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One of our favorite ways to kick off the holiday season is to visit a Christmas tree farm and cut down our own tree. This year’s visit to Rancho Siempre Verde in Pescadero may have been our favorite experience yet.
It’s about an hour and a half from Oakland, driving through San Francisco and along the scenic stretch past Half Moon Bay. Once you arrive, you are greeted with open fields of Christmas trees, giant swings, a large fire pit, and good old-fashioned family fun.
Rancho Siempre Verde is one of those rare places that’s festive but not overwhelming, rustic but well-run, and the scenery alone is worth the visit.
Our Favorite Christmas Tree Farm
Rancho Siempre Verde is a family-run farm that’s been around for over 55 years. You can really feel the heart they pour into the experience. It’s not a polished amusement-park-style setup—it’s a real working farm that keeps the focus on making meaningful memories.
They offer a few different ticket options depending on what you want to do, but we went all in with the Full Fest Experience. This gave us time to roam the farm, pick and cut our own tree, and make a custom wreath. It also includes tractor rides, swings, marshmallows over an open fire, and access to picnic areas.
Wreath-Making, Marshmallows, and Swings for Days
I started our visit at the wreath-making station while my husband and the kids played on the swings and rode down the slides. There were piles of fresh greenery to choose from, including eucalyptus and other leaves gathered right from the land.
Some materials were pre-picked, but I also loved wandering the property to gather my own bits of flowers and greens. The tables were already set up with wreath bases, clippers, and pinecones, and staff were on hand to offer help if needed.
Later, we all warmed up around the huge fire pit, toasting marshmallows. We didn’t plan to picnic, but I appreciated that there were plenty of tables if we had brought food. Dogs are also welcome, which is a bonus if you’re bringing the whole family.
Finding the Perfect Tree
Of course, the highlight was cutting down our Christmas tree. Rancho Siempre Verde offers a wide range of trees, including Douglas Fir, Monterey Pine, Sequoia, and Incense Cedar. They also bring in a few pre-cut Noble and Nordmann Firs from Oregon, in case you’re looking for something extra full or traditional.
We found a beautiful tree that the girls had hand-picked and loved. The staff provided saws and gave a quick rundown of how to cut while preserving the stump so it can regrow. We took turns cutting the tree, and it was so much fun.
Once we cut down our tree, a tractor ride brought us back to the front, where the staff wrapped it and helped us tie it to the top of our car. The entire process was easy and smooth.
What to Know Before You Go
We had such a good time at Rancho Siempre Verde, but there are definitely a few things I wish I had thought of before our visit. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your day at the farm:
Rancho Siempre Verde
2250 Cabrillo Hwy (Highway 1), Pescadero, CA
Open Friday–Sunday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm (Rain or shine)
1. Pack Food and Snacks
There’s no food for sale on site, so come prepared! I wish I had packed a full lunch and snacks for the kids ahead of time. While there are plenty of picnic tables and open spaces to eat, you’ll want to bring your own food, water, and maybe even a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee. It’s the kind of place where a packed picnic really pays off.
2. Bring Warm Layers
Being so close to the coast, the weather can shift quickly. When we visited, it was colder than we expected. Layers and hats came in handy.
3. Plan to Stay a While
The ticket gives you a few hours to enjoy everything, but it really flies by! Between wreath-making, tree-hunting, tractor rides, and marshmallow roasting, it’s easy to fill up your time. Don’t rush — give yourself a buffer to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
4. Tip the Tree Wrapping Crew
One thing we didn’t know ahead of time: bring a few bucks to tip the amazing staff who wrap and tie your tree to the top of your car. They work hard, especially on busy days, and really go out of their way to help families load up safely. It’s not required, but it’s appreciated.
5. Bring Your Own Mugs or Thermos
If you’re planning to sip on something warm while the kids roast marshmallows or play, bring a thermos or reusable mugs. We saw a few families pouring homemade cider or cocoa, and I immediately wished I had done the same.
Totally Worth the Drive
By the end of the day, we were tired, happy, and smelling like a mix of pine needles and campfire, which is exactly how it should be during the holidays.
If you’re looking for a place to cut your own tree, make a handmade wreath, and just let your family be outside and present for a day, this is it.
We’ll be back again next year.
