It’s officially Fall here on the central California coast, we can feel the weather shifting, see the light changing and notice the days shortening. That also means the best weather of the year at the beach as these autumn months bring the sunniest days and most beautiful sunsets, abundant wildlife, and humpback whales! Here is the Fall roundup of harvest festivals, events, and activities that we highly recommend attending this next season:
87th Annual Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival, September 25 & 26, 2026: The Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival is a local favorite event that features everything from entertainment to food, scarecrow and baking contests, games for the kids, movie night and so much more. This family-friendly event highlights the best of Arroyo Grande and its neighboring communities. Don’t miss the Weiner Dog Races and Scarecrow Contest after the parade! The parade begins at the intersection of Traffic Way at Branch Street and will move East on Branch Street through the Village of Arroyo Grande to Mason Street turns right and continues on to Poole Street and then disburse. There will be plenty of viewing area on both sides of the street on Mason Street all the way to Poole and on Branch Street. So arrive early to get your spot! Many of the parades, tractors and farm equipment will be on display throughout the festival grounds after the parade. The 87th annual Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival Parade will begin at 10:00am on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Come enjoy this two day event and savor in the small-town love and community spirit that only the Harvest Festival can provide.
Avila Valley Barn U-Pick, Hayrides & Hay Maze: Among locals, mentioning Avila Valley Barn instantly brings an instant smile. A favorite Fall destination for pumpkin picking, exploring the pumpkin patch and hay maze, enjoying seasonal farm activities, fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables, homemade pies and bakery treats, hand-feeding farm animals, tractor rides through the orchards, pony rides, lunch from the Smoke House and Chicken Shack, or an ice cream on the way to Avila Beach, Avila Valley Barn is truly a place built with the whole family in mind. There’s something especially magical about Fall at the Barn. Wander through the pumpkin patch, explore the hay maze, feed the friendly farm animals, and take in the sights and flavors of harvest season before gathering around the roasted corn stand, enjoying Southern-style BBQ, and sipping a refreshing apple cider. Every stop at the farm is an opportunity to slow down, make memories, and enjoy the simple joys of the season. Arrive hungry, leave happy, and don’t forget to take home a little taste of fall from our bakery, farm market, and seasonal treats before you go.
Whale Watching with Avila Beach Whale Watching: Local experience matters when looking for whales. Avila Beach Whale Watching is the only company in the area to have been in continuous, year round operation on the waters of San Luis Bay since 2012. Captain Mark Kocina, owner, has worked as a boat captain, naturalist, adventure travel guide, white water rafting guide for over 45 years in many countries around the world. He truly brings all of that experience to bear on each and every boat trip. Captain Frank Orazio has been fishing these waters for 21 years and is an excellent boat captain with a good background in wildlife sighting. In their combined time at Port San Luis, they have taken over 27,000 guests out onto the waters of the central California coast to see the whales and other animals that frequent this area. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, friendly captain to escort your family out for a safe, educational and memorable whale watching experience please join them for a tour of a lifetime.
Taste Small Batch Olive Oils from Olivas de Oro in Tin City, Paso Robles: From orchard to bottle, Olivas de Oro offers the largest selections of small batch fine olive oils from the oldest family-owned grower and producer on California’s central coast. Their tasting room, located in the popular Tin City of Paso Robles, offers the perfect environment to taste your way through the largest selection of olive oils in many different flavors and infusions, and enjoy artisan food pairings during a flavorful experience designed to surprise, delight and inspire. Kick back for a laid-back afternoon on their excellent view deck placed under the old olive trees! They also have a great selection of wines and a delicious board for you to enjoy and take in the view. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Tin City.
We hope you have time to come to the beach and celebrate all that Fall has to offer with these fun activities, and stay in Pismo Beach while you are here!