Obviously, it's not every day that one has the chance to see the leaves change color. In New England, the annual occurrence happens right around the end of September through until the first week of November, depending on how far north one happens to be. This region of the U.S. also happens to be one of the best for catching the fall scenery, although it can be a bit of a hassle having to drive around and not being able to look freely out the window.
Luckily, fall foliage lovers have some options for catching the changing leaves: fall foliage tours. These happen all around New England with most congregating around and from the Boston area, so it's easy enough to use that city as one's home base. When it comes to choosing just one New England fall foliage tour, though, which ones offer the best amenities and vantage points from which to see the sights? We've got the answers.
*All tours available from Boston Sightseeing Tours.
The Cape Cod Tour From Boston
While typically known as a summer destination, Cape Cod is equally as beautiful during the winter season. However, its peak season, and, subsequently, its fall foliage season, is arguably the best out of all four seasons. It's along this coast that travelers can take in the sights of the changing leaves from the safety of Cape Cod's numerous harbors, all while having gorgeous Atlantic views along with it. When it comes to seeing the fall foliage in Massachusetts, Cape Cod is the best location to take in both the best of both worlds: the changing of the seasons, and the beach seascape.
Tours from Boston to Cape Cod head out in small groups, and there are two main tours that feature specific stops along the way.
Autumn on Cape Cod
This tour takes leaf peepers through all of Cape Cod's best small coastal towns and features a stop at the renowned Whydah Pirate Museum. There, visitors will have the chance to take a break inside and explore the museum while talking to the experts on-site, before heading out once again for the grand finale. A cruise around Lewis Bay offers a unique vantage point from which to take in the foliage, and oceanside leaf peeping has never been so dramatically beautiful.
- Months: September & October
Old Cape Cod Tour
Heading out from Boston, the small tour groups for the Old Cape Cod Tour are intimate and unforgettable. This tour is a day trip and makes stops in both Cape Cod and Plymouth, where visitors have the chance to explore Plimouth Plantation, a living history museum just outside of town. While walking around Plymouth, visitors can stop by Plymouth Rock, the Heritage Museum and Gardens, or taking in the coastal views from the wharf.
- Months: Late September, October, November
The Seacoast Tour From Boston
Heading outside of Massachusetts, tour-goers have the chance to see what makes not only this state so beautiful, but the beauty of the neighboring state New Hampshire, as well. Travelers will head all the way up to Maine, stopping in Kennebunkport, before heading back. The best part is that all the driving is taken care of - participants simply need to do nothing but sit back and enjoy the views (and maybe snap a few photos along the way!). Sights include several Maine villages along the coast, the Nubble Lighthouse, Hampton Beach, and lunch in Kennebunkport.
- Months: Offered throughout the summer as a coastal tour; during the months of September and October as a foliage tour.
Walking Tour Within Boston
Squeezed for time but still want to take a minute to smell that crisp fall air? No problem! Fall foliage walking tours are just as good if not better as road trips, and there's one right within Boston that takes no longer than two hours. The Boston History & Highlights Tour may not have started out as a typical fall foliage tour but when booked during the fall season, that's just one of the perks. Anyone visiting Boston - and even locals - should take this tour at least once.
The tour takes participants on a walk from Boston Harbor to the Beacon Hill neighborhood, educating guests on the history of each location along the way. It's a great way to hear about Boston's most treasured history while seeing things visitors may miss when visiting on their own without a tour guide. The tour includes a final stop at a local favorite to enjoy a brew with other participants and the tour guide.
- Months: September, October, late November