September offers a unique travel window in the USA – cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the first glimpses of fall foliage. If you’re wondering Where To Travel In September In Usa, this guide highlights some of the best destinations, from national parks to charming coastal cities.
1. North Cascades National Park, Washington
This park, sometimes called the North American Alps, is a wilderness paradise in northwest Washington. Towering mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, and waterfalls define the landscape. Mid-June to mid-September offers the best weather. Hiking, cycling, ranger-led programs, boating, kayaking, and camping are popular. The early fall foliage and reduced summer crowds make September especially appealing.
Diablo Lake view point at North Cascades National Park
- Visitor’s Center Address: 376 Newhalem St, Marblemount, WA 98267
- Average temperature: 10°C to 21°C
Highlights:
- Diablo Lake View Point
- Cascade Pass Trail
2. Kenai Fjords, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park features over forty glaciers, stunning fjords, and pristine islands. September offers mild temperatures and long days amidst crisp air, icy waters, and lush forests. Seals, puffins, whale-watching, hiking the Harding Icefield, kayaking, and boat tours are prime activities.
Whale watching in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- Visitor Center Address: 1212 4th Avenue Seward, AK 99664
- Average temperature: 7°C to 13°C
Highlights:
- Whale-watching tour
- Exit Glacier and Glacier Overlook Trail
3. Seattle, Washington
Seattle offers a vibrant cultural scene and incredible food. Visiting in September (or October) allows you to avoid summer’s high prices and limited accommodation availability. Explore Pioneer Square, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Museum of Art and Pop Music, the Seattle Great Wheel, and Seward Park.
Pike Place Market in Seattle during Fall
- Visitors Center Address: 701 Pike Street; Suite 800. Seattle, Washington 98101
- Average temperature: 13°C to 21°C
Highlights:
- Craven Farm
- Little Hopper Yakima Brewery Tour
- Seattle Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park
4. Lake Placid and the Adirondack Mountains
Lake Placid is a year-round destination for family vacations and romantic getaways. September avoids black fly season and summer crowds, while offering early colorful fall foliage. Hiking, boating, and dining out are popular.
Lake Placid Lodge Restaurant with stunning view
- Address of Visitors Center: I-87 N (Between Exits 17 &, 18, Queensbury, NY 12804
- Average temperature: 10°C to 21°C
Highlights:
- Cloudsplitter Gondola on Whiteface Mountain
- Artisans restaurant at the Lake Placid Lodge
- High Falls Gorge
5. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May offers charming old architecture, a picturesque harbor, restaurants, and beaches. September provides warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Sample local cuisine at Schellenger’s Landing and along the beachfront.
Beautiful Cape May Shoreline in New Jersey
- Address: New Jersey 08204
- Average temperature: 18°C to 27°C
Highlights:
- Poverty Beach
- Washington Street Mall
- Salt Marsh Safari
6. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation rates in September. Scenic hiking trails, the cog railway to the 14,000 ft summit, and the Garden of the Gods Park are must-sees.
View of Colorado Springs from above
- Visitors Center Address: 515 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Average temperature: 13°C to 24°C
Highlights:
- Garden of the Gods
- Red Rock Canyon Loop
- Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
7. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park offers breathtaking scenery, with warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and colorful leaves framing red sandstone cliffs in September. Hike Angels Landing, Observation Point, and Emerald Pools. Biking, climbing, and bird-watching are also popular.
Majestic mountain views at Zion National Park
- Visitors Center Address: Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
- Average temperature: 16°C to 32°C
Highlights:
- Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
- Canyon Overlook
- Highway Scenic Drive
8. Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is a charming coastal city with warm temperatures in September. Stroll through the streets, admire historic mansions, and explore historic buildings. Enjoy the Intracoastal Waterway at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Downtown Beaufort in South Carolina with historic architecture
- Visitors Center Address: 713 Craven St, Beaufort, SC 29902
- Average temperature: 21°C to 29°C
Highlights:
- Front Street
- Beaufort Historic Site
- Saltus River Grill
9. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville offers warm weather and changing leaves in September. Scenic fall drives include the Blue Ridge Parkway. Explore Hendersonville (“Apple Alley”) and Asheville’s restaurants, bars, live music, and art scene.
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina during fall
- Visitor’s Center Address: 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
- Average temperature: 21°C to 29°C
Highlights:
- Ghost tour
- Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain
- Pollen Coffee
10. New England
New England offers rich Colonial history, coastlines, forested mountains, and world-famous fall foliage. September marks the start of the leaf-changing season. Photograph forests and mountains, explore charming towns, hike scenic trails, and stay at a cozy lodge.
New England Foliage in the fall
- Location: northeastern region of the country
- Average temperature: 16°C to 24°C
Highlights:
- Lake Winnipesaukee Foliage Train
- Mount Mansfield via Sunset Ridge, Vermont
- Polly’s Pancake Parlor
11. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston offers activities, fall events (like the MOJA Arts Festival), warm temperatures, and lower hotel rates in September. Relax on beaches, visit the Gibbes Museum of Arts, and explore the Freshfields Village Cars & Coffee event.
Charleston street view in South Carolina
- Address of visitors center: 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
- Average temperature: 21°C to 29°C
Highlights:
- Paddle-boarding on Shem Creek
- PediCab bike taxi tour
- Ravenel Bridge
12. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park offers picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife. September provides perfect hiking temperatures and fewer crowds. Photograph scenic sunrises and explore the park through hiking, biking, wildlife-spotting, tours, and camping.
Acadia National Park with ocean views
- Visitors Center Address: 25 Visitor Center Rd, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609
- Average temperature: 13°C to 21°C
Highlights:
- Great Head Trail
- Jordan Pond
- Carriage Road
13. Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island is a warm fall vacation choice, home to marine animals, including dolphins. Visit the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, historic Fort Gaines, and Dauphin Island Public Beach.
Dauphin Island in Alabama with clear skies
- Visitors Center Address: 109 Bienville Boulevard Mobile County 36528 Dauphin Island
- Average temperatures: 24°C to 29°C
Highlights:
- West End Beach
- Sunset boat tour
- Sand Island Lighthouse
14. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe offers fewer crowds, better hotel deals, and pleasant temperatures in September. Wander around the Historic Plaza, explore adobe buildings, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Attend festivals like the Fiestas de Santa Fe, Wine and Chile Fiesta, and El Rancho De Las Golondrinas harvest festival.
Santa Fe Downtown with unique architecture
- Address for Santa Fe Visitors Center: 491 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87501
- Average temperature: 13°C to 24°C
Highlights:
- Santa Fe Mountains
- Farmer’s market in the Railyard District
- Canyon Road
15. Carmel-by-the-Sea, North California
Carmel-by-the-Sea offers tree-lined streets, boutique stores, gourmet restaurants, coastline, and beaches. Fall brings sunny, warm days and cool nights, ideal for hiking, exploring, and whale-spotting.
Charming shops in Carmel by the Sea
- Visitors Center Address: Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
- Average temperature: 16°C to 21°C
Highlights:
- Point Lobos
- 18-mile bike path to Carmel Point
- Mission Ranch Restaurant
- Tickled Pink Inn
16. Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii
Hawaii is best visited between March and September, with less rain and warmer temperatures. The Na Pali Coast on Kauai offers dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, rocky hiking trails, and archaeological sites.
Scenic Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii
- Location: a 16-mile coastal stretch in Kauai from Polihale Beach to Kee Beach.
- Average temperature: 24°C to 29°C
Highlights:
- Sunset boat tour
- Helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
- Kee Beach
17. Ozarks, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma
The Ozarks offer clear skies, dry days, and unique attractions in September. Explore the Cave Pumpkin Patch, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, and wineries surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks.
Lake Ozark during the Fall
- Location: the region stretches across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and the southeastern corner of Kansas.
- Average temperature: 18°C to 27°C
Highlights:
- Cave Pumpkin Patch
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park
- Lake of the Ozarks
18. Bend, Oregon
Bend offers stunning scenery, lower prices, and perfect hiking temperatures in September. Photograph Tumalo Falls, attend the Fall Festival, try seasonal dishes, sample craft beers, and stargaze on a canoe trip.
Smith Rock Sunrise in Bend, Oregon
- Visitors Center Address: 750 NW Lava Rd #160, Bend, OR 97703
- Average temperature: 16°C to 27°C
Highlights:
- Bend Ale Trail
- Downtown independent shops
- Pine Nursery Park Trail
19. Saugatuck – Douglas, Michigan
Saugatuck is a scenic lakeside city with a relaxed beach, outdoor activities, and an art scene. September offers a cozy vibe, al fresco dining, art galleries, and boutique shops.
Saugatuck in Douglas, Michigan
- Visitors Center Address: 95 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas, MI 49406
- Average temperature: 16°C to 24°C
Highlights:
- Coral Gables
- Crane Orchards
- Star of Saugtuck boat cruise
20. Wallace, Idaho
Wallace, a former Wild West mining town, offers mountain views, natural beauty, and a preserved downtown. September provides limited rainfall and warm temperatures, ideal for hiking, cycling, ATV riding, and off-roading.
Downtown Wallace in Idaho in the fall
- Visitor Center Address: River St Wallace Visitor Center, Wallace, ID 83873-2142
- Average temperature: 10°C to 21°C
Highlights:
- Hiawatha Trail
- Sierra Silver Mine Tour
- Silver Streak Zipline
September offers a diverse range of travel experiences in the USA. Whether you’re seeking national park adventures, coastal charm, or cultural immersion, there’s a destination to suit every traveler.
