From the Pacific shores of San Francisco to the romance of Paris, adventure in one of these five destinations.
The weather is starting to cool, the leaves are slowly changing and the kids are back to school. Yes, it’s September, what better way to celebrate your free time than by traveling somewhere new? Here are five cities we suggest visiting in September.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco blossoms September, the warmest month. With the waning tourist crowds, autumn is definitely one of the best times to visit the ‘City by the Bay’. Admire spectacular Pacific Ocean views, wander around the shore and explore Fisherman’s Wharf where you can savor a local favorite: clam chowder in a classic sourdough bread bowl. You’re likely to spot a colony of sea lions sunbathing on the docks below. Take in the view from the wharf of the infamous Alcatraz Island and be sure to take pictures with the Golden Gate Bridge. Baker Beach and Fort Point National Historic Site offer great viewpoints. This Californian cultural hub is also home to many neighborhoods, so explore trendy quarters like The Mission District, where you can enjoy a delicious Mexican-style lunch. Or, hop on a cable car and find something new!
2. New York
A lovely time to visit New York, September offers the best of all worlds with moderate temperatures, fewer tourists, and all the same exciting bars, top-notch gastronomic experiences, world-class entertainment and famous NYC attractions. Alongside the usual hotspots like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway musicals and Central Park, the city that never sleeps continuously lives up to its name. New York Fashion Week goes from 6-14 September attracting participants, fashion designers and models from all over the world, some events are even open to the public. Check the schedule and find out how you can join in on the fun taking place in the Big Apple.
3. Okanagan Valley, Canada
Nestled in the province of British Columbia’s countryside, the breathtaking Okanagan Valley is about five hours from the city of Vancouver. Home to the epic ski resort Whistler Blackcomb, the valley boasts sweeping mountain vistas, rolling hills, vineyards, lakes and stunning night skies. Take enchanting wine tour around Lake Okanagan where you can visit Mission Hill or Summerhill. If you arrive in early September, you’ll most likely be able to take a dip in the lake. region If not, no worries. There are plenty of spectacular hiking paths along the 84-mile (135 km) length of Okanagan Lake.
4. Washington D.C
The pleasant autumn breeze rolls into the U.S. capital in the fall, making September an ideal month to explore. See iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech with the Washington Monument towering nobly in the background. Washington’s various museums appeal to a variety of interests as well. The National Air and Space Museum outlines the amazing technological achievements of aviation and space exploration over the last century while the lovely National Gallery of Art–comprised of multiple buildings–boasts over 140,000 historic and modern paintings, drawings, sculptures and mixed media.
5. Paris, France
Paris is always a good idea. It’s no secret that the City of Light is deemed one of the world’s most romantic cities, with its impressive list of Michelin starred restaurants, French wine, wide avenues, narrow alleys, the Canal Saint-Martin, Notre Dame de Paris and of course the Eiffel Tower. Paris Fashion Week takes place from 26 September to 3 October, providing a fantastic environment for people watching from an outdoor table at a Parisian café. Be sure to try some local culinary favorites like French onion soup and escargot.