warm, and hotels and restaurants remain open through the month. It may be tempting to spend all day on the beach or poolside, but there are fascinating archaeological sites to explore, like the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, compared to Italy’s Pompeii, as it was also covered by the ashes of a volcanic eruption. A boat ride or sunset cruise around the island is a great way to enjoy it from another perspective and also to appreciate the beauty of the clear sea. Be sure to sample Greek wines, especially Assyrtiko, Santorini’s specialty, and enjoy the delicious cuisine.

Where to Stay: We’ve rounded up some of the best hotels in Santorini for you to choose from.

Ibiza, Spain

Warm weather continues into September in Ibiza, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, and sea temperatures are perfect for swimming. More than 80 beaches provide options from quiet coves to lively beach clubs. While some visitors are leaving, many are still enjoying beach parties, nightlife, and events like the Territori Performance Art Festival (Sept. 22 to 28) and the Eivissa Jazz Festival. Ses Salines Natural Park offers hiking trails, cliffs, beaches, and forests to explore. Mountain biking, golf, tennis, and kayaking are more ways to enjoy the outdoors and Ibiza’s beautiful scenery. September is harvest season, so winery tours and tastings are a great way to learn about local grapes, including Monastrell and Garnacha for red wines and Malvasia for white wine.

Where to Stay: Ibiza Gran Hotel features a casino and acclaimed dining. Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, NH Collection, Iberostar, and Six Senses Ibiza are excellent options.

Sydney, Australia

It’s early spring in the southern hemisphere in September, and Sydney’s weather is mild and dry with daytime temperatures in the 60s. While it may not be swimming weather, locals head to Bondi Beach for the annual Festival of the Winds, Australia’s largest flying kite festival, held each September. Starting at Bondi Beach, the Bondi to Manly coastal walk covers 50 miles, but you can choose how far you want to walk from a variety of itineraries. The capital and largest city in New South Wales, Sydney will host the Sydney Fringe Festival from Sept. 1 to 30, featuring more than 450 events including theater, comedy, dance, music, visual arts, and circus acts to be held in about 70 venues throughout the city. The iconic Sydney Opera House always has outstanding performances, and you can visit for a tour or a meal at the restaurant, as well as a show.

Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney topped the list of Favorite City Hotels in Australia and New Zealand in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. Capella Sydney and Ace Hotel Sydney also made the list of favorites.

Bordeaux, France

Known for its famed wines, Bordeaux is lovely in September, when temperatures are in the mild 70s, with crisp autumn evenings. September is in the midst of the harvest season, an exciting time for winery tours, tastings, and festivals. Learn about wine in the stunning setting of the interactive La Cité du Vin museum with tasting workshops, exhibits, restaurants, and boutiques. The “Miroir d’Eau” or Water Mirror, located across from Place de la Bourse, is a sight not to miss, and a stroll or bike ride along the banks of the Garonne River offers gorgeous views and a relaxing way to experience the city. River cruises, including Viking, AmaWaterways, and UniWorld Boutique River Cruises, offer excellent itineraries embarking in Bordeaux, another way to get acquainted with the area. UniWorld features a golf package with rounds at Cabot Bordeaux and Grand Saint Emilionnais on select sailings.

Where to Stay: Cabot Bordeaux, set on 400 acres with two 18-hole championship golf courses, offers a 79-room hotel, restaurant, and world-class spa. The Intercontinental Bordeaux, located in the historic area of the city, features several restaurants, a rooftop bar, and a spa by Guerlain. Places to stay in Bordeaux range from five-star hotels to apartments, campsites, and hostels.

Prince Edward Island, Canada

Known as “Canada’s Food Island” and voted by T+L’s readers as one of their favorite islands of Canada in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, Prince Edward Island is a culinary star in the fall, with two festivals showcasing its rich heritage. The PEI International Shellfish Festival, from Sept. 18 to 21, celebrates the island’s renowned shellfish with freshly shucked oysters, entertainment, and cooking competitions, including the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge. Later in the month (Sept. 25 to October 11), the Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival is held at locations throughout the island with culinary experiences from intimate tastings to casual buffets. After all that food, a hike might be in order, and the island’s many hiking trails are great ways to visit small towns and enjoy local dishes. The 435-mile trail that loops around the perimeter of the island, Canada’s smallest province, passes through beaches and towns with plenty of gorgeous scenery along the way.

Where to Stay: Dalvay by the Sea is located within Prince Edward Island National Park. From campsites and cottages to hotels and resorts, PEI offers a variety of places to stay.

Barcelona, Spain

Most summer vacations are over when September rolls around, and you’ll find fewer tourists at popular spots like Antoni Gaudí’s Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. While overtourism has been a concern in Barcelona, waiting until the height of the season is over will make the trip more enjoyable, especially since the weather is mild and pleasant. Harvest season offers opportunities for grape picking, vineyard exploring, and wine tasting as part of a special experience at Can Calopa, Barcelona’s centuries-old wine estate. The city’s patron saint is honored with a major cultural celebration, La Mercè, on Sept. 24, when music, traditional dances, entertainment, and fireworks fill the city with free events. Nearby, the Catalan town of Vic hosts the Mercat de Música de Vic from Sept. 17 to 21, featuring concerts at indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city.

Where to Stay: T+L suggests these places to stay in Barcelona. More luxury options include Grand Hotel Central and Wittmore Hotel, Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties, SLS Barcelona, The Hoxton, and Hotel Arts Barcelona.

Egypt

Egypt cools off a bit in September—still in the high 80s, but more pleasant than the summer months—and fewer visitors make it more comfortable as well. The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest archaeological museum, has opened, with more than 100,000 artifacts from over 7,000 years of history. In addition, the newly renovated Giza Plateau and visitor center will improve the experience at the Pyramids of Giza. The popularity of Egypt and the Nile River has led to many ways of exploring, including river cruises by UniWorld Boutique Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and AmaWaterways. The intimate Oberoi Melouk and Malekat Luxury Nile Dahabeyes accommodates 14 guests in seven spacious cabins and suites. The two-masted sailing barge, Poppee, is part of the fleet operated by Nour el Nil, and Abercrombie & Kent also offers luxury Nile cruises. With travel demand increasing, a budget airline now offers flights from London to Luxor,

Where to Stay: I stayed at the downtown Cairo Nile Ritz-Carlton during my visit, and the river view was spectacular. In Luxor, the Sofitel Winter Palace offers old-school luxury.

Malta

Known for its well-preserved medieval fortresses, museums, archaeological sites, wineries, beaches, and clear seas, Malta is a popular destination for expats and retirees, as well as vacationers. September weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures in the mid to high 70s. The island country is located about 58 miles south of Sicily, and from the Sicilian ports of Pozzallo or Catania, a fast ferry takes between two to three hours. The island of Gozo is a popular vacation spot, with gorgeous Ramla beach. Malta celebrates Independence Day on Sept. 21 each year, a national holiday commemorating the country’s political independence from Great Britain in 1964. It’s a time of official ceremonies, concerts, parades, and fireworks over Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Also celebrated in September is Victory Day on the 8th, highlighting three victories in Malta’s history, with festivities including a regatta in the Grand Harbour.

Where to Stay: Casa Ellul, a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, is a charming boutique in Valletta. Five-star Iniala Harbour House & Residences is also in Valletta. AC Hotel St. Julian’s and Hyatt Centric Malta are located in St. Julian’s, Malta’s premier resort town. Seaside Barceló Fortina Malta offers stunning Mediterranean views.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

September is one of the best times to visit Dubrovnik, after the peak summer crowds have departed, and the air and water temperatures are still pleasantly warm. Visitors to the historic city can enjoy stunning views and get their daily steps in with a mile-long walk along the city walls overlooking Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Seeing Dubrovnik with a day cruise around the islands is another way to explore the area, and most stop at secluded coves for a swim or an afternoon on a private beach. Kayaking, hiking, and biking are among other ways to enjoy the city. I spent several days in Dubrovnik after a cruise among the islands of Croatia, giving me an opportunity to see Hvar and Split, along with national parks and ancient cities. I highly recommend experiencing Croatia with a cruise.

Where to Stay: Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik and Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, both Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties, are excellent options with indoor pools, spas, and sea views. I stayed at Dubrovnik’s boutique-style Hotel More and enjoyed the Cave Bar, carved from a natural cave.