Here’s How to Celebrate All Things Fall with a Weekend in Cambridge

Fall in New England is reliably beautiful, and it’s become a classic. Between the buzz on college campuses, the start of football season, and the gorgeous foliage, autumn might be one of the first things out-of-towners associate with our area—but there’s more than meets the eye this season. 

Each local neighborhood has autumn activities and traditions to offer, but a getaway to Cambridge stands out as an opportunity to introduce some new excitement into your quintessential fall weekend. Just across the Charles are autumn experiences that span the gamut: exhibits, shopping, outdoor activities, seasonally inspired dining, picturesque views and more. Plus, Cambridge is home to some lux, cozy accommodations to cap off each day.  

To help you plan the best autumnal weekend—whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, as a couple, with friends, or any combination of the above—here’s an itinerary for celebrating, eating, drinking, and even rowing your way through Cambridge.

Day 1 

When you arrive in Cambridge and drop your belongings off at your hotel, it’s time to begin your fall-centric day—but first, coffee. For a seasonal twist on delicious joe, stop by New City Microcreamery, or jump straight to ice cream by trying some of their creative flavors (like a rich vanilla bourbon or tiramisu). 

Stay at Kimpton Marlowe, right on the Charles, and kick off the season with ease. As a guest at the Marlowe, you’ll access free kayak rentals and enjoy some leisure along the river, taking in the foliage and autumn air. Or, to give your arms a break from rowing, take a relaxing, scenic cruise—Charles River Boat Company offers a 90-minute picturesque ride along the esplanade. (And trust us; that’s not the only chance you’ll have to spend some time along the Charles during your fall getaway…more on that later!) 

For another chance for some award-winning views of classic fall foliage, don’t miss out on the stunning Mount Auburn Cemetery (named one of the best places for foliage-watching in the United States). And for some more active adventuring, let your inner wizard out with the brand new Harry Potter Exhibition in CambridgeSide. Head to Platform 9 ¾ for an immersive, interactive trip to Hogwarts that involves admiring the costumes on display, crawling into the cupboard under the stairs, and checking out over 20 galleries. And to balance that indoor adventure with some outdoor time, you can pre- or post-game your trip to Hogwarts with some fall weather festivities. 

If you make your trip in early October, you’ll be in town for the MIT Open Space Fall Fest, which takes place on Main Street on October 5th from noon to 4 pm. With lawn games, food trucks, live music and—of course—hot chocolate and chai, this outdoor party is a great way to please the whole family (and even get your face painted). 

But don’t fill up completely on snacks, treats, and meal trucks when Cambridge is packed full of dining options, many of which are embracing all things autumn with new flavors. Nubar, a chic restaurant and lounge favored by locals and visitors alike, unveils a rotating fall menu at the start of the season (and it’s worth trying). And for some rustic, classic, and elevated American fare, check out Alden & Harlow in Harvard Square, where menus rotate seasonally. 

Day 2 

After waking up at the Marlowe, there’s a perfect way to put your rest to good use at the 45th annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest, happening on October 6th. And in partnership with that celebration is another one: the 3rd annual Filipino American Festival. 

Or if you’re looking to channel a work-hard, play-hard mindset, there are some opportunities for exercise under the breeze and foliage, too: You can always embrace scenic walks and jogs, or to kick it up a notch, the Cambridge Half Marathon and 5K happens on November 3rd. 

And you don’t have to participate in those athletic events to enjoy them—don’t underestimate the value of cheering from the sidelines with a warm apple cider in hand. Speaking of sidelines…remember when we mentioned that there would be more opportunities to enjoy the Charles? If you make your trip to Cambridge between October 18th and 20th, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience and be right in the heart of the Head Of The Charles—the world’s largest three-day rowing competition. As a spectator at this exciting competition, you’ll enjoy an electric atmosphere, complemented by the serenity of a fall breeze. 

And while you’re in the Cambridgeport area to watch some hard-core rowing, grab some contemporary breakfast at Paperback Tavern or some healthy soul-food for lunch at Coast Café.  

You’ll be well-versed in celebrating all things fall with this weekend itinerary—but these are just some of the opportunities that Cambridge boasts this season. To make the most of your getaway, check out Cambridge’s calendar of events here.

Click here to get started booking your trip to Cambridge today!