Fall is the season NYC was designed for. Walking weather, foliage in Central Park, the best skyline visibility of the year, outdoor everything that summer started but with humidity gone. Fifteen things to do between September and November.
The foliage classics
1. Central Park during peak foliage (last 2 weeks of October typically)
The Reservoir loop, the Ramble, the area around the Bow Bridge. Foliage peaks change yearly — check the Central Park Conservancy's foliage report.
2. Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Same designers as Central Park, less crowded. The Long Meadow during peak foliage is one of the best fall views in the city.
3. The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
The largest formal botanical garden in NYC. The Native Plant Garden and the rock garden are at their best in October.
4. Wave Hill (Bronx)
A small public garden in Riverdale with views of the Hudson and the Palisades. Foliage peaks earlier than Manhattan because of elevation.
The fall sightseeing flight
5. A Day Tour during peak foliage
Central Park during peak foliage from 1,500 feet is one of NYC's most-photographed sights. Azzurra City Tours runs Day Tours from Linden Airport (KLDJ) — Piper Cherokee PA-28, certified flight instructor, about 45 minutes of air time. The route passes over Central Park, which is in the second half of October at its visual peak. Best slots are mid-morning when the sun is at the right angle. Book a fall Day Tour or call (347) 727-0050.
Fall festivals and events
6. The New York Film Festival (late September to early October)
At Lincoln Center. The Main Slate and Press Conference events are public-accessible. Tickets sell out fast.
7. The Village Halloween Parade (October 31)
The largest public Halloween parade in the country. Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street. Free.
8. The New York Marathon (first Sunday of November)
You don't need to run it to enjoy it. The route from Staten Island through all five boroughs is lined with spectators all day.
9. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (November)
Yes, the cliché answer. The balloon inflation the night before is the less crowded version that locals do.
The peak weather activities
10. A Brooklyn Bridge walk
Fall is the best season for the Brooklyn Bridge walk. Cool but not cold. Walk east to west (Brooklyn to Manhattan) for the better skyline view.
11. The High Line at golden hour
1.5-mile elevated park. October light is the best of the year. Start at Gansevoort and end at Hudson Yards.
12. A walk in the West Village
Bleecker, Hudson, Bedford. The brownstones are at their most photogenic in fall. End at Washington Square Park.
13. Riverside Park
Less famous than Central Park, equally beautiful in fall. Linear park along the Hudson. Bring lunch.
The fall food experiences
14. Apple cider at the Greenmarket
The Union Square Greenmarket has fresh apple cider in October-November. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday mornings.
15. A Sunday roast at a pub
The Spotted Pig (rip — try its successors), Tørst (Greenpoint), or the Vol de Nuit (West Village bar with Belgian food). Best with fall weather outside.
The actual fall plan
Walking is what fall in NYC is for. Pick one anchor activity per day and walk between everything else. The Discovery Flight (#5) is the one anchor most people don't think of and the one with the best fall-specific visual reward.