Boston's Best Places For Fall Colors
New England is known for many things, one of which being its gorgeous foliage. Each fall, the leaves on the trees turn their brightest red, orange and yellow, before falling to the ground in preparation for winter. Before the leaves fall, however, they put on quite the display; people from all over the country travel here to see the artwork that nature displays. Below you will find some of the best places to view and enjoy the autumn colors in, around and near the city of Boston.
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 524-1718
www.arboretum.harvard.edu
With 281-acres of lush landscape, the Arnold Arboretum is one of the best places to see fall foliage in the Boston area. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds daily from sunrise to sunset. The vibrant colors start popping in late September, but best viewing is in mid-to-late October. While there is no admission charge, donations are appreciated.
4 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 635-4505
www.cityofboston.gov/parks
The trees and shrubs in Boston Public Garden are filled with vivid colors through the fall months. Most of the plant life here changes color at various times throughout the autumn, so you will get a different array of colors each time you visit. There is a lagoon in the center of the property making for a completely picturesque landscape. The park is open 24 hours a day and is free to the public.
580 Mt. Auburn St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-7105
www.mountauburn.org
Mount Auburn Cemetery is a wonderful place to take in the fall foliage. Over 5,000 trees cover the 175 acres on the property, most of which have color-changing leaves. Thousands of people enjoy what is known as "America's first garden cemetery" each year. The area is rich with plant life and something is almost always in bloom. While you are on the property to enjoy nature, it is important that you are mindful of where you are as there are graves on site and burial services take place on a regular basis here.
Related: Boston's Best Public Art
376 Boylston St., Suite 503
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 227-0365
www.esplanadeassociation.org
Located along the Charles River in Boston, the Esplanade is a wonderful location to kick back and enjoy all things fall. Bring a blanket to enjoy a pumpkin latte, or rent a kayak to get an ideal view of your surroundings. The park is open daily from dusk until dawn and offers some gorgeous views. The Charles river provides some pretty tree reflections; and while it is not completely tree covered, many of the trees on the property do change color in the fall months. For best viewing, head to the Esplanade during peak season (~third week of October).
Western Massachusetts
www.berkshires.org
One simply cannot talk about foliage in Massachusetts without mentioning the Berkshires. Although it is about a three-hour drive from Boston, this is one of the best places to see some of the most vibrant fall colors in all of New England. There are wonderful places to stay, some great restaurants and some of the best colors you'll see all fall long. Many golfers love playing a round or two while enjoying the foliage too.
Boston-based writer Effie Orfanides keeps up with all of the latest happenings in her city. She loves eating at Boston's hotspots, having drinks at the trendiest bars, and enjoying all that Boston has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
