New York is a magical place in all seasons, even if the permanent smells of hot garbage in the dead of summer make it a little less so. While many people would say that Christmastime in the city is the best season, my personal favorite time of year in the Big Apple is autumn. Something about the colorful leaves and crisp autumn breezes set among the backdrop of the bustling city just makes me feel like sipping on a warm spiced apple cider and rolling in a big pile of leaves. Whether you’re looking to frolic amongst the foliage or get a few gram-worthy snaps, these are some of the best ways to experience autumn in New York City.
Carl Schurz Park in the Upper East Side
Some of the best places to soak in the fall vibes are the many gorgeous parks around the city. Carl Schurz Park, a lovely, well-kept neighborhood park in the Upper East Side, sits right on the East River. The abundance of trees and gardens are lush in the spring and summer, but in the fall, the autumn colors really pop against the stone staircases and walkways. Being right on the river offers gorgeous views and a nice breeze on a warm autumn day, and there is no shortage of great restaurants, cafes and museums in the Upper East Side to explore too.
Stroll through the Met and Along Fifth Avenue
Many people who take a trip to New York reserve time to check out the magnificent Metropolitan Museum of Art that sits right on Fifth Avenue. It’s honestly a really great museum and you could literally spend hours getting lost in there, but one of the rooms in the Egyptian Art Wing (specifically the Temple of Dendur in the Sackler Wing) has a wall entirely of windows. From here, and a few other spots in the museum such as the rooftop deck, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring works of art with the changing fall foliage in the background. For fans of When Harry Met Sally, you'll know that Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal also opted to explore the Met on a lovely fall day and if that’s not a seal of approval I don’t know what is. Once you’re done at the museum, you can take a stroll down the always-iconic Fifth Avenue, admire the colorful leaves along the park, and get a head-start on window-shopping before all of the tourists arrive for the Christmas season.
Take the Tram to Roosevelt Island
Another great outdoor spot to admire both views of the city and the striking fall colors is on Roosevelt Island. Situated in the middle of the East River, it’s most easily accessible by tram, subway, or ferry. On the South End of the island is a large, 4 acre park and memorial dedicated to FDR and lined with trees that like to show off their best in the autumn months. The tram to get there is an adventure in itself, with sky-high views of the water, Manhattan, and Queens on the other side of Roosevelt Island.
Explore all of the corners of Central Park
My favorite area in the city in every single season has to be without a doubt Central Park. Any time I want to really see those leaves changing colors I head to the park. During the fall season, Central Park has a new life to it, a certain buzz that’s almost contagious. It’s as if every New Yorker knows that the winter will be bitter and cold and miserable, so they have to squeeze out as many perfect park days as they can. And boy does the park show off. Since the park itself is so massive, there are literally endless areas to find the perfect autumn hues. Some of my favorite areas include Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, Central Park Zoo, Bow Bridge, The Mall, and Belvedere Castle. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even rent a rowboat at the Boathouse and take in the fall colors from the water. With a well-coordinated stroll you could hit all of these beautiful spots in one easy afternoon.
A Walk through the Upper West Side
As a resident of the Upper East Side, I’ve only ever really admired the Upper West Side from the perspective of a visitor, but since my most recent job has been in the neighborhood, I’ve grown to love it more and more. A nice walk around the American Museum of Natural History, along Central Park West, and even going as far uptown as Columbia University’s campus will be sure to show you some dazzling fall colors set against enviable brownstones and historic apartment buildings.
“Pick” A Pumpkin on Governors Island
Forever a suburban girlie at heart, one of the things I miss the most about living in the suburbs is my annual pilgrimage to the local pumpkin patch. Sure, there are plenty of little farms right outside of the city, but without a car it gets harder and harder to find the time to get to one. Last year I discovered the Pumpkin Point Fall Festival on Governors Island, only a quick (and free before 12pm) ferry ride away from lower Manhattan. There was a “pumpkin patch”, where you could pick your pumpkin and decorate it with paint (free, but donations suggested), fall-themed food and beverage vendors, and fall decorations galore. If you haven’t been to Governors Island, now is the perfect chance to see it for yourself! There are old historic buildings and in the past few years the city has revamped the nature trails and recreation fields on the south end of the island, which makes for a fun-filled afternoon. This year Pumpkin Point is running on October 21st and 22nd, and again on October 28th and 29th, from 10am to 5pm. For more info: https://www.govisland.com/things-to-do/events/pumpkin-point-2023
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