There are good reasons why Half Moon Bay is called the Pumpkin Capital of the West Coast. After all, it’s home to the HMB Pumpkin Fest, featuring the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Additionally, it’s home to many well-known pumpkin farms, with special activities during pumpkin season. For instance, there are petting zoos, pony rides and even haunted houses. Of course, you can purchase pumpkins too, whether it’s for making a pumpkin pie or for a jack-o-lantern. To get into the fall season spirit, visit any of these entertaining pumpkin farms, in and around the Half Moon Bay area.
Arata Pumpkin Farm
185 Verde Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-7548
www.facebook.com
Established in 1932, Arata Farm is San Mateo County’s oldest sustainable pumpkin farm. Located 6.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay, Arata’s is among the most popular spots to visit during pumpkin season. That’s because of its wealth of family friendly attractions like a hay maze and train rides. Since last season, Arata Farm has imposed health and safety guidelines, in an effort to reduce crowding due to COVID-19.
Bob’s Vegetable Stand & Pumpkin Farm
Cabrillo Hwy. S.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-4567
www.facebook.com
Bob’s features a sprawling pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their own to bring home. Bob’s has a variety of different sizes and varieties, with prices starting at just $1. Also on the property are farm animals to visit like sheep and goats. Not nearly as crowded as other local farms, Bob’s might be a better choice for keeping distance from others. Located five south of Half Moon Bay, Bob’s is across the highway from San Gregorio State Beach.
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Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm
800 North Cabrillo Hwy
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 730-9258
www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com
Under new ownership, Farm John’s will continue its tradition of hosting pumpkin season events. This includes hay rides and its 20th Annual Bernese Mountain Dog Day. Some events have yet to be announced but may include kiddie rides and a corn maze. Now owned by Danny Lopes and Danny Bretao (the Dannys), Farmer’s John produces several pumpkin varieties. This includes the Atlantic Giants, that can weigh more than 1500 pounds.
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Lemos Farm
12320 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 9401
(650) 726-2342
www.lemosfarm.com
Located off Highway 92 in Half Moon, Lemos Farm is quite popular as a farmed-theme amusement park. Established in 1942, Lemos Farm offers several rides and attractions. For example, there are train rides, a haunted house, car barn ride and more. The farm’s Pumpkin Patch will be open through November 21 and passes are available online. Although pre-sold is highly recommended, there may be a limited amount of tickets for same day walk-ins.
Pastorino Farms
12391 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-6440
www.facebook/com/pastorinofarms
Pastorino Farms will again offer family friendly rides beginning in October. Primarily a flower producer, the Farm is a clear roadside attraction with many cars passing daily on Highway 92. With a distinctive main building, the Farm will feature hayrides, train rides, petting zoo and a haunted house. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop, featuring seasonal handcrafted gift items.
Bonus Recommendation
Rodini Farms
4444 Coast Road, Hwy 1
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-0666
www.rodonifarms.com
Rodoni Farms is the furthest pumpkin patch from Half Moon Bay on this list. On the other hand, it also may be the most scenic. Actually closer to Santa Cruz, Rodoni Farms has an enormous pumpkin field overlooking the spectacular coastline. Activities are just starting to ramp up. However, by October, the pumpkin patch will be the envy of even the Great Pumpkin. Besides the views and photo opportunities will be a five-acre corn maze for $5. Additionally, Rodoni Farms is pet friendly and offers other seasonal organic produce.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University,