Ready to plan a last-minute summer getaway or an early fall vacation? We’ve got you covered. We selected 15 of the best places to travel in September, based on my personal favorites and some local insights. September is the start of a broader “shoulder season,” when school has begun and therefore most vacations have ended. Fewer crowds (and lower prices) make this a great time to travel to European destinations like Norway, Greece, and Italy, while exciting festivals and events offer plenty to do closer to home in North Carolina and Colorado.
Telluride, Colorado
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This vibrant mountain town, known as the “Festival Capital of the Rockies,” is true to its nickname in September. The Telluride Film Festival, an annual Labor Day Weekend event, features four days of cinematic immersion from Aug. 29-Sept. 2. The Blues & Brews Festival arrives Sept. 13-15 with a multi-stage celebration of craft beer and music that includes blues, funk, indie, rock, jam-band, gospel, and soul. From Sept. 26-28, the Telluride Autumn Classic celebrates motorcycles, aircraft, exotic vehicles, live music, and an exciting art scene. Regional vice president at Madeline Hotel & Residences, Bryan Woody, says, “September temperatures are idyllic, fishing is at its peak, rock climbing and the via ferrata are incredible against the early fall colors which peak at month end.” Famed as a winter sports destination, Telluride is just as gorgeous when autumn arrives.
Where to Stay: Madeline Hotel & Residences will host a pairing dinner to kick off the Blues & Brews Festival. Nocturne Luxury Villas offers plush rental homes for groups.
Greenville, South Carolina
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“The transition from summer to fall harvest starts in September, and most of the farmers markets in and around Greenville run through the end of the month, so you can find lots of locally sourced fruits and vegetables in season. More than 200 restaurants in downtown Greenville alone feature cuisine from all over the world, and from some of the most talented chefs across the Southeast,” according to Morgan Allen, executive director of Euphoria, an annual event set for Sept. 19-22. The award-winning food, wine, and music festival celebrates Greenville’s thriving culinary arts scene. “With 65 events over four days ranging from classrooms, lunch and learns, and wine seminars to musical performances, signature tasting events, and guest chef dinners, there’s something for everyone,” Allen says.
Where to Stay: The Grand Bohemian Lodge is located in Falls Park where there’s a waterfall and walking trails. The Westin Poinsett features the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio and Heavenly Bed. Hyatt Regency Greenville’s Roost restaurant serves Southern-inspired cuisine.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Located along the Grand River about 25 miles east of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids is home to ArtPrize, an annual 16-day international art festival and competition from Sept. 13-28. “ArtPrize is an incredible celebration of creativity, uniting artists and art enthusiasts from all corners of the globe in Grand Rapids. It’s more than just an art competition; it’s an iconic event that energizes the entire city,” according to ArtPrize executive director, Catlin Whitington. “From sculptures to intricate paintings, every street corner and venue becomes a stage for artistic expression.” Grand Rapids offers a walkable downtown, with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, downtown market, and Millennium Park, with a six-acre beach, boat rentals, and 18 miles of trails. Known as “Beer City,” Grand Rapids features the Beer City Ale Trail and an annual Oktoberfest (Sept.27-28) with live music, games, food, a keg toss, and the third annual Dachshund Dash.
Where to Stay: The Amway Grand Plaza offers views of the city skyline. JW Marriott Grand Rapids, in the heart of downtown, overlooks the Grand River.
Raleigh, North Carolina
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North Carolina’s capital sees warm weather in the 80s, cooling as the month goes on. Several festivals make September a great time to visit, starting with the Labor Day Weekend African American Cultural Festival, a free family-friendly celebration of art, music, food, crafts, and community. The Hopscotch Music Festival, Sept. 5-7, features three days of music and late-night sets in downtown clubs. On Sept. 15, there’s La Fiesta del Pueblo, a festival of Latin American culture featuring live music, dance, food trucks, and family activities. The International Bluegrass Music Association brings their music to downtown Raleigh on Sept. 27-28, with five stages of free music, a dance tent, and more. Raleigh’s new mural trail and museums should be on a visitor’s itinerary. I visited the North Carolina Museum of Art last year, and was so impressed by the collection, activities, and Museum Park.
Where to Stay: The five-star Umstead Hotel and Spa is a spectacular property with an extensive art collection and signature restaurant, Herons. I’ve stayed at the Umstead twice, and had a memorable dinner at Herons. Not far away, another favorite is Fearrington Village, a charming inn with an excellent restaurant and adorable black-and-white cows and goats.
Healdsburg, California
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Located in Sonoma County about 70 miles north of San Francisco, Healdsburg is home to hotels, spas, restaurants, tasting rooms, and a charming walkable downtown. In September, temperatures in the 70s make strolling through town, browsing art galleries, boutiques, and farmers markets a pleasant way to spend the day. It’s grape picking season, a great time to visit local wineries for tours and a glimpse of the harvest activity. Ferrari-Carano and Jordan — among many other wineries — offer tastings and food pairings, and seeing the beautiful properties is part of the enjoyment. I’ve visited these wineries, and it’s always fun and educational to chat with winemakers or tasting room staff and then take home a bottle or two. However, you don’t have to be an oenophile to enjoy wine country; the scenery and atmosphere are captivating no matter what you’re sipping.
Where to Stay: The Ruse, Harmon Guest House, and Hotel Healdsburg are lovely options in town. Montage Healdsburg, set on 258 acres of rolling hills and vineyards, features its signature restaurant, Hazel Hill. My husband and I spent a few days at the Montage and loved the setting and view from our bungalow.
Sedona, Arizona
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Known for gorgeous red rock formations and vortexes, where the Earth’s energy is said to feel especially strong, Sedona is beautiful in September with temperatures in the high 70s, ideal for enjoying the outdoors. Hiking trails at all levels lead to stunning views and perhaps a vortex experience along with a healthy workout. In town, browse the many art galleries or shop for crystals, rocks, or handmade items. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, biking, or just enjoying the landscape are more things to do in Sedona. Wine has been produced in Sedona’s Verde Valley since the late 1800’s according to an exhibit at the Sedona Heritage Museum. That history is celebrated in the annual WineFest to be held Sept. 28-29, with tastings from Arizona wineries, entertainment, food trucks, and artisan vendors.
Where to Stay: The Wilde Resort and Spa is set in the heart of Sedona. L’Auberge De Sedona offers a luxurious spa. Sky Rock Sedona debuted an extensive property-wide transformation in March 2024.
Buffalo, New York
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“The City of Good Neighbors” celebrates its famous spicy wings over Labor Day Weekend with the National Buffalo Wing Festival featuring Sauce-Offs, the U.S. Wing Eating Championship, music, and plenty of wings for the expected 50,000 attendees. If you miss the event, you’ll find the best of local favorites along the Buffalo Wing Trail. Enjoy the revitalized waterfront with bike paths and marinas along Lake Erie or visit the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, reopened to acclaim in June 2023. Just 20 miles away, Niagara Falls is a must-see when you’re in Western New York. Also nearby, the three-day Borderland Festival (Sept. 13-15) features three stages with Americana, rock, country, folk, and bluegrass music.
Where to Stay: Buffalo offers a range of places to stay including the historic Richardson Hotel, the Mansion on Delaware Avenue, and the Curtiss Hotel.
Corpus Christi, Texas
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This coastal city in South Texas was recently named a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, and Sept. 6-7 brings an event that combines art and music. “We invite visitors and residents to MusicWalk, a musical takeover of the Corpus Christi downtown monthly ArtWalk. This celebration brings the flavor, culture, and vibrance of Corpus Christi to life,” Emily Zertuche, interim music commissioner, says. “The festival features over 60 local musicians across multiple outdoor stages and local venues, dozens of food trucks, live mural paintings, a classic car show, pickleball courts, and over 100 local vendors and pop-up shops.” Corpus Christi also boasts beaches, the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington Museum, and the Art Museum of South Texas.
Where to Stay: Lively Beach is a secluded, resort-style condominium property. Emerald Beach is the only waterfront property downtown.
Scotland
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I went to Scotland with close friends a few Septembers ago, and it was an all-time favorite trip. We played golf at St. Andrews and Gleneagles, stayed at a historic inn, once one of Scotland’s many castles, and drove through the gorgeous Highlands. We spent a few days in Edinburgh where we enjoyed a walking tour, one of many great things to do in Scotland. We loved our road trip, but another way to see the country is with Vacations By Rail, celebrating 20 years with 20 Must-experience Tours, including Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands. Scotland’s rich literary tradition is celebrated at the Fife Arms in Braemar with the third annual Literary Festival from Sept. 20-22.
Where to Stay: The Fife Arms features a museum-worthy art collection in a 19th-century building. The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh was converted from the 160-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church in 2003. I stayed at (and loved) The Balmoral in Edinburgh. My stay at Gleneagles was also a memorable part of my Scotland trip, with an exquisite dinner at Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie.
Norway
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After the busy summer season, there’s still mild weather and plenty of daylight in Norway, making the early autumn shoulder season a perfect time to visit. “September marks the transition from summer to autumn in Norway, making it a pleasant time to experience the beauty of the Nordic landscape. Crisp and clear air enhances the vibrant autumn foliage, with stunning shades of orange and yellow throughout the forests and mountains, making the perfect driving or hiking backdrop. Sunny days and dark nights of autumn offer starry skies and colorful sunsets, adding to the visual splendor,” Torunn Tronsvang of Up Norway tells Travel + Leisure. “By late September, Norway’s famed northern lights start to peek through in the northern regions such as Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands. September is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, visiting museums and sculpture parks, and exploring from the comfort of a train ride.
Where to Stay: In Oslo, stay at Sommero, where the emphasis is on wellness. You could also tour Norway with Up Norway with a custom itinerary, or take a cruise with Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Havila.
Santorini, Greece
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After the bustling summer season, visitor numbers will taper off in September, but the sea and the weather are still warm, and restaurants and hotels are open at least through the month. Known for gorgeous sunsets, Santorini has been called the most Instagrammable Greek Island, although every island boasts an abundance of photogenic places. Stunning resorts are also numerous, and T+L readers voted for several Santorini resorts in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. Whether you enjoy Santorini on land with a walking tour, from the Aegean with a sunset cruise, or in a restaurant sipping local wines, you’ll find many ways to appreciate Santorini in September.
Where to Stay: World’s Best Awards winner Andronis Luxury Suites features private infinity pools. Andronis Concept Wellness Resort offers 28 recently renovated suites and villas. World’s Best Awards winner Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection’s guest rooms, suites, and villas come with heated plunge pools. The Santo Collection offers two new four-bedroom luxury villas.
Cape Breton, Canada
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Early fall weather in Nova Scotia is mild, with daytime temperatures in the 70s, paired with long daylight hours for hiking, biking, playing golf, and enjoying the finest lobsters and snow crab sustainably sourced from the cold coastal waters. “In September, Cape Breton Island reveals its true magic. It’s the perfect time to explore all Cape Breton has to offer, and come mid-month, the colors of fall begin to arrive,” Kendall Clancy, general manager of Cabot Cape Breton, tells T+L. “September’s clear weather also makes it a great time to whale watch, charter a boat, or rent a kayak to explore some of the most beautiful coastlines in North America.” Hike the Highlands Festival 2024 from Sept. 13-22 attracts hikers from across North America and Europe. In Halifax, the Atlantic International Film Festival takes place from Sept. 11-18.
Where to Stay: Cabot Cape Breton, set atop majestic cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, features two acclaimed golf courses and a short par-3 course.
Rome, Italy
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In September, Romans are returning from their August holidays, temperatures are cooling into the 70s, and summer’s tourists are starting to head home. Even if you’ve visited The Eternal City several times, there’s always something new to see — or a favorite place to return to. Those favorites might include one of Rome’s outdoor markets, the Trevi Fountain, or the Spanish Steps, a popular gathering place — just don’t plan to sit and relax there (that is no longer permitted). First-time visitors who want to see the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter’s Basilica should plan their itinerary and get front-of-the-line tickets to avoid long waits. After exploring the popular spots, it’s time to walk the cobblestone streets, do some people watching, sip an Aperol spritz in a busy piazza, or find the perfect gelato.
Where to Stay: Hotel de Russie is a T+L reader favorite. The Romeo Roma is set in a 16th-century palace, and Rome Cavalieri is on the city’s highest hilltop. Hotel Eden is a personal favorite, and I love the rooftop Il Giardino Ristorante.
Bali, Indonesia
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Just as beautiful as you imagine, Bali is surrounded by beaches and covered in hillsides with terraced rice paddies. September ends the dry season as October brings more rain, but as in many places, there’s beauty to be found on rainy days, too. Many visitors head for Bali’s beaches, and others are fascinated by the temples and the culture. During my last trip to Bali, we visited beaches, temples, and markets with handmade crafts in Ubud; I had to keep reminding myself of the limited space in my carry-on bag.
Where to Stay: Umana Bali LXR Hotels & Resorts offers one, two, and three-bedroom villas. Four Seasons Resorts Bali at Sayan is located in the central highlands along the Ayung River. Hoshinoya Bali is in the serene Bali jungle, and Viceroy Bali is set in a secluded ridge above Bali’s Valley of the Kings.
Panama City, Panama
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The country’s capital and the place to see the Panama Canal, Panama City is a modern city with a historic center, Casco Viejo. Cobblestone streets, plazas, restaurants, churches, and historical buildings make up the UNESCO World Heritage site. At the Miraflores Visitor Center, visitors can watch ships pass through the canal from an observation deck, and an IMAX film tells about the history and operation of the canal. Amador Causeway, built from materials extracted during the digging of the canal, is a recreation area of restaurants, shops, clubs, and the Biomuseo. When you visit Panama, be sure to taste Geisha coffee, said to be some of the best in the world, as T+L writer Stacey Leasca learned during her visit.
Where to Stay: Hotel La Compañía is a restored heritage hotel, formerly a 17th-century Jesuit convent. The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort features a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection is set on Panama’s shoreline.
