Skip to content

5 Things To Do Around Boston This Fall

Boston in fall

Fall in Boston is a magical time, with vibrant foliage, crisp air, and plenty of seasonal activities. It’s basically the only reason to live here year-round, let’s be honest. Because of the season's beauty, people come from all over this time of year to experience everything we have to offer. Here are the top five things to do around our great city. 

1. Explore the Boston Common and Public Garden

  • What to Do: Take a stroll through the Boston Common and the adjacent Public Garden to enjoy the stunning fall foliage. The gardens areboston public garden fall especially beautiful with the autumn colors reflecting in the lagoon.

2. Visit the Historic Freedom Trail or the Innovation Trail

  • What to Do: Walk along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that takes you through 16 significant historical sites. This is a great way to learn about Boston's history while enjoying the fall weather. If you’re looking for a more modern take on this experience, check out the Innovation Trail, a similar tour that highlights the groundbreaking inventions that happened right here in Beantown. You can learn more about it on our episode of Setting the Bar with Scott Kirsner!

3. Take a Day Trip to Salem

  • Spotlight on Salem: Just a short train ride from Boston, Salem is a must-visit in the fall, especially during October. Known for its witch trials in 1692, Salem embraces its history with numerous events and activities.salem pumpkin
  • What to Do: Visit the Salem Witch Museum, take part in a ghost tour, or explore the many shops selling witch-themed merchandise. The Halloween festivities are vibrant, with parades, haunted happenings, and historical reenactments. Don’t forget to visit Workbar Salem while you’re there! You can watch all of the town festivities from the expansive rooftop deck.

4. Enjoy a Harvest Festival

  • What to Do: Visit one of the many local farms and orchards around Boston for apple picking and seasonal harvest festivals. Places like Honey Pot Hill Orchards or Shelburne Farm offer fun activities for the whole family.

5. Experience Boston’s Haunted History

What to Do: Join a haunted walking tour to explore Boston's spooky past. Discover ghost stories, historical hauntings, and eerie sites around the city.