Embrace Autumn on the Central Coast: Your Guide to Fall Fun

Whether you dread the gloomy mornings, early nights, or chilly days, there’s much to look forward to once autumn arrives. From pulling out your favorite cozy sweater to snuggling under warm blankets and baking seasonal treats, this season invites you to savor the comforts of home. But the Central Coast has a wealth of fall activities waiting to be explored. This is your chance to visit a small town you may not have seen before, even if you’re a local. Grab your friends and family, and embark on an adventure this season. Challenge yourself to attend as many events as possible throughout September, October, and November.

Pumpkin Patches

Avila Valley Barn

Enjoy a tractor ride around the hay mounds at Avila Valley Barn. Tour the farm and marvel at the pumpkins and sunflowers decorating the land. Pick your favorite pumpkins to display at home and take a couple more to carve for Halloween. If you love cooking, the market offers seasonal produce to shop for. As you explore the farm, stop to feed the cows, goats, horses, and pigs. Before heading home, treat yourself to ice cream or corn on the cob—or both!

Brookshire Farms Pumpkin Patch

If you’re still craving pumpkin patch excitement, head to Brookshire Farms after Avila Barn for more fun. Enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, jump pads, and corn boxes for a small fee. For a thrill, tackle their corn maze at night and see if you can find your way out. They also feature a self-serve produce stand with avocados, heirloom tomatoes, plums, peaches, pickled cucumbers, and other seasonal delights.

Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch

For a more laid-back experience, visit the Solvang Pumpkin Patch, which offers corn mazes for both adults and kids. The path changes every year, so don’t be fooled by photos from past years on their Instagram. The pumpkins are plentiful, with displays at the maze entrances and atop hay bales. While there are no hayrides or animals to see, you’ll find numerous photo-op areas perfect for an Instagram-worthy photo shoot.

Willow Pumpkin Patch

The Willow Pumpkin Patch is the most kid-friendly of the options. It features attractions like inflatable slides, swings, train rides, and pony rides. A barn offers additional activities and small businesses to support. You can take professional family photos, buy beaded jewelry, enter raffles, and more. After all the excitement, satisfy your appetite with food from on-site trucks, and don’t forget to end your visit with a funnel cake.

Festivals

Cambria Scarecrow Festival

Cambria hosts its annual Scarecrow Festival throughout October. Visit the small town to see local artists, business owners, and students showcase their creative scarecrow costumes. You can participate by volunteering to help create costumes or simply enjoy the whimsical displays. During the town celebration, you’ll see scarecrows dancing, flying, and pedaling to San Simeon. On October 27, Cambria wraps up the month with a food, wine, and music celebration. The festival also provides scholarships to graduating Cambria High School students pursuing art careers.

Santa Barbara Harbor and Seafood Festival

If you’re a seafood enthusiast, the Santa Barbara Harbor and Seafood Festival is a must. On October 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., over 10 booths will line the harbor, featuring fishermen specializing in lobster, sea urchins, oysters, and other fresh seafood. Sample dishes from various food booths and connect with local fishermen. After indulging in the fare, stroll around the harbor for a complimentary boat ride or dockside tour.

Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Fall Fest

The San Luis Obispo Boys and Girls Club is hosting a Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at their clubhouse in Oceano on October 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature games, activities, food vendors, and cultural performances—all free to the public. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about Latinx and Hispanic cultures while mingling with locals, vendors, and performers.

SLO Pickle Festival

For pickle aficionados, SLO’s annual Pickle Festival is a dream come true. The 21-and-over event takes place at Laguna Lake Park on October 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are available on the festival’s website, with options for general admission and VIP (Very Important Pickle) access, which includes exclusive amenities. Enjoy tastings and various pickle dishes from local restaurants, live music, raffles, and vendors. Plus, you’ll have the tough task of deciding which vendor wins trophies for the best pickle dish, most unique creation, and overall best pickle. You might leave the festival wondering how you ever lived without pickles—or eagerly anticipating next year’s event.