September Is the Perfect Time for a Getaway—Here's Where You Should Go

While the summer months often take center stage with their promise of long, sunny days and endless outdoor pursuits, from beaches to alfresco dining, there is a case to be made for September being one of the best months for travel. Post-Labor Day, the crowds are generally thinner while the weather is wonderful, still plenty warm during the day but with hints of that brisk autumnal air on the horizon. This year, we can finally go abroad again—including to Canada, which opens to vaccinated U.S. citizens on August 9, and Ireland, which also just reopened its borders. Prefer a quick domestic jaunt? America is a treasure chest of great destinations, too, and September is the perfect time to experience them. Here are our top picks for an early fall getaway.

September is ideal for exploring the legendary Irish countryside in all of its green, verdant, bucolic glory (on July 19, Ireland lifted its 14-day quarantine requirement for vaccinated Americans). Fly into Shannon and head first for Dromoland Castle, a 16th-century castle that sits on 450 acres and is brimming with activities for every type of traveler, from golfers to gardeners (André le Nôtre, known for designing the gardens at Versailles, also did the gardens here). After a few days of discovering County Clare's treasures, such as the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, drive up to County Mayo, home of the grand Ashford Castle, a Medieval stunner (Victorian additions were added in 1852) that once belonged to the Guinness family. The hospitality—and attention to detail—is unparalleled here, as are the list of activities, chief among them the can't-miss experience at the hotel's Falconry School of Ireland, the oldest in the country.

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By September, the nation's capital begins to cool down from its sweltering summer, making it much more pleasant for exploring the city's many, many landmarks. From the iconic Lincoln Memorial to the must-see Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, D.C.'s architectural feats are best explored on foot. There is also more to the city than its historical monuments, from charming and collegiate Georgetown to the food scenes of Adams Morgan and Logan Circle (don't miss Tail Up Goat and Le Diplomate) to culturally rich institutions like Hillwood and the Phillips Collection. Stay at the stately Dupont Circle Hotel which recently underwent a full top-to-bottom renovation. Among the upgrades: a redesign of the bar and restaurant by Martin Brudnizki, who famously revamped Annabel's, the iconic private club in London.

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Say what you will about Ojai's New Age-y woo woo tendencies but there's no denying its pull. Located in between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in a valley in the Topatopa Mountains, its peaceful setting is ideal for wellness pursuits and getting in touch with your spiritual side. The Ojai Valley Inn is the place to do just that. The luxury 220-acre property is surrounded by ancient oak and olive trees and lined with fragrant sage and lavender. There is an extensive list of activities that include beekeeping, vegan cooking, equine learning, candle-making, and terrarium-building. Don't fret, traditional resort activities—golf, tennis, pool—are also available.

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The British Columbia city has everything you want in a dynamic metropolis—it's diverse and multiethnic, and full of arts, culture, and fantastic food. But what's also wonderful about Vancouver is that it is surrounded by mountains and sea, which means there are plenty of nature-centric, outdoorsy pursuits, too, so you get the best of both worlds. As for where to stay, how about a little trip through history, specifically the Roaring Twenties? The Rosewood Hotel Georgia was originally founded in 1927, and throughout its illustrious past it has played host to the likes of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Katharine Hepburn. After a meticulous restoration by Rosewood in 2011, it now perfectly straddles the line between old world charm and contemporary comfort.

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Jackson Hole has long been the playground for a certain kind of crowd: one percenters who prefer a more down-to-earth and back-to-nature ruggedness over the glitz and glam of other alpine towns (like Aspen). It's also one of the most gorgeous places in the country—surrounded by the towering Grand Teton mountain range, there are breathtaking vistas from just about anywhere, not to mention all the wildlife, the wide open spaces, the magnificent homes, and the outdoor activities, from hiking to horseback riding. Plus, Grand Teton National Park isn't its only megawatt draw. There is also Yellowstone National Park, which became the country's first national park in 1872. Its famous Grand Prismatic Spring and soaring Old Faithful Geyser are just a two hour drive away. If traveling with friends or family, stay at the 8-key Caldera House, where every two- or four-bedroom suite is impeccably designed to feel like a palatial pied-a-terre. Couples should head to the Amangani, which has unbeatable views of Snake River Valley and the Tetons, and where every suite is outfitted with a fireplace and private balcony.

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Yellowstone spans more than 2 million acres, making it the second largest national park in the contiguous U.S. (bigger than the Grand Canyon), meaning it's worth exploring an access point beyond Jackson Hole, too. Take Bozeman, Montana, located about two hours north of the park. It has all the fine qualities of a mountain town—it's surrounded by the Rockies with a wealth of activities like hiking, paddle boarding, biking, fishing—along with the arts, culture, and restaurant scene of a city. There are plenty of attractions outside of Yellowstone, from Fairy Lake and Hyalite Reservoir, to the hiking trail to Sacagawea Peak, where mountain goat sightings are common. Stay at the Kimpton Armory Hotel located right in downtown Bozeman or, for a more remote escape, head to Sage Lodge, which is set on the banks of the Yellowstone River and boasts stunning views of Paradise Valley.

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New York's scenic Hudson Valley makes for a perfect early autumn escape, catering to food lovers, nature lovers, wine lovers, pretty much everyone. There's the city of Hudson, teeming with Brooklyn expats and home to antique shops, galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and B&B's. There's Hyde Park with its historic mansions, like Franklin D. Roosevelt's home and a Vanderbilt estate. There's Beacon, most famous for the cavernous Dia Beacon museum that houses monumental Richard Serra sculptures, Agnes Martin canvases, and Dan Flavin lights. Over in the tiny village of Tivoli (population: 1,118), artist Brice Marden and his wife Helen are the proprietors of the Hotel Tivoli, an 11-room boutique property that they have filled with original paintings and eclectic wares.

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