Boston fall foliage tours take you to see brilliantly colored leaves in some of the most beautiful parts of the New England countryside near the city.
The advantage to taking one of these New England fall foliage tours is that someone else does the driving.
You get to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery, take as many photos as you please, and explore selected locations.
Entertaining, knowledgeable guides, pick-up at selected hotels, and lots of photo opportunities give you the right mix of fun and convenience.
These tours are very popular and book up in advance - so to be sure of getting your preferred dates, do book early.
Brilliant golden fall foliage on Boston Common
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Boston Insider Tips: Fall Foliage Tour Bonus
Of course you see gorgeous foliage on these tours - but you also experience the scenic countryside outside of the city. If you're visiting Boston during September, October, or even early November, don't miss the chance to discover the beauty of New England!
Fall Foliage Sightseeing Tour from Boston
Vibrant reds and oranges blaze across the New England countryside as you tour through the rolling hills up northwest of Boston to picturesque New Hampshire villages.
A delicious buffet lunch in an old Yankee tavern, a visit to an apple orchard where you can sample just-picked apples and cider, a photo stop at traditional covered bridge, and views of beautiful Colonial churches, farms, and village greens show you the intoxicating beauty of New England.
If you've never seen this part of New England before, you owe it to yourself to spend a day immersed in the seasonal beauty and tranquil landscapes of this unique part of the country as of swaths of gold, orange, red, and purple leaves transform it. And if you've ever wondered why those of us who live here put up with the cold winters, the beautiful places you'll see on this tour will show you why we do!
Seasonal tour: September to October.
Autumn on Old Cape Cod Tour
Always beautiful, Cape Cod in the fall glows with red and gold autumn foliage contrasting with blue water and skies.
You'll see entrancing views of quaint Cape Cod villages, visit the Whydah Pirate Museum, meet and greet archeologists, and even get to view secluded areas from the best vantage point of all: a sightseeing cruise around Lewis Bay. Seasonal tour: September to October.
Tickets for Autumn on Cape Cod Tour
For a different way to experience fall color on the Cape, join a small group day trip from Boston to Plymouth and Cape Cod where you'll visit historic Plimouth Plantation, home to the first English settlers, Plymouth Rock where the Mayflower landed, and the Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, the Cape's oldest town. The tour is offered from spring through late fall, so choose a date in late September, October, or November to see foliage colors at their peak.
Coastal Maine & Kennebunkport Sightseeing Tour
On this special 1-day small-group day trip from Boston to Coastal Maine & Kennebunkport. you'll see the picturesque Nubble Light lighthouse, and stroll along Ogunquit's Marginal Way before arriving in scenic Kennebunkport, where you'll enjoy a narrated trolley tour. You'll have time to explore, eat, and shop before your return to Boston.
The tour runs through early October, and depending on when you go, you'll see anything from hints of color to lovely fall colors along the way.
Bonus: Pick up and drop off at your Boston hotel.
Find out more about the Coastal Maine and Kennebunkport Tour
More about where to see gorgeous fall foliage in Boston
More Boston Fall Foliage Tour Experiences
Want some more suggestions?
These interesting sightseeing tours take you outside of Boston through lovely areas filled with colorful foliage during late September and October:
Salem "Witch City" Tour
Travel up on the fast ferry from Boston's Long Wharf to coastal Salem, home to several outstanding museums devoted to America's witch history and site of Halloween celebrations throughout October.
As Halloween approaches, you're likely to see witch trial reenactors dressed in Colonial costumes, along with modern day witches and wiccans - and plenty of colorful fall foliage throughout the leafy town.
Explore on your own, visit the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the sad drama leading up to the Salem witch trials and executions, or join one of these tours to explore the darker side of Salem:
More about visiting Salem in the Fall
Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord Tour
You'll see the beautiful countryside and towns west of Boston on this tour along the path taken by Paul Revere in 1775 when he warned Colonists that the British were coming. Fall foliage in Lexington and Concord is usually breathtaking. Offered through late October.
More about the Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord Tour
Boston History & Highlights Afternoon Tour
Want to stay in the city? When you go on this 2-hour afternoon walking tour from Boston Harbor into the Beacon Hill neighborhood during late September, October, and through late November, you're sure to see lots of gorgeous golden foliage as well as lots of colorful Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. Led by a knowledgeable professional guide, you'll see some of Boston's most iconic sights, learn about the historic and modern city, and at the end of your tour, enjoy a beer with your guide at a favorite neighborhood watering hole.
Find out more about the Boston History & Highlights Afternoon Tour
More Boston Tours
Although not all of these tours feature foliage or leaf-peeping, you'll see plenty of color when you take them during fall months.
Self-Guided Fall Foliage Tour from Boston
Plan your own fall foliage tour - rent a Zipcar for the day, and take the coastal route north from Boston along Route 1A.
At Beverly, detour onto Route 127 East to enjoy picturesque Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, and Rockport, and then pick up Route 133 and head north through Ipswich where you'll turn back onto Route 127 again.
Go for a walk along New Hampshire's Hampton Beach State Park.
Once you reach Maine (shown in photo), start looking for a road-side clam shack. Stop for a lobster roll and enjoy the gorgeous contrast between the blue of the Atlantic Ocean and brilliant coastal foliage.
Life is good!
More Tours and Cruises to See Fall Foliage in Boston & Beyond
Where to See Fall Foliage When the Regular Foliage Tours Sell Out
Although the timing differs a bit each year, the moment arrives when all the regular Boston fall foliage tours and cruises sell out.
But don't worry, you can still find ways to see the brilliant colors while exploring interesting areas in and near Boston.
Check out these suggestions:
- Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise on Northern Lights - Enjoy a tasty gourmet brunch, fall foliage, and panoramic views as you cruise around Boston Harbor (available through early November)
- Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise on Northern Lights - Sip hot cider as you enjoy lunch on this relaxing fall foliage cruise to celebrate seasonal colors (available through early November)
Here are some other day trips and tours from Boston where you'll be likely to see fall colors:
- Day Trip from Boston to Martha's Vineyard with Optional Island Tour
- Ferry to Salem - Explore on your own or take one of the local Salem tours
- Newport Mansions Full Day Tour from Boston
More Articles about Boston in the Fall
- Indigenous Peoples Day in Boston - Find out about this special holiday to celebrate Boston's first inhabitents
- More Boston Tours - Find other fun ways to see the city
- Boston Sightseeing Tours - Visiting Boston? Find more fun ways to explore the city
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