Outdoor Experiences
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Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Always wanted to visit one of America’s stunning national parks? September is the perfect time to do it! Picture it: the summer crowds have begun to thin out; the air is crisp and the sun is shining; here and there, the first pops of fall color stain the foliage. In this blog, we’ll reveal the top four best national parks to visit in September, where time and place combine to make a truly magical experience. Want to make your lodging experience just as memorable? We’ll also tell you about four boutique accommodations where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Let’s get started!
When you think of US national parks, there’s a good chance Yellowstone is top of mind. This iconic park has become an enduring symbol of the American wilderness, with abundant wildlife, stunning scenery, and spectacular geothermal features. But it’s during the start of the fall season that America’s favorite national park really comes into its own. September marks the seasonal southern migration of elk and bison herds through the park. Moreover, the cool air adds a layer of drama to the geysers, shrouding them in pillowy white steam. And best of all, you don’t have to elbow through the crowds for a great view.
Located in Jackson Hole, about an hour and a half from Yellowstone National Park, The Alpine House is a Scandinavian-inspired boutique lodge where you can kick off your hiking boots and enjoy some rejuvenating, wellness-focused downtime. Wake up to a chef-prepared breakfast, then work it off at the fitness center or by exploring downtown Jackson Hole on one of the hotel’s free cruiser bikes. Rooms come in lodge-, suite-, and loft-style configurations and feature sumptuous amenities like soaking tubs, private balconies, and in-floor tile heating.
Book The Alpine House Here!
While not as famous as its big sister, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is every bit as striking. September brings picture-perfect scenery, dusting the jagged mountain peaks with snow and painting the aspens gold. But it’s the wildlife that really sets this national park apart. In the winter, the nearby National Elk Refuge hosts the largest migrating herd of elk in North America, at six to eight thousand strong. However, September is a great time to see (and hear) elk in the park itself, as they enter their annual mating season, known as the rut. Other wildlife that visit Grand Teton or call it home include bison, moose, grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and wolves.
This motor-lodge-style inn blends vintage charm with boutique comfort. Gather round one of the communal fire pits for a night of family-friendly ghost stories and s’mores. Or, belly up to the bar at the on-site saloon for a bit of adults-only fun. September is the perfect time of year to enjoy the Virginian’s heated outdoor pool and hot tubs. Meanwhile, the Wister Hall Event Space is the perfect place to host your big event. Hungry? The Virginian Lodge boasts two on-site restaurants. Then again, you’ll find many more dining options within walking distance of the lodge, including top Jackson Hole restaurants like The Blue Lion and the Mangy Moose. Other nearby attractions include Jackson Town Square, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and the Jackson Hole Rodeo. The Virginia Lodge offers thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, suites, and adventure camps in a variety of configurations.
Book The Virginian Lodge Here!
On the Southern Maine Coast, Acadia National Park offers a quieter September getaway compared to the dramatic geysers of Yellowstone and wildlife safaris of Grand Teton. Thinned-out crowds leave behind plenty of open space, including at the top of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the north Atlantic coast, which you’ll find packed with sunrise-seekers during the peak summer months. Be sure to explore the scenic carriage roads, which are less congested in September, with a bike rental from the Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop or Acadia Bike Rentals. If you prefer to get around on foot, you’ll find miles of thrilling hiking trails in Acadia National Park. The Ocean Path Trail is a particularly beautiful (and not very difficult) hike offering views of iconic Maine landmarks like Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, and Sand Beach.
Terramor Outdoor Resort offers the ultimate glamping experience just seven minutes from Acadia National Park. Spacious canvas tents give you the camping experience without the work or discomfort, with sturdy pre-assembled frames and home-like amenities such as luxury bedding, electricity and WiFi, portable heating and cooling, and more. When you aren’t exploring Acadia National Park, take advantage of a generous assortment of resort amenities like an outdoor pool, steamy hot tub, lawn games, artist workshops, stargazing lectures, wellness programming, and miles of private hiking trails.
Book Terramor Outdoor Resort Here!
September is “shoulder season” on the Big Island, meaning gorgeous weather, fewer crowds, and lower rates – all of which make it the perfect time to visit Hawaii’s premier National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes. Stepping foot in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park feels like stepping onto another planet, with barren lava fields, steaming vents, and flowing magma creating an otherworldly feel. Key sights you’ll definitely want to hit during your visit include the Nahuku (aka Thurston) Lava Tube, the Halemaʻumaʻu crater overlook, and the Kilauea Iki crater rim trail. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, the Kilauea Visitor Center and the Volcano Art Center are great places to learn about the importance of volcanoes to not only the culture, but the very creation, of Hawaii.
Pacific 19 is the ultimate Big Island base camp. Located in Kailua Kona, this boutique hotel blends traditional Hawaiian hospitality with modern design for a one-of-a-kind lodging experience. In addition to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, it offers convenient access to bucket-list attractions like Manta Ray Village, Pololu Valley, and the Kona Cloud Forest, as well as walkable access to Kailua Bay and Kamakahonu Beach. Need help planning your itinerary? Visit the P_19 Experiences page for curated activities near the hotel.
Of course, you don’t have to leave the property to have fun. Start your morning with a guided yoga class on the pool deck, with sessions held daily at 8 am. Afterward, cool off with a dip in the spacious hotel pool. Need a caffeine kick to get you started? Stop by the on-site coffee shop for some authentic Kona brew from the Waimea Coffee Farm. Guest rooms at Pacific 19 come in a variety of configurations and feature in-unit amenities like macrobars, private balconies, and complimentary WiFi.
Book Pacific 19 Here!
We’ve only scratched the surface of America’s vast national park system. In truth, September is an excellent time for a nature vacation, no matter which park you choose. Here are some more spectacular national parks to visit in September:
Want to see more? Our curated collection of boutique properties spans the US, from Maine to Hawaii and many points between. Whether you prefer the sophisticated charm of a boutique inn, the sustainable style of a landscape hotel, or the immersive comfort of a glamping retreat, you’re sure to find the perfect outdoor accommodations for your next adventure. Explore more at the link below!
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