Is there any color palette more iconic this time of year than New England fall foliage? The reds, the yellows, the oranges—ask a New Englander, and they’re likely to say that autumn hasn’t begun until the fall colors start inching their way down from the north. Up here, living with the rhythm of the seasons and being surrounded by technicolor beauty is a fact of life.
But no need to be an official resident of New England to catch a glimpse of peak fall foliage, which usually hits around the third or fourth week of October. Visitors can head north to do a little leaf peeping of their own. Here, some of the most opportune places to see all the beauty for yourself, should you decide to travel to do some New England leaf peeping this year.
The Boston Public GardenPhoto: Getty Images
Boston, Massachusetts
No trip to New England is complete without at least a quick stop in its largest city. Whether you’re flying in through Logan International Airport, or embarking on a New England road trip to points north, it’s easy to incorporate some time in The City on a Hill. While you won’t get those undulating, unending forested views you’ll find elsewhere in the region, there is still plenty of foliage to be found in Boston—particularly along the Charles River Esplanade and in Franklin Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park. Looking for a place to stay? Check out The Newbury Boston, with luxurious rooms by Champalimaud Design and views over the trees of the city’s iconic Public Garden and Common.
Mystic, Connecticut
Being just a quick train ride from Boston or New York City makes this coastal Connecticut town a popular weekend getaway for city folk—and its charming surroundings make it a favorite shoot location for Hallmark movies. There’s history, there’s the Mystic Aquarium which is great for kids, and there is also fantastic food to be found—especially at Shipwright’s Daughter, where chef David Standridge was just named Best Chef: Northeast at this year’s James Beard Awards. Stroll along the waterfront where the Mystic River meets Long Island Sound, and rest your head at the posh new Delamar Mystic, which opened its doors in 2024.
