Dreamy Post-Summer Outings to Fall For
Locals live for autumn on California’s Central Coast! This is the season when seaside fog retreats and inland heat gives way to bright, clear skies and near-perfect temperatures. Here are some great ways to celebrate fall in San Luis Obispo County:
1) Enjoy crystal clear views at Morro Strand State Beach
Offshore fog is less prominent in fall thus giving way to bright views of the famed Morro Rock at this coastal frontage park. Indeed, Morro Strand State Beach is a three-mile stretch that curves from the town of Morro Bay heading north to Cayucos State Beach. Here, recreationists enjoy windsurfing, fishing, jogging, bird watching, wildlife and tidepool viewing. The Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay State Park is another popular nearby attraction. Of course, autumn humpback whale watching boat tours are available (Morro Bay Landing), however, you may enjoy spectacular sightings by simply keeping one’s eye on the horizon! The elephant seal rookery in San Simeon is also a treat, and October is one of the peak viewing times annually. This is one of the best things to do on the Central Coast in the autumn.
2) Step Back in Time at Avila Valley Barn
All ages can’t help but smile at Avila Valley Barn (560 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo.) This farmstand meets petting zoo, bakery and more is set amid acres of idyllic farmland. Autumn is especially momentous here as visitors enjoy pumpkin picking (many varieties and incredible sizes!), hayrides, a hay maze and fresh roasted corn. Order a savory lunch at the Smoke House and Chicken Shack, or hit up the Sweet Shop for ice cream, fresh pies and old-fashioned chocolates. There’s even a caramel apple stand as well as a hard cider bar. This is truly a chance to experience harvest time at an old-fashioned family farm. Other fantastic pumpkin patches throughout the county include River ‘K’ Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze (5670 N. River Road, Paso Robles); Jack Creek Farms (5000 Hwy. 46, Templeton); The Pumpkin Patch (2315 Biddle Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo); and Chesebrough Farm (790 Moss Lane, Templeton).
3) Check Out Stunning Fall Colors
You don’t need trees to experience autumn’s magnificent color transformation. Indeed, the vast sea of grapevine leaves in Paso Robles tell a dramatic story all their own. In fall the vines’ lush green hues give way to a surprising array of shades. From royal purple, bronze, gold and orange, to yellow, ochre, chocolate, maroon, magenta and blue, the palette is aweing. The colors of vineyard blocks can vary from year to year, but best bets for viewing include a leisurely drive along Union Road in east Paso Robles; Vineyard Drive in west Paso Robles; and Orcutt Road in Edna Valley just south of San Luis Obispo. Worth noting: Digs Vacation Rentals has places to stay in San Luis Obispo County in all of these wine country areas as well as along the coast. Find your perfect Paso Robles vacation rental or San Luis Obispo vacation rental with a Digs property search.
4) Concert Vibes in an Intimate Outdoor Amphitheatre
When it comes to the California Central Coast, autumn does not mark the end of outdoor events! Welcome to a venue where the oak trees hold storybook poses; the landscape undulates with vineyard backdrops; and the ocean air leaves in its wake perfect evenings for fall concerts. The beloved Vina Robles Amphitheatre (3800 Mill Road, Paso Robles), hosts concerts in a real range of musical genres now through November. Don’t let the season slip away! Visit the web site for the complete schedule.
5) Winery Wanderings During Harvest Wine Month
Perhaps the pinnacle of fall on the Central Coast is the month of October, when warm days fade to cool nights. This is also the Paso Robles Wine Country’s “Harvest Wine Month” where wineries offer special events such as grape stomps, picnics, winemaker dinners, behind-the-scenes tours, music performances, nature outings, winemaking seminars and more. This year the majority of events will take place on October 18 – 20. Paso Robles Wine Country lists winery details, locations and event specifics.
6) Awestruck Amid a Notorious Field of Lights
They almost look like a field of wheat in a kaleidoscope of colors. We’re talking swaths of lights moving in the breeze as one gazes across a valley and over another hill. This is one attempt to describe Sensorio (4380 Hwy. 46 East) Paso Robles’ famed attraction that bills itself as “the intersection of art, technology and nature.” As one of California’s largest immersive art exhibitions, Sensorio includes more than 100,000 bioluminescent bulbs and solar powered exhibits, some of which fuse light with music, too.
7) Creativity Unleashed at Cambria Scarecrow Festival
What could be more whimsical than dozens upon dozens of scarecrows that are dressed and posed in a variety of themes? Welcome to the Cambria Scarecrow Festival, which takes place each October 1 through October 31. This is a chance to walk or drive through downtown Cambria and San Simeon and wonder at the creative pursuits by local businesses, students, artists and other volunteers. No matter what your mood, we guarantee that you will crack a smile!
8) Autumn on the Apple Trail Means Low-Hanging Deliciousness
The micro-climates in San Luis Obispo’s Avila Valley and See Canyon regions yield some of the tastiest apples, ciders and pastries to be found. Indeed, September through early December the Avila Apple Trail and the See Canyon Apple Trail are abuzz with visitors imbibing in the many apple varieties that are grown in this tiny, scenic area that is rich in apple essence. Lists of U-pick orchards and a variety of events may be found through Visit Avila.
9) Farmers Markets Offer Tantalizing Tastes of the Season
Nothing beats eating fresh, buying local and cooking with what’s in season. San Luis Obispo County’s famed farmers markets offer all of that plus a meaningful way to connect with the community and even the farmers who grow your food! Here are some of our favorite farmers market locations:
Saturdays
Templeton Park in downtown Templeton, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
San Luis Obispo, World Market Parking Lot, 8 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Arroyo Grande, Village Swinging Bridge Parking Lot, noon – 2:30 p.m.
Thursdays
Downtown San Luis Obispo, Higuera Street, 6 p.m. (more than 100 vendors)
Morro Bay, Spencer’s Market Parking Lot, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays
Paso Robles downtown park, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Where Are the Best Vacation Rentals in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles?
To make the most of your autumn experience on the beautiful Central Coast, you’ll need the perfect accommodations! Digs Vacation Rentals has access to an extensive variety of immaculate properties that are near the California Central Coast’s most sought-after destinations. Allow us to find your home away from home. Our personal service is unbeatable. From intimate beach cottages to large homes with all of the amenities, we will help find your best SLO County vacation home!