September is a much welcomed month at the end of summer.
Yes, it’s technically still summer until the 21st, but in some parts of the country, the temperature starts to shift drastically.
So keep reading for five must-experience destinations to visit in September!
Labor Day is gone, so it’s time to look forward to something new.
Thanksgiving vacation is always too short, and Christmas seems so far away, right?
After all that heat and humidity and crowds of summer, you’re exhausted and worn out! You need a break.
That’s why September is the perfect time for a quick getaway. One, the weather is amazing. Two, everyone is gone!
September is the perfect time for a short getaway
The kids are back to school, which means popular destinations are vacant.
Oh, and another thing, it’s so much CHEAPER to go anywhere after Labor Day.
So, as promised, here are 5 places you will love to visit in September.
Myrtle Beach
Every summer, high school kids travel from all over to Myrtle Beach, SC for what they call “Beach Week.” It virtually lasts all summer. And it’s basically a lot of underage kids “celebrating” their rite of passage into college (or other).
But by September, it’s a ghost town. It’s wonderful. The beaches are empty. The hotels are cheap and desolate. There’s peace and quiet.
And you might be surprised to know that the water is still warm enough to enjoy a late summer swim.
Maine
If you’re like me and you’re not crazy about actually going into the ocean but still love the feeling of salt water hitting your face, then it’s Maine all day.
Portland is an entertaining place to visit, but just south of the city along the coast are miles of pristine beaches with lovely small coastal towns.
Portland is an entertaining place to visit
Old Orchard Beach is a must-visit. It has everything you need. There’s a classic boardwalk with rides, games, and souvenir shops. The seafood is incredible everywhere you go. Go figure. And don’t forget about their staple “Candy Stores,” which sell the best fudge, ice cream, and taffy you’ve ever had.
So go to Maine. It’s perfect.
San Francisco (or bay area)
If you can get past the stigma that San Francisco is the most liberal city in the nation, then you’ll have a great time. To be honest though, for the most part, it’s not as overbearing as you probably think.
The weather in the bay area in September is amazing because you get the ocean breeze from nearly every direction. Unlike Los Angeles, the ocean pushes the smog out of the city easily, so you’ll have nothing but clean, fresh air!
The weather in the bay area in September is amazing
It would take too long to rattle off ALL the must-do activities in the bay area. Obviously you should visit Alcatraz Island, which has been in dozens of famous movies. Ride the trolly. Go see the townhouse from Full House in Alamo Square.
Go see the Oakland Athletics or even the Raiders before they pack up and head to Las Vegas. The restaurants are incredible with hundreds of Michelin Star restaurants to check out as well.
Pro tip: While San Francisco is the most expensive city in the nation, and will be expensive no matter what time of year you go, September is undeniably still one of the cheapest months.
Oregon
Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in America all year round, but September is the best month to visit, hands down. If you’re a tree enthusiast, then this is the place for you.
Crater Lake National Park is one of the most strikingly gorgeous places you will ever see in your entire life. Surrounding it are a dozen of National Forests like Winema, Umpqua, Deschutes, and Willamete. Each of them are unique in their own right.
And on the coast, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches. The Pacific Ocean is far bluer than the Atlantic. If you want to see the less polluted parts of the Pacific, then Oregon is the way to go.
Also, go check out an Oregon Ducks game. They should be good this year.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Finally, there’s good ol’ Wilmington – not the one in Delaware. It is a quaint downtown atmosphere along the Cape Fear River. It’s not a coincidence that it’s called Cape Fear either.
You know the original Cape Fear movie with Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum (also the 1992 Scorsese remake with Robert De Niro)? It takes place there. As does David Lynch’s Blue Velvet. It was home to a lot of classic movies and was considered the biggest hub for filmmaking on the East Coast outside of New York City. However, North Carolina decreased the tax incentives and Atlanta has become the new hub.
In downtown Wilmington, there are excellent restaurants like Circa 1922 and Manna. For dessert, hop over to Kilwins for probably the best homemade ice cream you will ever have.
Outside of the downtown area, both Wrightsville and Carolina beaches are outstanding. This entire area is a big time summer attraction. In September, nobody is there and you can enjoy all of the amenities to yourself.
So remember, just because it’s September doesn’t mean you don’t need to take a vacation!
(h/t Proud American Traveler)