Crisp air, golden leaves, and historic brick buildings, fall in Cambridge is a season you don’t want to miss. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Stroll Through Local Farmers’ Markets
Nothing says fall like a stroll through a farmers’ market. Local farmers’ markets are the perfect way to soak in the autumn atmosphere while picking up fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal treats. Here are some must-visit markets this season:
- Charles River Farmers Market: Held at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square on Fridays from 12–6 pm and Sundays from 10 am–3 pm year-round, or visit their Morse School location in Cambridgeport on Saturdays from 10 am–2 pm through November 20. Both markets feature seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal breads and cheeses, and local pastries.
- Central Square Farmers Market: Open Mondays from 12–6 pm, through November, this market is located by the Central Red Line stop and features over two dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers offering fresh produce, proteins, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and other locally made products.
- Kendall Square Farmers Market: Held in the Canal District at 1 Broad Canal Way, this market is open Thursdays from 12 pm–6 pm, May 29–November 20. Shoppers can find fresh produce, quality meats and seafood, flowers, specialty foods and beverages, and handcrafted goods from local vendors.
- Pemberton Farms: A Cambridge staple for over 90 years, Pemberton Farms Marketplace in North Cambridge offers a year-round selection of local and organic produce, gourmet groceries, and specialty foods. Stop by for fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses, baked goods, and other New England-made favorites—all without waiting for market day!
Taste the Season
Fall brings food and festivities to the heart of Cambridge, and there’s no better way to savor the season than with your taste buds leading the way. Off the Beaten Path Food Tours guides you through the city’s vibrant streets, where autumn leaves crunch beneath your feet and the smells of fresh-baked treats fill the air. From decadent chocolate and warm donuts to savory bites from local eateries, you can pick your tour, gather your friends, and snack your way through Cambridge.
Looking for a slower, cozier pace? Stop into L.A. Burdick Chocolates or La Saison for local treats and fall specials!
Scenic & Spooky Cruises on the Charles
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic outing or a spine-tingling adventure, the Charles River Boat Company offers something for every kind of fall explorer.
- Ghost Tour of the Charles River: Take to the water for an evening cruise along the Charles River, where a costumed guide shares chilling stories of ghostly apparitions, mysterious deaths, and haunted landmarks along the riverbanks.
- Freaky Tiki Takeover: Something spooky is cruising down the Charles! The Beacon Tiki Boat transforms into a floating haunted island for the Freaky Tiki Takeover, complete with eerie decorations, specialty tiki cocktails, and a ghoulishly good time. Costume enthusiasts are encouraged to dress in “tiki + terror” style for bonus points and photo ops.
- Fall Foliage Cruise: Take in the breathtaking colors of New England. Enjoy stunning views of Boston and Cambridge, including the Back Bay, MIT, and Harvard University, along with sailboats and rowers gliding past. Complimentary apple cider makes this scenic ride even cozier, perfect for soaking up the quintessential flavors and sights of fall.
Leaf Peeping, City Style
You don’t have to leave Cambridge to see stunning fall foliage. The city’s tree-lined streets and parks are picture-perfect this time of year, from the golden reflections along the Charles River to the peaceful paths of Fresh Pond Reservation. For a truly picturesque experience, wander through Mount Auburn Cemetery, renowned for its vibrant autumn colors and serene landscapes. Take your time exploring because this is peak “fall in New England” magic right in the heart of the city.
No matter where your weekend takes you, bring your jacket, your appetite, and your camera, because you’ll want to remember these moments forever.
