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Labor Day weekend may have passed, but summer is not over yet, well, not officially!
September and into October can be a great time to travel. Many national parks, resort towns, beaches, etc. are still open to travelers. The good news is there will most likely be fewer crowds and accommodations pricing is often reduced, contributing to a budget friendly getaway.
In many areas around the country temperatures are milder and the waters are still warm, offering a vacation with both a beach/pool vibe and adventure.
Below is a list of places in the U.S. to consider visiting if you are planning to get away this month.
Northern Michigan – Maybe I am biased because I live in Michigan. It is hard to beat the beauty of northern Michigan any time of year, but September and October are special. There is so much to do and see.
Beside the beautiful beaches of the Great Lakes if you are a hiker, you will not be disappointed by the abundance of colorful trails throughout the area. Spend the afternoon visiting Pond Hill Farm located in Harbor Springs or visit the over 30 wineries located near Traverse City in the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. Take the family and visit a cider mill, apple pick, or go fishing in one of the many lakes in the area. Enjoy a local market or festival. Whatever you like, it can be found here in Michigan! For more information visit: https://www.michigan.org.
Visit a National Park – The summer crowds are typically gone by mid-September and the parks are far less crowded than the summer months. Trails, roads, and most attractions typically stay open until mid-October at which time things begin to close as they prepare for the winter.
Denver, Colorado area – With a Rocky Mountain backdrop, late summer and early fall is a great time to visit this Rocky Mountain area. The weather is mild, there is great hiking, and many things to do for the adventurer.
Not into adventure? No worries, there is something for every type of traveler. The Colorado State Fair, Breckenridge Wine Classic, Boulder Fall Fest, and the Denver Oktoberfest are just a few of the fall festivals. Check local information for all the details. https://www.denver.org
Sedona, AZ – Known for its picturesque red rock and local art, this area is a great place to visit in offers great hiking trails too. Top spots include Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock. Maybe try one of the Sedona “Secret 7” trails to visit some of the more secluded areas. Check out the Verde Valley and discover native American cliff dwellings. Take a Jeep tour or a kayak, then check out the amazing shops filled with native art. For more details go to https://visitsedona.com.
Honolulu, Hawaii – September and April are the best months to visit the beautiful island of Oahu. In fact, Hawaii is always a good idea, but if you are looking for lesser crowds, the rainy season is better. Flights and accommodations are more reasonable, too.
Honolulu is one of the more popular places to visit in Hawaii, but if you have the opportunity you should try to visit some of the other islands as well; Maui, Kauai, and “The Big Island” of Hawaii.
Top places to see while in Honolulu include, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and take in a luau or walk along Waikiki Beach. Visit the markets, take a boat tour, or an outrigger ride. Take a surfing lesson or snorkel. The activities are endless.
Visit these websites to plan your trip to Hawaii https://www.hawaii.com or https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/Waikiki
San Francisco, CA – Although one of this area’s most popular cities, it is also known for its foggy days and sometimes heavy rain. September, however, is one of the driest, warmest, and clearer skies months of the year, making it a great time to visit.
There is so much to do in this hilly city. Take a cable car ride, visit Fisherman’s Wharf, and enjoy an amazing seafood dinner. Visit Alcatraz (I hear night tours are the best). Check out the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.
If you are a wine lover, Napa Valley and Sonoma are a short drive away from the city.
For all the happenings and times and restrictions for most popular attractions visit https://www.sftourismtips.com.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Spanning 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina through the Appalachian Mountains it’s a beautiful drive during September and October. The winding road with the deep fall colors make this drive a top scenic bucket list item for the fall.
No matter where you start there is so much to see along the road that it is best to plan out where you will be stopping along the way. For all the information, maps, and not to miss scenic views, check out https://www.blueridgeparkway.org.
Depending on your plans, making a stop in Asheville, NC is also worth the visit. See below:
Asheville, NC - Located near the south end of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a vacation spot all its own. In recent years this area has become very popular with its top attractions including the Biltmore Estate, white water rafting and waterfall tours, ghost town tours, and for the foodie, there are great dining experiences.
The weather is still mild during September and crowds are less, making it a great time to visit. Check out https://www.exploreasheville.com for all the information and events.
