5 Incredible Places to Visit in September

For most of my life, September was defined by the back-to-school season. First as a student, and later as a teacher, my calendar revolved around new school years, lesson plans, and classrooms. Travel was typically limited to long weekends, quick escapes to places like New York City or Virginia wine country, often timed around my birthday.

Although my tutoring company is still rooted in education, I now have a bit more flexibility in my schedule, which means I can finally take advantage of one of my favorite times of year to travel.

In many parts of the world, September is something of a sweet spot. Summer warmth lingers, but the intense heat of July and August begins to fade. Families return home as schools reopen, crowds begin to ease, and many destinations become noticeably more relaxed while still offering beautiful weather.

The Only Blues i Experienced n Croatia were Adriatic Blues

Last September, I spent more than two weeks in Europe, splitting my time between Croatia and Sicily (stay tuned for a future travel guide on Croatia!). It was the longest September trip I can remember taking, and it was nothing short of glorious. The weather was gorgeous, the pace felt more relaxed, and popular sights were far less crowded than they are during peak summer. It reminded me that September may just be one of the most rewarding months of the year to explore the world.

If you're looking to plan a September getaway, whether near or far, here are five destinations that are especially wonderful this time of year.

Santa Barbara, California

Basking in Santa Barbara’s Sun-Soaked Harbor

With its Mediterranean-style architecture, palm-lined beaches, and relaxed coastal charm, Santa Barbara is one of California's most beautiful seaside destinations. Spend your days browsing locally owned boutiques, lingering over meals at excellent restaurants, enjoying a glass of wine at one of the city's many tasting rooms, or renting a bike or scooter to cruise along the scenic waterfront.

Santa Barbara's Scenic Beachfront Promenade is Perfect for a Leisurely Bike Ride

Just a short drive away, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to some of California's finest wineries, where vineyards stretch across rolling, verdant hills and leisurely afternoons are best spent sipping world-class wines while taking in the spectacular scenery.

Wine Tasting Under the Santa Barbara Sun

Roblar Wineryand Presqu’ile Winery are two worth adding to your itinerary. Roblar offers a relaxed wine-country experience in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, while Presqu’ile Winery is a family-owned estate known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Beyond the wine, Presqu’ile’s beautiful setting makes it an especially memorable spot to slow down, sip, and take in the Santa Barbara wine-country scenery.

Santa Barbara Wine Country, One Glass at a Time

If you're looking for adventure, don't miss Channel Islands National Park, one of America's least-visited and most remote national parks. Accessible only by ferry, the islands offer exceptional hiking, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and sea kayaking through dramatic sea caves and along rugged coastlines. We chose the Discovery Sea Cave Kayak Tour with Channel Islands Adventure Company, a 2.5 hour kayaking tour where we paddled the east or west side of Scorpion Anchorage, explored sea caves, kelp forests, and wildlife.

Channel Islands Travel Tips: If you're taking the ferry to the Channel Islands, pack Dramamine or another motion sickness remedy. The crossing was the roughest ferry ride we've ever experienced, and many passengers, including us, were feeling the effects of the choppy Pacific waters. Trust me, you'll be glad you came prepared!

Channel Islands National Park has no stores or concessions, so bring everything you’ll need for the day, including lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Whatever you bring to the park, you must take with you as their is no trash collection.

STAY: The Kimpton Canary Hotel is a stylish, centrally located home base in downtown Santa Barbara, within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and State Street.

EAT: The Lark is a favorite for seasonal, locally inspired dishes in the Funk Zone, while Bouchon specializes in California cuisine paired with Santa Barbara County wines. For something special, head to Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Montecito for an intimate omakase experience.

DAY TRIPPIN’: If you’re looking for another easy and leisurely day trip, Ojai is a charming, laid-back town tucked into the Topatopa Mountains, known for boutiques, galleries, spas, hiking, and wine tasting.

Croatia

The Iconic Walled City of Dubrovnik, Perched Above the Sparkling Adriatic Sea

Croatia had been on my travel wish list for years, and it exceeded every single one of my (VERY HIGH) expectations. It's easy to see why this Adriatic nation has become one of Europe's most sought-after destinations. Between the storybook streets of Dubrovnik (I see you, Game of Thrones fans!), the sparkling waters surrounding Hvar, and Split's vibrant waterfront, every stop was more beautiful than the last. We completely fell for this blue-hued gem and are already dreaming of a return visit.

A Perfect Pairing: Croatian Wine and Adriatic Views

September is one of the best times to visit Croatia. The summer crowds begin to fade, the Adriatic remains warm enough for swimming, and the weather is ideal for exploring both the coast and historic cities. We spent eight days discovering Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split, and it quickly became one of our favorite European trips. Stay tuned for a complete Croatia travel guide, where I'll share our itinerary, favorite experiences, and tips for planning your own adventure.

The Best Way to Experience Hvar? By Boat.

Virginia Wine Country: Middleburg & Salamander Resort

Before our move to Florida, we set out to visit a few DC-area destinations that had long been on our list. At the top was Salamander Middleburg, a luxurious retreat just an hour from Washington, DC, yet seemingly worlds away amid Virginia's verdant horse country and renowned wineries.

A Very Happy Birthday Girl Celebrating at the Salamander

Salamander is a destination in itself, with a luxurious spa, excellent dining, and gorgeous grounds set amid Virginia’s horse and wine country. Spend some time exploring the walking trails, book a spa treatment, linger over a great meal, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful setting.

Morning Walks Along the Surrounding Trails

Virginia wine country is an easy addition to a stay at Salamander Middleburg, with plenty of beautiful wineries just a short drive away. Cana Vineyards and Winery pairs local wines with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, while Greenhill Vineyards offers an elegant, relaxed setting just outside historic Middleburg. Both are perfect for a leisurely afternoon of wine tasting in the Virginia countryside.

Zion National Park

Hiking The Narrows: Wet Shoes, Towering Canyon Walls, Absolutely Worth It

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure, few hikes rival The Narrows in Zion National Park. Instead of following a traditional trail, you'll spend much of the journey hiking directly through the Virgin River, carefully navigating rocks, uneven terrain, and ever-changing water depths as towering sandstone canyon walls rise around you.

Renting proper gear, especially waders, canyon boots, and a sturdy walking stick, is well worth the investment. Not only does it help keep you warm in the chilly river, but it also provides much-needed stability on the slippery riverbed.

September is an ideal time to experience The Narrows. While the water is certainly cold, it feels incredibly refreshing beneath Utah's warm sunshine. During our hike, the river reached about chest height in several places, making for an exhilarating and memorable adventure.

That said, don't underestimate this hike. At one point, I stepped into a deeper section where I suddenly could no longer touch the bottom, and the water rose to my chin. Thankfully, a kind hiker on the opposite side of the canyon extended a sturdy branch to both T and me, carefully helping us make our way to shallower water. It's a moment I'll never forget; pay attention to changing conditions, and never become too comfortable, especially when dealing with Mother Nature.

The combination of soaring canyon walls, cool emerald water, and the thrill of trekking through a river makes The Narrows one of the most unforgettable hikes we've ever experienced.

Pro Tips: Check the flash flood forecast before your hike. Conditions can change rapidly, even if it's sunny overhead. Rent canyon boots, waders, and a sturdy walking stick. We rented our Narrows equipment from Zion Outfitter, located at the pedestrian entrance to Zion National Park, just a short walk from the Visitor Center.

Sicily

La Dolce Vita, with a Little Sicilian Sunshine

The first time I visited Sicily, I was seven years old. It was also the first time I met many of my relatives, making the trip especially memorable. Since then, every return visit had been during the height of summer, when temperatures frequently topped 100°F and the limited air conditioning made even this heat-loving Sicilian question her choices.

My family has a small apartment in Santo Stefano di Camastra, where we stay close to our relatives. We've spent many restless nights wishing for American air conditioning while assuring my Sicilian relatives that andava tutto bene ("everything was fine"), even as we were slowly melting in the Mediterranean heat.

That all changed last September. The days were warm but comfortable, and the evenings were pleasantly cool. It was the first time I can remember visiting Sicily without constantly feeling on the verge of heat exhaustion, and if I’m really being honest here, questioning my will to live. IYKYK.

Instead, I could enjoy long morning walks through town and along the waterfront, linger over a caffè and outdoor meals, and fully appreciate the island's breathtaking scenery. September completely transformed the experience and reminded me just how magical Sicily becomes once the summer crowds thin and the temperatures become more comfortable.

The Postcard-Perfect Seaside Town of Cefalù

Just an hour from Palermo, and about 50 minutes from my family’s home in Santo Stefano, Cefalù is one of Sicily’s most picturesque seaside towns, where golden beaches meet a historic center filled with winding streets, lively piazzas, and inviting restaurants. Spend the day wandering the old town, enjoy a long seafood lunch, and, of course, spend some uninterrupted time along the crystal-clear Mediterranean. It’s the kind of place that captures everything I love about Sicily: beautiful, delicious, and effortlessly charming.

Cefalù is One of Sicily's Most Enchanting Coastal Towns

I know getting away in September isn’t always easy. Between back-to-school schedules, work, and all the other life things, it can be challenging for me, too! But if you can sneak away, even for a long weekend, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful weather, smaller crowds, and a chance to stretch that vacation feeling beyond summer.

Because travel doesn’t have to be something we save for summer vacation. Sometimes a few days away is all it takes to remind us there’s a whole lot of year left to explore.

September Looks Good on Us