In my book, New York is one of those cities you can visit any time of the year and always find something special and iconic to do or see, and autumn in New York is definitely no exception! Just imagine sipping a pumpkin spice latte while soaking in the stunning fall foliage in Central Park or Prospect Park.
The fun doesn’t stop there! From hitting up the New York City Oktoberfest to checking out the Village Halloween Parade, your itinerary will be jam-packed with cool stuff.
We’ve been to New York countless times, and with fall just around the corner, we thought it was the perfect chance to share our ultimate guide to fall in New York.
- Things to do in New York in Fall
- Best Places for Autumn Foliage in New York
- Fall Festivals in New York
- Halloween in New York
- Autumn in New York – Frequently Asked Questions
- Autumn in New York – Final Words
Things to do in New York in Fall
Let’s get started with some of my favorite activities in New York, especially during fall. With the weather being what it is—chilly and rainy—it’s the perfect time for warm drinks, exploring museums, and taking walks wearing a cozy coat.
Check Out the New York Historical Society
If you’re into history—or just curious about the Big Apple—you’ve got to visit the New York Historical Society. This place is packed with exhibits from the city’s past, present, and future, and I thought it was super interesting. They even have special seasonal-themed exhibitions. They host a Halloween party with loads of games, crafts, and candies, perfect for kids, but I also totally enjoyed it.
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Discover the Magic of The New York Botanical Garden
Nothing says autumn like a leisurely stroll through the New York Botanical Garden. The garden comes to life with the warm hues of fall, making it the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Last fall, I checked out their awesome activities, and they were so much fun. They have Fall-O-Ween, a Halloween and pumpkin carving exhibit. The fall foliage tours are a must—they explain the science behind the changing leaves and all the different colors.
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Check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met isn’t just a rainy day spot; it’s a year-round gem. Stroll through its huge galleries and get lost in art from all over the globe. I think fall is the best time for museums because in summer, I want to be outside, and in winter, I’m all about the fun Christmas stuff. But fall is perfect for being indoors, escaping the weather, and soaking up some culture and art.
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Take a Day Trip to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls isn’t exactly in the city, but it’s a fantastic fall day trip. The drive upstate is packed with stunning views of colorful foliage. If you ask me, staying at least one night is the way to go so you can explore without rushing. It’s a 7-hour drive, but there are also bus tours from NYC that pick you up early and drop you off late. Totally worth it if you’re tight on time!
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Watch The Sunset at Sunset Park
True to its name, Sunset Park in Brooklyn offers some of the most stunning views of the sunset in New York. Pack a blanket, grab some snacks, and head over in the late afternoon to secure the perfect spot. Watching the sun dip below the horizon with the Manhattan skyline in the background is the ideal way to end a day of exploring. The park also hosts community events throughout the fall, so check out what’s happening when you visit!
Visit Queens County Farm Museum
For a taste of country life right in the city, the Queens County Farm Museum is the place to be. It’s the perfect spot for families and anyone looking to enjoy classic fall activities. Adults are definitely welcome too! You can go apple picking, visit the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin and carve it for Halloween, and explore a massive corn maze. Honestly, it’s the perfect day trip to escape New York City’s hustle and bustle.
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RELATED ARTICLE: Christmas in New York: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary
Best Places for Autumn Foliage in New York
One of my favorite things about autumn in New York is definitely the fall foliage. It’s that magical time when all the green leaves on the trees transform into shades of red, orange, and brown. It’s quite the spectacle and really gives the whole city a super cozy vibe.
Central Park
Central Park is arguably the crown jewel of autumn in New York. Walking through its winding paths, surrounded by the stunning fall foliage, is an experience that’s hard to beat. Grab a coffee, take a leisurely stroll, or rent a bike to see as much of the park as possible. Don’t forget to check out the Bow Bridge and the Mall for some of the best views.
Bear Mountain State Park
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Bear Mountain State Park is a fantastic destination for hiking and outdoor activities. While the other options here are more about leisurely walks, in Bear Mountain State Park, you can actually hike with its many trails and walkways. There is a stunning view of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains, especially during the fall season.
Hudson Valley
Just a quick trip north of the city and you’ll reach Hudson Valley. It’s spread out along the Hudson River and, seriously, it’s the ultimate spot for catching those breathtaking fall colors and escaping the city hustle. Imagine cozying up in a charming bed and breakfast right by the river. Sip some wine, go apple picking, soak in the views, and just chill in that laid-back vibe. It’s such a great way to unwind, especially with New York City so close.
We stayed at the Stagecoach Inn and, honestly, it was perfect. The hotel is set in a lovely countryside mansion, surrounded by trees, and their breakfast is just excellent.
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Fall Festivals in New York
Oktoberfest
Celebrate all things German at one of New York’s many Oktoberfest events! Enjoy traditional German food, dance to live music, and, of course, plenty of beer. Oliver is German himself, so he knows all about it, and he loves it even though it’s not quite like the traditional Oktoberfest in Germany. However, he said it’s basically like a German-themed food festival, and he totally enjoyed it.
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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
To get your full American Halloween fix, I suggest checking out The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze! This event takes place at Van Cortlandt Manor and features over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins lit up and displayed in different Halloween-themed installations. It’s pretty impressive and definitely worth a visit!
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Boo at the Zoo
The Bronx Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly event packed with Halloween-themed activities. Kids will love the costume parade, magic shows, and trick-or-treating stations throughout the zoo. Plus, you can explore the zoo’s exhibits while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
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Halloween Harvest at Luna Park
Luna Park in Coney Island transforms into a spooky wonderland for the Halloween Harvest festival. Ride the famous Cyclone roller coaster, take part in a pumpkin carving contest, and enjoy live entertainment. If you’re into theme parks and want to make your way to Coney Island, then this is definitely a must-do activity.
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Halloween in New York
Where better to kick off the spooky season than in the United States, and what could beat experiencing it in the Big Apple? New York really goes all out with Halloween festivities and decorations. I’ve got some favorite things to do at Halloween that I can’t wait to share with you:
Nightfall at Green Wood Cemetery
One of my favorite activities in new york for halloween was going to Nightfall at Green Wood Cemetery. The historic cemetery offers special tours and events during the Halloween season, including a candlelit tour of the catacombs and a spooky film screening. It’s a unique and eerie experience that’s perfect for those who love all things creepy.
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NYC Village Halloween Parade
The Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village is an iconic event in New York City. Every year, thousands of people dress up in elaborate costumes and march through the streets of Greenwich Village. Even if you don’t want to participate in the parade, it’s worth checking out as a spectator to see the creative costumes and get the fall spirit going.
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Dance Away at a Halloween Party
New York City is known for its nightlife, and Halloween is no exception. From rooftop bars to underground clubs, there’s no shortage of Halloween parties to choose from. Dance the night away in your best costume and make some unforgettable memories.
Autumn in New York – Frequently Asked Questions
🍁 What are the best places to see autumn leaves in New York?
In all five boroughs and beyond, I’d say Central Park, Hudson Valley, and Bear Mountain State Park are among the top spots for leaf-peeping. Each offers unique experiences depending on what you’re looking for. If you want a relaxing fall in New York City, Central Park is perfect, but if you’re interested in exploring the countryside, head to the Hudson Valley.
🎃 What activities can you do in New York during the fall?
From exploring museums and gardens to attending festivals and parades, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy in New York during the fall. Outdoor lovers can visit the Queens County Farm and the Hudson Valley, while those who prefer indoors can spend time at the many museums and coffee shops.
🍎 When is the best time to visit New York for fall foliage?
The peak time for fall foliage in New York is typically mid-October to early November. However, the exact timing can vary depending on weather conditions. Keep an eye on local foliage reports for the most accurate predictions.
Autumn in New York – Final Words
Autumn in New York is definitely underrated and i think it might be one of my favorite times to visit the cities. You dont get all the tourist crowds, the colours of the trees and the fall foliage are super pretty and you get to experience all the warm and cozy autumn vibes. I highly recommend planning a trip during this time of year, whether it’s your first or hundredth visit to the city. There’s always something new and exciting to discover in New York during the fall season. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, throw on a cozy sweater, and come experience autumn in the Big Apple! Happy travels!
