Foliage

Boston is at its most beautiful in the fall. As the leaves turn, Boston's parks put on an unforgettable show, complementing the historic architecture.

A walk along the city's Freedom Trail now doubles as a foliage tour. It's a great time to visit Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace, as the crowds thin out, but the weather is still pleasant. On a cooler day, take a stroll through the gorgeous indoor courtyard of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Explore the Outdoors

Get outside in Boston, one of America’s great walking cities where the historic port, beautiful waterways, elaborate bike paths and networks of urban green space invite you to have fun outdoors.  

Take the quick ferry ride out to the Boston Harbor Islands or run and bike along the Charles River Esplanade or stroll along the Boston HarborWalk to take in views of Boston Harbor and the diverse neighborhoods that border the sea.

Explore the great outdoors and enjoying recreational activities throughout the city in places like the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Lawn on D, Arnold Arboretum, and the parkways of the Emerald Necklace.

Sports & Recreation

This fall promises to be one of the best ever for sports fans; New England Patriots return to Gillette Stadium, the previously postponed world-renowned Boston Marathon will run on October 11 and the Head of the Charles Regatta happens on October 23-24.

Performing Arts

Boston's cultural calendar is bouncing back with contemporary and classic plays, musicals, classical masterworks, jazz performances, rock concerts, and much more.

Fall Festivals

From artisan markets to farmers markets, food festivals and cultural celebrations, there is ample opportunity to experience locally sourced, and locally organized, events that showcase the best of Boston’s creative economy.

In Boston the Oktoberfest celebrations have begun!  The Hub hosts several such occasions over the next several weeks, so clean out your stein – or your lederhosen if you’ve got a pair – and prepare to indulge, or imbibe, in some seasonal festivities. Additionally, Savor the Square continues in Roxbury’s Nubian Square on September 18.

Museums & Exhibitions

Boston museums offer a remarkable selection of exhibitions.

Tours & Trails

Fun if by land, fun if by sea.  Enjoy both with Boston’s many diverse tours, trails and sails!  Fun if by land, fun if by sea.  Follow the Whale Trail, Walk the Freedom Trail, Black Heritage or Equality Trail. Take a harbor cruise or tour by foot, bicycle, trolley or "duck". Discover it all – your journey through Boston begins here!

Foodie Fun

Boston is a world-class culinary destination.  Foodies will enjoy succulent seafood, scrumptious sweets, and ethnic enclaves with eclectic menus.  For the social foodie, shared plates and tapas options are aplenty.  Check out food halls such as the iconic Quincy Market or the newly opened Time Out Market.

Explore like a local

Make the most of your visit, road trip, or local adventure! Discover a new neighborhood and come see what a vibrant place Boston is.

Beyond Boston

No other region of the country displays fall's colors like New England. A trip north of Boston to Kittery, Maine, will make for a dazzling show-and provide plenty of great shopping opportunities at the Kittery Outlets. Head south by car or rail to see Plimoth Plantation, and a replica ship, Mayflower II, based on the vessel that brought the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620. Look west to visit to Lexington and Concord, charming colonial towns with rich literary and Revolutionary War Era history. Read our Beyond Boston blog.

Fall Weather

Temperatures are Fahrenheit

What to Wear:
Bostonians dress smartly and simply. It can be unpredictably hot in early fall and quite cold late in the season. Be prepared for anything.

Day: If you're touring, wear comfy sneakers or sandals for walking. A light to heavy jacket is a good idea later in the season. Most tourist venues don't have dress codes, but check to be sure.

Evening: Consider your agenda; the theater tends to be dressier and some upscale restaurants require jackets. Nights are generally cool to cold.