15 Best Pumpkin Patches In San Diego, California
Want to know where the best pumpkin patches in San Diego are? Look no further! With the arrival of fall, a popular activity is visiting a pumpkin farm to pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve.
Of course, you could buy one from the store but that’s no fun. Instead, make a day of it and use this fall guide to visit one of the top San Diego pumpkin patches throughout the county.
As fall approaches, the evenings are starting to cool off (somewhat), pumpkin spice lattes are back, and choosing a pumpkin to carve a Jack O’ Lantern is something to look forward to!
What makes visiting a pumpkin patch even more fun is that there are other activities varying from corn mazes, pumpkin themed games, apple cider, hayrides, photo opportunities, and petting zoos.
And you don’t need to be a kid to enjoy it as there is something that sparks that feeling of autumn’s arrival and the upcoming holidays for everyone.
Do you have a favorite pumpkin patch in San Diego County you like visiting the most?
Note: Don’t miss out on the best fall activity in San Diego!
“Oh my gourdness, it’s autumn!” – unknown
Best Pumpkin Patches In San Diego
1. Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
As far back as I can remember, my parents took me to Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch every year as a child. Picking out a pumpkin to carve a jack o’ lantern for Halloween was an exciting day.
There is a bit of nostalgia from my childhood which is why Bates Nut Farm has been one of my favorite San Diego pumpkin patches.
It has been around for over 50 years and is the place to be every October.
Although the highlight of visiting is the pumpkin patch, there are numerous activities such as hayrides, a corn maze, petting corral, pony rides, food trucks, and music on the weekends.
You can grab a wheelbarrow and go off in search of a pumpkin of your choice! There are several varieties such as Big Macs, Cinderella, Ghost, minis, and squash.
And before you leave, walk over to the farm store where you will be greeted by all kinds of nuts…
The farm started out with walnuts, but you can now buy pistachios, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, and peanuts to name a few.
You can take home not only nuts but dried fruit, fudge, jams, salsa, teas, and an assortment of gifts.
Season: The farm is open from September 19th through October 31st, 2024.
Hours:
September: Open Monday – Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
October: Open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Cost: Weekdays admission is free but, on the weekends, parking is $10.00.
Address: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
2. Carlsbad Strawberry Company
I know what you are thinking, you are in the pursuit of a pumpkin, not strawberries!
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company might be known for strawberries in the spring and summer months but in the fall, you can find a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and tractor rides here.
Ever felt like shooting apples out of a cannon?
Well, you can at this Carlsbad pumpkin patch where you can buy a bucket of apples to shoot out of an Apple Cannon or air compressor in hopes of hitting a target.
If you are looking to relax a bit then hop on and take a tractor ride that makes a loop around the fields, past the lagoon and freeway.
And lastly, you can have fun wandering the corn maze in the hopes of not getting lost!
Even though they are open daily, more activities and food can be found on the weekends.
There is a bouncy area for kids, a ton of tables, some food stand/trucks, and restrooms available. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.
Season: Pumpkin Patch is open from September 20th – November 3rd, 2024.
Hours:
September: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
October: Open Sunday – Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:00pm and Friday/Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Cost:
Monday – Thursday: Admission is $10 and there is a fee for the various activities such as the Goats ($5), Tractor Ride ($10 person), and Corn Maze ($10 per person).
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Admission is $12. In the evenings you can enter the haunted Field of Screams in the corn maze for $25.
Address: 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008
3. Julian Farm & Orchard
If you are in search of crisp mountain air and fall foliage head up to the adorable town of Julian.
Located a little over an hour east of San Diego is an old gold mining town that has become the mecca of apple picking and apple pies!
Just because apple picking season is coming to an end, there are still plenty of reasons to visit Julian in the fall.
Head to Julian Farm & Orchard for a fun experience of picking out a pumpkin, going on a hayride, axe throwing, sipping cider, and more at one of the best Julian pumpkin patches.
Plus, you can enjoy some apple pie after picking your pumpkin which makes for an awesome day trip to one of the best pumpkin patches in San Diego.
There are also picnic tables to enjoy a packed lunch at too.
Season: Late September through October 31st, 2024.
Hours: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Cost: General admission is $10.00 for everyone over 4 years old. For full access to all activities including the hayride, axe throwing, animal sanctuary, crafts, and the rock-climbing wall, the cost is $25 per person 4 years and older.
Address: 4381 Highway 78, Santa Isabel, CA 92070
4. Pumpkin Station Rancho Bernardo
You can find multiple Pumpkin Station locations in San Diego, with this one is on the border of Rancho Bernardo and Escondido.
It is considered a top favorite Rancho Bernardo pumpkin farm with its corn maze and sunflower fields on top of a pumpkin patch!
There are a lot of activities to keep both kids and adults busy with a corn maze, hayride, animals, sunflower fields, and many painted boards that make for fun photos opportunities.
I’m a sucker for beautiful flowers so when I heard that there are acres of sunflower fields, I knew I had to go.
Cut sunflowers fresh from the field and take home a beautiful bouquet along with your prized pumpkin!
The flowers are as tall as I am if not taller and wandering the rows of flowers makes for lovely photos. To see the sunflowers at full bloom visit around the middle or later part of October.
The corn maze wasn’t too long but it is fun to make it to the end after a few wrong turns! This San Diego pumpkin farm truly encompasses everything fall-related.
Season: This Rancho Bernardo pumpkin patch is open from September 27th through October 31st, 2024.
Hours:
September 27th – October 10th: From 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
October 11th – October 31st: From 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Cost: Parking and admission are free to roam the pumpkin fields. But if you want to explore the corn maze ($5), take a hayride ($5), petting zoo ($5), train ride ($5 per kid) or cut your own sunflowers ($2 per stem) there is a small fee.
Address: 13421 Highland Valley Road, Escondido CA 92128
5. Pumpkin Polar Palooza
Another popular Carlsbad pumpkin patch is Pumpkin Polar Palooza where the emphasis is on fun!
You may have come to pick out a pumpkin, but there are several activities to enjoy while you are here.
From pumpkin carnival games to a pumpkin sling shot, a hayride, a petting zoo and an inflatable fun zone there is a good time to be had.
For those that enjoy getting into the Halloween spirit, bring your chairs and blankets for Movie Night at Pumpkin Polar Palooza!
Watch top Halloween movie favorites each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening starting at sunset.
If you find yourself a little hungry, grab a treat at the snack shack or at the taco truck on the weekends!
Season: September 14th – October 31st, 2024
Hours: Open Monday – Thursday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturday/Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Cost: The pumpkin patch is $3 but for all other ticketed activities (1 ticket each), $5 per ticket or $20 for 5 tickets.
Address:1200 Laurel Tree Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011
6. Oma’s Family Farm
In the city of Lakeside is Oma’s Family Farm, which is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year but especially in the fall.
Tickets are required to be purchased ahead of time for a specific day and time entry.
Once you are in, you get access to the pumpkin patch, wagon rides, a petting zoo, a corn pit, and a play zone including huge slides and a jumping pad.
There is even a café onsite serving up seasonal food and drinks! This is not a dog-friendly pumpkin patch likely due to the number of animals at the farm already.
Season: The Oma pumpkin patch is open from October 1st through November 2nd, 2024.
Hours: Open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed on Sunday and Monday.
Cost: All tickets must be purchased online for a select day and time but range from $12.95 to $27.95 depending on the day & ticket package.
Address: 14950 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
7. Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch
Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch has been a local favorite each fall for over 25 years in the town of Ramona.
East of San Diego and minutes from Julian, this Ramona pumpkin patch has a wide selection of pumpkins including gourds and Indian corn.
For some added fun you can get lost in a corn maze and shoot corn out of a cannon!
Kids can enjoy interacting with animals in the petting zoo or going on a pony ride. Food and drink options are only available on the weekends.
Season: Open from September 21st through October 31st, 2024
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Cost: Free Admission
Address: 842 Highway 78, Ramona, CA 92065
8. Liberty Station Pumpkin Patch
The Goff Family pumpkin patch at Liberty Station is the premier place to pick out a pumpkin in the Point Loma region of San Diego.
Located on the wide-open grassy area directly across from The Presley restaurant, visitors can select pumpkins and create memories with lots of great Halloween photo backdrops.
The Liberty Station pumpkin patch is surrounded by many fantastic eateries all within walking distance or you can bring in your own food for a picnic.
On Friday and Saturday adults can enjoy sipping beer and wine while their kids pick out their favorite pumpkin!
The best place to park is a few blocks away in the lot next to Slaters 50/50 restaurant and dogs are allowed if they stay on a leash.
Season: September 20th through October 31st, 2024
Hours: Open Sunday – Thursday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Friday/Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Cost: Free admission to visit.
Address: 2830 Perry Road, San Diego, CA 92106
9. Mr. Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Patch
Come autumn, the best La Jolla pumpkin patch to find a pumpkin is at Mr. Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Patch.
Tucked in the quaint neighborhood of Windansea, visitors can find not only pumpkins but a ton of Halloween games and activities.
From pumpkin decorating, photo stations, a pumpkin bounce house, pumpkin bounce with a slide, candy corn hole, and more!
Many of the activities do require tickets which can be purchased once you arrive and depend on what games you want to play.
Parking is free across the street from the Holiday Inn on La Jolla Blvd.
Season: October 4th through October 31st, 2024
Hours: Open Monday – Thursday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday – Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Cost: No entrance fee and dogs are allowed on a leash. For other activities such as games and the bouncy house, there is an added fee.
Address: 6710 La Jolla Blvd, CA 92037
10. Summer Past Farms
The lovely Summer Past Farms is a small family-owned farm in El Cajon about 30 minutes east of downtown San Diego.
It is a wonderful place to visit year-round to see various flowers in bloom in the gardens. And they have an herbal soap shop where you can get aromatic soaps made with herbs from their garden!
But as fall arrives, they have a fantastic pumpkin patch which is the main draw for those seeking to find the best pumpkin to carve.
In addition, there is a small corn maze that kids will enjoy, a hay fort, and a scenic field of pumpkins for photos.
Season: This El Cajon pumpkin patch is open from October 1st to October 31st, 2024.
Hours: Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and closed on Monday – Wednesday.
Cost: Free Admission
Address: 15602 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon, CA 92021
11. Julian Mining Company
Another great Julian pumpkin patch is the Julian Mining Company, a well-known apple orchard, farm, pumpkin patch, and place to mine for gold.
Here guests can come to pick out their pumpkin and give panning for gold and gems a try.
Mining for gold is year-round and apple picking in late August through September.
Starting in late September, the pumpkin patch is in full swing welcoming guests with fall festivities, hayrides, fresh apple cider, animal encounters, a mini train ride, and tomahawk throwing.
A visit here is another great excuse to explore other fun activities in the town of Julian and get a slice of apple pie!
Season: Late September – October 31st, 2024.
Hours: Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Cost: TBD. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Address: 4444 Julian Highway, Julian, CA 92036
12. Farm Stand West
Farm Stand West has been a family-owned farm in Escondido since 1924 expanding acreage and crops over the decades.
It is one of the best places in North County to buy fresh produce with selections changing based on what is in season.
In October each year, this is one of the top San Diego pumpkin patches to visit where you can pick out the ideal pumpkin to carve.
Farm Stand West even has a Fall Festival to attend mid-October.
Another one of my favorite fall fruits is the persimmon which you can use to make the tastiest cookies! October is usually a great month to pick up some persimmons too.
Season: The farm stand is open year-round, but the pumpkin patch is open from October 1st – October 31st, 2024.
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00pm.
Cost: Free admission
Address: 2115 Miller Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025
13. Pumpkin Express Train
The Pumpkin Express is a unique Halloween experience as you can dress up in your favorite costume and ride a historic train!
Hop aboard a vintage train car at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum that will take you on an hour train ride.
You’ll pass through mountains and by historic sections of the San Diego and Arizona Railway.
Before or after your spooky fun train ride, get a pumpkin, and take pictures with painted Halloween displays.
The Pumpkin Express train takes off at 10:30 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, and 3:00 pm. Your ticket also includes access to the museum.
Season: The pumpkin patch and the Pumpkin Express train are on weekends from October 5th to October 27th.
Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Cost: Free to visit the pumpkin patch, but there is a fee for the train ride. Kids get a free pumpkin with Pumpkin Express train ticket.
Address: 750 Depot Street, Campo, CA 91906 (Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association).
14. Bonita Pumpkin Farm San Diego
About 20 minutes southeast of downtown San Diego is a popular Pumpkin Station in Bonita.
At this pumpkin farm you can expect lots of activities to get you into the spooky Halloween spirit.
Enter the corn maze and see if you don’t get lost, go on a hayride, a train, and pet adorable animals.
Another appeal to visiting Bonita Pumpkin Station is walking through fields of sunflowers which you can cut and take home!
2024 Season & Hours:
September 27th – October 10th: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
October 11th – October 31st: Open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Cost: It is free to visit the pumpkin patch but there are additional fees for activities such as the hayride, train, and corn maze.
Address: 5354 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, CA 91902.
15. Del Mar Pumpkin Station
The Del Mar Pumpkin Station has a wide assortment of pumpkins to choose from including a ton of entertainment for the whole family.
Activities range from pumpkin inspired games, a petting zoo, going down two huge bouncy slides, going on a mini train ride, and other kid-friendly rides.
Season: September 27th – October 27th, 2024.
Hours: Open Sunday – Thursday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Friday/Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Cost: Free admission but fall activities do require tickets that can be purchased once you arrive.
Address: 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014 (San Diego Fairgrounds).
Tips For Visiting Pumpkin Patches In San Diego
- Even though it is October, the weather in San Diego can have high temperatures that feel closer to summer. Wear layers so that you are ready for hot or cold.
- For those warm days make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat as you walk through the fields.
- Bring your camera as there are several fun photo opportunities.
- After you carve your pumpkin, save the seeds, and roast them in the oven with olive oil and garlic salt for a tasty snack! Bake at 325 F for 20-30 minutes.
- Bring cash as it might come in handy.
- When picking a pumpkin to carve, look for one with a stem of 1-2 inches and a flat bottom.
- Press your fingernail into the pumpkin and if it makes a scratch, it isn’t the one!
Map Of San Diego Pumpkin Patches
Fun Pumpkin Facts
- The largest pumpkin in the world weighed over 2,700 pounds!
- Pumpkins are 90% water, so pretty healthy… And no not the form you have in your latte!
- You can find over 45 different types of pumpkins.
- Pumpkins contain a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Oh and it is a fruit!
- You can find pumpkins grown on every continent except for Antarctica.
- Every part of the pumpkin can be eaten, even the stem!
- Pumpkin pie comes in at second place as America’s favorite pie behind apple pie.
- Did you know that the pumpkin capital of the world is Morton, Illinois?
Happy pumpkin picking at one of these pumpkin patches in San Diego!
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.