New England is known far and wide for its undeniably stunning and nearly untouched nature. But there is one time of the year when it is especially beloved: during the fall.
Why is New England so popular for fall foliage admirers a.k.a. “leaf peepers?” Because a majority of the trees in the area produce a pigment called Anthocyanin, which is responsible for those desirable and brilliant reds and purples in the leaves.
While it may sound like the only thing to do in autumn is drive around or go hiking in the mountains of New England, that isn’t the case whatsoever. You can enjoy the season while in bustling Boston, too!
Wondering what you can do while visiting Boston in the fall? Then check out these eight fall-tastic things to do in Boston!
Walk Around the Public Garden
Fall foliage isn’t solely visible while wandering the mountains and hills of New Hampshire or Vermont. You can get an up close and personal experience with the brilliant fall colors while in Boston, too!
One of the best places to do so is the Public Garden (4 Charles Street), the oldest botanical garden in the United States. There, you can find an abundance of historical monuments nestled in well-kempt trees, flowers, and other vegetation. During the fall, you can stroll the paths there and marvel at the foreground of exceptionally vibrant fall colors and the background of shimmering skyscrapers.
While it’s always a good idea to walk around the Public Garden, if admiring autumn colors while in Boston in Fall is your main goal, be sure to check it out from late September to late October (and sometimes even into early November).
Go Whale Watching
If you’re after a truly awe-inspiring, life-altering experience, then hit the waters around Boston in Fall and watch whales in their natural habitat!
While you can go whale watching from May to August as well, we highly recommend you try to do this during the fall, specifically September and October, because you can have the best of both worlds: glorious whales in the waters and fall foliage on the shore!
Have a Picnic in Boston Common
Right next to the Public Garden is Boston Common, which is America’s oldest park. Since it was first established in 1634, it has been providing Bostonians and visitors from across the country and globe with a peaceful and well-kempt park right in the heart of the city.
As is the case with most parks, there are plenty of trees to walk beneath and admire, which makes it a great place to lay a picnic blanket down, nosh, and enjoy a crisp fall afternoon!
Take a Hike at the Blue Hills Reservation
Are you up for a little adventure right outside the city? Then grab your hiking boots and head to the Blue Hills Reservation. Located just 20 minutes outside the city, the Blue Hills Reservation offers outdoor enthusiasts over 125 miles of beautiful trails in its lush 7,000 acres.
While hiking at the Blue Hills Reservation, you can completely surround yourself in nature’s grandeur, which is what makes it such an ideal place to visit when you’re in Boston in fall. But wait, there’s more: a stunning view of the Boston skyline in the distance amongst the fall foliage!
Visit a Beer Garden (or Two!)
Maybe you’re not up for an adventure and would rather grab a frothy brew or two with your pals. Not to worry–there are plenty of breweries in Boston for you to do that, too. However, we highly recommend you explore the beer gardens in particular.
Boston offers an abundance of beer gardens for you to sit, drink, and be merry–and drink in the autumn air. Some great spots for you to check out include Night Shift Brewing Owl’s Nests (there are several around the city!), Trillium Greenway Pop-Up Beer Garden, Cisco Brewers Seaport, and Aeronaut Brewing Pop-up Beer Garden.
Keep in mind, however, that some of these close their doors before the winter approaches. For example, Cisco Brewers Seaport usually closes mid-October. So grab a brew from any one (or all of!) these places before they close!
Attend an Oktoberfest Celebration
On the topic of refreshing beer while visiting Boston in fall, we would be remiss to not mention the many Oktoberfest celebrations! Nearly every day during September and October, there is at least one Oktoberfest happening–and you should absolutely experience at least one for yourself if you can.
In 2022, Trillium Oktoberfest is September 17-18, and Sam Adams Oktoberfest is September 23-25. And those aren’t the only ones happening!
These two are happening in Boston proper, but there are others in the surrounding area worthy of investigation, such as OktoberFest at Wachusett Mountain, which is about 63 miles from the center of Boston, October 1-2.
Whichever one you decide to attend, prepare yourself for lederhosen, German music, good beer, and good times.
Visit Salem for Spooky Season
Just a short train or ferry ride from Boston lies Salem, the city that’s quite infamous for hosting the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. During the month of October, the Witch City is decked out in Halloween decorations and holds iconic festivals galore. It’s truly a sight to behold for spooky season lovers.
However, when visiting Salem in the fall, be aware that it is the busiest time of the year in terms of tourism. Expect crowds while wandering around the quaint town, especially in the month of October.
Bike Boston
There is something to be said about exploring a new city by bicycle. You choose your own stops while wandering about and get an incomparable and unique experience with the location you’re in, all the while getting in some great exercise.
For you cyclists out there, you’re in luck when visiting Boston because it is the sixth most bike-friendly city in the US! Not only is it bike-friendly, but it also offers a plethora of stunning views for bikers to witness, from historical destinations to natural wonders, like the Boston Harbor, parks, gardens, and beyond.
Not to worry: you don’t have to have your own bike, of course! We recommend renting a bicycle from Bluebikes, the official bike sharing program in the city.
Marilyn Borth is a Boston-based writer and foodie who loves all things travel. She has lived in and backpacked through 36 countries and counting. When she isn’t tasting her way through the world, she can be found writing poetry, reading, and playing volleyball. Follow her travels on her blog at Her Quirky Journey!