There’s nothing like fall in New York. Not only do you have the beautiful scenery of fall foliage but you also have so many fall festivities and spooky tours you can participate in! And when I say New York I’m not only referring to New York City, I’m talking about the city, upstate New York, and Long Island as well.

I know that things look a bit different this year with the pandemic which has made traveling more difficult or simply not an option for some people. However, under different circumstances I highly recommend you travel during the fall as there are so many benefits you can get from the beautiful views to cheaper prices. If you ever have the chance to travel to New York during the fall you must check out these 5 fall activities!

1. Fall Foliage

When fall is here, one of the first things you have to do is check out and appreciate the amazing fall foliage in New York. Whether you’re in Buffalo, NY, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, or in Stony Brook on Long Island, you’ll catch numerous glimpses of the amazing leaf colors that come with fall. Take a scenic drive through the mountains, walk through the bustling city, or go on a hike to witness the beauty of fall in New York!

I personally love staring at the trees around this time of year when I’m in the city. There’s something about walking around the city, seeing multiple buildings on the block with trees lining the sidewalk, all with different colors about them, that just makes me feel very happy and at home. And I’m sure it’s a view you’ll want to see when traveling in New York during the fall.

2. Activities and Parades

New York has plenty of fall activities and parades you can participate in! In September, there’s the 11 day Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy where you can honor St. Gennaro but also eat incredible Italian food and play games! I’ve been going to this since I was little and I look forward to it every year in the fall!

In addition, there’s Oktoberfest, tours of urban farms, the village Halloween parade, tours of haunted buildings and cemeteries, winery and brewery tours, the Thanksgiving’s Day parade, apple and pumpkin picking, and so much more! If there’s one thing about New York, you know you’re in for a treat when it comes to activities because there’s a plethora of things to do!

3. Walk in Parks

Who doesn’t love a stroll or job through a park? And who doesn’t want to do that when it’s fall? Especially during this time of year, the parks in New York are amazing to look at! Not only are you enjoying the scenery but you’re also getting some exercise as well. Take a leisurely walk through Central Park in Manhattan or Prospect Park in Brooklyn, or even other parks throughout the state, and I guarantee you won’t regret it!

4. Try the Food

What is one of the many things New York is known for? Food! When you are in New York you just have to try all of the amazing seasonal sweets, produce, and dishes. From produce found caramel cruellers to apple cider donuts and pies, pumpkin pies, to organic and seasonal fruits and veggies at farmer’s markets, it’s only appropriate to try some seasonal fall food in New York. So, I recommend you stop by some bakeries, breweries, and restaurants in New York to try some of these amazing things. 

5. NYC Shows

If you’re in New York I highly recommend seeing Broadway shows during the fall. The famous Radio City Rockettes start their shows around November which is perfect for the fall season! The Christmas Spectacular performance is such a classic show to attend and experience no matter if you’re a native New Yorker or a tourist.

Don’t forget about all the Broadway shows as well. There’s so many to choose from such as The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hamilton, Aladdin, Chicago, and so much more! It is quite an experience walking through NYC during the fall and attending these wonderful shows. I saw many of them when I was younger and I have very fond memories of going with friends and family into the city during the fall to see some shows. I know if you attend one in the city during the fall it’ll be a beautiful memory for you as well!

Happy travels and I hope you get the chance to experience some of these activities in New York!

If you are traveling this fall, or in the future, check out these other posts to help you with your fall travels! – How to Pack your Luggage for Fall Travel , 5 Fall Activities in Pennsylvania