š Fall & Winter on California’s Coast: Wine Festivals, Harvest Celebrations, and Why Fitz Place near Rio Del Mar Is the Perfect Stay
When most travelers think of California’s central coast, they imagine warm summer beach days. But the truth is, October through January is one of the most magical times to visit Rio Del Mar, Aptos, and the wider Santa Cruz region. From wine harvest festivals to surfing contests, from cozy holiday lights to whale watching on Monterey Bay, this season is full of unforgettable experiences.
And the best part? You can enjoy it all while staying at Fitz Place — a stunning six-bedroom, six-bath luxury retreat near Rio Del Mar, just a short distance from beaches, wineries, and event venues. Fitz Place isn’t an event venue itself, but it’s the perfect home base for groups, families, and friends attending Santa Cruz’s fall and winter festivities.
• Official event and festival info at Visit Santa Cruz County
• Curated tours and day trips across the Monterey Bay area on Viator
• Flexible family travel insurance via SafetyWing.
š· Wine & Harvest Season on the Central Coast
October is harvest season in California wine country — and Santa Cruz is no exception. Just a short drive from Fitz Place, the Santa Cruz Mountains are filled with boutique wineries, vineyards, and community festivals that celebrate the season. Here are the can’t-miss highlights:
- Santa Cruz Mountains Harvest Festival – Typically held in late September, this annual gathering in Boulder Creek features local farms, art vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. It’s a true community celebration of the harvest.
- Downtown Santa Cruz Harvest Festival – Early October brings food stalls, live performances, and carnival games to the streets of downtown Santa Cruz. Perfect for families who want a mix of culture and fun.
- Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passport – On select days in October, wine lovers can purchase a “passport” for access to tastings at dozens of participating wineries. It’s one of the best ways to explore the region’s vineyards in a single weekend.
- Bargetto Winery (Soquel) – Founded in 1933, Bargetto is one of the oldest wineries in the region. Their fall calendar is full of tastings, live music, and small-batch releases.
- Capitola Art & Wine Festival – This early fall tradition in nearby Capitola combines coastal charm, local artists, and wine tasting by the sea.
- Roberts Ranch Vineyard Events – Look out for October communal lunches and concerts in the vineyards, a mix of wine culture and live performance.
Each of these events draws visitors from across California — and Fitz Place is ideally situated as a base. Imagine spending the day tasting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Santa Cruz Mountains, then returning to a luxury retreat where everyone has their own room, the kitchen is perfect for cooking together, and the living areas invite late-night conversations by the fire.
Tip: Use Booking.com’s flight search to compare routes into San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO), or Monterey (MRY), then pair it with a rental car so your group can move easily between wineries, festivals, and the coast.
š Surf Contests, Coastal Walks & Outdoor Adventures
Fall and winter also mark surf season on the central coast. With bigger swells rolling in, Aptos and Santa Cruz beaches become a magnet for surfers — and for those who simply want to watch the action.
- O’Neill Coldwater Classic – A legendary surf contest held in late fall at Steamer Lane, just a short trip from Fitz Place.
- Forest of Nisene Marks State Park – Over 30 miles of hiking trails through redwood forests just minutes inland.
- Whale Watching Tours – Fall and winter are prime seasons for spotting humpbacks and gray whales migrating along Monterey Bay.
Guests at Fitz Place often spend mornings surfing or hiking, afternoons wine tasting, and evenings gathered together back at the house — the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. For additional guided ideas, browse coastal and wine-focused options on Viator.
š Holiday Magic: Lights, Parades & Festive Traditions
From November through January, the Santa Cruz region transforms into a holiday wonderland. Families, couples, and friend groups all find something special during this time of year:
- Capitola Village Tree Lighting – A charming small-town kickoff to the holiday season.
- Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade – Dozens of boats decked out in holiday lights parade across the harbor — a local favorite in early December.
- Festival of Dreams at the MAH – A mix of art, performance, and community celebration at the Museum of Art & History in downtown Santa Cruz.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Holiday Programs – Special exhibits and family programs during December and January.
These festive experiences are best enjoyed when you have a true home base to return to. Fitz Place’s multiple bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, and spacious living areas make it easy for families and groups to relax together after a day of holiday cheer.
š“ Food & Wine Pairings: Where to Eat This Season
The Santa Cruz coast is full of dining gems — from fine dining to local favorites. Here are a few can’t-miss spots:
- Shadowbrook Restaurant – A Capitola institution, known for its romantic hillside setting and red cable car entrance.
- Paradise Beach Grille – Oceanfront dining in Capitola Village, perfect for sunset dinners.
- Gayle’s Bakery – A beloved bakery and cafĆ© in Capitola, ideal for breakfast before a day of exploring.
- Humble Sea Brewing – Known for creative craft beers, with a cozy taproom near the coast.
- Santa Cruz Cider Company – Small-batch ciders made from local apples, a great fall sip.
After a day of wine festivals or holiday events, many Fitz Place guests bring home takeout from these spots to enjoy together at the property’s large dining table — one of the best perks of a private rental over hotels.
š More Travel Inspiration
If you’re inspired by Fitz Place and want more destination ideas, explore:
- Lone Butte, British Columbia – A lakeside retreat for fishing and outdoor adventure.
- San Martin, California – Wine country experiences just south of Silicon Valley.
- Aptos, California – Beaches, surfing, and wineries near Santa Cruz.
- Odaiba, Tokyo – A futuristic bayfront district with family-friendly attractions, perfect if you love pairing coastal California with big-city Japan.
Love the mix of oceanside calm and city lights? Open the Odaiba family guide in a new tab and start dreaming up a future Pacific Rim trip.
š” Why Fitz Place Is the Perfect Stay This Season
Let’s be clear: there are many places to stay near Santa Cruz, but few compare to Fitz Place. Here’s why:
- 6 spacious bedrooms and 6 bathrooms — ideal for families and groups.
- Large kitchen and dining areas, perfect for cooking together after festivals.
- Proximity to Rio Del Mar Beach, Aptos Village, and Santa Cruz events.
- Luxurious touches, including outdoor living spaces for coastal evenings.
- Privacy and comfort you can’t get at hotels or smaller rentals.
Book Fitz Place now and secure your stay for the harvest season, wine festivals, surfing contests, and holiday events between October and January. Properties like this are in high demand during the off-season — don’t wait until it’s too late.
From wine harvest celebrations to festive holiday parades, fall and winter are full of reasons to visit Santa Cruz and Rio Del Mar. By staying at Fitz Place, you’ll have the comfort of a luxury home with space for everyone, right in the middle of it all.
Don’t just attend the festivals — experience them fully, with Fitz Place as your coastal retreat.
Book Fitz Place today
and make your fall and winter trip one you’ll never forget.
š¬ Help Other Travelers — and Support Local Hosts
Have you stayed near Rio Del Mar or explored the Santa Cruz region in fall or winter? Share your favorite festival, restaurant, or hidden viewpoint in the comments — those real-world tips help other families plan better trips.
Are you a host who wants a feature like this for your own property? Email: stayheredothat@gmail.com.
If this guide helped, please share it to Pinterest, Facebook, or Threads. Every share helps travelers find authentic stays and supports small hosts like Fitz Place.
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