A Realistic Guide On What To In New York This Fall
New York sunset cruises, fall leaves highlighting the city, and motorized sailboat races in the Central Park Lake will scratch that autumnal itch you’ve been trying to reach. I’ll help you figure out what to do in New York based on my own research as well as recent trip we made last fall to the city that never sleeps. 😉
This post is all about inspiration for what to do in New York!
All Planners featured on Cailey Maclean are independently selected by our editors. Cailey Maclean is not sponsored by any of the following party planners suggestions.
Sunset Cruise
Classic Cruise Line, Manhattan 2
A sunset cruise with Classic Cruise Line will be the highlight of your trip. As we stepped up to the harbor, we were surrounded with excited guests dressed up for a night out on the water.
I hadn’t been on a boat since 2019 when I sailed the Harvey Gamage, and this experience couldn’t have been a more pleasant welcome back! Fall decorations hung from the roof inside the boat and the space had large windows on all sides, so you could see the scenery from every angle. Visit the Harbor Line Cruises here.
Take A Stroll Through Central Park
Rent A Row Boat In Central Park
Learn from my mistake and schedule your time to visit when the weather is clear. We visited in October and the rental station was closed due to the drizzling weather. If you do get to rent a boat, try to get out on the lake as early as possible before everyone else. Otherwise, there may be some boat collisions due to first-time rowers. More information here.
Get A Bird’s Eye View At ‘The Edge’
The Edge is a GORGEOUS and spectacular location, and you’re only one visit away from being utterly wonderstruck by watching the city lights from above.
If you’re afraid of heights? Then is is a horror zone to avoid! My husband is a pilot, so he’ll walk right up to the crystal, clear windows without a second thought. Me? Well…My advice is the Edge has high quality bathrooms you can hide in. I got over it after a while, but those windows are really…REALLY clear! For more information click here.
Have A Central Park Fall Photoshoot
It’s Central Park! How can you miss out on the opportunity to get a photo in such an iconic location? It is just a fall tree behind me? Yes, but this is a ‘Central Park’ tree, so we take a picture! lol 😉
Rent A Toy Sailboat In Central Park For $11
This is a great activity for the whole family! Rent the sailboats as a group and race each other across the lake. This creates your very own mini sailboat competition! This Central Park activity is located on E. 72nd Street and 5th Avenue entrance on the east side of Central Park. You can find more information here.
Visit Grand Central Station
Interested in architecture and history? Grand Central station has a story behind the legendary ceiling, a 20 million dollar atomic clock, and the acoustic fun of talking to your friend from the opposite corner of the room in the Whispering Gallery. Check out all the details here.
Branch Out With Your Food Options
You’re missing out on some great experiences if you don’t ditch the mainstream restaurants and fast food chains when visiting NYC! It’s pretty hard to go wrong with food here, but a place we really loved was ‘Up Thai’ on 1411 2nd Ave. For the full menu, click here.
Visit The Statue Of Liberty
There’s a few ways you can see the Statue of Liberty, but my best recommendation is by a sunset cruise through the Classic Harbor Cruise line.
If you select the correct cruise then you’ll be taken out to specifically see the Statue of Liberty…vs the ferry cruise where you’re just passing by the statue as you’re on your way to Staten island. Examples pictures shown below…
View of the statue from the Staten Island Ferry Cruise
View of the statue from a sunset cruise provided by Classic Harbor Line
If you’re interested in booking a romantic sunset cruise in New York, the link to Classic Harbor Cruise Line is here.
The High Line
The High Line is an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line. During the fall, it offers a unique perspective as you walk among colorful plants and enjoy stunning views of the city. Take a leisurely walk along this urban oasis, appreciating the art installations and architectural marvels along the way. Check out the information on everything they have to offer click here.
Museum Of Modern Art
Tourist Art enthusiasts have expressed the love for NYC’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as it is home to a large collection of modern and contemporary art. Here you can find anything from famous paintings to beautiful sculptures and multimedia installations. Check out more on their website here.
Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
Have the opportunity to view around 7,000 Jack O’ Lantern designs in this illuminating autumn event! This activity is for all ages as the level of craftsmanship and mastery is certainly a sight to see! Get more information here or check out the Youtube highlight below:
Visit The 9/11 Memorial Site
I strongly urge you pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial site as this place commemorates the lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and serves as a place for reflection and remembrance. I will note this site may give rise to strong emotions due to the travesty that occurred that day and the lives lost on this sorrowful day. For information on the museum, please click here.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
We heard great things about the Brooklyn Botanical when in New York, and would love to visit the garden on our next visit. According to sources, the fall season is the perfect time to take a stroll as the Japanese Garden showcases fiery autumn foliage, and the Cranford Rose Garden offers a beautiful burst of color. For more information click here.
Broadway Shows
Getting into a Broadway show is a major bucket list experience for a lot of people. From timeless classics to cutting-edge productions, the city’s theater district offers a show for almost every taste. Catch a mesmerizing performance and immerse yourself in the world of live entertainment. Check out the available shows here.
Get A Hot Dog In Central Park
You can honestly get a hot dog almost anywhere in New York, but Central Park does have a few food stands throughout the park, and I can confirm they are delicious! However, if you enjoy spicier foods then I suggest you opt for the sausage hot dog as it has a better flavor combo in my humble opinion.
Watch The City Lights Come To Life With A Night Cruise
If you do choose to do a charming night cruise then bring yourself a warm coat and scarf as it gets colder out on the water compared to being on land. If you want to book a lovely night cruise, the link to Classic Harbor Cruise Line is here.
This post was all about inspiration for what to do in New York!
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