Best Leaf Peeping Spots in the Boston Area

Boston’s Best Leaf Peeping Spots

When it comes to fall foliage, there’s nowhere quite like the Boston area for its leaf peeping. The beauty of Boston in the fall is that the best leaf viewing spots are not as crowded during autumn as other places like Vermont and Maine. We’ve got the inside scoop on the best places to visit this fall to truly take advantage of Boston in all of its beauty.

Boston Common

Peak foliage near Boston Common is typically around the last week of October to the first week of November. Boston Common, known as the oldest public park in America, is a popular spot to visit if you are in the Boston area, and visiting in the fall is unlike any other season. The trees are breathtaking and there is so much to see in the area. Boston Common is where the Freedom Trail begins, so if you are visiting in the fall go for the trees and follow up with some history! You can also get some gorgeous views from the neighboring Boston Public Garden.

Mount Auburn Cemetery

This unexpected gem offers views of more than 5,000 trees. These trees represent 630 different species, so imagine the beauty that will surround you. Mount Auburn Cemetery is just north of Boston so you can easily board the T for a quick trip. There are a variety of elevations in Mount Auburn Cemetery, so you will notice that there are many different places and spaces to take in all of the magnificent fall colors.

Arnold Arboretum

Arnold Arboretum is beautiful in the spring when you can find lilacs blooming and walk along breathing in the fragrant blooms. Fall is just as nice, however, with the popular park hosting the Arboretum’s free Boston Fall Foliage Festival during the afternoon on the last Sunday of October. You will learn plenty about all of the trees and shrubs in the area and view them in all their glory. You can even take a guided tour of the Arboretum’s brilliant foliage, enjoy story telling, music, leaf crafts, and yummy apple cider.

Blue Hills

Just a short drive from Boston, Blue Hill Reservation will leave you in awe with its breathtaking views of fall foliage. The Blue Hills offer about 125 miles of hiking trails. The views highlight everything from the Boston skyline to the Atlantic Ocean. This is one view that most definitely proves you don’t have to go further north to get the best view for leaf peeping. You will not be disappointed. You might even want to bring a blanket and a picnic basket to make a day out of it!

When you think of fall leaf peeping in Boston, you might not have imagined there were so many great spots. There is also the Blue Hills Reservation and the Rose Kennedy Greenway! Those are all some really great spots to take in the beauty of fall! While you are enjoying the leaves, be sure to visit all of the great local shops and businesses in the Boston area!