Though autumn officially arrives in September, it still feels like summer in many parts of the U.S., and beyond. This is the “shoulder season,” when school has begun and therefore most vacations have ended. Fewer crowds (and lower prices) make this a great time to travel.
If you are among the lucky who are able to travel at this time of year, you might catch harvest in a vineyards or take one more beach trip – think Nantucket or Long Island. Or, if time allows, enjoy a further-flung destination like Fiji, Turkey, or Spain’s Balearic Islands. Crisp autumn air changes the foliage in certain corners of the country, and food festivals are good reason to travel in fall, too.
Wherever you go, don’t miss the last days of summer and the first of autumn in a new place or an old favorite. Here are 11 of the best places to travel in September in the United States and around the world.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is beautiful all year long, but a visit during the bustling harvest season is especially memorable. Wine tastings and festivities abound, and many grapes are ready to be picked and readied for winemaking. Bike along the Napa Valley Vine Trail, drift over vineyards in a hot air balloon at sunrise, or enjoy a gourmet meal and wine aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. For an intimate, luxury retreat with sweeping valley views and warm hospitality, stay at the five-star Poetry Inn. Set among trees and hills, Meadowood combines elegance and rustic style with superb service. Guests can play golf at Silverado Resort, enjoy a mud bath at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort in Calistoga, or see an apiary at Carneros Resort. Auberge Resorts Collection Solage and Auberge du Soleil are additional luxury options.
Long Island, New York
Visitors flock to eastern Long Island’s small towns and beaches during summer, but September is quieter and the warm weather remains. Wineries offer tasting rooms and picnic areas, and many feature entertainment on weekends. Lighthouse fans will enjoy the historic Fire Island Lighthouse and the Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by President George Washington. Antique shops, farm stands, waterfront restaurants, marinas, and picturesque shores provide plenty to do and see. From casual beachside bungalows to elegant resorts, there’s a range of places to stay, too, including The Reform Club and The Roundtree in Amagansett, Marram and Daunt’s Albatross in Montauk, and EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton. Canoe Place Inn & Cottages in Hampton Bays was named on Travel + Leisure’s 2023 “It List” of best new hotels.
Turkey
Interestingly, the Republic of Türkiye lies in both Asia and Europe. The beaches in Bodrum are still warm in September, and visitors can walk the city’s ancient cobblestone streets, shop at outdoor markets, or tour Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Stay in Bodrum at the elegant boutique METT Hotel & Beach Resort or Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels & Resorts. In Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar should be on every visitor’s itinerary. The Peninsula Istanbul topped Travel + Leisure’s “2023 It List,” and Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is another luxury option. Turkey’s vineyards grow more than 1,000 indigenous grape varieties, and visitors can taste the award-winning wines of the world’s earliest wine cultures here. In Cappadocia, sample culinary specialties, and stay at the Museum Hotel, Relais & Châteaux. Turkish Airlines offers convenient flights from 17 North American gateway cities.
Kentucky
September brings early fall colors and comfortable temperatures to most of Kentucky. Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month with a trip along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and stop for a distillery tour in Louisville or Lexington. At the Highland Festival Grounds in Louisville, Bourbon & Beyond (September 14 to 17) and Louder Than Life (September 21 to 24) feature top music artists. After bourbon and concerts, head south to the Kentucky Wildlands for forests, mountains, lakes, and one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems. Daniel Boone National Forest and the Kentucky Wildlands Waterfall trail, with more than 800 waterfalls, are part of the area’s pristine wilderness. Enjoy the outdoors with hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, boating, and more.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Oregon’s Willamette Valley, less than an hour’s drive from Portland, is home to more than 700 wineries. Stop by tasting rooms throughout the valley, especially if any are hosting events related to harvest season. Outside of the vineyards there’s a lot to do, including hiking, exploring waterways, discovering the area’s history, and simply enjoying the stunning scenery – you can bring your dog along for the trip, too. No matter what you do, you’ll enjoy the weather – September temperatures hover in the 70s here, there’s typically little rainfall, and fall leaves are starting to change color. Stay in McMinnville at Atticus Hotel or Tributary Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux property. In Newburg, The Allison Inn & Spa is another luxury option. And if you fly Alaska Airlines, you can check a case of wine for free via the “Oregon Wine Flies Free” program.
Fiji
An archipelago of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific, Fiji is lovely in September, with dry, warm weather, plus famously friendly people. Swimming, diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, and surfing are great ways to spend time on the water. On land, there’s hiking, nature walks, and lots of opportunities to get acquainted with local culture. Many resorts are on private islands, such as VOMO Island Fiji, which offers a variety of accommodations, including spacious residences and beachfront retreats, plus multiple Kids Clubs. At Wakaya Club & Spa, guests can enjoy an onsite organic farm, spa treatments, Fijian culinary experiences, water sports, and more. Visit Barefoot Manta for affordable beachfront rooms, and Kokomo Private Island for villas and expansive residences. Fiji Airways offers nonstop service from the U.S. west coast.
Mallorca and Menorca, Balearic Islands of Spain
These islands lie in the Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain. Mallorca is the largest of them, with sandy beaches and water sport options. In the capital of La Palma, head to the Old City to see historic architecture. Choose the clifftop Jumeirah Port Soller, the new Son Bunyola from Sir Richard Branson, or Son Brull, Relais & Châteaux for luxe accommodations. Tennis star and Mallorca native, Rafael Nadal, announced the launch of hotel collection ZEL, and its first location in Mallorca set to open soon. Menorca, further east, is a quieter island, with farms, vineyards, and a 14th-century Gothic cathedral. In Menorca, stay at Villa Le Blanc by Gran Meliá or choose Relais & Châteaux properties Faustino Gran or Fontenille Menorca. United Airlines now offers nonstop service from Newark to Palma de Mallorca.
Park City, Utah
Park City is a popular winter destination, but the weather in September is ideal for outdoor fun, no snow needed. Come for fly fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and rafting. More than 450 biking trails and an expansive hiking trail system deliver views of alpine lakes, granite peaks, and aspen groves turning shades of gold as the month goes on. Explore downtown Park City and visit the Park City Museum to brush up on the history of what was once a silver mining town. Catch the last few Park Silly Market Sundays, where you’ll find local crafts, food trucks, and live music. And from campsites to luxury hotels, there’s a wide range of accommodations here, including the Waldorf Astoria Park City, Pendry Park City, Washington School House Hotel, and Grand Summit Hotel. In Canyons Village, there’s Lift Park City and Apex Residences.
Greenville, South Carolina
Located near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about halfway between Charlotte and Atlanta, Greenville is quickly earning a reputation as a culinary destination. The southern city highlights its dining culture with an annual charity event, Euphoria, set for September 14 to 17 this year, and more than 200 chefs, musicians, and beverage professionals will participate. Explore the city and its surrounding areas, where you’ll find hiking trails and more than 50 waterfalls, starting with one right in the middle of Greenville at Falls Park on the Reedy. Stroll through the walkable town, following a self-guided tour, or just browse shops and dining spots. The plush new Grand Bohemian Lodge is located in Falls Park, with pet-friendly accommodations.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
In September, summer crowds have thinned in Nantucket, so it’s a great time to enjoy the island’s waterfront restaurants, beaches, and historic downtown. Located 30 miles from Cape Cod, visitors can get here by ferry or air. Enjoy the cool weather with a bike ride or explore the island’s lighthouses and historic sites. Dining is a pleasure with fresh seafood and views of the sea. Stay at the newly renovated White Elephant, Greydon House, or sister property Periwinkle Inn. There’s also Salt House Nantucket, Life House Nantucket, and The Nantucket Hotel, the oldest on the island. 52 Union is a three-bedroom residence for rent in historic downtown.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Known as “the City Different,” Santa Fe offers authentic adobe architecture, historic buildings, and Southwestern cuisine, plus galleries and museums exhibiting everything from contemporary to folk art. Visit in September for the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (September 27 to October 1) and the annual Burning of Zozobra on September 1; in this unique cultural tradition, a 50-foot-tall mythic monster is stuffed with “glooms” and then burned, and live music, a beach ball toss, and fireworks go on as well. Enjoy Santa Fe’s outdoors with hiking, biking, walking tours, historic site visits, and markets. Stay at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, Santuario by La Fonda, or the Inn of the Five Graces for luxurious accommodations in Santa Fe.