Best Things To Do in Boston in the Fall
New England really comes alive in autumn, and Boston is no exception. Here is my list of the best things to do in Boston in the fall!
I have lived in the greater Boston area for the last 4 years and autumn is my favorite season. Fall feels different in the north. And it’s not just the crisp air and the colorful leaves.
Suddenly pumpkins appear everywhere, from giant carved jack-o-lanterns on front porches to mini pumpkins lined up on window sills or above doors. Halloween decorations abound, and local restaurants advertise their apple cider donuts and hot cocoa.
Bostonians take fall seriously – and as a result, some of my favorite Boston activities are autumn-themed.
Read on to explore what you should definitely do in Boston in the fall!
Fun Things To Do in Boston in the Fall
Go whale-watching
The best time to go whale watching in Boston is between May and October, when the whales are migrating. Tours leave from Boston Harbor and I highly recommend the experience.
We saw lots of whales on my tour. Plus the ocean was beautiful, so the boat ride itself was a treat. My camera wasn’t good enough to capture decent photos of the whales, but here is a shot of Boston Harbor from the water.
Book your tickets and then head to the wharf to begin your adventure! One fantastic option is a tour run by the New England Aquarium and Boston Harbor City Cruises. You can read all about this tour here.
Eat delicious food at the Somerville Greek Festival
The city of Somerville, just a short drive (or train ride) northwest of Boston, is home to a three-day Greek festival featuring yummy food and traditional dancing. The festival takes place at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church.
Go grab some food and then sit and watch the performances. The atmosphere is upbeat and fun and, of course, the food is delicious. If you’re interested, there are also Greek books and other cultural items for sale.
The festival takes place in early to mid-September, so technically before the start of fall. But I think it counts!
Carry a lantern at the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade
The Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade is seriously one of my favorite experiences that I have had in Boston, and it is surprisingly little known! Every October thousands of people gather to walk with lanterns around Jamaica Pond.
It’s a truly magical experience! Lanterns flicker in the darkness all around the lake. Children (and some adults!) dress up in their Halloween costumes, and local bands play along the path.
The lanterns are made from recycled plastic bottles decorated with tissue paper. You can purchase a lantern on site (which is what I did – suggested donation is between $5 and $20), or you can go to a lantern-making workshop in the weeks leading up to the parade. Some local businesses also sell lantern-making kits.
So head to the Jamaica Plain suburb of Boston and enjoy a special evening! The walk around the pond is 1.5 miles, which took us about an hour (with stops).
For updates about the event and the workshops, check out the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade Facebook page. You can also read more on the website of Spontaneous Celebrations, the local community-building organization that sponsors the lantern parade.
Admire the gorgeous fall foliage in and around Boston
Did you know there is a specific term for seeking out colorful foliage? Yep, it’s called “leaf-peeping”. New England is famous for its beautiful autumn leaves – with good reason. Even just walking to school is lovely.
If you want to stay in Boston itself, then I recommend heading to the Public Garden. The Garden is beautiful at all seasons and the combination of the lagoon, the bridge, and the fall leaves can’t be beat.
You can also drive outside of the city and go on a leisurely hike. A few weeks ago my husband and I went to Minute Man National Historic Park and walked the Battle Road Trail. We learned about American history as we strolled through the beautiful forest.
Here are a few photos!
Watch the Head of the Charles Regatta
The Charles River separates Boston from Cambridge, and since 1965 it has been the site of the one of the largest rowing events in the world. At the end of October rowing teams travel from all over the US and beyond to compete in the Head of the Charles Regatta.
Over 10,000 athletes participate in the regatta, and hundreds of thousands of tourists and fans turn out to support them. Watching the races is totally free, but you may have to fight for a good viewing position. The bridges over the Charles are always bursting with spectators. My husband and I started off on the Anderson Bridge, which is a very popular spot, and it was pretty chaotic.
If you want to watch the boat races in a more calm atmosphere, I recommend sitting on the riverbank. People spread out blankets and relax on the grass while still enjoying an excellent view of the water.
We found a spot on the grass in the Weld Exhibition at Riverbend Park. Honestly, we thought the view was better than from the bridge! Plus you can listen to commentary; announcers tell you which races are occurring, which teams are wearing which colors, and more.
The Weld Exhibition is also the main venue for food, drinks, and souvenirs. So if you didn’t bring your own snacks, you can grab a bite to eat.
For more information, visit the Head of the Charles’ official website.
Look for turkeys in Cambridge and Somerville
This sounds like a joke, but it’s not. Every fall the wild turkeys around Boston become much more active. I can especially attest to their presence in Cambridge and Somerville.
Wander around the college campuses and quiet residential streets and look for flocks of turkeys. In Cambridge, start in Harvard Yard and head down Oxford Street. That’s the route I take to and from school and I see a lot of turkeys. In Somerville I usually encounter turkeys along Beacon Street (near the Cambridge-Somerville line).
I can’t guarantee you’ll see turkeys, but it’s worth a shot. Cambridge and Somerville are quite pretty to walk around in any case, so it’s no loss.
And finally, here are three things that come highly recommended, but which I have yet to do myself.
Go apple picking
Apple picking is a major New England tradition. Lamentably I – a poor southerner – have not yet had the experience. But my friends assure me that it is amazing.
And it’s not just about the apples. During peak season many orchards also have hayrides, corn mazes, music, and more.
One of my friends highly recommends Carlson Orchards for its apples and its cider donuts, but there are so many good options.
Step into the past at King Richard’s Faire
King Richard’s Faire in Carver, Massachusetts is one of the most popular Renaissance fairs in New England. Explore the world of 16th century England, eat lots of good food, and buy fun souvenirs.
Alas, I have yet to go myself – we had a visit planned, but car troubles prevented it. Once again, my friends loved this experience.
The fair is open on weekends in September and October. Learn more on the official website!
Get spooked on a Ghosts & Gravestones Tour
If ghosts and the supernatural are your thing, you won’t want to miss the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour. Board the Trolley of Terror one night and let guides dressed as deceased Bostonians tell you all about the city’s spooky past.
I haven’t gone on this tour yet and honestly, I’m not sure if I ever will. Scary things are not my cup of tea. But if this sounds cool to you, go enjoy yourself! Learn more on the Ghosts & Gravestones official website.
Go Enjoy Boston in the Fall
And there you go. Now you know all the best things to do in Boston in the fall! Take advantage of the crisp New England air and get out and explore.
YOU MAY ALSO LOVE:
