There are many best places to visit in California in September as September is an amazing month to spend time in California. The summer crowds are gone but the weather is still warm and perfect for the beach and outdoor activities.
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Where to Stay in California
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Best Places to Visit in California in September: Northern California
Redwoods National Park
By Anna of Anna Tee
Redwood National Park is one of the best places to visit in California in September. The weather is warm and sunny, and it’s the perfect in-between season – summers are very crowded, and the rain that this area is famous for doesn’t start until October. Visiting in September means you’ll avoid the crowd, and enjoy great weather.
One day in Redwood National Park is enough if you just want to see some highlights, but I recommend at least three days, as this gives you enough time for some hiking, and to see more of the area.
The park is pretty remote, and if you’re flying in for your trip, the closest airport is in Medford, Oregon. From there, you will need a car to get to the park, and it’s about a two hour drive west on US-199 to Crescent City, California. From Crescent City, you’ll go south on the 101 coastal highway, and you’ll be in the redwoods!
For hotels and accommodations, you’ll find the most options in Crescent City, but there are also a few in the town of Klamath, just outside of the park. The only way to stay in the park itself is camping – there are a few developed campgrounds available.
The best thing to do when you visit the redwoods is to go hiking. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails, so you’ll find plenty of options whether you want to do a long hike or short, easy trails. Some of the best hikes in Redwood National Park include Damnation Creek, Enderts Beach, and the Simpson-Reed trail.
Visiting Redwood National Park is pretty budget friendly, since the park itself is free, and most of the things to do there are hiking and nature-oriented activities. Of course, you’ll need to consider the costs of accommodations, travel, and maybe renting a car!
Sacramento
By Paul of Roam Wisely
Sacramento is one of the best places to visit in California in September as visiting the weather is ideal and there are less crowds. A 2-3 day visit allows ample time to explore its attractions.
Staying in Sacramento is convenient, with a range of accommodations from budget to luxury. Originally built in 1927, The Delta King riverboat has been restored and converted into a 44-room boutique hotel that offers a unique experience right on the Sacramento River. Or you could choose one of many choice in downtown Sacremento that are within walking distance to Old Sacremento.
Old Sacramento offers various activities: We found when we visited the California State Railroad Museum to be a great place to explore with the family. You could also take a river cruise on teh River City Queen, visit the Sacramento History Museum, or enjoy the historic buildings and shops. Dining options range from casual eateries to fine dining with river views.
Budgeting around $150-200 per day covers mid-range accommodation, meals, and entrance fees. Free attractions like Huntington & Hopkins Hardware and walking tours help keep costs down.
Important to know: Old Sacramento can be quite busy during weekends and events. Plan to book accommodations and popular attractions in advance. The historic area’s charm lies in its preservation, so take time to appreciate the cobblestone streets and period architecture.
Carmel
By Sarah of Sarah Seeks Adventure
Carmel, California, more affectionately known as Carmel by the Sea, is a quaint little town that looks like it was plucked right out of a European fairytale. It sits on the coast of California, just south of Monterey. The weather is very temperate all year, so even in the autumn months, like September, Carmel will likely be chilly in the morning, but warm and sunny in the afternoon.
Carmel is known to be an expensive place to visit, but it can certainly be done on a budget. For example, instead of splurging for dinner at one of their many delicious restaurants, you can opt for a picnic at Carmel Sunset Beach. That said, if you do decide to eat out, Dametra Café and Sushi Heaven are great options.
You’ll also want to rent a car when you visit because you’ll likely be driving here from the Monterey, San Jose, or surrounding airports. There are a lot of budget-friendly, nature-based activities to do around Carmel like visiting Point Lobos, hiking nearby, driving around 17-Mile Drive, or driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll also want to make sure you drive around to look at all the fairytale cottages, most notably the Hansel and Gretel Houses.
While you’re here, make sure to schedule in some time to just walk around downtown. It’s such a unique atmosphere and one of the most European cities in America. You will immediately see influences from Greece, Italy, France, Germany, and other European countries. If you’re in town on the third Thursday in September (or any month through October), you can stop by the Farmer’s Market to support local growers, artists, and makers!
Carmel is incredibly charming, and the locals seem very friendly and happy to show off their beautiful town. You will not want to miss Carmel as it is one of the best places to visit in California in September.
Lake Tahoe
By Jess of Uprooted Traveler
September is an incredible time to explore Lake Tahoe. The massive crowds of summer have mostly dwindled (and, with them, the inflated prices of hotels and airfare have decreased to a more affordable rate) and, yet, the weather is still warm enough to enjoy activities on the lake’s famously blue waters.
For example, there’s several beaches to simply relax on or, if you’re looking for something more active, to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to get out on the crystal clear water. Lester, Baldwin, and Kings Beaches are all excellent options to soak up the sun—or the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Sierra Nevadas.
Alternatively, you can enjoy some of Tahoe’s incredible hiking trails, before they’re covered with ice and snow during the long and cold winter. The Rubicon Trail is arguably the best hike in the area, taking you past secluded coves, rugged cliff sides, and dense pine tree forests. Alternatively, the Eagle Falls Trail is a great beginner-friendly option, featuring both a waterfall and panoramic views of Lake Tahoe below.
This is a sprawling area (the lake has a circumference of over 70 miles!), so you could take weeks to explore it. However, a weekend is enough to hit many of its highlights.
To get here, fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is located about an hour away from South Lake Tahoe. You’ll want a rental car to get around the lake to different parks, trailheads, and beaches.
While Lake Tahoe has a reputation of being rather pricey, September is luckily shoulder season, so you can likely snag a deal on a hotel. Consider making South Lake Tahoe your homebase, thanks to its proximity to the lake’s attractions on both the California and Nevada side. Basecamp has a trendy vibe and tons of perks, including an onsite brewery, fire pits to cozy up to at night, and a rooftop hot tub. Tahoe is one of the best best places to visit in California in September.
Best Places to Visit in California in September: Central California
Santa Barbara
By Sharon of Exploring Our World
Known as the American Riviera for its seaside beauty, Santa Barbara hugs the central coast of California and lies about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The town of Santa Barbara, with its appealing red-tile roofs, spreads out between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. With a temperate climate year-round, this resort city makes a perfect getaway in September, when summer crowds have lessened.
You can be as active as you wish here. Water activities include kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Rent a sailboat. Walk or ride a bicycle along a paved beachside path that’s lined with pleasant palms.
If you’re into history, explore the Santa Barbara Mission and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, which is an early California fort. The Santa Barbara Courthouse boasts stunning architecture including colorful tile décor.
Downtown, with its pedestrianized streets, provides intriguing courtyards off the main street. You can find boutique shops with one-of-a-kind gifts. If you want a dose of nature, head to the Botanic Gardens. Here you can wander through a redwood forest and hike along a creek.
You can drive or you can opt for the train, coming from either north or south. Once in the city, you can see a lot on foot or ride the shuttle. The city provides plenty of parking if you prefer your car.
Whether you’re wanting to chill on the beach, engage in active adventures, soak up culture, or dine on fresh seafood, Santa Barbara offers all these and more making it one of the best places to visit in California in September.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
By Andy of Explore With Finesse
September is the perfect time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These are two separate National Parks that are located next to each other, with each offering unique activities and landscapes. In September, the parks are not as crowded as during the summer, so you will have a more relaxing experience. Also, September starts to bring cooler weather, while still offering about 12-13 hours of daily sunlight! Thus, this is one of the best places to visit in California in September.
While there are shuttle services within the parks, a car is necessary to get to the national parks. You will have to drive about 1.5-2 hours east of Fresno to reach the parks.
2-3 days are enough to experience all of the best activities in the area. There are several essential hikes in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. One of these hikes in Sequoia, the Congress Trail, takes you to the General Sherman Tree, a sequoia tree that is the largest tree in the world (by volume). You can also check out the Crystal Cave, an underground marble cavern.
For accommodations, staying within the parks at lodges like Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia or John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon is highly recommended. These lodges offer comfort and convenience, with easy access to key attractions. For budget travelers, campgrounds such as Lodgepole or Dorst Creek provide a more affordable option.
It costs $35 to enter the parks with a vehicle. This cost covers both parks and is valid for 7 days. You should also bring plenty of food and water while you are hiking.
Best Places to Visit in California in September: Southern California
San Diego
By Samantha of Sam Sees World
California in September is an absolute gem, and one of my favorite places to soak in the last of the summer vibes is San Diego. With its perfect blend of beachy relaxation and city life, San Diego offers something for every traveler.
The weather in San Diego is absolutely stunning in September – think warm days, cooler evenings, and less of the summer crowd. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches without the crowds of peak season.
Spend at least 4-5 days to truly experience what San Diego has to offer. This gives you enough time to explore different neighborhoods, enjoy the beaches, and visit major attractions without feeling rushed. Also, renting a car is necessary for the flexibility it offers, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city center.
For first-timers, staying in the Gaslamp Quarter or Downtown area is perfect. It’s central, vibrant, and packed with dining and entertainment options. For a more laid-back vibe, consider staying in La Jolla or Pacific Beach. No matter what, San Deigo is one of the best places to visit in California in September.
There’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego. Spend a day at Balboa Park, exploring its gardens and museums. Hit the famous San Diego Zoo, take a sunset sail in the harbor, and definitely enjoy some beach time at Coronado or Mission Beach.
San Diego can be relatively affordable compared to other major California cities. Expect to spend around $150-250 per night on accommodation in mid-range hotels. Dining out can range from budget-friendly taco stands to high-end waterfront dining, catering to all budgets.
September is also when San Diego hosts several events like the Miramar Air Show and San Diego Restaurant Week, adding an extra layer of fun to your visit. San Diego in September is a dream – fewer crowds, beautiful weather, and endless activities. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to extend your summer!
Newport
By Layla of Layla’s Lens
Newport Beach is a great Southern California beach town to visit in September. This is when the weather’s sunniest, and there aren’t overcast days that you would typically experience during May gray or June gloom. You can stroll along Newport pier, go on a whale–watching tour, visit the Balboa Fun zone, and shop at Lido Marina village. September is one of the best times to spot blue whales in Southern California as well!
If you stay by Newport pier, you’ll be within walking distance to many good restaurants and shops along the marina. However, renting a car is a good idea if you want to explore the different beaches. Newport Beach is within a 20 minute drive from many great Orange County beaches, including Huntington Beach, Corona del Mar, and Crystal Cove State Park.
One of the best places to stay in Newport are the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. These are charming coastal beach cottages within the historic district of Crystal Cove State Park. Here you’ll be steps away from 3.2 miles of beach, hiking trails, and two restaurants (The Beachcomber Cafe and Shake Shack), within the state park. The cottages are $162–$250 per night for up to 4 guests.
If you prefer staying near Newport’s pier and Balboa peninsula, the Holiday Inn Express is a good budget-friendly hotel within walking distance of restaurants and shops. No matter what you choose, Newport is one of the best places to visit in California in September.
Temecula
By Carmen of Basic Economy B
Located just an hour outside of San Diego, Temecula is one of Southern California’s premier wine regions, with nearly 50 wineries in Temecula Valley. Here you can see gorgeous rolling hills covered in ripe grapevines without paying Napa Valley prices. September is California Wine Month, and Temecula wineries celebrate all month long, making it the perfect time for you to visit. You may even get the chance to participate in crushing grapes underfoot.
Spending the day in Temecula is a great way to enjoy a weekend day for visitors of all types, as many wineries are kid-friendly and pet-friendly. They’re also often host to live musicians – the perfect accompaniment to your preferred vintage. Tastings at most wineries typically range from $20-$30 per person, and many have food for purchase either in-house or via a rotation of food trucks.
Having a car will give you flexibility to explore all that Temecula Valley has to offer, but if you’re staying in San Diego or in Orange County, there are several different winery tour options that pick up in either of those locations. Temecula is a great weekend getaway as well. If you choose to stay overnight, I’d recommend staying anywhere off of Rancho California Road where a large percentage of the wineries are. Or you could choose to stay in Old Town Temecula, which will give you access to lots of great restaurants within walking distance.
For those with room in their budget, Temecula is also known as a premier destination for hot air balloon rides. But if heights aren’t your thing, you’ll be more than happy to just stick with the wine. No matter what, Temecula is one of the best places to visit in California in September.
Big Bear
By Liz of Discover Côtes du Rhône
Big Bear Lake is a popular resort destination located roughly 100 miles NE of Los Angeles. Known as “California’s only four-season resort,” it offers a variety of activities throughout the year. A magnet for SoCal skiers with two resorts (Bear Mountain and Snow Summit), thus it is one of the best places to visit in California in September with amazing fall foliage and so many outdoor activities.
The lake is the focal point offering fishing (permits required) and water sports with a range of rental options for boats, kayaks, jet skis, and paddleboards.
Camping, hiking, and mountain biking are favorite Fall pastimes as the San Bernadino National Forest surrounds the mountain town. Parking permits are required in many areas, so make sure to stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center (LINK) for trail maps, permits and more.
The area has a rich in gold mining history with self-guided driving tours in the backcountry (Holcomb Valley) and a historical museum. The city is known for its robust Oktoberfest, which commences in early September.
The Village (Pine Knot Avenue & Village Drive) is the social center, with restaurants for every taste, coffee shops, charming stores, and several old-fashioned ice cream and candy shops. There’s also a roller coaster, bowling lanes, a music venue, e-bike rentals, zipline fun, horseback rides and so much more.
There are lots of affordable accommodation options with two hotels in town and a plethora of cabin rentals to fit any budget. There is public transportation via Mountain Transit including routes to/from the Inland Empire, but a car is much more convenient.
September is the perfect time to visit–come for a night or stay a week- and enjoy the onset of Autumn with crisp mountain air and a cup og hot chocolate in front of a toasty fire!
Catalina Island
By Gwen of San Diego Family Travel
You do not have to travel far to experience an island paradise in Southern California. Located just 22 miles off the coast, Catalina Island – with its Mediterranean charm and array of exciting activities – will truly transport you to another world. It is one of the best places to visit in California in September.
September is a wonderful time of year to visit. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, the crowds are slim, and it’s still warm enough to enjoy the island’s many sea and land activities. Catalina Island has been said to have the perfect climate, with warm, sunny days and cool evening breezes. During the early fall, temperatures normally stay in the 70s, offering mild, comfortable conditions. The ocean water remains warm, as well!
Avalon is the heart of Catalina Island; it is where you’ll find the majority of restaurants, hotels, beaches and activities, including the world-famous Casino Building and botanical gardens. Some other popular activities on Catalina include ocean kayaking, glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling, zip lining, hiking, biking, shopping, or just enjoying a day at the beach. I would recommend at least 2-3 days to squeeze everything in, although many people opt for a day trip to save money.
Another great thing about visiting the island in September are the discount hotel rates. With the summer season over, many hotels offer great deals. If you are looking to avoid crowds and save a little money, consider a midweek visit to Catalina Island. Although everything is still open and the island is hopping with activities and events, most hotels offer even bigger savings on room rates Sunday through Thursday.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a solo escape, or a place to bring the entire family for some fun in the sun, Catalina Island is a quick and easy getaway. Travel time to Avalon, the island’s only city, can be done in as little as 15 minutes by air, or one hour by boat from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach.
Final Thoughts About Best Places to Visit in California in September
There are so many amazing and best places to visit in California in September. You cannot go wrong with whatever location you choose. Other options include Los Angeles, Paso Robles, Oceanside, and Laguna Beach.
