St. Augustine, Florida
As August winds down and school starts back up, families leave the beaches of Florida in droves. But the sun is still shining in St. Augustine, making it perfect for visitors who haven't been hit by the end-of-summer blues. To begin your trip, take a sunset cruise or a trolley tour to get acquainted with the city's Spanish colonial architecture. Then take a trip to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the only surviving 17th-century fort in North America. If you're already ready for Halloween, embark on a ghost tour to see the creepy side of the city.
Denver, Colorado
If you've been wanting to visit the Mile High City, then September is your chance. The summer tourists have headed out, but the ski buffs haven’t yet moved in. And Denver has some exciting culinary festivals in the early fall. A Taste of Colorado runs in early September with hundreds of restaurants and vendors participating, as does The Denver Food + Wine Festival. The month also wraps up with Denver Beer Week and kicks off the city's very own Oktoberfest.
San Diego, California
In California, summer lasts well into September with warm water temperatures and friendly forecasts. But tourist numbers drop drastically in September compared to July and August, with beaches and tourist attractions clearing out as local schools start back up. Take a dip in the ocean and go to the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Botanic Garden.
Hudson Valley and the Catskills, New York
For many New York City residents, Hudson Valley is a popular retreat, but by September the summer crowds have returned to work and school. You can enjoy a quieter vacation with all the same shops and amenities and maybe even cheaper prices. Go to Bear Mountain State Park or embrace the spirit of autumn by visiting the Angry Orchard cider house in Walden, New York.
