Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Farm
Experience the 'Pumpkin Capital of the World' with vibrant festivals, charming farms, and endless autumn fun for the whole family.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Farm
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the 'Pumpkin Capital of the World' with vibrant festivals, charming farms, and endless autumn fun for the whole family.
"Lemos Farm is a beloved spot with hay rides, animals, and tons of photo ops – perfect for family fun!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM, especially on festival weekends.
🚗 Street Parking Savvy
Skip the expensive lots; street parking further from Main Street is often available and free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lemos Farm Pumpkin Patch
Half Moon Bay
A beloved spot with hay rides, pony rides, a haunted house, and adorable farm animals. Perfect for family fun!
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
Main Street, Half Moon Bay
Experience the 'Pumpkin Capital of the World' with craft vendors, food stalls, live music, and the famous giant pumpkin weigh-off.
Andreotti Family Farm
Half Moon Bay
Known for its u-pick sunflowers and a charming pumpkin patch, offering a more relaxed autumn experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM, especially on festival weekends.
🚗 Street Parking Savvy
Skip the expensive lots; street parking further from Main Street is often available and free.
🎃 Kid-Friendly Fun
Lemos Farm is a hit with little ones, featuring animals, rides, and a haunted house.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Options
Several patches like Arata's, Farmer John's, and Andreotti's welcome furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM, especially on festival weekends.
🚗 Street Parking Savvy
Skip the expensive lots; street parking further from Main Street is often available and free.
🎃 Kid-Friendly Fun
Lemos Farm is a hit with little ones, featuring animals, rides, and a haunted house.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Options
Several patches like Arata's, Farmer John's, and Andreotti's welcome furry friends.
🍦 Must-Try Treats
Don't miss the pumpkin pie, cinnamon rolls, and unique pumpkin ice cream!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the festive atmosphere and variety of activities, especially at Lemos Farm, making it a family favorite. However, some reviews note a decline in the traditional festival spirit and increasing commercialization, with parking and crowds being recurring challenges.
"It was very nice it was about three blocks that different stuff there I went to fish wife sweet very good I bought a Oreo brownie and a fresh baked pumpkin cinnamon roll it was still warm everything was nicer than a lot of vendors So if haven't stopped by today's day nice lil walk about 3 or moreblockd"
Sonia Rodriguez
"It isn’t what it used to be. No parade, no street fun. Much less costumes. Still a lot of pumpkin related gifts, but you can finish it in an hour or two. Lack of creativity. The stuff almost the same from last year. Still has some nice performances, but lack of diversity.
It’s a sense of less of holiday spirit, more for profit I guess. Like the random pumpkin hay station along the side walk, kid would ask for “donation” if you sit and take a photo. “Donation” for what? He couldn’t answer, Plenty of these out there. What kind of parents would put a kid for doing this? Such a shame.
All those lines for promotional spins, just make it like any other street fair. Ppl seem rude too, grabbing seats next to you without even asking if someone sit there. The float beer they gave you only 3/4 full based on your skin. I don’t like it and probably wont go next time. I’ve been there at least three years. Oh and if you don’t see the winner pumpkin, that’s because it’s in a booth for $30 something to get a photo.
If anyone care to read this much, one tip I can give is don’t go into the $20 parking lot, they were those who block the 92 for constantly stop the one lane traffic and let the car in and out. I don’t even know how they were allowed to do this. You can park anywhere along the street."
Rei Lych
"Main street packed with all sorts of craft and food vendors, and the championship highest weighted pumpkin. The traffic in and out of HMB is horrendous, fits the Halloween theme. On this 50th anniversary of the festival, once there we enjoyed our time there seeing the tens of thousands of visitors just having a good time as prior to the pandemic, hardly a 😷 worn, plenty of choice food to eat, a few activities for kids and plenty of bands playing up beat music. Even though the day was cloudy, we enjoyed our time at the festival."
Yonkers Channel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Half Moon Bay is accessible by car from San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area cities. Expect significant traffic, especially on festival weekends. Consider carpooling or using ride-sharing services.
The best strategy is to arrive very early, ideally before 10 AM on festival days, or visit on a weekday.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to the pumpkin patches. Buses may serve the general Half Moon Bay area, but you'll likely need to arrange local transport or walk from the bus stop.
Parking can be challenging. While some farms have dedicated lots, street parking is often available further away. Avoid the $20 official lots if you want to save money.
During the main festival, shuttle services might be available from designated parking areas to the festival grounds. Check the official festival website for the most current information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Some farms, like Lemos Farm, may have admission fees or specific ticketed activities. It's best to check individual farm websites for their pricing and booking policies.
Hours vary by farm and season. Lemos Farm is typically open daily in October and weekends in November. Andreotti Farm has seasonal hours. Always check their official websites for the most up-to-date information.
The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival itself is generally free to enter, but individual vendors and attractions within the festival may charge fees.
Discounts are not commonly advertised. Some farms might offer family packages or special rates for groups, but it's best to inquire directly with the farm.
Service animals are generally permitted, but policies can vary. One visitor reported issues with their service animal at the festival. It's advisable to confirm the specific farm's policy beforehand.
🎫 🎃 Onsite Experience
Lemos Farm offers a wide range of activities including hay rides, pony rides, a haunted house, petting zoo, and numerous photo opportunities.
You'll find a variety of food vendors selling classic fall treats like pumpkin pie, cinnamon rolls, hot cider, and more.
Absolutely! Most pumpkin patches, especially Lemos Farm, are decorated with numerous themed spots perfect for capturing fall memories. 
Yes, Half Moon Bay is very family-friendly, with Lemos Farm being a particular highlight for young children due to its petting zoo and rides.
Half Moon Bay is renowned for its extensive pumpkin farming and its annual Pumpkin Festival, celebrating all things pumpkin. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Look for decorated hay bales, themed backdrops, animal enclosures, and of course, fields of pumpkins. Lemos Farm is particularly photogenic.
Some farms may have specific policies or fees for professional photography sessions. Andreotti Farm offers photo access for a fee.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. However, during peak times, midday can be very crowded.
Expect classic fall and Halloween themes, with plenty of pumpkins, hay, and seasonal decorations.
A versatile lens is helpful for capturing wide shots of the fields and closer details. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, especially if visiting during evening events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Many other pumpkin patches also provide engaging experiences for children, from corn mazes to pumpkin decorating. Remember to arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and meltdowns!Pack snacks and drinks, as well as comfortable shoes for exploring. Consider visiting on a weekday if possible for a more relaxed experience. The overall atmosphere is very welcoming to families, making it a memorable outing for all ages.
🐶 Dog Owners
This allows you to bring your furry companions along for the fall festivities. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and on a leash, and be prepared to clean up after them. While the main Pumpkin Festival on Main Street might have more restrictions, the individual farms are generally more accommodating. It's a great way to include your entire family, four-legged members included, in the autumn fun.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Andreotti Family Farm also provides beautiful scenes, particularly with its sunflower fields. For the best shots, aim for the 'golden hour' just before sunset for warm, soft light. However, be prepared for crowds during peak times. Consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early on a weekend to capture clearer shots without too many people in the background. The vibrant colors of pumpkins and fall foliage make for stunning images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Pumpkin Patches
+2Other popular spots include Andreotti Family Farm, which is known for its u-pick sunflowers and a more relaxed pumpkin patch atmosphere, and Arata's Pumpkin Farm, which often features elaborate decorations and activities. Many of these farms transform into festive hubs, complete with seasonal treats and ample photo opportunities, making them ideal for a day trip.
+1When choosing a patch, consider what you're looking for: Lemos Farm for high-energy family fun, Andreotti for a slightly more serene experience, or the main festival for a bustling street fair atmosphere. Many are also dog-friendly, adding another layer of appeal for pet owners.
The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival Experience
A major highlight of the festival is the competition for the heaviest pumpkin, showcasing the impressive agricultural output of the region. Live music performances and various activities for children add to the festive ambiance. While the festival offers a lively atmosphere, some reviews suggest a shift towards a more commercial feel in recent years, with less emphasis on traditional parade elements.
Navigating the festival requires patience, especially regarding parking and crowds. Arriving early is highly recommended to make the most of the experience and avoid the peak congestion. Despite potential challenges, the festival remains a cherished tradition for many, offering a quintessential autumn experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit