Fall brings out the best of the San Mateo County coast. The summer fog eases, migratory birds arrive, whales pass offshore, and farmstands overflow with seasonal harvests. It’s an ideal time to pick out a pumpkin, hike a blufftop trail, peer into a tidepool, or pair an ocean view with a slice of pie or a hunk of Pescadero’s famous artichoke bread.
Whether you’re ready for a stroll, a scenic drive, or a leisurely afternoon in a small coastal town, these POST guides and tips will help you plan your next adventure. Along the way, you’ll experience many of the landscapes that POST and our partners have worked together to protect.
The incredible coast we admire today was never guaranteed. More than 20 years ago, POST donors came together through a historic campaign to protect this extraordinary shoreline. Alongside voters, community members, volunteers, and conservation partners, they helped ensure that wildlife could thrive, farmers could harvest their bounty, and people from near and far could experience the coast. Soon, a new generation will have an opportunity to carry that legacy forward. Feel free to reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Here at POST, we are happy as Pacific littleneck clams that the special places below are everyone’s to enjoy. Here are some activities to put on your list!
Find Your Next Coastal Hike
Ocean views, fresh air, and the chance to spot wildlife await. Our Coastal Hikes Guide features 10 trails between Pacifica and Santa Cruz, with options ranging from short, gentle walks to longer adventures. You’ll find trail details, accessibility information, and suggestions for where to stop nearby.
Plan a Fall Day Trip
Looking to make coastal memories this autumn? Start with one of these handy resources.
Take a Highway 1 Road Trip
Build your own coastal adventure with some of POST’s favorite beaches, trails, farmstands, and food stops between Pacifica and Santa Cruz. Tackle the entire route or choose one stretch to explore for the day.
Discover the Best Stops Along Highway 1
Go Whale Watching from Shore
You don’t need to board a boat to see whales. Humpbacks may be visible through November, while blue whales can sometimes be spotted into October. Learn where to look from coastal trails in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties — and how to recognize a spout, tail, or “whale footprint.”
Find the Best Places to Go Whale Watching
Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Fall Farmstand
Make the journey part of your fall tradition. Explore pumpkin patches and farmstands on the San Mateo Coast and beyond, including several farms on land protected by POST. Check hours and reservation requirements before heading out.
Find Local Pumpkin Patches and Farmstands
Explore the California Coastal Trail
The California Coastal Trail is envisioned as a 1,200-mile network extending the length of the state — and about 70% is already complete. Discover some of our favorite local sections, from Devil’s Slide to Wavecrest and beyond.
Learn More About the California Coastal Trail
Spend a Fall Day in Pescadero
Come for the migratory birds, coastal views, and seasonal produce; stay for the artichoke bread, tacos, and small-town charm. Get recommendations from a longtime local for exploring downtown, nearby trails, and the farms and protected landscapes along country roads.
Plan Your Fall Visit to Pescadero
Discover a Tiny World in the Tidepools
A rocky tidepool can hold a complex world of sea stars, anemones, crabs, and other colorful creatures. Learn what to look for, where to go, and how to explore these sensitive habitats safely. Remember to check the tide chart and ocean conditions before your visit.
Meet the Coast’s Tidepool Creatures
Get a History Lesson at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Currently in the final stages of a massive renovation, the lighthouse at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is a marvel. Soon, you’ll be able to explore the iconic landmark, and in the meantime, this State Park is always a pleasant trip. Enthusiastic volunteers and rangers offer a wealth of knowledge, and the surrounding landscape is a joy to explore, from Mel’s Lane and Whaler’s Cove to Wilbur’s Watch, right across Highway 1.
Get a Dose of History at Pigeon Point
Attend a POST Event
Want to explore with other nature lovers? POST hosts guided hikes, family-friendly gatherings, webinars, and other activities throughout the year — including opportunities to experience the coast with knowledgeable local guides.
Before You Head Coastside
Coastal conditions can change quickly, so check the weather, tides, and trail statuses before leaving home. Bring layers, even on a sunny day, and confirm current hours for farms, restaurants, and other businesses. Fall weekends can be especially busy around Half Moon Bay, so leave early or consider a weekday adventure.
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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 97,000 acres as permanently protected land in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more
