Fall in Santa Cruz County combines the region’s warmest weather with the hallmarks of the harvest season. September and October bring long, sunny days and clear evenings, often warmer than midsummer, while the county shifts into the colors and traditions of autumn. Beaches are quieter but still perfect for swimming and surfing, the coastal fields along Highway 1 transform into rows of bright orange pumpkins, and the apple orchards of Watsonville come alive with picking season. In the redwoods, golden light filters through the trees, and at Natural Bridges State Beach, thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in eucalyptus groves. Local wineries mark the harvest with tastings and festivals, while farm stands overflow with late-season produce and fresh-baked pies. This guide collects the defining experiences of fall in Santa Cruz County, from outdoor adventures and classic local activities to seasonal flavors and community events.
Outdoor Nature Adventures
Fall in Santa Cruz offers some of the county’s best outdoor experiences. Warm, crowd-free beaches, glowing redwood trails, and seasonal wildlife migrations make this the perfect time to explore nature.
Chase Fall Color at Fall Creek
The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers nearly 20 miles of trails that burst with seasonal color. Maples and alders turn shades of yellow and orange against the redwoods, making it one of the county’s most striking fall landscapes.
Hike in Henry Cowell’s Golden Light
Fall brings crisp mornings and soft golden light to the redwoods. Hike the River Trail or Eagle Creek for a peaceful autumn forest escape.
Stroll the Coastal Bluffs in Davenport
The fall ocean swells put on a show, and the dramatic cliffs north of Santa Cruz make the perfect vantage point. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views.
Kayak Elkhorn Slough
Fall is a quieter time to paddle this wildlife-rich estuary in Moss Landing. Spot otters, harbor seals, and migratory birds in their seasonal habitat.
See the Monarch Butterflies at Natural Bridges
Every fall beginning in October, thousands of monarchs cluster in the eucalyptus grove at Natural Bridges State Beach, filling the trees with delicate orange wings. It’s one of the county’s most magical natural spectacles.
Beach Bonfire Nights
Cooler evenings mean it’s bonfire season. Head to Seabright, Twin Lakes, or Rio Del Mar with friends, blankets, and marshmallows for the perfect fall night.
Take a Scenic Backroad Drive through Bonny Doon
As vineyards begin changing colors, drive through the rolling hills covered in colorful rows of grape vines transforming into fiery fields.
California King Tides – November 5–7, 2025
Witness the year’s most dramatic tides as powerful waves crash against seawalls at high tide and rarely exposed tide pools appear at low tide. From tide pooling to long beach walks, these extreme tides transform the Santa Cruz shoreline into a striking natural spectacle.
Iconic Local Activities
Autumn brings a fresh perspective to Santa Cruz’s most beloved activities. From orchards and pumpkin patches to train rides and seaside strolls, these experiences take on their own seasonal magic in the fall.
Pick Apples at Gizdich Ranch
Load up a basket in the Watsonville orchards, then treat yourself to fresh cider and a slice of their legendary pie. Their season opens September 14 until supplies run out!
Pick Dahlias at Beeline Blooms Dahlia Farm
In the Santa Cruz Mountains, Beeline Blooms Dahlia Farm opens its fields each fall for u-pick flowers. The season wraps up by early to mid-October, so plan your visit early to stroll the colorful rows and take home a bouquet of vibrant blooms.
Pumpkin Patches & Fall Photo Ops
From the coastal fields of Rodoni Farms to the family-friendly Post Street Farm, local patches deliver classic fall fun and a perfect backdrop for pumpkin picking.
Ride the Roaring Camp Steam Train
Departing daily from Roaring Camp in Felton, these narrow-gauge trains climb through towering redwoods and over trestles to the summit of Bear Mountain. Conductors narrate the history of the railroad and forest on this one-hour roundtrip ride.
Explore Capitola Village in Autumn Calm
Summer crowds fade, but Capitola’s colorful seaside shops and restaurants are still full of charm. Stroll the beach and enjoy the mellow vibes.
Backroad Drive through Corralitos and Aptos Hills
Wind through apple orchards, vineyards, and rolling hills dotted with fall colors. Stop at Corralitos Market for a sausage and cider.
Stroll Walnut Avenue’s Historic Homes
Downtown Santa Cruz’s Walnut Avenue is lined with elegant Victorian houses framed by trees that blaze with color in autumn. It’s one of the best spots in the county to enjoy fall foliage while also taking in the charm and history of Santa Cruz’s architecture.
Wednesday Night Sailboat Races – Through October
Watch the harbor fill with sails as local racers take to the water each Wednesday evening. Harbor restaurants and nearby beaches make perfect vantage points for soaking up the spectacle of boats racing against a fall sunset.
Saturday Guided Adobe Tours
Join an interpreter at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park for a guided tour of the adobe, held every Saturday at 11 a.m. Learn about daily life for Indigenous people before European contact, and explore how colonization and the mission system transformed their world.
Mushroom Foraging Walks
With the first fall rains, the forests of Santa Cruz County come alive with mushrooms. Chanterelles and other wild varieties emerge along the forest floor, and local naturalists often lead guided walks to teach safe and sustainable foraging practices.
Seasonal Bites & Sips
Fall flavors shine across Santa Cruz County, from orchard-fresh apples and cozy pies to small-batch ciders and harvest-season wines. Local restaurants and tasting rooms bring the best of autumn to the table.
Sip Local Hard Cider
Fall is apple season, and local ciders shine. Try Santa Cruz Cider Company in Watsonville, Tanuki Cider in Soquel, or Hallcrest Vineyards with Scrumpy Ciders in Felton for small-batch, crisp flavors.
Taste Fall Flavors at Local Restaurants
Menus across the county shift to cozy seasonal fare that highlight the richness of our local flavors at restaurants like Home, Trestles, Jack O’Neill, and Persephone.
Sip Seasonal Drinks at Local Coffee Shops
From spiced lattes to pumpkin mochas, Santa Cruz coffee shops embrace the season in style. Stop by favorites like 11th Hour, Verve, or Cat & Cloud to warm up with autumn-inspired drinks and enjoy a cozy café atmosphere.
Pick Your Own at Crystal Bay Farm
Beyond pumpkins, this organic farm in Watsonville offers late-season produce and a sweet roadside stand.
Harvest Season in the Vineyards
The Santa Cruz Mountains wineries are alive with harvest energy. Enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir while taking in the autumn views at Beauregard, Soquel Vineyards, Big Basin Vineyards, Windy Oaks, or Alfaro for the most scenic views.
Fresh-Baked Apple Pie from Gizdich
Nothing tastes more like fall in Santa Cruz than a slice of still-warm pie made from apples picked right on-site.
Events & Local Happenings
Fall in Santa Cruz County is filled with festivals, art tours, and community gatherings that celebrate the season’s abundance and cultural traditions. Mark your calendar for these highlights:
Santa Cruz County Fair – September 10 – 14
Held in Watsonville, the county fair blends agricultural traditions with carnival rides, exhibits, live entertainment, and plenty of fair food.
Capitola Art & Wine Festival – September 13 – 14
A classic coastal celebration that pairs local wines with fine art, food vendors, and live music throughout Capitola Village.
31st Annual Aloha Outrigger Races – September 20, 2025
Head to the Santa Cruz Wharf to watch novice and community paddlers compete in short-course outrigger canoe races. The event also features hula performances and a lively celebration of Hawaiian culture by the bay.
Capitola Beach Festival – September 27-28
This two-day event welcomes the season with sandcastle contests, a fishing derby, a lighted nautical parade, and live music by the sea.
Glass Pumpkin Fest – September 27–28, 2025
The heirloom garden at the Live Oak Grange transforms into a sparkling patch filled with hand-blown glass pumpkins and gourds crafted by Chris Johnson Glass. Explore colorful works of art, meet local glassblowers, and enjoy a family-friendly, dog-friendly fall tradition.
Grand Opening for La Bahia Hotel and Spa – September
Experience the grand opening of the long-awaited La Bahia Hotel & Spa—Santa Cruz’s newest oceanfront luxury resort just steps from the Boardwalk.
Downtown Santa Cruz Harvest Festival – October 4, 2025
Celebrate the season with live performances, artisan booths, farm stands, and plenty of food in the heart of downtown. Families can enjoy carnival games, crafts, and a full day of fall festivities under the autumn sky.
Open Studios Art Tour – October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 2025
Open Studios is your opportunity to explore creativity in Santa Cruz County. For for over 35 years, their goal has been simple: connect artists with people who love art. For the first three weekends in October, artists from the redwoods to the bay open their studios so that friends, neighbors, and strangers from near and far can discover art in this stunning county.
Location: October 4-5: Various Locations in North County; October 11-12: Various Locations in South County; October 18-19: All County
Monterey Bay Festival of Birds – October 10–12, 2025
Celebrate fall migration with field trips, workshops, and family activities across the Monterey Bay region, including events in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. This year’s theme honors both the joy of birds and the importance of conservation.
T-Birds on the Wharf – October 11, 2025
Vintage and classic Thunderbirds line the Santa Cruz Wharf for a day of car-spotting by the sea. Stay to enjoy waterfront dining and shopping with the best views in town.
Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day – October 25, 2025
Passport holders gain access to more than 35 wineries across the Santa Cruz Mountains, each offering unique tasting flights, entertainment, and seasonal celebrations. It’s the perfect way to explore the vineyards and sip your way through the region.
For more not-to-miss fall events, check our blog.