Cambridge turns vibrant hues of red, yellow and orange in autumn. Fall foliage peaks from mid-October through mid-November in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Add these spots to your leaf peeping itinerary:
Mount Auburn Cemetery
While Mount Auburn Cemetery in West Cambridge shines in any season, it truly transforms during autumn. The garden cemetery’s 175 acres burst with beautiful trees like gingkos, scarlet oaks and sugar maples; it even landed on Yelp’s list of best places to see fall foliage in the U.S. Visitors are welcome to wander the paths or join a free guided tour.
Fresh Pond Reservation
Woods, meadows and community gardens surround the reservoir at Fresh Pond Reservation in West Cambridge. In fall, redbuds and black ash trees change to gorgeous yellows, and sugar maples turn striking shades of red. Stroll or bike around the paths, plus check their online calendar for guided nature walks.
Charles River
There are so many ways to take in the fall leaves along the Charles River. Run, cycle or walk the paved path along Memorial Drive, adjacent to the river, or even marvel at the trees from the river itself! Rent a kayak from Paddle Boston, climb aboard Charles River Boat Company’s fall foliage cruise, or enjoy dinner on the riverside patio at Royal Sonesta’s ArtBar for stunning views of the Charles’ foliage.
Harvard Yard
The green spaces between Harvard Yard’s chapels, libraries and student dorms are filled with trees, adding shade in the summer and magnificent colors in fall. Here you’ll spot oaks, elms, dogwoods and sweetgums, just to name a few. Learn more about the historic Yard on a student-led tour.
Danehy Park
Did you know West Cambridge’s Danehy Park was once a landfill? Over 1,000 plants were added when the area was converted to a park in 1990. Today, the 50 acre park thrives with 30 different species of trees and shrubs including crabapple, red maple and silky dogwood.
Riverbend Park
Sundays from late April to mid-November, Memorial Drive closes to car traffic and the tree-lined street opens to pedestrians and cyclists from 11am to 7pm. It’s a picturesque place to take a relaxing stroll or bike ride along the Charles River. Visiting for Head of the Charles Regatta in the fall? Riverbend Park offers great views of the rowing races.
Lechmere Canal Park
Lechmere Canal Park in East Cambridge features another path perfect for walking or cycling. Here you’ll find sycamores, red maples and more gorgeous trees planted along the paved trail. Next door, Kimpton Marlowe Hotel guests can explore the quaint park with free kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Cambridge Common
Take in the foliage at Harvard Square’s Cambridge Common! Leaf peepers will delight in the 16 acre park’s assortment of colors. Pop into a nearby bookstore, grab a coffee from a local cafe then settle into a park bench. It’s easy to spend a cozy autumn afternoon here.
Looking for more things to do in Cambridge? See how many activities you can check off our fall bucket list! Share your autumn adventures by tagging your posts with #PictureCambridge.
