Fall foliage boat cruises to take from New York City
Experience a Hudson River cruise featuring fall foliage views, narrated landmarks and a fall-themed menu. Credit: Classic Harbor Line
When you think of fall leaf peeping, gazing at the colorful leaves changing from the comfort of your car window likely comes to mind. But cruising past fall foliage on a boating excursion is another way to celebrate the season.
Make your way to Manhattan for these three boat rides that offer half- and full-day trips to the Palisades, Cold Spring and Bear Mountain State Park. Sails feature Oktoberfest themes with German food specialties, live music and time off the boat to explore the destination.
Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise, Classic Harbor Line
An afternoon fall foliage lunch cruise is one way to see Mother Nature. Board Classic Harbor Line from Chelsea Piers, (Pier 62, W. 22nd St.). Cruise two hours on Manhattan II, a 1920s-style luxury yacht, as it winds its way up the Hudson River, where you’ll see the legendary foliage of the Palisades. The cruise is lightly narrated to highlight the passing landmarks and there's climate-controlled indoor and outdoor seating for guests to choose from.
Passengers are able to view the fall foliage along the Grand Palisades on the Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage cruises. Credit: Classic Harbor Line
Passengers can enjoy a fall-themed, prix-fixe menu. Menus vary but expect goodies like a bread basket, seasonal salad, loaded baked potato soup, butternut squash and apple, pastrami slider with sauerkraut slaw and mustard, vegan and gluten-free alternatives and desserts. A complimentary drink (beer, wine, soda, Champagne) is included. This is a popular sailing and often sells out. If you’ve got your heart set on a certain date, book early or consider some of Classic Harbors’ other fall foliage trips.
- COST Tickets start at $102, $69 ages 3-14, $18 for ages 2 and under.
- MORE INFO sail-nyc.com, 212-627-1825
Fall Foliage Cruise to Cold Spring, New York, Seastreak
If you want to frolic for a full day, consider a cruise to Cold Spring. Set sail on a catamaran from Battery Maritime Building (10 South St., Slip 5) on select Fridays and weekends from Oct. 3-Nov.8. There’s a full-service bar, indoor seating (climate-controlled and 360-degree panoramic view windows) and outdoors.
Not only will you get a storyteller sharing insights as you go north on the Hudson River admiring autumn’s natural artscape but this trip includes a four-hour stop in Cold Spring. En route there, pass George Washington Bridge, the Cloisters, Palisades and Hastings-on-Hudson, Tarrytown, Ossining, Croton Point, Haverstraw, Stony Point, Bear Mountain and West Point.
Once you’re in Cold Spring, stroll the 19th century waterfront Main Street, shop the boutiques, marvel at the Victorian homes and dine at Cold Spring Depot Restaurant (1 Depot Square, 845-265-5000, coldspringdepot.com). The eatery is set inside a 19th century train depot, beloved for its vibe with bookshelves lining the walls and fireplace. Eat on the outdoor patio and try menu items like truffle fries, tuna tartare toast and pork belly tacos. Another favorite is Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill (91 Main St., 845-265-5582, tuscangrill.com), with its lounge, indoor garden and Italian cuisine. After your day exploring upstate New York, the journey back offers foliage amid the glow of the sunset.
- COST Ticket prices start at $109 ages 13 and up, with peak pricing at $139, ages 12 and under $65 and $79 during peak pricing.
- MORE INFO seastreak.com, 1-800-262-8743
Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Cruise, Circle Line
Don’t let the word Oktoberfest fool you. From mid-September through early November, you can experience the Oktoberfest Cruise. Leave from Pier 83, (42nd Street and 12th Avenue, 212-563-3200, circleline.com) for an eight-hour adventure. The 50-mile journey takes you through the Hudson River Valley to Bear Mountain State Park. Along the way take in the colors — red, gold, orange — and sail under the George Washington and Mario Cuomo bridges, Hook Mountain, which juts 800 feet from out of the Hudson River with cliffs, and spot wildlife like hawks and osprey. See the sights from the outside decks or climate-controlled indoor seating through large windows.
The Circle Line offers an Oktoberfest cruise this fall. Credit: Chela Crinnion
The Oktoberfest theme includes the food. Anticipate pork schnitzel, bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, German potato salad, red cabbage and local pumpkin ales, among other Oktoberfest traditional foods. Take home your mug after drinking German brews like Warsteiner and Spaten. Try an apple cider mimosa, hot apple cider or crisp Riesling. The mood is made even more festive with live music and tour guides.
If you're cruising during a big game, don't fret. Sports fans can catch the afternoon games on the TV in the lounge.
You’ll have about three hours in Bear Mountain State Park. Hike or get your steps in around Hessian Lake, visit the zoo, ride the merry-go-round or simply relax.
- COST Tickets (standard) start at $83, $68 ages 3-12. The standard ticket includes music and narration, general boarding with access to outdoor and indoor decks. Food and drink are available for purchase. The premier package is $143, $128 for ages 3-12. The premier package includes advance boarding, top-level seating, private bar and restrooms, a German style food platter and unlimited soft drinks.
- MORE INFO circleline.com, 212-563-3200
