HALF MOON BAY, CALIFORNIA: A GUIDE TO THE PUMPKIN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

In search of the ultimate Halloween destination in the San Francisco Bay Area? Look no further than Half Moon Bay. Every year during the month of October, this sleepy coastal community transforms into the Pumpkin Capital of the World, home to pumpkin farms, pumpkin patches, hay rides, corn mazes and haunted houses, as well as the annual Half Moon Bay Art + Pumpkin Festival. Below is my complete guide to all the farms and festivities, as well as the best places to eat, hotels, travel tips and more.

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PUMPKIN PATCH TIPS

• FREE FARMS VS PAID FARMS – There are both paid and free pumpkin patches in Half Moon Bay. Some farms charge an admission ticket just enter. Others offer free entery with paid attractions. And the more traditional pumpkin farms are free to visit.
• DRESS WARM – Half Moon Bay is typically cooler than the rest of the Bay Area thanks to the oceanside setting. Check the weather before your visit.

HALF MOON BAY PUMPKIN PATCHES

ANDREOTTI FAMILY FARMS

Andreotti is a family farm, home to a small pumpkin patch, corn maze and hay rides, as well as the seasonal You Pick Sunflower Field. Purchase a sunflower ticket for an hour’s access to the field where you can pick five stems.

ARATA’S PUMPKIN FARM

Arata’s is one of the more popular pumpkin farms for families in Half Moon Bay. It boasts a “pumpkin” river that runs through a cornfield, as well as a giant hay maze, haunted barn, hay rides, petting zoo, train rides and more. Admission is free with an extra fee per attraction. Parking is free on weekdays, and $20 on weekends.

BOB’S CORN & PUMPKIN FARM

This is a sprawling pumpkin farm that sits along the highway, just north of Arata’s. If you’re on the hunt for large pumpkins and reasonable prices, this place is worth a stop. No extra attractions at Bob’s, just a place for serious pumpkin hunting. The farm is free to visit.

FARMER JOHN’S PUMPKIN FARM

Another traditional pumpkin farm located on the Cabrillo Highway. Farmer John’s offers a nice variety of pumpkins, and there are free wooden wagons to take into the patches. Farmer John’s is free to visit.

LEMOS FARM

Lemos Farm is the most popular pumpkin patch in Half Moon Bay, and the one farm that requires a paid admission ticket just to enter. It isn’t cheap, but the design of Lemos Farm is very charming, and worth a visit. It’s a hit with families for the added attractions including train rides, a petting zoo, goat yoga, a haunted house, bounce houses, snacks and more.

PASTORINO’S PUMPKIN FARM

This small farm is located across the street from Lemos Farm. The design and attractions aren’t quite as memorable as its popular neighbor, but Pastorino Farm is free to enter with a separate payment per attractions. Attractions include train rides, hay rides, a haunted house and bounce houses.

REPETTO’S PUMPKIN PATCH

Repetto’s is a tiny pumpkin patch that sits along San Mateo Road on the drive into Half Moon Bay. There are a good variety of pumpkins, and its small size makes it easy to explore. This is a traditional pumpkin patch, no extra attractions.

WHERE TO STAY IN HALF MOON BAY

THE RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOOON BAY

For overnight trips to Half Moon Bay, the best option for lodging is The Ritz-Carlton. Hotel options are pretty scarce along this stretch of coast with the exception of this luxury property that sits along the coastal bluffs over sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, pickle ball courts and an on-site Michelin recommended restaurant.

PLACES TO EAT IN HALF MOON BAY

• Barbara’s Fish Trap (seafood)
• Breakwater Barbecue (barbecue)
• Ciya Mediterranean (Mediterranean)
• Dad’s Luncheonette (sandwiches)
• Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (seafood, beer)
• La Costanera (Peruvian)
• Navio (seafood)
• Sam’s Chowder House (seafood)

GET TO HALF MOON BAY

Half Moon Bay sits along the Pacific Coast, 30 miles south of San Francisco. There are only two ways in and out of the sheltered location – Highway 1 and Highway 92. You’ll need a car to move between the pumpkin patches, but it’s a pretty small community and driving distances are minimal.