Boston fall foliage nears its peak in the coming months, these fall colors soon will decorate the trees as they burst into spectacular hues of gold and auburn and you know what that means–It’s time to plan your leaf-peeping excursions!
If you’re like us and you can’t get enough of the fall foliage, read on to discover some of our favorite places to watch the changing of the seasons in and around Boston.
1. Public Garden
Did you know the Public Garden was the country’s first botanical garden? With a wide array of species, the leaves at the Public Garden are some of the first to change for the season, so you’re bound to see something new each time you walk through.
4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
2. Boston Common
Located right next to the Public Garden, the Boston Common is the perfect spot for a picnic all year round. In the fall, you’ll find its chestnut, oak, maple and beech trees burst into beautiful hues of red and orange–a little piece of New England fall in the heart of an otherwise urban oasis.
139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
3. Charles River Esplanade
We’re all about Autumn walks through Boston’s Esplanade. This beautiful park along the Charles River turns into a spectacular display of gold and orange in October when Boston’s fall foliage begins to reach its peak. Plus, if you cross over the river to Cambridge, you can admire it against the beautiful background of Boston’s skyline–a totally gram-worthy moment!
4. Beacon Hill
The oldest neighborhood in the city gives us major cozy vibes during the fall season. With its beautiful brownstones decorated with totally cute pumpkin displays, its lovely coffeeshops, and its cobble-stoned streets, it’s the perfect city spot to bask in the beauty of the changing leaves and get into the spirit of the season!
55 Mt. Vernon St, Boston, MA 02108
5. Arnold Arboretum
The Arnold Arboretum is the hidden jewel of Boston’s Emerald Necklace. It’s home to more than 4,000 different species which put on their best red, orange and gold for this time of year, so it’s the perfect spot to jump in a pile (or two) of crackling leaves! The 256-acre plot, tucked away in Jamaica Plain, is open from sunrise until sundown and admission is free of charge.
125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
6. Stowe, Vermont
Venture out of the city and check out Vermont’s stunning fall foliage at the town of Stowe. The beautiful mountainside outpost was recently voted by USA Today as one of the 10 most beautiful destinations for fall foliage in the U.S. and there’s no wondering why! Stowe is known as the (unofficial) capital of fall color and has plenty of activities that will let you explore the town and its surroundings in all their leafy glory. Fall lovers can admire the changing leaves at Stowe on foot, car or boat.
1190 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
7. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
At the Berkshires, the changing leaves reach peak around early October, but the colors are still ablaze through the end of the month too. Hop in your car and head to Route 2, known as Massachusetts’ foliage highway, through Central and Western Mass for a breathtaking spectacle you won’t regret.
65 Walker St, Lenox, MA 01240
8. The White Mountains, NH
Another great road trip if you’re looking to go leaf-peeping around Boston, is New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Jump on the 35-mile-long road through Kancamagus pass and head straight to the White Mountain National Forest. You might not run into any gas stations or services along this northern NH road, but what you will find is a stunning landscape bursting with gold, auburn and red and possibly even a bear sighting-be careful! This mountain view chalet is nestled right among the picturesque foliage!
200 Kancamagus Hwy, North Woodstock, NH 03262