7 Places to Visit in September
I think that September is one of the best months for a road trip, especially after Labor Day weekend. Why? You can look forward to cooler weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of seasonal events. In some places up north, you'll see leaves starting to turn golden and red too. Here are the the places we've loved visiting, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
New Orleans
Not counting Mardi Gras in February, I think that September is the best time to visit the Big Easy. Temperature starts to inch lower and it's not nearly as rainy as August. New Orleans has been one of my favorite late summer destinations since moving to the South.
I find it enjoyable to just stroll around town in the morning, followed by a nice Southern lunch. During the hotter afternoons, I visit New Orleans Museum of Art or the Museum of Illusions with my son. I love going out for a late dinner and sitting outdoors on a patio to end the day.
Rapid City, South Dakota
There are heaps of unique things to do here and visiting Rapid City in September turned out to be the best idea! The mild temperatures made it ideal for venturing into Badlands National Park, exploring the city’s downtown, cruising the scenic highways of the Black Hills, and hiking in Custer State Park.
The city had a lively energy too, thanks to seasonal gatherings. Attending the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival with my son was very fun.
Flying into Rapid City Regional Airport was simple. We caught a 20-minute shuttle into town from the airport. I loved that the city made the perfect home base, with both Mount Rushmore and the surrounding parks just a short drive away. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge! I recommend picking a hotel that offers easy parking.
- Average September temperature (Rapid City, SD): 46.7 °F – 76.6 °F (8.2 °C – 24.8 °C)
My most surprising find: I drove around the 18-mile loop through Custer State Park and saw buffalo and hawks. It took about two hours. You can also go on a tour with a local guide ($329).
A downside? I’d recommend bringing layers since the Black Hills weather can shift quickly in September.
Tulsa
Looking for a cool September destination in the Midwest? Head to Tulsa, one of my favorite places when I'm in the mood for live music and world-class museums.
You'll find Tulsa on the banks of the Arkansas River. First, I recommend exploring the walkable arts districts. Enjoy the stunning Philbrook Museumof Art, and stroll along the Gathering Place riverfront park.
When you get hungry, don't miss KEO Asian Cuisine. It has a unique take on Southeast Asian cuisine that's very tasty.
In the evening, choose from jazz clubs and big-name concerts at the BOK Center.
From OKC we headed to Tulsa, an hour and 40 minutes away. We checked into the stylish Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown for three days.
What I loved best:
Browsing vintage shops and stopping for coffee in the bohemian Cherry Street area was my personal highlight.
Antioch, California
This is one of my favorite places for a romantic Northern California weekend. Why? First off, Antioch has that classic East Bay energy without the hurry. In addition, we loved exploring the waterfront, and hiking on local trails.
Er took BART’s Yellow Line to Antioch (about 1 hour 10 minutes from Oakland, $6.70 one way). I though that it was the perfect Bay Area day trip in September!
I especially love visiting Antioch Summer Farmers Market where we picked up snacks. Afterwards, we wandered along the Antioch Marina and Waterfront District.
- Average September temperature (Antioch, CA): 57.7 °F – 85.3 °F (14.3 °C – 29.6 °C)
What I loved best:
Hiking in Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve with Chris was my personal highlight.
Looking for more local ideas? Browse more weekend getaways from San Francisco.
Middletown, Connecticut
When we moved to the East Coast, this town quickly became one of my favorite places to escape from NYC, about two hours by car.
The weather this month was warm, perfect for strolling along the Connecticut River, exploring historic streets, and enjoying a lively college-town energy on our road trip. I loved the way the summer flowers brightened up Main Street in September.
I also loved that Middletown was alive with events such as open mic nights, outdoor family storytime and more.
During my trip, I enjoyed the peaceful Harbor Park along the riverfront, visited the beautiful grounds of the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, and explored art exhibitions at Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts.
- Average September temperature (Middletown, CT): 56°F – 74°F (13.5°C – 23.1°C)
Highlight of my trip:. Enjoying live music downtown was my favorite highlight. I loved the energy of local festivals and concerts that gave the city a wonderful sense of community in September!
Barbialla Nuova, Italy
Ready for a September trip to Tuscany? Whether you love history or simply beautiful nature, this is my favorite time for a trip to Italy. During my year living in Florence, I discovered 3-star Barbialla Nuova (Google Maps pin), a spectacular organic farm-estate. You'll find it in the rolling hills of Tuscany, just over an hour from Florence.
I instantly fell for the eco-friendly vibe of the estate. You'll be accommodated in a restored farmhouse with stone walls and wooden beams, like something out of a movie. It's absolutely perfect for an anniversary vacation.
I woke up to the most amazing sunrise views over vineyards and olive groves, and I honestly thought it was like stepping into a dream. The weather was still warm in September, perfect for enjoying outdoors. It was also olive harvest season.
- Check prices at the 3-star Barbialla Nuova
What I loved best:
I especially loved the cooking classes, where I learned to make fresh pasta, and taste truffles right from the land.
For even more variety, you can visit so many cool sights nearby, including Tempio Di Minerva Medica Montefoscoli, Gambassi Terme, Livorno and Florence.
Mauna Lani, Big Island of Hawaii
When Chris, our son and I lived in Hawaii, September was my absolute favorite month for relaxation. Once summer crowds were gone after Labor Day, we had the beaches all to ourselves. It felt like pure island paradise. If you can get away to Hawaii in September, I know you will love it.
The Mauna Lani resort offers Hawaiian music and hula performances at sunset. For a splurge, I recommend the Fairmont Orchid for a long weekend. You can get a massage over the waterfall at their super cool spa, relax with a view of the waters of Makaiwa Bay, swim with colorful reef fish. You can rent the gear at the hotel.
At sunset, my husband, son and I usually went for a walk around the historic Kalahuipua‘a Fishponds before dinner. I really cherished this time with my son while he was little and didn't have to go to start school in September.
What I loved best:
For me, Mauna Lani is one of the best places to visit in September because it's relaxing and unique!
My favorite experience was snorkeling with Hawaiian green sea turtles at Makaiwa Bay.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
