Crisp mornings, changing leaves, Halloween traditions, cozy drinks and nostalgic movies under the stars: fall brings a different energy to New York City. Whether you're looking for a fall afternoon outdoors, a scenic day trip just outside of the city, a festive family day or a classic New York tradition, here are some ways to experience fall in NYC.
You don't have to leave the city to see the leaves change. As autumn arrives, take a walk along the High Line or head to Central Park to see the city's parks take on their fall colors.
Central Park offers plenty of tree-lined walking trails and seated areas to watch the foliage change firsthand, including The Ramble, The Mall and the North Woods. Foliage typically begins to appear in October and continues into November, although the timing varies from year to year.
For an easy West Side fall afternoon, start at the southern end of the High Line, make your way north through Chelsea and finish in The Public Square and Gardens at Hudson Yards.
Fall's cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to explore the High Line and Chelsea's galleries.
Start with a stroll through the elevated park, taking in its gardens, architecture and public art. Then wander through Chelsea to explore some of the neighborhood's galleries before continuing to the Whitney Museum of American Art.
This fall, the High Line itself is also home to Bvlgari's Serpenti Infinito, a large-scale immersive installation bringing together art, architecture and the energy of New York City.
Backyard at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo, brings free outdoor programming to the Public Square and Gardens throughout the season, including Friday night movie screenings on the 30-foot Big Screen.
This fall's lineup has a distinctly Broadway-inspired feel, with films including Chicago, Hairspray, Wicked, Back to the Future and Beetlejuice. Settle into comfortable slingbacks, grab some complimentary popcorn, and make an evening of it with dinner or a drink nearby before or after the movie.
See the viewing schedule here.
Fall in New York comes with its own unofficial menu: pumpkin spice, apple, maple, cinnamon, chai and plenty of seasonal pastries.
At Hudson Yards, look for fall flavors at familiar favorites including Pret A Manger, Dunkin' and Bluestone Lane, along with seasonal sweets and drinks throughout The Eateries. Rather than settling on just one, make an afternoon of trying a few different takes on the flavors of the season.
Fall is a great time to visit New York City's farmers markets, when seasonal produce and baked goods fill the stalls.
The Union Square Greenmarket is an easy Saturday destination, where you can browse offerings from regional farmers and producers and look for quintessential fall treats like apple cider donuts, warm apple cider, pies and crumbles.
Pick up a few things to take home, or grab a seasonal snack and keep exploring the city.
As the temperature drops, trade summer rooftops for a cozy bar and a glass of wine, cider or a fall-inspired cocktail.
At Hudson Yards, settle into SpyGold for spiced cocktails and a firelit ambiance, or head to Electric Lemon at the Equinox Hotel for drinks in a sophisticated setting with warm interiors. Both make an easy stop after exploring the High Line or spending an afternoon at Hudson Yards.
Refresh your wardrobe for the season at Hudson Yards, home to a mix of contemporary and luxury retailers. From sweaters and jackets to boots, bags and accessories, find the layers and seasonal essentials you need as the temperatures start to drop.
Browse the Hudson Yards shop directory to explore all the stores and find your next fall favorite.
For a quieter way to get into the Halloween spirit, explore some of the city's residential neighborhoods. The Upper West Side, Upper East Side and residential areas of Brooklyn can be especially fun to wander in October, when brownstones and stoops become part of the seasonal scenery with pumpkins, fall florals and spooky decorations.
Grab a coffee or cider and make your own walking tour, stopping whenever a particularly elaborate stoop catches your eye.
For one of the city's most quintessentially New York Halloween traditions, head downtown for the annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Now in its 36th year, the October tradition brings hundreds of costumed dogs and their humans to the East Village. You don't need a dog to enjoy the costumes and people-watching.
Come for the creativity, stay for one of the city's most entertaining displays of New York personality.
Cooler weather is a good excuse to slow down and make time for yourself. At Equinox Hotel New York, spend a few hours at the Equinox Spa with treatments designed to help you relax, recharge and reset for the season ahead.
Choose from Beauty treatments, including facials and body treatments; Performance Healing, with options like massages and acupuncture; or Temperature Therapy, featuring the MLX i3Dome, cryotherapy and infrared sauna.
On November 1, the TCS New York City Marathon will make its way through all five boroughs, bringing an unmistakable energy and sense of community to the city. Pick a spot along the route, bring a coffee and spend part of the day cheering on runners as they make their way across the city for 26.2 miles.
For those visiting Hudson Yards, the Javits Center also hosts the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance ahead of race day.
Fall brings a packed schedule of exhibitions, conventions and events to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, located just across the street from Hudson Yards.
From New York Comic Con to major art and industry events, the Javits Center can be a destination in itself or an easy addition to a day on Manhattan's West Side. Upcoming events include The Armory Show, New York Comic Con and Rétromobile. Check the calendar before your visit to see what's happening during your time in the city.
When you're ready for a break, head across the street to Hudson Yards for a quick lunch, coffee or a walk through the Public Square and Gardens to see Vessel.
When you want more foliage and fewer skyscrapers, head north from Manhattan for a fall day trip.
Cold Spring makes an easy Hudson Valley escape, with scenic hiking trails, views of the changing landscape and a walkable Main Street. For a combination of art and autumn scenery, continue to Storm King Art Center, where large-scale outdoor sculptures are set among rolling hills and open fields. Make the most of the trip by stopping at one of the Hudson Valley's many farm stands and apple orchards along the way. Pick up freshly picked apples, cider, baked goods and other fall favorites to enjoy on the drive or train ride home.
Build a full fall day around Hudson Yards, starting with the season's best scenery and ending with dinner and a movie under the stars.
Start with the fall foliage. Walk the High Line north toward Hudson Yards, stop in Central Park if you're coming from the Upper East or Upper West Side, or start with a neighborhood park if you're coming from Brooklyn or elsewhere in the city.
Fuel up at Hudson Yards. Grab a seasonal drink from Bluestone Lane, Blue Bottle, Pret, Dunkin' or Starbucks before exploring The Shops.
Shop for the season. Browse The Shops at Hudson Yards for sweaters, boots, jackets and other fall essentials.
Make it a family day. On Halloween, bring the kids to Family Spooktacular from 11 AM–2 PM for music, dancing, pumpkin decorating and more.
Stay for dinner and a movie. Make a reservation at a nearby restaurant, then settle in for a Friday night movie classic on the 30-foot Big Screen in the Public Square and Gardens.
Enjoy unique shopping, dining and experiences to explore. Stay connected and follow @HudsonYards for the latest updates.
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