Sunflower Picking at Andreotti Family Farms Opens Aug 29

Nothing says late summer and fall like sunflowers and pumpkins, and there’s no better place to soak in the season than Andreotti Family Farm in Half Moon Bay. Just over 13 miles from Bay Meadows, this family-owned farm has been a beloved destination for generations, offering fields of golden blooms, a corn maze, hay rides, and a bounty of autumn fun.

The Andreotti family has been working this land since 1926, when Dino Andreotti and Julia Benedetti began farming artichokes, beans, and broccoli. Today, the farm is proudly run by the third and fourth generations, producing everything from winter vegetables to vibrant sunflower fields that have become a regional favorite. If you’ve shopped at the College of San Mateo Farmers Market, chances are you’ve already enjoyed some of their harvest.

This year’s U-Pick Sunflower season opens August 29 and runs through November 23. Reservations are now open, and spots fill quickly as locals and visitors flock to wander among towering sunflowers, cut fresh stems to take home, and snap unforgettable photos. The experience is family-friendly and perfect for everything from a casual weekend outing to private events and professional photo shoots. Be sure to snap a selfie in the sunflower field and tag us on Instagram this year! 

As the season shifts into October, the farm brings on even more fall traditions with the corn maze, and hay rides opening October 1 and an announcement about the pumpkin patch forthcoming. Whether you’re searching for the perfect jack-o’-lantern, navigating the twists of the maze, or simply enjoying the crisp coastal air, Andreotti Family Farm offers a timeless way to celebrate the season. Visitors can also look forward to special farm-to-table dinners, seasonal festivals, and creative classes that highlight the community spirit behind the farm.

One recent visitor shared: “We came right when they opened and had the field to ourselves. The employees were so welcoming and helpful, it felt like such a hidden gem.” Another added, “Tickets were easy to book online, and they provided everything we needed. It was magical to walk away with fresh-cut flowers in hand.”

For those who call Bay Meadows home, day trips like this are part of the beauty of mid-urban living. Our San Mateo neighborhood is designed with 18 acres of parks and open space, a community garden, and miles of nearby trails, all while being steps from Hillsdale Caltrain—making adventures up and down the Peninsula effortless. It’s just as easy to hop into San Francisco or San Jose as it is to spend a morning at Half Moon Bay’s farms, beaches, and wide-open coastal spaces.

At Bay Meadows, modern apartments and homes are surrounded by walkable conveniences like Whole Foods, Blue Bottle Coffee, Fieldwork Brewing Co., Bahche Mediterranean Restaurant (NOW OPEN), Clayroom San Mateo, and Hillsdale Shopping Center. It’s a community where city access and natural beauty meet in the middle, making fall traditions like Andreotti’s sunflower fields feel right in your backyard.

Ready to plan your seasonal escape? Reserve your spot at Andreotti Family Farm and let the 2025 sunflower season be the start of your autumn adventures.