If you’ve been waiting for the summer crowds to fade before booking your getaway, September is one of the best months to travel. From the United States’ hidden gems to bucket-list international destinations, September offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices in many regions. Whether you’re craving a foodie festival, a beach retreat, or a cultural adventure, here are 21 of the best places to visit in September.

1. Sacramento, California – A Food Lover’s Paradise

California’s capital city has quickly become a top foodie destination. With over 15 Michelin-recognized restaurants, farm-to-fork festivals, and the iconic Legends of Wine event (Sept. 4), Sacramento is a must-visit in early fall. Don’t miss the Tower Bridge Dinner and the city’s brand-new Terra Madre Americas festival (Sept. 26–28).

Where to Stay: The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel offers a pool deck overlooking the Golden 1 Center.

2. Jersey Shore, New Jersey – Beaches Without the Crowds

With 90 miles of Atlantic coastline, the Jersey Shore in September is perfect for warm water swims without the peak-season rush. Visit Atlantic City Boardwalk, the Wildwoods Airshow (Sept. 5–6), and charming Cape May for preserved Victorian beauty.

Where to Stay: From Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City to boutique gems like The Virginia Hotel in Cape May.

3. Telluride, Colorado – Festival Capital of the Rockies

September brings a string of festivals to this mountain town jewel. The Telluride Film Festival (Aug. 29–Sept. 1), Blues & Brews Festival (Sept. 12–14), and Autumn Classic (Sept. 25–27) make this a lively fall getaway. Between events, enjoy hikes, gondola rides, and mountain views.

Where to Stay: Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection.

4. Greenville, South Carolina – Waterfalls & Food Festivals

This walkable Southern city offers a unique downtown with a waterfall at its heart. September highlights include Euphoria (Sept. 18–21), a culinary celebration featuring local chefs, wineries, and entertainment.

Where to Stay: The Grand Bohemian Lodge in Falls Park or the award-winning Hotel Hartness.

5. Frankenmuth, Michigan – Little Bavaria in America

Known for its authentic Oktoberfest (Sept. 18–21), Frankenmuth celebrates German culture with beer, bands, and Bavarian food. Pair your visit with Auto Fest (Sept. 5–7) and the Fire Arts Festival (Sept. 26–27).

Where to Stay: Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge or Marv Herzog Hotel.

6. San Antonio, Texas – Riverwalk & Culture

With warm September weather, stroll the San Antonio River Walk, explore the Alamo, or experience Morgan’s Wonderland theme park. New dining spots, including Pullman Market, make it a foodie hotspot.

Where to Stay: Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk or Hotel Emma.

7. Finger Lakes, New York – Wine, Apples & Balloons

A scenic upstate New York destination, September brings grape harvest celebrations, the Naples Grape Festival (Sept. 27–28), and the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival (Sept. 26–28). Add Letchworth State Park for waterfalls and fall foliage.

Where to Stay: Lake House on Canandaigua or Hotel Ithaca.

8. Taos, New Mexico – Fall Colors & Native Heritage

September in Taos means golden aspens, scenic drives, and art festivals. Don’t miss Big Barn Dance Music Festival (Sept. 4–6) and the Taos Fall Arts Festival. Visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Where to Stay: The new Hotel Willa with an Artist-in-Residence program.

9. Highway 30A, Florida – Gulf Coast Paradise

Known as the “Hamptons of the South”, Highway 30A offers turquoise waters, white sands, and charming beach towns like Seaside and Rosemary Beach. September means fewer crowds and warm sunshine.

Where to Stay: Kaiya Beach Resort in Inlet Beach or glamping at Topsail Hill Preserve.

10. Napa Valley, California – Wine Harvest Season

September is the peak grape harvest, making it one of the best times to visit Napa. Enjoy vineyard tours, wine train rides, cooking classes, and hot air ballooning.

Where to Stay: Meadowood, Carneros Resort & Spa, or Four Seasons Napa Valley.

11. Asheville, North Carolina – Mountains & Music

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers festivals, art, breweries, and the iconic Biltmore Estate. September temps in the 70s make for perfect hiking weather.

Where to Stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn or The Inn on Biltmore Estate.

12. Iceland – Northern Lights & Hot Springs

September is shoulder season in Iceland with fewer crowds, lower prices, and a chance to see the Northern Lights. Relax in geothermal hot springs, hike glaciers, and experience the annual Rettir sheep round-up.

Where to Stay: Hotel Rangá or The Retreat at Blue Lagoon.

13. Santorini, Greece – Sunsets & Wine

September brings warm weather without the summer crowds. Explore whitewashed villages, Akrotiri’s archaeological ruins, and sample the island’s famous Assyrtiko wines.

Where to Stay: Luxury cliffside hotels in Oia or Fira.

14. Ibiza, Spain – Beaches & Nightlife

With over 80 beaches, Ibiza in September balances vibrant nightlife with tranquil escapes. Festivals like the Eivissa Jazz Festival add cultural flair.

Where to Stay: Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay or Six Senses Ibiza.

15. Sydney, Australia – Spring Festivals

In September, Sydney enjoys mild weather and hosts the Sydney Fringe Festival with 450+ events. Don’t miss the Festival of the Winds at Bondi Beach.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney or Capella Sydney.

16. Bordeaux, France – Wine & River Cruises

This French wine capital is at its best during the September harvest season. Visit La Cité du Vin museum, sip local wines, and take a river cruise along the Garonne.

Where to Stay: Intercontinental Bordeaux or Cabot Bordeaux.

17. Prince Edward Island, Canada – Food Island Adventures

September brings two food festivals: the PEI International Shellfish Festival (Sept. 18–21) and Fall Flavours Festival (Sept. 25–Oct. 11). Hike the island’s scenic trails between feasts.

Where to Stay: Dalvay by the Sea or cozy coastal cottages.

18. Barcelona, Spain – Culture & Wine

Enjoy Barcelona’s famous sites like La Sagrada Familia without peak crowds. September highlights include La Mercè Festival (Sept. 24) with fireworks and music.

Where to Stay: Hotel Arts Barcelona or The Hoxton.

19. Egypt – Ancient Wonders & New Museums

With cooler temps and fewer crowds, September is an ideal time to see the Pyramids of Giza and visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum. A Nile River cruise adds a unique perspective.

Where to Stay: Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor or Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo.

20. Malta – Historic Celebrations

This Mediterranean island offers beaches, ancient ruins, and September festivals like Independence Day (Sept. 21) and Victory Day (Sept. 8) with fireworks over Valletta.

Where to Stay: Casa Ellul in Valletta or Seaside Barceló Fortina Malta.

21. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Old Town & Adriatic Views

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is stunning in September with milder crowds and warm seas. Walk the city walls, kayak around islands, or enjoy a private boat cruise.

Where to Stay: Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik or Hotel More with its unique Cave Bar.

Where to Travel in September 2025

September offers the perfect blend of warm weather, thinner crowds, and lower travel costs. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine in Napa Valley, chasing festivals in Telluride, or watching sunsets in Santorini, these 21 destinations will make your September unforgettable.

 So, where will you go this September?