Fall is a magical season in San Luis Obispo, filled with cool breezes, beautiful colors, and plenty of fall activities in San Luis Obispo perfect for families. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin or attending one of the many local festivals, fall in SLO has something for everyone. Plus, it’s a wonderful time to capture some seasonal family photos while enjoying these activities!
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says fall like visiting a pumpkin patch! It’s a fun-filled adventure where you can pick out pumpkins for carving, sip on apple cider, and enjoy a day of hayrides and corn mazes. Pumpkin patches make for perfect family outings, offering not only festive fun but also great opportunities for fall-themed photoshoots.
Best Local Pumpkin Patches
Here are a few popular pumpkin patches in the San Luis Obispo area:
- Avila Valley Barn
Address: 560 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA
Hours: Open daily, 9 AM to 6 PM
Fees: Free admission, costs vary for activities
Avila Valley Barn is a favorite fall destination for families, offering pumpkins, farm animals, hayrides, and delicious baked goods.
Don’t miss:- Hay Maze
- Roasted Corn
- Hay Rides
- Pony Rides
- Caramel Apple Stand
- Chicken Shack & Smokehouse Hard Cider Bar
- U-pick Pumkins
- Brookshire Farms
Address: 4747 Los Osos Valley Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hours: Open, 10 AM to 6 PM
Fees: Admission is free, activity fees apply
This charming farm offers a classic pumpkin patch experience with a corn maze and a petting zoo. Don’t miss:- Corn Maze
- Pumpkin patch
- Hay rides
- Jump pads
- Corn box
Photography Sessions
- Best times for natural lighting: It’s a wonderful time to capture some seasonal family photos while enjoying these activities! The perfect time for a photo session at one of these pumpkin patches is early morning or late afternoon (the golden hour) when the light is soft and flattering.
- Photo tips: Avila Valley Barn is especially photogenic with its rustic barns and charming scenery. Keep an eye on shadows when taking close-up shots of your kids with pumpkins!
Explore Fall Foliage Trails
One of the best ways to enjoy the fall season is by exploring the colorful foliage that takes over San Luis Obispo’s parks and trails. Hiking or walking through fall foliage allows you to experience nature’s beauty up close and is ideal for capturing those vibrant autumn colors in your family photos.
Top Trails and Parks
Here are a few spots known for their gorgeous fall foliage:
- Montaña de Oro State Park
This park offers easy to moderate trails with stunning coastal views and fall foliage, making it a top pick for fall hikes. - El Chorro Regional Park
Known for its beautiful landscapes, El Chorro is perfect for a leisurely stroll and fall photo ops. - Bishop Peak Trail
For the more adventurous, this moderately challenging trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the fall landscape surrounding SLO. - Bob Jones Trail
Bob Jones Trail, also known as the “City to the Sea” trail, is a scenic, family-friendly path that winds through lush greenery and stunning fall foliage, following the San Luis Obispo Creek. This mostly flat, paved trail starts near Ontario Road and runs 5.2 miles down to Avila Beach, making it ideal for walkers, cyclists, and families with strollers. In the fall, the trail is vibrant with autumn hues, offering the perfect backdrop for an afternoon hike or bike ride with family. Along the way, there are several picnic areas where you can pause to take in the beauty of the season.
Attend a Fall Festival or Fair
San Luis Obispo hosts some lively fall festivals and fairs, which are a fantastic way to enjoy local food, games, and entertainment. Whether you’re wandering through a craft fair or indulging in some seasonal treats, these festivals are a great way to immerse yourself in the spirit of fall.
Top Local Events
Here are some of the best fall festivals happening in San Luis Obispo:
- Scarecrow Festival in Cambria
Date: October 1-31, 2024
Location: Cambria Village
Activities: Stroll through town to see hundreds of creatively designed scarecrows on display. - Trick-or-Treating at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Date: TBD
Location: Downtown San Luis Obispo
Activities: Dress up the kids and head downtown for a fun night of trick-or-treating at local businesses during the weekly Farmers’ Market. There will be plenty of treats, music, and spooky decorations to enjoy.
Other Popular Fall Activities in San Luis Obispo
Take a Scenic Drive through See Canyon
Take a scenic drive through See Canyon, known for its apple orchards and breathtaking fall colors. The winding roads offer stunning views of the changing leaves, making it a perfect afternoon escape. Stop by See Canyon Fruit Ranch, one of the local apple stands for some fresh cider or apple pie!
Drink Hard Cider at SLO Creek Farms
For a true taste of fall, visit SLO Creek Farms to pick apples and enjoy a glass of locally-made hard cider. It’s a fun and interactive experience for the whole family, and their on-site cider tasting room offers delicious seasonal flavors to enjoy as you relax on the farm.
Visit Local Wineries
Fall is also harvest season in SLO wine country. Many local wineries host harvest events and tastings where you can enjoy fall flavors with beautiful vineyard backdrops. Tolosa Winery and Edna Valley Vineyard offer some of the best scenic views and great wine!
San Luis Obispo offers an array of exciting fall activities perfect for families, couples, and friends looking to enjoy the season. Whether you’re picking pumpkins, hiking through golden foliage, or enjoying a local festival, fall is full of opportunities to capture beautiful memories with your loved ones.
Don’t miss out on the chance to document these fun fall experiences with a professional photography session. Whether you’re visiting the pumpkin patch or enjoying a hike, it’s a perfect time to snap some family photos while the scenery is at its best.
Rosa Clark is an award-winning San Luis Obispo Photographer. She has been recognized by the National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers (NAPCP) as a Master Photographer in the category of Lifestyle Family Photography. Her work has appeared in local publications like New Times San Luis Obispo and SLO Life Magazine. Rosa is a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project, a childhood cancer non-profit organization.
Rosa specializes in maternity, senior/graduate, and family photography. In addition, she offers custom artwork options like framed prints and photo albums.
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‘Tis the season 🙂 I’m so excited for all the fall activities and it looks like California has a lot of fun places to offer. Happy Fall!
What a great list of fall events! The Scarecrow Festival sounds so fun!
What a solid list. Not overwhelming and plenty of variety. Great resources!
Loving all these fall activities need to come visit our niece again.