Embrace Fall: "Top Fall Activities in San Mateo County: Weekend Events and Pumpkin Patches"

We might not have the crisp autumn air, but we can still enjoy the fun of fall!  It's the perfect time to immerse yourself in the vibrant fall activities that the Bay Area has to offer. Whether you're a family looking for a fun day out or someone seeking a festive experience, there's something for everyone this season. Here’s a guide to some of the best fall activities you can enjoy this weekend.

Pumpkin Patches in San Mateo County

1. Lemos Farm

Located in Half Moon Bay, Lemos Farm is a beloved destination for families. Known for its charming pumpkin patch, the farm also offers pony rides, a haunted house, and train rides. It's a delightful spot for children!

  • Location: 12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
  • Open: Daily from 9am to 5pm
  • Best Suited For: Families and young children

2. Arata’s Pumpkin Farm

Just a short drive from San Mateo, Arata's Pumpkin Farm provides a classic fall experience with its massive corn maze, hayrides, and a haunted barn. This farm is perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure.

  • Location: 185 Verde Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
  • Open: Daily from 9am to 6pm
  • Best Suited For: Families, teens, and adventurous adults

3. Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm

Farmer John's is a must-visit for those looking to pick the perfect pumpkin. The farm offers a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds, along with a serene farm atmosphere ideal for photos.

  • Location: 850 North Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
  • Open: Daily from 9am to 6pm
  • Best Suited For: Families, photographers, and pumpkin enthusiasts

4. Webb Ranch

Located closer to Portola Valley, Webb Ranch offers a festive pumpkin patch experience, complete with hayrides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. It's a fantastic spot for a family outing.

  • Location: 2720 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley, CA 94028
  • Open: Check their website for current hours
  • Best Suited For: Families and animal lovers

Broader Bay Area Fall Activities

1. Apple Picking at Gizdich Ranch

Venture a bit further to Watsonville for a delightful apple picking experience at Gizdich Ranch. Enjoy the fresh air and the satisfaction of picking your own apples, followed by a slice of their famous pie.

  • Location: 55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
  • Open: Daily from 9am to 5pm
  • Best Suited For: Families, couples, and anyone who loves fresh produce

2. Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival

Celebrate the season at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, a beloved event featuring pumpkin weigh-offs, live music, local crafts, and delicious seasonal treats.

  • Location: Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA
  • Dates: October 19-20, 2024
  • Best Suited For: All ages, festival lovers, and art enthusiasts

3. Filoli Historic House & Garden

Experience the beauty of fall foliage at Filoli in Woodside. This historic estate offers stunning gardens and seasonal events, making it a picturesque spot for a leisurely autumn day.  Offering a "taste of fall" special event.

  • Location: 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062
  • Open: Check their website for seasonal hours
  • Best Suited For: Couples, nature lovers, and those interested in history

Whether you're picking the perfect pumpkin, exploring a corn maze, or savoring a fresh apple, the Bay Area has an abundance of fall activities to enjoy. We live and sell here because we can enjoy outdoor activities all year long!  Have fun, we hope to run into you in a corn maze.

Casey Sternsmith

Casey Sternsmith

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Meet Casey Sternsmith, founding partner of the Sternsmith Group. In business, exceptional service is what matters most to Casey Sternsmith.

With Casey at the helm of the Sternsmith Group, this level of commitment is shared by all members of the group who pride themselves on being excellent listeners with unwavering integrity, and for providing the best advocacy and negotiation skills for their buyers and sellers.

Casey’s philosophy of “love what you do, or do something else” is at the forefront of the entire team, which is evident by their true passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals.
 
As a leader in real estate marketing, Casey employs tried and true traditional marketing as well as cutting-edge strategies such as social media marketing and professional videos for every home – from small condos to luxury estate properties. Casey’s clients also benefit from her vast personal network as a lifelong resident of the area.
 
As a result, she often achieves unprecedented outcomes for her sellers with quick sales and prices exceeding the list prices. To her buyers, Casey is known for excelling in competitive multiple-offer situations.
 
With more than 10 years of results that speak for themselves, Casey never looks at the process as a transaction, but rather as a personal decision and life choice that impact each and every day of their life. Because of this, a great deal of Casey’s personal business, and the Sternsmith Group’s as a whole, comes from repeat businesses and referrals.
 
Prior to her career in real estate, Casey owned and operated a personal training/Pilates studio in San Mateo where she honed her customer service, management, organization, and marketing skills. Combined with a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara, all of this proved to be the ideal foundation for her future success in real estate. Casey and her husband have two small children and reside in Hillsborough.
 
Tess Salter

Tess Salter

REALTOR®

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Tess Salter is a top-ranked real estate agent in San Mateo County and a key leader of the Sternsmith Group, known for her exceptional negotiation skills, client-first approach, and record of delivering outstanding results. Tess has helped clients buy and sell homes across San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood Shores, Redwood City, San Bruno, Millbrae, South San Francisco, Bay Meadows, Menlo Park, and Foster City. She specializes in single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, luxury estates, and investment properties.

With over 10 years of experience, Tess has sold 71 homes in San Mateo County in 2025 and helped 61 buyers and sellers achieve over $125M in sales in 2024, according to RealTrends. Since 2015, Tess and her partner Casey Sternsmith have closed $1.3B+ in total sales, ranking them among the top 5 agents in San Mateo County and the #1 agents in San Mateo for seven consecutive years.

Tess was recognized by Gentry Magazine as one of the Top 10 Agents Under 40 in 2020, and the Sternsmith Group has been nationally recognized on The Leading 100 for the past seven years, celebrating the top-performing real estate teams in the San Francisco Peninsula.

Tess is known for her expertise in off-market listings, pre-market preparation, luxury marketing strategies, and customized property-specific marketing. She leverages Compass’ advanced technology, social media, and Facebook/Instagram Live tours to maximize exposure and deliver top results. With a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and economics, Tess provides data-driven insights that help clients make strategic real estate decisions.

Outside of real estate, Tess is deeply committed to her community. She served as PARCA Auxiliary President (2024–2025), continues on the PARCA Board (2019–2025), volunteers in Hillsborough schools, served on the West Elementary School Site Council, and chairs the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society.

With 150+ five-star reviews and a reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and personalized service, Tess Salter and the Sternsmith Group provide exceptional guidance, strategic marketing, and unparalleled support for anyone buying or selling in San Mateo County, Burlingame, Hillsborough, and surrounding Peninsula neighborhoods.

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