I am debating whether to go to Boston and Cape Cod the week of October 15, but I wonder if it will still be crowded during that time because of the people who go see the foliage? Would it be less crowded week of 10/15 or before or after? Thank you.

One determining factor on crowds in Boston at that time will be whether the Red Soz make the playoffs.

My guess is that Boston will be crowded and the Cape will not. Although the tourist season traditionally ends on Labor Day, in recent years it has stretched into October, but after Columbus day it shouldn't be bad. As for foliage, the Cape isn't exactly renowned for that--most people go to the hillier areas inland.

And the Cape is BEAUTIFUL in the fall.

Boston will be busy, but not crowded then. Boston is never really crowded in the way that New York, for example, is. I really wouldn't woory about the crowding issue in either place during october. Now if it were the 4th of july weekend on the cape, that would be another thing...

Confused here, Penelope said the Cape is beautiful in the fall and Boss Tonn said Cape isn't known for foliage.
So the questions are:
Penelope, what makes it beautiful? Is there foliage there?

Boss Tonn: although there not be as much as further north, is there any foliage at ALL at the Cape in mid October?

Why not ask the expert? Boston is the subject of our current Hosted Forum. Carolyn Heller will be answering your questions through Monday August 21st.
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David Downing
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Sally,
Cape Cod is beautiful for other reasons than fall foliage in the fall. Surrounded on 3 sides by the ocean warmed from the summer, temperatures are pleasant; sky is a beautiful blue; beaches are lovely for walking and enjoying the birds, soft surf and peaceful thought; life's pace may be slowed and enjoyed.
Maple trees are the splendor of New England's most beautiful foliage, unfortunately, they do not like sand, salt air, fog, or wind and do not thrive here. We have mostly oaks and pines, only a few maples on the upper (nearest the Canal) Cape - not the makings of vibrant colors.
Columbus Day weekend marks the end of the tourist season as such; however, we do have tourists and bus tour group thru October - but crowded it won't be. Come and have a look.

Agree with Charles re: crowds in Boston. We went into Boston the Saturday the tall ships were in town. While it was busy everywhere, everyone was pleasant, everything was orderly, we had no problem finding tables for lunch and dinner, and no problem finding restrooms. I'm not sure people come to Boston to see foliage, since there are many more trees (and, therefore, foliage) outside the city. Best places to view foliage are in the White Mountains of NH and Green Mountains of VT, but October 15th is a little late for doing this. The Cape gets "quieter" right after Labor Day, meaning no tie-ups on the bridges coming and going. Note, however, that some places (restaurants, shops) on the Cape are "seasonal" and close after Columbus Day. Hotel rates in Boston will be at their highest (especially booking at this late date), but you'll receive off season or shoulder season rates on the Cape.

Sally, it looks like the above posts answered your additional question very well! Now it boils down to what you'd rather do: stay on the cape or in Boston. Do some searching to see which hotels on the cape will still be open. Check hotel availability in Boston. Another option if you stay on the cape could be a day trip to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Good luck and have fun.