As the third-most walkable city in the United States, Boston is ripe for exploration during the fall. Before the harsh winter weather arrives and keeps students huddled in their dorm rooms, take advantage of what Beantown has to offer with this list of festive autumn activities.

1. Attend the Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon, or the Patriot’s Day Race, is held annually on the third Monday of April. Due to COVID-19 concerns, however, this year’s race was rescheduled to Monday, Oct. 11. As the world’s oldest annual marathon, use this unique opportunity to watch athletes compete in the 26-mile-long race this fall. 

2. Visit the Salem Witch Museum

For all the history buffs, visiting the Salem Witch Museum is the perfect way to step into the world of 17th-century Massachusetts. The museum provides two immersive exhibits about the famous 1692 Salem witch trials, educating the public about a chilling part of United States history. Tickets are sold online for $15.

3. Go on the Haunted Boston Ghost Tour

Halloween is just a few weeks away, and going on a ghost tour is sure to get you in a spooky spirit. Haunted Boston offers a variety of tours passing through many of the city’s landmarks including Central Burial Ground Cemetery, the Boston Common and the Freedom Trail. Tickets to the 90-minute walking tour cost $18. 

4. Apple pick at Belkin Family Lookout Farm

Apple picking is a staple fall activity, and the Greater Boston area is home to a plethora of farms ready for guests. Belkin Family Lookout Farm, established in 1651 and located in South Natick, offers a variety of apples, asian pears, donuts and pumpkins. They also have two restaurants, The Lookout and The Greenhouse. An online, pre-purchased bag holding one peck of apples costs $29; half-peck bags cost $20. The farm is located at 89 Pleasant St., South Natick.

5. Go on a fall foliage cruise

Set sail on the Charles River and enjoy the sights of Boston’s vibrant red, orange and yellow foliage. The Charles Riverboat Company offers 90-minute cruises that sail past Back Bay, Harvard University and MIT. Cruises will depart every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Nov. 7. Tickets cost $29.50. The cruises depart from Lechmere Canal Park at the Cambridgeside Mall.

6. Shop at local outdoor markets

The pandemic rendered outdoor markets a popular and safe way to shop. Boston is home to several outdoor markets that sell goods ranging from clothing and jewelry to produce and desserts. Some popular markets include SoWa Vintage Market, Copley Square Farmers Market, Haymarket and Boston Public Market.   

7. Attend the Head of the Charles Regatta

The Head of the Charles Regatta is an elite annual rowing race in the Charles River. Not only is it the largest two-day rowing race in the world with over 11,000 athletes competing every year, but it’s free to watch! This year, the first day of the race is Oct. 22, it resumes Oct. 23 and concludes Oct. 24.

Boston offers fun activities year-round, but festive tours, museums and food coupled with crisp and mild fall weather is hard to beat. Soak up all the fall fun you can by adding these activities to your bucket list.