During the autumn months, Manhattan radiates with vibrant colors and engaging experiences, particularly for older adults who may be well-acquainted with the city's more frequented sites. If you’re searching for quieter ways to enjoy the season in the city this year, you can avoid the crowds by exploring some of these places off the beaten path.
Here are several spots that residents from 305 West End Assisted Living enjoy that offer tranquil, captivating alternatives to the well-trodden tourist paths.
Septuagesimo Uno
Septuagesimo Uno is a tiny pocket park nestled between two buildings on the Upper West Side that’s easy to miss. Septuagesimo Uno offers a peaceful place to enjoy a sliver of nature for those lucky enough to find it. Built in the late 1960s as part of Mayor John V. Lindsay’s effort to add more parks to the city, it was renovated again in 2000.
The park’s name is Latin for “Seventy-One,” referring to its location on W 71st Street between West End Ave and Amsterdam Ave. Visit for a quiet moment in your day while viewing fall colors peeping out from among the buildings.
The Elevated Acre
The Elevated Acre, located in the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, is a one-acre green space situated on a rooftop that offers commanding views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge.
Visitors can enter at 55 Water St. via an unassuming escalator at street level, which opens to a lush garden filled with riverfront-inspired plantings. Isolated from the hectic pace of the city below, the Elevated Acre is a peaceful spot that gives you a unique elevated view and a green oasis amid the city as the seasons change.
Hallett Nature Sanctuary
Hallett Nature Sanctuary, a lesser-known corner of Central Park, offers a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and has an interesting history.
In 1934, NYC park commissioner Robert Moses designated the space as a bird sanctuary – closing it to the public. After years of neglect, several invasive plant species threatened to overrun the sanctuary. In 2001, the Central Park Conservancy intervened to restore and maintain the sanctuary. More than a decade later, the area was opened to the public in 2016.
Native plants and lush foliage provide a quiet spot for visitors. Birds and wildlife still flourish in the four-acre woodland, and you’ll catch a beautiful glimpse of The Pond and more atop thousand-year-old rock formations.
It’s located on the East Side between 60th and 62nd Streets and is open daily from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunset.
79th Street Greenmarket
Sweet apples, brightly colored mums, and pumpkins for carving – autumn would not be complete without a visit (or two!) to a local farm stand. Nestled on the west side of the American Museum of Natural History, the 79th Street Greenmarket is wonderful to visit during fall.
Located on a beautiful tree-lined Columbus Avenue between W 77th and W 81st Streets, the market is open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round and offers a huge variety of locally sourced items. In addition to the standard fruits and vegetables, you’ll also find flowers and plants, wool, baked goods, fish, meats, and more. View their website to see what vendors are expected for the upcoming week.
Carl Schurz Park
Carl Schurz Park, located on the Upper East Side, is often overlooked. The 15-acre park provides a peaceful environment with views of the East River and Hell Gate Bridge. It's perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the cooler autumn air.
Carl Schurz Park has over 20 cultivated gardens, more than 600 trees, woodland areas, two dog runs, a children’s playground, and a sports court. Catch sunset films in August, an open-air art show early in September, and a harvest festival in October.
If you like the Carl Schurz Park, as a bonus, head uptown to Morningside Park to visit the Carl Schurz Memorial located across from W 116th Street. Read more about this lesser-known historical figure, courtesy of NYC Parks.
Greenacre Park
Greenacre Park, a "pocket park" found in Midtown East, offers a quiet 25-ft. waterfall and ample seating. The park is composed of three levels and features 12 mature honey locust trees with moveable tables and chairs.
The restful, garden-like setting is perfect for enjoying a book or a contemplative moment amidst the city bustle. Greenacre Park has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior and has earned numerous awards for its impressive concept and design.
There’s More to Explore in NYC
Each of these destinations offers something unique, away from the typical tourist influx, allowing for appreciation of the quieter side of the city during the beautiful autumn season.
For more articles like this one, check out our lifestyle and entertainment blog which features NYC fall cultural events and outdoor activities, the best brunch spots on the Upper West Side, and top day trips from the city.
This blog was originally published in 2020. It was updated in September 2024.
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