As summer fades and crisp air fills, Boston becomes a vibrant autumn wonderland. The city and surrounding areas offer a cornucopia of fall activities, from leaf-peeping adventures to cozy harvest festivals. Let’s explore 17 fantastic ways to embrace the season in and around Boston.
Stroll Through Boston Common and Public Garden
Start your fall journey in the heart of the city. Boston Common and the adjacent Public Garden burst with autumn colors in October. Towering maples and oaks paint the landscape in warm red, orange, and gold hues. Take a leisurely walk along winding paths, admiring the fall foliage reflected in the lagoon. Don’t miss the iconic Swan Boats, which operate until mid-September—a perfect way to bid farewell to summer and welcome fall.
Explore the Arnold Arboretum
Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre living museum. In autumn, it becomes a kaleidoscope of fall colors. This free public park boasts over 15,000 plants, including many species known for their spectacular fall foliage. Climb Peters Hill for panoramic views of the colorful landscape and the Boston skyline in the distance. The Arboretum offers guided tours, but you can also download a self-guided tour app to explore at your own pace.
Take a Fall Foliage Cruise
See Boston’s autumn beauty from a different perspective—the water. Several companies offer fall foliage cruises along the Charles River and Boston Harbor. You’ll glide past golden-hued trees lining the shores, with the city’s historic architecture providing a stunning backdrop. Many cruises include narration about Boston’s history and the science behind fall colors, making for an educational and visually stunning experience.
Visit a Local Farmer’s Market
Fall brings a bounty of fresh produce to Boston’s farmers’ markets. The Boston Public Market, open year-round, fills with autumnal treats like crisp apples, pumpkins, and squash. Outdoor markets like the one in Copley Square (operating through November) offer a chance to stock up on local goods while enjoying the crisp fall air. Pick ingredients for a cozy fall meal or sample seasonal treats from local vendors.
Go Apple Picking
A quintessential New England fall activity, apple picking is a must-do in Boston. Several orchards within an hour’s drive of the city offer pick-your-own apples and other attractions. Honeypot Hill Orchards in Stow features a hedge maze and farm animals, while Shelburne Farm in Stow offers hayrides and a country store. Spend a day filling baskets with crisp Macintosh, Cortland, or Honeycrisp apples, then enjoy your harvest in homemade pies or cider.
Attend the Head of the Charles Regatta
Every October, the banks of the Charles River come alive with the world’s largest two-day rowing event. The Head of the Charles Regatta attracts over 11,000 athletes and hundreds of thousands of spectators. Even if you’re not a rowing enthusiast, the festive atmosphere and beautiful fall scenery make this a worthwhile event. Watch sleek boats glide down the river, framed by trees in full autumn splendor.
Take a Ghost Tour
As Halloween approaches, embrace Boston’s spooky side with a ghost tour. The city’s long history is ripe with tales of hauntings and mysterious occurrences. Join a guided walk through historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill or the North End, where costumed storytellers bring centuries-old ghost stories to life. The crisp fall air and early sunsets add to the eerie ambiance.
Explore Salem
Speaking of spooky, no fall in Boston is complete without a trip to nearby Salem. The infamous witch trials of 1692 have left an indelible mark on this historic town, which goes all out for Halloween. October sees Salem transformed with haunted houses, psychic fairs, and costume parades. Visit the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the trials, or explore the House of Seven Gables, the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. Even if you’re not into the supernatural, Salem’s beautiful colonial architecture and fall foliage make it worth the trip.
Hike the Blue Hills Reservation
The Blue Hills Reservation offers 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness south of Boston. Fall turns the reservation into a tapestry of autumn colors. Hike to the top of Great Blue Hill for panoramic views of the colorful landscape and the Boston skyline. With over 125 miles of trails, there’s a hike for every skill level. Keep an eye out for local wildlife preparing for winter.
Attend a Fall Festival
Fall brings a multitude of harvest festivals to the Boston area. The Topsfield Fair, America’s oldest agricultural fair, runs in early October with livestock shows, midway rides, and giant pumpkin contests. The Boston Local Food Festival celebrates sustainable, local food with chef demonstrations and plenty of samples in the city. These festivals offer a chance to embrace autumn’s bounty and learn about local agriculture.
Take a Foliage Road Trip
While Boston is beautiful in fall, a road trip through New England’s countryside reveals even more spectacular autumn vistas. The Mohawk Trail, running from the New York border to Millers Falls, MA, is stunning. This 63-mile drive takes you through picturesque towns and offers breathtaking views of fall foliage. Stop at lookout points, visit local farm stands, and immerse yourself in the full glory of a New England autumn.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Picking out the perfect pumpkin is a cherished fall tradition. Many farms near Boston offer pumpkin patches and other autumn activities. Conner’s Farm in Danvers features a corn maze, hayrides, and a pumpkin cannon. At Lookout Farm in Natick, you can pick pumpkins and apples and enjoy hard cider in the taproom. These farms provide a full day of fall fun for all ages.
Catch a Patriots Game
Fall means football season; in New England, that means cheering for the Patriots. While getting tickets to Gillette Stadium can be challenging, the atmosphere around game day is electric. Fans can join them at a sports bar in the city to watch the game or tailgate in the stadium parking lot for the whole experience. The combination of crisp fall weather and exciting football action is hard to beat.
Explore Mount Auburn Cemetery
Don’t let the word “cemetery” fool you – Mount Auburn is a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills, peaceful ponds, and stunning fall foliage. This 174-acre cemetery in Cambridge is America’s first garden cemetery and a National Historic Landmark. Take a guided tour or explore independently, admiring the beautiful 19th-century funerary art and the vibrant autumn colors. It’s a serene and surprisingly uplifting place to spend an autumn afternoon.
Attend the Boston Book Festival
Literary lovers, rejoice! The Boston Book Festival, typically held in October, brings authors, readers, and publishers together to celebrate the written word. Attend author talks, panel discussions, and writing workshops. Many events are free and held outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the fall weather while feeding your mind.
Go Leaf Peeping by Bike
Experience fall colors up close by biking through Boston’s parks and neighborhoods. The Minuteman Bikeway, an 11-mile rail trail from Cambridge to Bedford, offers a scenic route through suburbs and wooded areas. In the city, the Emerald Necklace provides a 7-mile stretch of interconnected parks, perfect for a leisurely autumn ride. Rent a bike if you don’t have your own, and don’t forget to stop often to admire the colorful vistas.
Cozy Up in a Historic Tavern
There’s nothing like warming up in a historic tavern as temperatures drop. Boston has no shortage of centuries-old pubs where you can sip a pint by a roaring fire. The Warren Tavern in Charlestown, dating back to 1780, was a favorite of Paul Revere.
The Green Dragon, established in 1654, was a gathering place for revolutionaries. These taverns offer a glimpse into Boston’s past while providing a cozy retreat from the autumn chill. From vibrant foliage to harvest celebrations, Boston in fall is a feast for the senses.
Whether exploring the city’s historic streets, venturing into the countryside for apple picking, or cheering on the Patriots, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season. So grab a warm sweater, order a pumpkin spice latte, and experience all of Boston’s autumnal wonders. The memories you make will warm you long after the last leaves have fallen.