Coastal Fall Guide
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Each October, The San Francisco Peninsula transforms into a lively hub of fall festivities - especially along the coast where a stretch of pumpkin farms, scenic trails, and seasonal events capture the spirit of autumn. If you’re visiting the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and planning a fall week on the coast, here’s what to check out while you’re here.
Pumpkin Patches & Activities
Here in the Pumpkin Capital of the World, fall in Half Moon Bay centers around its iconic pumpkin patches ranging from rustic corn mazes and pony rides to haunted barns and harvest games. It’s where the season comes alive for families, couples, and anyone looking to soak up that festive fall spirit.
Arata’s Pumpkin Farm
If you’re looking for adventure, head to Arata’s Pumpkin Farm - the oldest and most elaborate patch on the coast, with more than just pumpkins. Highlights include the massive Minotaur’s Labyrinth hay maze, a spooky haunted barn, hay rides, a train, pony rides, and a petting zoo. There’s also a walkable corn field, themed displays, picnic areas, and a snack shack. It’s a popular spot perfect for families or groups looking for a full fall experience.
Lemos Farm
Lemos Farm is a family-friendly spot ideal for younger kids. It offers pony rides, a train ride, a petting zoo, and a classic pumpkin patch with plenty of photo opportunities. There’s also a gentle haunted house, seasonal snacks, and open play areas. It’s a lively but manageable place for families looking for wholesome fall activities close to town.
Andreotti Family Farms
Andreotti Family Farms, just north of Half Moon Bay, offers a U-pick sunflower field open daily in October from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can pick up to five stems per ticket. The farm also has a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides, and seasonal events like Fright Nights on the Farm. Expect a short walk to the fields and some muddy spots - closed-toe shoes and gloves are recommended. Reservations are advised and can be made on their website.
Other Local Farm Favorites
Beyond the big names, Half Moon Bay is scattered with quieter pumpkin patches like Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm and Pastorino Farms. These tend to have a slower pace, ideal for couples or families looking to avoid the crowds. You’ll still get that rustic charm — pumpkin piles, friendly goats, wheelbarrows, and photo cut-outs.
If you’re short on time or want to hop between farms, many are located along Highway 92 as you enter town. It becomes a fall corridor in October — rows of bright orange pumpkins line the sides of the road like a cheerful welcome banner.
Get Outdoors & See Wildlife
After all the farmyard energy, the coastline offers a softer kind of magic - quiet beaches, misty bluffs, and wildlife.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Located in Moss Beach is a protected coastal area known for its vibrant tidepools. Best visited at low tide, you can see sea stars, anemones, crabs, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. The reserve also features bluff trails with sweeping ocean views, perfect for easy hikes or quiet reflection. It’s a great spot to experience untouched coastal nature just north of Half Moon Bay.
Año Nuevo State Park
Located about 30 minutes south of Half Moon Bay, Año Nuevo State Park in Pescadero is famous for its large elephant seal population. In fall, visitors can hike the coastal trails and often see seals lounging on the beaches or swimming offshore. The park offers a rugged, natural landscape that feels far removed from the crowds, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful ocean escape.
Explore Nearby Towns & Cities
Pescadero
Just a 15-minute drive south of Half Moon Bay, Pescadero offers a quieter, more rural side of the coast with some standout fall stops. Visit Harley Farms Goat Dairy for farm-fresh cheese and a chance to meet the goats. Then head to Norm’s Market / Arcangeli Grocery Company, known for its legendary artichoke bread and local baked goods. It’s a perfect complement to your pumpkin season visit—authentic farm flavors and small-town charm just down the road.
Pacifica
Just north of Half Moon Bay, Pacifica offers rugged coastal trails, popular surf beaches, and scenic spots perfect for outdoor lovers. Key highlights include Mori Point - with easy hiking and ocean views - Pacifica State Beach, known for surfing and beach walks, and Rockaway Beach, a favorite for tidepooling and picnics. After exploring, you can relax at local cafés or seafood spots along the coast. Pacifica’s natural beauty and laid-back vibe make it a great addition to your fall Peninsula itinerary.
Downtown Half Moon Bay
During the Pumpkin Festival weekend, downtown Half Moon Bay transforms into a vibrant hub of activity. Main Street is filled with artisan markets, food vendors, pumpkin carving demos, live music, and family-friendly events like pie-eating contests and a festive parade. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, capturing the spirit of small-town fall celebrations with a coastal twist. Be prepared for crowds and limited parking — arriving early or using shuttle services can help make your visit smoother.
Halloween Fun: Nightfall at Filoli
About 40 minutes inland in Woodside, Filoli offers a different kind of fall experience. Their annual Nightfall event transforms the gardens and Georgian mansion into a Halloween-themed evening with dramatic lighting, spooky decorations, and immersive scenes. It’s a quieter, more refined alternative to the pumpkin patch hustle, perfect for those seeking atmospheric autumn vibes. Even if you don’t attend Nightfall, Filoli’s expansive gardens and elegant architecture make it a worthwhile detour before or after your Half Moon Bay visit.
Explore Pillar Point Harbor
Just north of downtown Half Moon Bay, Pillar Point Harbor is a bustling fishing port in Half Moon Bay where you can watch boats unload the day’s catch, browse fresh seafood markets, enjoy waterfront dining with ocean views, stroll along scenic harbor trails, or paddle with rentals from Half Moon Bay Kayak Co.
For food and drink, the harbor has plenty of options:
- Barbara’s Fishtrap is the go-to for classic fried seafood.
- Sam’s Chowder House is a fresh, authentic New England-style seafood restaurant known for its famous lobster rolls.
- Half Moon Bay Brewing Company serves local beer and coastal pub fare with harbor-front seating. This time of year, you can try their Pumpkin Harvest Ale!
- Ketch offers coastal California cuisine with seasonal ingredients pulled straight from the docks.
- Mezza Luna located in the historic Princeton Inn, has been serving southern Italian dishes with a California flair for the past 30 years.
Across the street, award-winning Jettywave Distillery features craft cocktails made with their own small-batch spirits, plus a stylish outdoor bar, live music, and rotating food pop-ups. Just around the corner, enjoy a glass of award-winning wine at Barterra Winery.
For more information and help planning your visit, head to thesanfranciscopeninsula.com. From travel inspiration to building your personalized itinerary, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your trip here on The San Francisco Peninsula.
