The Best Fall Family Outings on the Central Coast

Crisp apples ready for picking (pie, anyone?), pumpkins piled high, the aroma of apple cider wafting through the air, and hayrides winding through fields of crimson, orange, and gold.

Ahhh, this can mean only one thing—fall has arrived!

Autumn beckons us to slow down, reconnect, and savor the season. If only it lasted longer.

The Central Coast falls under the spell of everything wonderful this time of year.

For the moment, push aside those back-to-school routines and activities. Gather the kids, hop in the car, and buckle up. 

We’re taking you to some of the best fall outings around!

Apples, Pumpkins, Hayrides, and Mazes, Oh My!

We know how precious time is, so we’ve rounded up two Central Coast spots offering you an array of favorite fall activities under one roof. Consider it one-stop adventuring!

Avila Valley Barn

With its rustic charm, the Avila Valley Barn is a year-round favorite outing, but fall is when the magic happens. 

Pumpkins stacked beneath shady oak trees, bins overflowing with fantastical, colorful gourds, and sunflowers swaying in the golden autumn light. 

Hop on hayrides, pick crisp apples, wander through the hay maze, and greet the barnyard animals.

And don’t miss the country store, bakery, sweet shop, and roasted corn stand—there’s something to delight everyone.

Can you imagine a more perfect fall day?

For more information on the Avila Valley Barn, please visit Avila Valley Barn or call (805) 595-2816. 

Summerset Farm Pumpkin Patch & Farmstand General Store

Nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, Summerset Farm has brought joy to families for nearly 20 years. This pesticide-free farm abounds in fresh produce, gorgeous flowers, and the star of the show, pumpkins galore! 

You’ll find classic Jack O’Lanterns, dreamy Cinderella pumpkins, and even unique blue, green, and multicolored varieties. 

And what would fall—or a pumpkin patch—be without a sunflower maze.  

Inside the Farmstand General Store, shelves brim with local honey, farm-fresh eggs, small-batch sauces and jams, artisanal oils and vinegars, fresh-cut flowers, and more.

For more information, visit Summerset Farm or call (805) 245-0989.

Scarecrow Festivals: Whimsy Around Every Corner

Sure, pumpkin patches and hayrides just ooze fall. 

But they can’t have all the fun.

Every October, scarecrows take over the Central Coast in the most playful way!  

Cambria Scarecrow Festival

Wowing crowds of all ages since 2009, the Cambria Scarecrow Festival has become a favorite tradition with its creativity and community spirit. 

Hundreds of handcrafted scarecrows come to life, dancing, flying, singing, and swashbuckling throughout the towns of Cambria and San Simeon, inspiring awe in all who visit. 

The festival also supports local high school students with art scholarships, making it a celebration with heart. Interested in helping out? Everyone is welcome to volunteer.

Want in on the artistic action? We bet you’ll find treasures at home or in storage to whip up a fabulous scarecrow creation of your own!

Learn more at cambriascarecrows.com, email info@cambriascarecrows.com, or call (805) 203-0743.

Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest 2025

Since 2010, the Santa Ynez Valley Scarecrow Fest has filled Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Buellton with zany, quirky, hilarious, and sometimes, even spooky scarecrow creations. 

Perched on benches, peeking out from shop windows, or hanging out on a street corner, these scarecrow wonders are the town’s ultimate community celebration of harvest and imagination.

For details, visit syvscarecrows.com or call (805) 688-0701.

So take a break from homework or packing away summer gear into storage and rally the troops for fall adventures the whole family will enjoy. Whether you explore one or all of these outings, you’ll create autumn family memories to last a lifetime.