Picture this: you and your crew are standing in a berry patch, plucking ripe fruit under a broad, open sky. Or maybe you’re on a solo outing, ambling through a well-stocked farmstand hunting for the freshest heirloom tomatoes. Sounds like a perfect summer day, right? If you said yes, then it’s time to grab some layers and your favorite sun hat and head for the coast! In San Mateo County, fantastic local farms are serving up low-cost, hands-on experiences that are a total delight. It’s educational, family-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. The best part? Each stop is a chance to support hard-working farmers, learn about food systems, and enjoy the region’s seasonal flavors straight from the source.
Why Does Supporting Local Farms Matter?
Supporting local farms on the San Mateo County coast does more than stock your fridge or pantry. It also helps preserve open space, sustain the region’s economy and agricultural heritage, and connect people to the land. Participating in the hands-on activities local farms offer is a grounding chance to slow down. You can learn where your food comes from and support the farmers who care for this beautiful region. Plus, when you buy directly from the farmers, whether at a roadside stand or a weekend market, you’re investing in the resilience of both the land and the people who work it. Learn more about POST’s Farmland Program and how it’s helping secure a sustainable future for local agriculture.
Five Fun Activities to Support Local Farms
PICK FRESH BERRIES
Pro tip: Berry season can vary year to year depending on the weather. Check each farm’s website or give them a call before you go.
R&R Fresh Farms – Farmstand and U-Pick in Pescadero
2310 Pescadero Creek Rd, Pescadero, California 94060
In the summertime, this POST-protected farm sells CCOF-certified organic strawberries, blackberries, and olallieberries by the pound. Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, you can check in at the farmstand to pick up a basket and get some insider tips on where to find the best fruit on site. Leave a bit of time to browse the goods in the farmstand! You’ll find everything from dried beans to local honey to ready-to-eat snacks.
Blue House Farm – Farmstand and U-Pick in San Gregorio
950 La Honda Road, San Gregorio, California 94074
POST-protected Blue House Farm is a CCOF-certified organic farm that grows high-quality vegetables, fruit, cut flowers, and many varieties of heirloom beans. During the summer, you can pick strawberries while hitting up their famous farmstand. Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays year-round, the farmstand stocks seasonal produce, pastries, and other goodies from the coastside community.
HAVE A ROADSIDE SLICE OF PIE
Pro tip: Day trips are a blissful way to experience the coast. Whether you’re diving deep into Pescadero pleasures or enjoying the treasures along Highway 1, you’ll want some local treats to fuel your journey.
Pie Ranch – Farmstand and Pie Shop in Pescadero
2080 Green Oaks Way, Pescadero, CA 94060
Pie Ranch’s legendary farmstand offers locally sourced products, including organic produce, house-milled flour, preserves, ceramics, jewelry, and meats. And their flaky, seasonal pies steal the show. They’re available for takeout or a roadside snack at their on-site picnic areas. The farmstand is open daily except Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. For updates on workdays, barn dances, and other special events, follow them on Instagram.
SEE SOME ADORABLE GOATS
Pro tip: if it’s early in the season, you may get to see some spritely fur babies known as kids! Harley Farms has baby goat tours running through June.
Harley Farms – Goats and Farm Shop Goodies
205 North Street, Pescadero, CA 94060
This charming locale is San Mateo County’s only active dairy, producing award-winning goat cheese using milk from their own herd. Located just two miles from the coast, the seaside breezes over the farm’s pastures shape the mild flavor of their cheeses. Stop by daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to greet the goats over the fence or book a guided tour to explore behind the scenes. Don’t miss the farm shop, stocked with cheese, jams, oils, and handmade bath products.
FIND FIXINGS AT A FARMER’S MARKET
Pro tip: If a specific local farm piques your fancy, find them at a farmer’s market! Often, you’ll find a list of the places they set up shop on their websites (see links below).
It’s picnic and BBQ season! Whether you’re looking for nitrate-free sausages or zesty herbs and cooling cucumbers for your vegan pasta salad, farmer’s markets will add color and freshness to your plate. Local produce is harvested at its peak, travels fewer miles, and often comes with a great backstory from the growers themselves. You’ll find unique ingredients, get answers to your farm-related questions, and help preserve regional traditions.
CYCLE TO THE BIKE HUT
Pro tip: Want to know more about The Hut? Check out their Facebook page.
Potrero Nuevo Farm – Self-Serve Snacks and Pitstop for Cyclists
1045 Tunitas Creek Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Open 24/7, the Bike Hut is a self-serve oasis for cyclists at the base of the iconic 10-mile Tunitas Creek climb. Stop by to rest, refuel, and connect with fellow riders. There’s a picnic area, local maps, a porta potty, and a message board for road notes. Inside, you’ll find fresh water, organic teas, coffee, and snacks. The Bike Hut stands next to POST-protected Potrero Nuevo Farm, a 300-acre organic operation just one mile from Half Moon Bay.
Nourish Your Body and Spirit this Summer
From berry-stained fingers to goat greetings and market hauls, these five experiences offer fun, meaningful ways to connect with the local land and people who grow our food. They’re equally great for hands-on outings with family and friends or peaceful solo escapes. So go ahead—make a summer memory, support local agriculture, and discover what makes this region so special.
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About Post
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Since its founding in 1977, POST has been responsible for saving more than 93,000 acres as permanently protected land in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more
