Filoli Winery and Gardens (Woodside) is a large estate with gardens with plants and trees from China, Spain, England, and Japan. In the autumn, they host events like Orchard Days where you can enjoy live music, spiced cider, and watch the leaves turn yellow. They also hold a Nightfall event which is a Halloween experience complete with a candlelit walk, jack-o’-lanterns, games, and a bar with themed food and drinks.
Gizdich Ranch (Watsonville) is a pick-your-own apple orchard where you can also collect strawberries, olallieberries, and boysenberries. Apple picking season started this year on September 14. Apple picking only runs for a few weeks so make sure to check their site for updates.
Apple Hill (Placerville) is another great option for apple picking if you’re willing to take a mini roadtrip. Their harvest calendar is a useful guide for what you can expect to find depending on the month you visit. They have 18 types of apples.
Fleet Week takes place October 7-14. The event consists of concerts, air shows, and other events across the city. The tradition began in 1981 and takes place every October to honor the contributions of men and women in the United States Armed Forces. If you drive to any of the events, SF Fleet Week recommends reserving a parking spot. Check out our full Fleet Week guide.
While not exactly an event, San Francisco Botanical Garden is the perfect place to watch the season change. Take a stroll through the Moon View Garden and watch the Ginko trees turn bright gold. The 55-acre garden has plants from around the world along with plenty of space to sit down for a picnic. The garden’s Instagram page provides updates on the changing seasons along with special limited time events.
The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival runs from October 19 – 20. The World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off takes place a few days prior on October 14. The event features a pancake breakfast, costume contest, pumpkin parade, pie eating contest, pumpkin run, pumpkin carving, and vendors.
Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch is a beautiful apple and pear orchard in Sonoma county with prized apple varieties like Gravenstein and Roman Beauties U-pick season runs from September to December, but make sure to give them a call in advance as it depends on the availability of ripe apples. Make sure to pick up a bottle of their award-winning apple cider!
