Nestled in the rolling hills of the San Francisco Peninsula lies a gem for pumpkin lovers – Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm. Located south of San Francisco in Half Moon Bay, this family-owned farm has grown and sold pumpkins for over 50 years.
From the moment you step onto the farm, the sights and smells of fall greet you. The colorful leaves, bales of straw, and rows upon rows of pumpkins in shades of orange and white make a picturesque scene.
But Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm is more than just a place to pick your perfect pumpkin. Its many activities and attractions make it the ultimate fun fall destination for you and your canine friends. The farm is wheelchair accessible, and they accommodate visitors with special needs, but request visitors call in advance to make the visit more enjoyable.
The Pumpkin Farm is open September through the end of October. My husband and I visited in early October with other travel writers.
Pick Your Pumpkin
Of course, people mainly visit Farmer John’s to pick out their pumpkins. With over 14 different varieties of pumpkins, you will find the one for your fall décor or carving needs.
The farm offers a variety of pumpkin sizes and shapes, from small sugar pumpkins to large carving pumpkins. They even have the Atlantic Giant pumpkins, weighing anywhere between 250-1500+ lbs. You can also find corn stalks and other natural fall items.
We enjoyed walking through the rows of pumpkins and picking out a smaller one to take with us.
Farm Fresh Produce
In addition to pumpkins, Farmer John’s also offers a variety of other seasonal produce. You can find locally grown apples, squash, gourds, and more at their farm stand.
Fun For The Whole Family
Farmer John’s is a popular spot for families, as it offers a range of fun activities for all ages. Kids will love riding on the hay wagon, posing for photos in various places, including an antique John Deere Tractor, and exploring the Native American Teepee (Tipi). Earlier in September, they had a sunflower field as well.
The farm also partners with local vendors to offer artisanal products like honey, jam, and handmade crafts. You can support small businesses while enjoying the beautiful fall scenery at Farmer John’s.
Perfect Day Trip
Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm is the perfect destination for a day trip in Half Moon Bay on the San Francisco Peninsula. The farm is just a short drive from San Francisco and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You can take a scenic drive along the coast and visit nearby beaches and hiking trails.
Supporting Local Agriculture and Small Businesses
Visiting Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm provides a fun and festive experience and supports local agriculture and other small businesses.
Visitors can find homemade jams and honey, locally crafted gifts and decorations, and fresh baked goods from nearby bakeries. They often have food trucks and pop-up businesses on the weekends. You can visit their Facebook page for the latest event and food truck schedules.
Purchasing produce from the farm stand directly supports small farmers’ hard work and dedication. The farm promotes economic growth in the community and provides unique and high-quality products for its guests.
The San Francisco Peninsula hosted our visit. All opinions are my own.
Read more about our day in this article: A Coastal Tour of the San Francisco Peninsula
