If you’re interested in traveling across America and want to know what attracts visitors these days, this list will be immensely helpful.
Read about places like New Orleans, Memphis, San Francisco, and more. You’re sure to find one that will fit into your travel plans for this exciting month.
Plan your trip to the United States in September 2022 with this list of 15 destinations in the U.S., including some new and exciting locations!
1. New Orleans for Architecture and Dining
You could easily spend a week in this interesting city. Let your trip be shaped by historic architecture and fine dining, two of the city’s most renowned attractions.
If you’re looking for a bit more buzz, consider visiting New Orleans in the Carnival season, which is in March. You can expect to have a great time with live music, colorful floats, and an overall good vibe everywhere you turn.
2. Memphis for History
Like New Orleans, Memphis is a city of great historic importance. Here you’ll find an old town that’s been around for quite some time and great food that will get your mouth watering. Party lover? The best nightlife is in Memphis downtown.
Another popular thing about Memphis is Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Explore the beautiful mansion, walk the lush gardens, or see the legendary costumes, artifacts, and personal mementos of Elvis and his family. This spot is definitely worth visiting.
3. San Francisco for Cool City Vibes
Visit this important American city in September. You’ll experience many different kinds of cultural events and festivals that attract thousands of visitors every year, such as the Labor Day Weekend, San Francisco Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival, and California Rum Festival. Theater shows, music, and sports events shouldn’t be missed either.
We suggest you head to San Francisco also to experience all of the city’s food and culture and its famous cable cars.
4. Philadelphia for Museums and Art
It’s difficult to find a more historic city than Philadelphia, and it’s no wonder that more and more people are making the trip here. If you’re into history, let this be your next destination as you’ll enjoy all of the old architecture and historic monuments that line the city streets.
Philadelphia is also a sports lover’s paradise, so you’ll get a great look at professional and college sports games. And hey, don’t forget to try their famous beer and cheesesteak.
5. Chicago for Best Open-Air Markets
It’s no surprise that Chicago is a very popular city in the U.S. Here you’ll find one of the best open-air markets on the planet, plus great museums and galleries hosting world-famous art collections alongside historical sites dating back to the century.
Chicago is also home to many colleges and universities, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. You’ll also enjoy a variety of restaurants, nightclubs, live entertainment, and an event calendar that never seems to be empty.
6. Dallas for Events
When visiting Dallas, you’ll want to take as much time as possible to explore the city’s historic district and all of its wonderful museums. If you visit earlier on in September, there will be great live music at Deep Ellum, while the rest of the year is dedicated to great sports.
The city is considered a melting pot that combines all facets of American life, and you’re sure to have a good time if you decide to attend one of the many events hosted here.
7. Orlando for Enterteinment
Orlando is the home of Disneyland, and while that’s a big deal, it’s not the only thing going on in this city. In fact, Orlando boasts many of the most entertaining theme parks and exciting attractions. If you’re looking for fun things to do in September 2022, then look no further, as your options are unlimited!
Be sure to check out Universal Orlando Resort, where you’ll find popular theme parks like Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Volcano Bay Water Park. There are also several other theme parks like SeaWorld Orlando, and Disney Springs, among others.
8. New York for September Events
Though the city is always exciting, visiting in September will give you the opportunity to experience some amazing events like the U.S. Open, free Broadway performances at Bryant Park, or the Banksy street art exhibit.
New York is also renowned for its amazing nightlife and dining opportunities. Visit restaurants like Nobu 57 for dinner, where you’ll find dishes like Watermelon Roll with Chili Tuna and Papaya Roll with Grilled Shrimp.
9. Washington, DC for Amazing Events
You can check out the fascinating events in this city throughout the month of September and October. For example, if you’re heading there over Columbus Day weekend, you’ll enjoy such major events as the National Marathon and the National Book Festival. There are plenty of other things to do on a more regular basis when you visit Washington.
For example, be sure to check out the National Mall, where festivals like Smithsonian magazine’s 17th Street Fair are held on a regular basis. And sports fans visiting the Washington DC area during this time of year should try to catch Nationals vs. Cubs at Nationals Park.
10. San Diego for Events and Perfect Weather
This city is a gem itself and it’s also a host to many different kinds of events throughout the year. However, come around this month and you’ll find several major events taking place.
Some of them include the San Diego Book Festival, one of the largest book festivals in the entire country, the San Diego Festival of the Arts, and Apple Picking in Julian – San Diego countryside.
11. Austin, Texas
One of the best cities known for music and fun is Austin, but you should visit it during September or October for special events like the Austin Film Festival. Not only do you get to enjoy some great live performances during this time, but you’ll also have the opportunity to visit some other great local attractions.
If you’re traveling with a group and want to enjoy swimming and the sun, head over to Barton Springs Pool. It has great park facilities and an indoor/outdoor pool that you’ll enjoy.
You can also enjoy cultural activities such as the Moontower Comedy Festival and the Texas Book Festival (November) if you’re looking for something more educational. Foodie lover? Make a pit stop at Franklin Barbecue. You’ll not regret it!
12. St. Louis, Missouri for Food
This city is a major food destination, especially for those who love steaks and crabs. Not only will you find great restaurants, but you’ll also find plenty of interesting coffee places, like the famed Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Company.
Some of the events taking place in September and October include the American Royal Rib Cook-Off, HOP in the City Beer Festival, Shakespeare in the streets, and AppleFest.
13. North Myrtle Beach for September Vacation
North Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly destination, and it is one of the most important attributes you want to look for in a holiday location.
You can find major events and festivals all year round there, but there’s nothing better than the North Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival when it comes to fun in the fall.
This two-day festival takes place in mid-October, and it’s one of the largest Oceanfront Jazz Festivals in the entire country. For those who aren’t jazz music fans, there’s also plenty of live entertainment to enjoy throughout the year.
14. San Antonio for Food & Wine
San Antonio is a fantastic city for food and wine lovers alike. You can enjoy all kinds of fun festivities in the city during September and October, such as the Nitro Circus Live BMX show or Sunday Jazz at the Witte.
On top of that, the Alamo City part of San Antonio is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, so there’s always something delicious to enjoy at any time of year.
15. Nashville, Tennessee for Music
Last but not least, it’s time to visit Music City, USA. This city is the home of country music, and you’ll definitely want to spend some time here if you’re a fan of that genre.
Come during September or October to experience some of the great events it has to offer, such as the Arcade Beer Festival or the annual Wine on the River festival. You can also find plenty of live music in general and great Southern food, so it’s really a city for everyone.
16. Las vegas
September represents the end of summer, which means temperatures are finally dropping to more comfortable levels and the weather is transitioning into fall. In September, Las Vegas has a mix of hot days and cool evenings that are ideal for indoor and outdoor activities.
During other seasons, the city experiences an influx of visitors, especially around New Year’s Eve, the Super Bowl, and Valentine’s Day, when summer daytime temperatures soar above 100 degrees. No matter what time of year you visit Vegas, try to arrange a mid-week trip – since the city is a popular destination for weekend getaways, you’ll find more rooms at reduced rates between Tuesday and Thursday.
Las Vegas is famous for its casinos and world-class entertainment, but those are just two of the many things to do in this city. On the Strip, you can ride the High Roller, the world’s largest observation wheel, take a ride on a Venetian gondola, or watch the famous fountains of Bellagio.
17. Kenai Fjords, Alaska – for gorgeous scenery and wonderful wildlife
In September, the temperatures are still mild, the days are still long and nature is in full bloom. The park’s biodiversity thrives in the fresh, energetic air, the icy waterways, and the lush forests.
Over thousands of years, glaciers, waves and mountains have shaped Kenai Fjords National Park, creating some of Alaska’s most breathtaking panoramas. It’s no surprise that the area attracts visitors of all kinds, as it offers so many natural treasures and is easily accessible by road, train and water.
The icy waters are home to seals, whales, and puffins. Activities include whale watching, ice field hikes, kayaking, and boat tours and cruises. It is a popular wildlife and glacier tour in Alaska, famous for its abundant wildlife, spectacular mountains and tidewater glaciers.
Kenai Fjords National Park is a highlight for many tourists in Alaska. This stunning mountain and seascape has one of the most diverse ecosystems of any national park in the US.
18. South Carolina
September marks the start of the breathtakingly beautiful autumn season in South Carolina. Averaging between 55°F and 88°F, temperatures decrease progressively but it brings clear, blue skies and sunny days.
Fewer people will be there and lodging costs will be lower in September. This season, discounts on hotels and airfares average around 30%.
South Carolina is considered one of the best places to live and visit in the United States. Reasons include beautiful beaches, active local culture, and many stylish restaurants that reinterpret classic Southern delicacies like shrimp and grits.
The state boasts 180 miles of beautiful coastline. The Grand Strand is a 60-mile stretch of sandy beach northeast of Charleston, with Myrtle Beach at its heart, a well-known family resort with arcades and amusement parks.
19. North Cascades National Park, Washington for Stunning Outdoors
North Cascades National Park in western Washington is a large wilderness area. The North Cascade Range is home to scenic mountains, snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, flowing waterfalls, and other distinctive natural features that make up the park region, sometimes referred to as the North American Alps.
Visit the magnificent Diablo Lake View Point while you are in the park to take in the breathtaking scenery. Rent a boat to spend some time on the lake’s brilliant blue waters, or hike the most gorgeous trek through Cascade Pass, another popular pastime.
20. Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah, is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in the U.S. to visit in September. Not only is it a spectacular place, but Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park are all located here. September is a great time to visit because there are fewer tourists.
This time of year also marks the onset of a cooling trend, with daytime highs of 88F and lows of 54F.
You’ll also appreciate that the region is in full bloom, with fall foliage peaking in the Manti-La Sal National Forest area in late September.
Before visiting Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden Trail, and Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park, take a 2-hour round trip on the La Sal Mountain Loop Road.
Then continue to Canyonlands and be sure to visit the Needles and Island in the Sky neighborhoods.
Conclusion
There you have it — the top 15 cities you should visit in the United States this fall. Whether you’re coming here for the long-term, like a few months or so, or just planning to spend a weekend somewhere new, autumn is the best season to do things in the United States.
You’ll never have to worry about being too hot when it’s fall here, and that’s why all of these places are so popular during this time of the year. Don’t worry about having a hard time choosing which city is best for you to visit, though, because the United States has a little bit of something for everyone.
We would recommend researching each of these locations and then making a decision from there to avoid any disappointments or surprises. Have fun!