Embrace the magic of fall in New York City
Autumn Adventures with Circle Line
Cruise into Fall with Circle Line and discover vibrant autumn hues and iconic NYC landmarks.
As the crisp fall air sweeps through New York City and the leaves begin their colorful transformation, the city takes on a special charm. Pier 83, where Circle Line operates, becomes the perfect starting point for your fall explorations. Whether you're enjoying a scenic cruise, indulging in seasonal activities, or soaking in the stunning fall landscapes, there’s no better way to experience NYC during this magical season.
Why Fall in NYC is the Perfect Time for a Circle Line Cruise
With temperatures ranging from the refreshing 40s and 50s in November to the mild 60s and occasional 70s in late September, fall is the ideal time to explore the city outdoors. Picture yourself cruising along the Hudson River, taking in the vibrant autumn foliage while enjoying the views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and iconic landmarks. At Circle Line, we offer the Best of NYC Tour and the Landmarks Cruise, both perfect for experiencing the beauty of the season from the water.
As you sail past the colorful waterfront and see the city in its fall splendor, you'll feel the energy of New York in autumn, from the dazzling colors to the crisp, invigorating air. Fall is truly the season to embrace the Big Apple in all its glory.
Autumn yellow foliage path in New York Central Park
8 Unforgettable Ways to Experience New York City’s Autumn
New York City’s autumn vibe offers everything from exhilarating Halloween events to peaceful walks among colorful leaves. Here are eight top ways to fully immerse yourself in the fall season, presented in no particular order:
1. Go Sightseeing
Fall is the perfect time to explore New York City, thanks to the crisp air and scenic beauty. One of the best ways to see the city is from the water. Circle Line’s Best of NYC tour and Landmarks Cruise offer the chance to take in the city’s iconic sights while enjoying the vibrant fall landscape. From October onwards, Ellis Island and Liberty Island are framed by autumn’s colors, creating stunning views that change with the season.
2. Take a Hike
If you’re craving some outdoor adventure, consider the Circle Line's Bear Mountain Cruise—an ideal way to enjoy upstate New York's stunning fall foliage. The cruise takes you up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park, where you can explore numerous hiking trails suited for all levels. For a more challenging trek, hike to the top of Bear Mountain for panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. You can also head to Breakneck Ridge via Metro-North or explore the Greenbelt in Staten Island, just a ferry ride away.
3. Celebrate Oktoberfest
Circle Line’s Bear Mountain Cruise is also known as New York’s Floating Oktoberfest. You can enjoy live music, fall foliage, and a variety of brews onboard. And if you're looking for even more Oktoberfest fun, Bear Mountain also hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration.
4. Revel in Spooky Season
Halloween is a big deal in New York City. In addition to Circle Line's Harbor Frights Halloween Cruise, which takes you on a spooky tour of NYC's haunted waters, there are plenty of other ways to get into the Halloween spirit. Enjoy the Village Parade or take a walking tour of some of the city's most haunted locations, like the Merchant House Museum, Green-Wood Cemetery, or the Morris-Jumel Mansion.
5. Enjoy the Lights
Fall means the sun sets earlier, but that's just a chance to enjoy the city's twinkling lights. One great way to see them is on Circle Line's Harbor Lights Cruise. This tour takes you past some of NYC's most iconic landmarks, including the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty—all lit up for the evening. The cruise lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the views and snap some photos.
6. Visit Museums
Perfect fall weather makes it a great time to go museum hopping. And with so many great museums in NYC, there's sure to be something for everyone. Near Pier 83, check out The Intrepid Museum. From the USS Intrepid to the Space Shuttle Pavilion, there's plenty to see and do.
For art lovers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art are must-sees. History buffs will enjoy the Museum of the City of New York and the New-York Historical Society. And for those interested in science and technology, the American Museum of Natural History is worth a visit.
7. Take a Walk on the West Side
If you’re coming to or from your Circle Line Cruise, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a walk up the Hudson River Greenway. This scenic route runs along the edge of the river, providing stunning views of the water and the skyline. It's a perfect opportunity to see sights from NYCL tours up close, like the Javits Center, Hudson Yards—which includes the Vessel—The High Line, and Little Island.
8. Enjoy S'mores, Donuts, Cider and more
Fall is a great time to enjoy all sorts of festive foods—and New York City, with its endless array of restaurants and bars, is the perfect place to do that. Pier 83 is a short walk from Hell’s Kitchen, which features many great restaurants. New York is home to many food halls, including the nearby Gotham West Market.
Make This Fall Unforgettable!
At Circle Line, we’re your gateway to an unforgettable autumn adventure in New York City. Whether you’re cruising along the waterways, taking in the stunning fall colors, or attending seasonal events, there’s always something special to experience. Come aboard and make this fall one to remember!