There's truly nothing like fall in the Greater Boston region. From fall foliage to festivals, cozy dining, sporting events, outdoor activities, and more – we've gathered the ultimate fall bucket list for every visitor and local to tackle.
Explore Boston’s Beer Scene
Boston has emerged as a true beer haven in the New England area. Head to one of the city's internationally known or local breweries, visit a beer or wine garden, attend one of the many Oktoberfest celebrations happening throughout the city, or dive deeper into Boston's beer scene with City Brew Tours.
Visit An Academic Landmark
It's no secret that Boston is home to some of the best academic institutions in the world – and with autumnal vibes at full peak, it's the perfect time of year to check out some of Boston's academic landmarks. Visit the Boston Public Library, America's first public library, or the Boston Athenaeum, which is not only one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States but also a National Landmark library that has collected art and books since 1807. Any fall trip to Cambridge isn't complete without a proper stroll through Harvard Square. Explore unique bookstores, cozy cafes, and restaurants, or stroll through Harvard Yard and absorb every inch of Ivy League glory.
Experience the Outdoors in Boston
Boston is filled with endless ways to explore the great outdoors this fall. Take a walk in one of the city's parks, paddle down the Charles River, take a trip to the Boston Harbor Islands, or bike through one of Boston's 23 neighborhoods. And don't miss out on outdoor dining options before the season ends!
Take an Outdoor Shopping Trip
Fall is the perfect time to explore Boston’s outdoor shopping options. Explore Somerville’s Assembly Row, stroll Charles Street in Beacon Hill, or explore Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Don’t forget to check out SoWa Open Market, walk Open Newbury, or visit one of Boston’s neighborhood farmers markets throughout the season.
Visit Cambridge
Known globally for its higher education, Cambridge's year-round beauty and unique annual events make it a must-see during your visit to Greater Boston. Home to popular restaurants, museums, attractions, performing art venues, and so much more, it is easy to dedicate a full day or even an entire weekend to exploring this iconic city.
Attend the Head of the Charles Regatta
Since 1865, the Head of the Charles Regatta has brought thousands of rowers to the Charles River in Cambridge to compete in the world’s largest three-day regatta. Every year, more than 10,000 rowers from around the globe, along with their families, friends, vendors, and locals, bring the energy up and down the river. The fun and excitement isn’t just limited to those competing – find all the ways to experience one of the best fall weekends in Boston.
Travel Beyond Boston
Fall is the perfect season to explore Beyond Boston. Take a day trip to the North Shore to visit Salem during Halloween, or head to Gloucester to explore Hammond Castle and grab fresh seafood. Head West and visit the iconic New England towns of Lexington and Concord, or travel South to check out the Adam's National Historic Park in Quincy, the Plimoth Patuxet Museum in Plymouth, and Cape Cod's beaches, shopping, and endless dining options.
Keep an eye out for amazing views of fall foliage, pumpkin and apple picking, and even fields of sunflowers.
Cheer on Your Favorite Boston Sports Team
Boston is a sports lover's dream in the fall. Cheer on the New England Revolution and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium or the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics at TD Garden. And did we mention the plethora of college sports? Choose your team and cheer them on!
Embark on a Walking Tour
Fall is the perfect time to explore America's Walking City on a walking tour. Stroll through Boston's iconic Beacon Hill neighborhood, view some of Boston's TV and movie locations through another lens, learn why Greater Boston is one of the most innovative areas in the country, or take a journey into American history along the Freedom Trail. Make sure to visit the Boston Common Visitor Center to find them all.
Try the Best of Boston's Seafood
Did you know that the fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy seafood and oysters? Grab a dozen oysters at some of the best places in the city, or check out the many ways to enjoy New England seafood.
Seek out Neighborhood Gems
There are so many popular attractions to explore in Boston, but there's something about the hidden gems you find along the way that makes a trip that much more special. Search through some of Boston's most unique bookstores, explore unique attractions, speakeasies, and try cups of coffee from neighborhood favorites such as Reign Drink Lab, South End Buttery, 3 Little Figs, and Ula.
Explore a Boston Museum
Boston boasts a unique array of museums for locals and visitors to explore. History buffs will love visiting the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum in Dorchester, the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum in Fort Point, or the exhibits at the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge.
More of an art connoisseur? Head to the world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum near the Fens, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood, or the Harvard Art Museum, which is now free to the public.
Attend a Show or Concert
Have you heard? Boston is filled with an iconic inventory of performance venues. From TD Garden to the House of Blues, Symphony Hall to the Boch Center, and MGM Music Hall to Citizens Bank Opera House, there's a show on for everyone. Don't miss out on upcoming concerts and shows!
Haunted Boston Experiences
Watch the Boston brownstones light up with jack-o-lanterns and find Boston’s most haunted experiences as we sneak into spooky season. Take a Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, Haunted Boston Ghost Tour, or Dark Side of Boston Tour. Or, catch the ferry or commuter rail to Salem and visit the Salem Witch Museum, go on a Black Cat Tour, and explore the streets as they come alive for the season.
Neighborhood Food Tours
One of the best ways to explore Boston’s 23 neighborhoods is through their food options! Mix the fun of exploring the city on foot with some of the best flavors the city has to offer. Take a North End Pizza Tour, taste delicacies from the third largest Chinatown in the country with either Boston Chinatown Tours or Chinatown’s Culture and Cuisine Tour, explore innovative eats on the Davis Square Food Tour, or satisfy that sweet tooth during the Harvard Square Chocolate Tour. The flavors and options are endless!