Captivating September Travels: Best US Destinations to Explore This Month

The summer season is traditionally understood as the time for trips and journeys. It is during these months that you travel the most, and most people wait for this time precisely because they're eager to travel. However, after the pandemic subsided, more and more people started traveling, meaning that many tourist spots are now more crowded than ever. While some don't mind this in the slightest or even find that it adds to the atmosphere, others find sharing the space with so many others to be nothing short of exasperating.

If you're part of the latter category, you'll likely enjoy journeying in September instead. Here are some of the best destinations in the US that you must add to your itinerary.

Sequoia National Park

Giant sequoias are some of the biggest trees on Earth. They're popular as ornamental greenery but only grow naturally on the western side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. The trunks of the giant sequoias are wider than some city streets, and they can grow to an average height of 279 ft, although some have been measured to be as much as 311 ft tall. The trees are also among the oldest living organisms on the planet, the oldest known being approximately 3,266 years old.

The species presumably got its name from the Native American polymath Sequoyah. Even though the wood from the mature trees is brittle, fibrous and tends to shatter easily, making it unfit for use in building or furniture making, the species is still endangered primarily due to human encroachment on their natural habitat, as well as the effects of climate change including wildfires and severe droughts.

The Sequoia National Park was established in 1890 and is the best place to visit if you want to marvel at the beauty of nature. Check out Holafly before leaving so you can stay connected with everyone back home. This way, you can send them pictures of the astonishing landscapes as soon as you make them.

You can also hike on the High Sierra Trail, which crosses the mountains from the west to the east. Wildlife is abundant in the era, so you might spot foxes, ground squirrels, rattlesnakes, bobcats and mule deer. Mountain lions and fishers live here as well, but they are more reclusive and, therefore, rarer to spot. And, of course, you need to see the Giant Forest located in the park, the home of General Sherman, the largest known single-stem tree on Earth, with an estimated age of at least 2,200 years.

Grand Canyon National Park

September is one of the best months to travel if you love the great outdoors. Temperatures get milder, so you don't have to fear the sun's scorching rays anymore, but it's also not yet so cold that it would be uncomfortable. Daylight hours are still plentiful, meaning you can explore more during your trip. If you plan to go to the United States, you can't miss seeing the Grand Canyon.

Arguably one of the most iconic places in the entire country, the canyon is a Colorado River gorge and is considered one of the Wonders of the World. You'll be able to take some truly incredible pictures in the area that you can later share with your loved ones as well if you use an?esim card. This device allows you to maintain seamless internet connectivity no matter where you are so you can forget about roaming costs.

September is the best time to visit to avoid Arizona's steep summer temperatures. Since there will be fewer tourists, you can also take your time to explore. The park's South Rim is typically filled to the brim with visitors, but in September it becomes one of the best places for hiking. The North Rim is still open throughout the month. You can head there for some wild camping. You can opt for a helicopter tour for an unforgettable view of the entire Grand Canyon.

San Francisco

For those who prefer urban settings instead of being outside in nature, there's no better option than San Francisco. The city is well-known for its iconic landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and antique cable car system, the last in the world to be manually operated. In San Francisco, September is warm and dry, so you can still lounge at Baker Beach. Around this time, humpback and blue whales start migrating, so you should find some time to embark on a whale-watching tour.

The Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the largest of its kind outside of Asia, as well as the oldest in North America. It is a significant and influential place for the culture and history of the ethnic Chinese people in the US. The Chinatown has retained its places of worship, languages and culture, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, drawing in more visitors than the Golden Gate.

Lake Placid

This village, with a population of a little over 2,000 people, is situated in Essex County, New York. It has become famous as the hometown of singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, whose family moved here from Manhattan when she was one year old. Surrounded by the impressive beauty of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid was the home of the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980.

Visiting during the fall lets you admire the scenic colors of the landscape and foliage. You can see the Adirondack Park, established in 1892, as a place of leisure, rest and relaxation for the community. It is an expansive wildlife habitat with several hiking trails, streams and rivers if you want to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

Although going on a trip in September is not as common as traveling during July or August, it might be the preferable option if you want to avoid the large crowds. Since the weather is still pleasant, you'll have a chance to explore as much as you want, all while enjoying some well-earned rest.