Less than an hour away from the hustle of San Francisco is the coastal community of Half Moon Bay. Built to flow along the jagged coastline, visitors come to escape big city life, enjoying a walkable Main Street filled with boutiques and galleries. Driving into Half Moon Bay, it’s hard to miss the vast swaths of agricultural land that mingle around and with the town, one of its traditional industries.
The area is known particularly for artichokes, houseplants, Christmas trees and pumpkins. The town is even dubbed the World Pumpkin Capital; the honorific comes in handy for Half Moon Bay’s biggest event of the year.
Every October, the sidewalks and parking lots swell with tourists descending into town for the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (Oct 18, 19 9am–5pm). For 53 years, some of the best artisans in the country have come to showcase their wares over a few fall days. However, things really kick off by commemorating some particularly impressive pumpkins. As the home for the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, the largest gourds around all head to Half Moon Bay to be rolled onto the scales. At stake: bragging rights, naturally, along with cash prizes, including a $30,000 check if your pumpkin can break the standing world record.
These are not your typical grocery store produce. Pumpkins at this competition come in around the size of a small car, using a five-ton digital scale to mark the official weight; the 2024 winner clocked in at 2,471 pounds. And while the contest is serious business for the growers, the results kick off days of pumpkin-themed fun for the rest of town. There’s the Great Pumpkin Parade and a charity Great Pumpkin Run, not to mention pumpkin carving experts and a pumpkin carving area (albeit with non-championship gourds). Of course, no festival is complete without music and lots of food and drink, but the charm of the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival resides with the passion of the residents. They have supported this event for over half a century, sharing their love of pumpkins and the area that grows them with any visitor that comes through.
Considering visiting for the fest? In addition to the historic Main Street, check out some of these points of interest; some are seasonal but all are must-see.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
With dramatic and sweeping views along the rocky coastline, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is the picture of coastal elegance (rates start at $784). The property is pricey and can run two times more than some of the adorable nearby inns (though those prices can also skyrocket in October). But if you can afford it, it’s worth the splurge for some of the best views in California. Be sure to enjoy a walk along the nature path that provides beautiful and wild views of the coast. In the evenings, curl up by the outdoor firepits with a drink and a blanket to take in the property’s resident bagpiper, who plays for 20 minutes or so at sunset. The skirl of the pipes against the sun sinking behind the bay is nothing short of spectacular.
If you want to sample a taste of the resort life, the Half Moon Bay Golf Links winds around the property, with two courses available (rates start at $63); even if you don’t take advantage of a tee time, grab lunch at the resort’s Ocean Terrace resort to watch others tee off with the water in the background.
Pumpkin Patches
If you haven’t gotten your fill of pumpkins from the festival, head out to one of the local farms to pick your own. Andreotti Family Farms, which has been around for a century, also includes a U-pick sunflower field; the family-friendly Lemos Farm also has pony and train rides with a petting zoo. And for a touch of nostalgia, head to Pastorino Farms, where the gift barn is bursting with decor items and a haunted house waiting to be explored.
Pillar Point Harbor
One of the last working fishing harbors in the state of California, visitors can wander down to the pier for some of the freshest seafood you can possibly get. Late fall is also Dungeness crab season, drawing crowds to get the specialty crustacean. If you like your seafood a little more prepared, there are several charming eateries located around the harbor that specialize in local ingredients. Try the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for clam chowder ($14) and a dog-friendly patio. Stop by the legendary Barbara’s Fishtrap, which has been serving the harbor’s diners mussels, clams and seafood platters for over 50 years; expect to spend approximately $25 per person here.
About a half-mile away is Mavericks, the notable big surf area. It’s worth finding a comfortable spot to sit and watch the powerful, record-breaking winter waves come crashing down, and you may even see some brave surfers looking to tackle them.