Your Autumn To-Do List: 15 Fall Activities for Your Next Trip
Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you have to stop getting on the water. Au contraire. From fall foliage sightseeing and scenic cruises to incredible wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities, there’s so much to look forward to with fall boating. With our list of the best fall boating activities, all that is left to do is pick your favorites and see how many you can do before the end of the year.
Find available boat rentals & unique on the water experiences near you
1. Fall foliage sightseeing cruises
Every year it’s estimated that about ten million “leaf peepers” travel to witness one of the most magical natural phenomenons, Fall Foliage. One way to get the most scenic views is by getting on a boat for fall foliage sightseeing. With so many of the fall foliage destinations being surrounded by water, it’s a very easy and worthwhile trip.
2. Visit a haunted lighthouse by boat
Lighthouses have a history of ghostly tales and unexplained phenomena. If you’re looking for unique experiences that match your spook, rent a boat with a couple friends to visit one of the most haunted lighthouses in the US.
3. Fall beaches
Looking to escape the chill? Anchor ashore the white sand beaches of Sanibel Island, or take advantage of the milder tropical climes and go sailing in the Florida Keys.
4. Fishing for Gulf Red Snapper
In the Gulf Coast of Florida, Gulf Red Snapper has become a popular target. This year, the Gulf Red Snapper Season will be 42-days, the longest fall season since the beginning of state management. Anglers can enjoy fishing for red snapper every weekend from September to November.
5. Fall birding opportunities
From Cape May to Everglades National Park, autumn brings migratory birds to many waterways. Wetlands and coastal areas become hotspots for birdwatching; a boat gives access to remote locations where rare species can be spotted and admired.
6. Sleepy Hollow, NY
Sleepy Hollow comes alive with Halloween spirit in the fall. Visitors can take boat tours on the Hudson River for views of the town. The area offers activities based on Washington Irving’s famous story.
7. S’mores night on a boat
Find a cozy boat with a grill and bring the milk chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallow a board for s’mores night with friends.
8. Boat camping in the fall
Whether you’re glamping or beach camping, a boat gives campers access to remote islands, secluded coves, and a unique vantage point of nature. These 10 incredible camping sites are great places for a fall boat camping trip.
9. Visit a National Park
Whether you’re birding at Everglades National Park or exploring Lake Superior wilderness around Isle Royale National Park, the best way to explore these National Parks this fall is by boat.
10. See the monarch butterflies in Natural Bridges Park
Explore Natural Bridges Park for several nature moments. Get scenic views of the last remaining natural arch of this area. Plan your trip for October when this park receives thousands of migrating monarch butterflies.
11. Stargazing on a boat
Fall’s clear nights and early sunsets are ideal for stargazing. Getting on the water is one of the best ways to access areas with minimal light pollution. Drift on calm waters while observing constellations.
12. Get on a boat in Charleston, SC
Charleston’s harbor offers a unique perspective of the city’s historic waterfront. Fall brings comfortable temperatures for boat outings. Visitors can see Fort Sumter and the Battery from the water.
13. Get on Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s waters remain accessible into the fall season. The lake’s clarity allows for views of the lake bottom in shallow areas. Fall colors on surrounding mountains reflect on the lake’s surface.
14. Kayak the northern shore of Lake Tahoe
The northern shore of Lake Tahoe offers protected coves for kayaking. Fall brings fewer crowds to the area. Kayakers can explore the shoreline and witness the changing aspens.
15. Explore Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s must-see destinations. Boat rentals allow visitors to approach Fannette Island in the bay’s center. The area’s beauty is enhanced by fall colors on surrounding slopes.
16. Full moon boat cruise
The next full moon falls on a Thursday, October, 17. Full moons provide a great opportunity to get in-tune with nature, especially on a boat. Find available boat rentals for a full moon cruise.
17. Chicago architecture boat tour
Book a private boat rental for a unique viewing of the birthplace of modern architecture. Get the best shots of The St. Regis Chicago, the tallest building in the world designed by a woman, and the historic Wrigley Building. As it gets dark swing by TheMart, once regarded as the largest building in the world, today it displays a 25-foot-video-installation and is regarded as the largest permanent art projection in the world.
About us
Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app (App Store | Google Play) and follow us on Instagram.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
