Explore things to do in San Luis Obispo in fall 2017.
When SLO’s summer heat transitions into crisp fall air, you know it is time for sweater weather, pumpkin spiced lattes, corn mazes and endless bowls of candy corn – just the thought gets me excited. September 23rd marks the first day of autumn so get ready for fallen leaves and cozying up with some hot apple cider.
If you are looking for things to do in San Luis Obispo, here are some of my festive fall favorites:
Apple Pickin’ Season
Get your apple pickin’ on at SLO Creek Farms or Avila Valley Barn. Spend a lovely afternoon in the outdoors perusing rows of apple trees and picking fresh off the branch. In need of more… attend Avila’s Apple Festival on September 20th where you will experience all things apple!
Wine Harvest
Kick off the fall season with California’s Wine Month happening this September! As harvest rolls out, experience what Edna Valley has to offer at the San Luis Obispo wineries located right at your fingertips. Personally, I enjoy Chamisal Vineyards for their expansive back patio and Claiborne & Churchill for their lively Sips & Songs events featuring local musicians, food trucks, and of course, some vino. In early November, come out for Harvest on the Coast and experience a winemakers’ dinner, grand tasting and wine auction, in addition to its inaugural “Slider Sunday.”
Avila Valley Barn
A local favorite for all ages, Avila Valley Barn has it all: an interactive petting zoo, hayrides out to their apple orchard, an open air market full of locally grown fruits and vegetables, multiple pumpkin patches, and a farmhouse with a deli, bakery, ice cream shop and fudge bar!
I highly suggest their chilled apple cider and sweet roasted corn. Plus, don’t forget about the endless photo ops on pumpkin piles, hay bales and with the farm animals.
Pumpkin Patch
The fall season isn’t complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch! Starting in October, search for your perfect plump pumpkin at Brookshire Farms, Avila Valley Barn, or SLO Creek Farms. Have fun carving your creative pumpkin masterpiece whether a spooky face or glowing silhouette.
SLO Botanical Garden
Ever been to a secret garden? SLO has one of its own tucked away in El Chorro Regional Park! San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is the perfect retreat for this fall with its 6-acre garden full of Central Coast’s natural treasures. Check out their events and workshops happening this season such as Herbal Laboratory (September 26), Bats: Beyond Legend (October 10) and Fall Plant Sale (October 24).
Fall Events You Don’t Want to Miss Out On
- Private Railcar Excursions to Santa Barbara – September 19
- SAVOR the Central Coast – September 24-27
- La Guitarra California Festival – September 25-27
- Via dei Colori SLO – Sept 26-27
- Central Coast Railroad Festival – October 1-4
- Nightmare on Main Street presented by Templeton Recreation Foundation – October 15-17, 22-24, 28, 29
- Mid State Scare
- Munchkin March – October 23
Now that your calendar is fully booked with fun fall festivities, get out and enjoy all these seasonal things to do in San Luis Obispo. Happy Fall!