Travel Tips and Information

Best Places to See Fall Foliage on the East Coast

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall! Some of our favorite spots for tours also happen to have of the best leaf peeping in the U.S. and groups on the open road this fall – well, look out the window! You might be able to check out the best places on the East Coast to view the fall foliage while you’re learning about American history.

First stop, Massachusetts! The Boston area is such a popular fall destination that companies offer walking tours. Fall in Boston can be quick, but some Bostonians say that they beauty of fall makes the cold winters more bearable. Salem is also another great place to see the foliage. With its history and Halloween celebrations throughout the month of October, it’s no wonder that Salem is fall hotspot.

Next up, New York! An autumn walk in Central Park will take your breath away. The park has European beech trees, oaks, elm, hawthorn, red maple, black cherry and even a famous tupelo tree. Once you visit New York during autumn, you will know why Billie Holiday belted out the song, Autumn in New York.

Last stop, Virginia! In Shenandoah National Park, and along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, the colors along the rolling mountains are breathtaking. But you don’t have to go on a leaf peeping drive to see its majesty.  You can get your fill of fall at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland and James Madison’s Montpelier too; each presidential home has walking trails to explore the beauty of autumn and nature on foot.

Fall ends on December 21, but don’t wait that long! Foliage is at its height in October. (Hint: Just in time for fall break.)

Interested in peeping some leaves while learning about East Coast History? Explore our tours.