Fall 2024 is in less than a week and I would love to share my list of easy-going family friendly activities you can do this Fall in the SF Bay Area.
Apple Picking
Peak apple season in the Bay Area and NorCal is starts in July but of course the best time for you and your family and friends to harvest is September through October when the weather is crisp. So what is a more Fall activity than picking fresh apples off a tree and making apple cider, apple pie, candied apples, caramel apples etc. ?
California is the 5th largest producer and 2nd largest exporter of apples in the U.S. (California Apples) so how lucky are we to have all these apples right in our backyard? Here is my list of neat apple orchards where you can harvest your own apples!
Gizdich Ranch (featured video)
55 Peckham Rd.
Watsonville, CA 95076
Points of Interest
1
Pie Shop & Deli
There is a bakery on-site that makes their own pies and desserts from the orchard’s own fruit!
2
Antique Shop
Small shop next to the red barn that sells curated antiques and knick-knacks.
3
Red Barn Shop
The orchard’s gift shop full of apple-themed goodies and refreshing apple cider.
Pick Out Pumpkins!
It will be hard to miss all the pumpkin patches getting ready with their inflatable playgrounds this time of year around mall parking lots. If you want to experience something a little different this year visit an actual pumpkin farm! It is the best family activity to bond and create memories.
Spina Farms (featured video)
225 Laguna Ave.
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Points of Interest
1
Train Ride
This train ride will take you through their beautiful marigold fields and the corn fields with a few surprise guests along the way.
2
Pumpkin Blasters
Truly unique experience where you can shoot some small pumpkins with an air canon at specific targets.
3
Hay Ride
Relaxing hay ride through the corn maze with a few surprise guests along the way again!
Fall Festivals
Some times a nice relaxing day sipping hot coffee while walking outdoors surrounded by autumn festivities is the best way to spend a weekend. Here are some local autumn festivals happening this year!
Fog Fest (featured video)
Palmetto Ave.
Pacifica, CA 94044
Points of Interest
1
Fog Fest Parade
The floats are very unique, fun, and a can’t miss!
2
Food food food!
A slow food crawl down Palmetto is my kind of festival activity.
3
Kids Activities
Lots of interactive activities for your young ones to take part in such as face-painting and friendly competitions.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
Main St.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Points of Interest
1
See the winner of the 2024 Pumpkin Weigh-Off
It’s always a sight to see the chonkiest pumpkin of the year.
2
Pie Eating Contest
Filling activity for kids 12 and over to show off fast they can scarf down delicious pie against their friends!
3
Pumpkin Art
Browse and purchase local artists’ pumpkin themed-art such as hand-blown glass pumpkins and stained-glass pumpkins.
