Fall in New York City

Fall is one of the best times to visit New York City. The leaves change color, the air gets crisp, and the city is full of excitement. There are so many things to do in New York City in the fall, from Halloween events to scenic walks. Let's look at some ways to enjoy the magic of fall near Circle Line's Pier 83.

Fall in New York City: 10 Ways to Experience NYC's Autumn to the Fullest

If you're visiting NYC in the fall, temperatures can range from the 40s and 50s in November to the 60s and mid-70s in late September—perfect weather for exploring the city. The best times to see the fall colors in the city are in late October through November. Foliage peaks a little earlier upstate—usually in October, though it can differ depending on location and altitude.

Whether you're looking for festive Halloween activities or wanting to see the leaves change color, there's plenty to do in New York during autumn. Here are some ways to see the sights, experience the Halloween season, and enjoy the lead-up to the holidays:

Go Sightseeing

Fall is the perfect time to go sightseeing in New York City. The weather is cool and crisp, making it ideal for spending a day outdoors.

One of the best ways to see the sights is from the water. Circle Line's Best of NYC tour and Landmarks Cruise are perfect for this. Both tours let you see much of the city and tons of famous landmarks in just a couple of hours; they're also a great way to see some of the sights that change with the seasons. For example, from October on, Ellis Island and Liberty Island are both covered in fall colors.

Enjoy the Lights

Fall means the sun sets earlier, but that's just a chance to enjoy the city's twinkling lights. One great way to see them is on Circle Line's Harbor Lights Cruise. This tour takes you past some of NYC's most iconic landmarks, including the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty—all lit up for the evening. The cruise lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the views and snap some photos.

Take a Hike

The Circle Line's Bear Mountain cruise is not only a great way to experience upstate New York's fall foliage—the tour takes you up the Hudson River, where you can disembark and explore Bear Mountain State Park for a couple of hours. There are many hiking trails of varying difficulty, so there's something for everyone. And if you're looking for a challenge, you can hike to the top of Bear Mountain for some incredible views of the Hudson Valley.

There are other great ways to go hiking from the city. Take Metro-North to Breakneck Ridge on weekends and holidays, for example, where you can hike to the top of a mountain for some amazing views. The Greenbelt in Staten Island is another great option, with over 35 miles of marked hiking trails to explore—and it’s just a ferry ride away.

Celebrate Oktoberfest

Circle Line’s Bear Mountain Cruise is also known as New York’s Floating Oktoberfest. You can enjoy live music, fall foliage, and a variety of brews onboard. And if you're looking for even more Oktoberfest fun, Bear Mountain also hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration.

Revel in Spooky Season

Halloween is a big deal in New York City. In addition to Circle Line's Harbor Frights Halloween Cruise, which takes you on a spooky tour of NYC's haunted waters, there are plenty of other ways to get into the Halloween spirit. Enjoy the Village Parade or take a walking tour of some of the city's most haunted locations, like the Merchant House Museum, Green-Wood Cemetery, or the Morris-Jumel Mansion.

Visit Museums

Perfect fall weather makes it a great time to go museum hopping. And with so many great museums in NYC, there's sure to be something for everyone. Near Pier 83, check out The Intrepid Museum. From the USS Intrepid to the Space Shuttle Pavilion, there's plenty to see and do.

For art lovers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art are must-sees. History buffs will enjoy the Museum of the City of New York and the New-York Historical Society. And for those interested in science and technology, the American Museum of Natural History is worth a visit.

Take a Walk on the West Side

If you’re coming to or from your Circle Line Cruise, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a walk up the Hudson River Greenway. This scenic route runs along the edge of the river, providing stunning views of the water and the skyline. It's a perfect opportunity to see sights from NYCL tours up close, like the Javits Center, Hudson Yards—which includes the Vessel—The High Line, and Little Island.

Enjoy S'mores, Donuts, Cider and more

Fall is a great time to enjoy all sorts of festive foods—and New York City, with its endless array of restaurants and bars, is the perfect place to do that. Pier 83 is a short walk from Hell’s Kitchen, which features many great restaurants. New York is home to many food halls, including the nearby Gotham West Market.