Activities for Kids

True Colors: NYC’s Top Spots for Fall Foliage

You don't have to head north to see stunning leaf displays. Head here to be wowed by the season in the city!

By Cheryl de Jong-Lambert October 4, 2017

While we’ve certainly experienced some steamy days this fall, it is October, which means the leaves on area trees will soon start to turn. (The Old Farmer’s Almanac, predicts an especially vivid show this year, with NYC enjoying peak colors through the end of October. For up-to-date status of things, check out New York State’s fall foliage report.) A trip out of town is nice, but you don’t have to leave the city to see incredible color. Click through to find spots for gorgeous vistas, unique vantage points and full-on autumn splendor.

Staten Island Ferry

Take in 360-degree views of fall colors—to speak nothing of refreshing sea breezes—from the deck of the Staten Island Ferry. Enjoy foliage views of lower Manhattan, Staten Island, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, and Liberty Island which itself features some 400 trees . Species include little-leaf lindens, London planetrees, horse chestnuts, Norway maple, and Kwanzan cherry.

Logistics: The ride is free and runs regularly between Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal (the 1, 4, 5, R, J, and Z will get you there) and SI’s St. George Terminal.

photo by: bonjourparis.com