If there was ever a season to visit New York City, it has to the be the fall. Between the gorgeous scenery (Central Park foliage, anyone?) and the lovely weather forecasts, the ideal time to plan a trip to the city has never been more obvious. As for what to do once you're here, we've got you covered. These seven exciting activities top our fall bucket list, and we have a feeling that they'll top yours too.

Best of NYC Fall: Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade (East Village)

Dog-lovers join together every October to dress up their pooches at the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. You'll see some of the most adorable costumes, as well as some of the most creative, and this spirited animal parade will have you aching for a canine of your own. Who ever said that New Yorkers weren't pet people? 500 E. 9th St., tompkinssquaredogrun.com

Best of NYC Fall: Go See Phantom of the Opera on Broadway (Theater District)

Majestic Theatre is home to the longest-running musical on Broadway, Phantom of the Opera, and there's no better time to see it than during Halloween season. This beloved stage show has a timeless story that's accompanied by an unforgettable score, and the Broadway cast is one that will leave you standing in awe after the final curtain is drawn. 245 W. 44th St., thephantomoftheopera.com

Best of NYC Fall: Get an Eyeful aAt NYC's West Village Halloween Parade (West Village)

Spend your Halloween hanging out in the West Village where the 43rd Annual Halloween Parade will be taking over the streets beginning at 7pm. Watch as bands, dancers, artists, and puppeteers create all sorts of fun in Lower Manhattan. Oh, and be sure to wear a costume—only those dressed in appropriate Halloween attire can join in the line-up, which is something you definitely won't want to miss out on. 6th Ave. and Spring St., halloween-nyc.com

Best of NYC Fall: Enjoy Some Stargazing on The High Line (Chelsea)

While New York City might not be the first place you'd think of to go stargazing, The High Line has once again come to blow our expectations out of the water. Up through October 27th, The High Line will have telescopes available for visitors' use at no cost. You can enjoy your dinner on The High Line as well, with food vendors working the park all night long. If this wasn't already the coolest public park in New York City, now it definitely is. 820 Washington St., 212-206-9922, thehighline.org

Best of NYC Fall: Cheer on NYC Marathon Runners (5 Boroughs)

The New York City Marathon is a sight worth seeing, whether you're actually running in the race or catching it from the sidelines. Watch as approximately 50,000 runners take to the streets of New York, beginning in Staten Island, crossing over into Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and ending in Manhattan's Central Park. Even if you're not the one running in the marathon, there's plenty of fun to be had between all the music and cheering. tcsnycmarathon.org

Best of NYC Fall: Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade From the Sidelines (Midtown West)

Get up early to obtain a front-row seat at the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The iconic parade has captured the imagination of adults and children alike for the past 93 years, and if you happen to be in NYC for turkey day, there's no better way to spend the morning than by taking in the sights of the giant inflatable balloons and street performers. Central Park West & 77th St., social.macys.com/parade

Best of NYC Fall: Get a Drink at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden (Astoria)

Have your pick of 19 beers on tap at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden and pair it with some food from their indoor menu or outdoor grill while the autumn weather remains crisp and cool. Pork goulash, herb-roasted chicken, and fried muenster top our list of menu favorites, while the grill's bratwurst, portobello mushroom sandwiches, and kielbasa are enormous and charred to perfection. 2919 24th Ave., Astoria, Queens, 718-274-4925, bohemianhall.com