Go beyond the gourd with these Bay Area pumpkin patches that take shopping for a pumpkin to a new level
Fall is here, and that means pumpkin picking season is right around the corner. There are a ton of good places to find your perfect pumpkin all over the Bay Area, whether you are looking for that extra-large one to carve a masterpiece into or smaller pumpkins that your littles can paint and decorate. But the family fun doesn’t stop there: These patches come with a plethora of colorful autumn activities such as corn and hay mazes, hayrides, scarecrows, petting zoos and more, that will turn your pumpkin shopping trip into a whole day of entertainment.
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The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Francisco
Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch: Country vibes meet the city when Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch opens. A community staple since 1979, you’ll find a variety of pumpkins from Cinderella to gourds. Families can enjoy the hay maze, hayrides, and photo ops with cool scarecrows and more.
Dates: Oct. 1-Oct. 31; daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
2101 Sloat Blvd.
San Francisco
1620 7th Ave.
San Francisco
Online:Â clancystrees.com
The Guardsmen Pumpkin Patch: Snag your pumpkin from this volunteer-run patch and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time! The Guardsmen raises more than $1 million annually. Those funds allow the organization to send more than 2,500 kids to camp and outdoor education programs each year, and provide scholarships to more than 250 students at 78 private schools.
Hours: Oct. 13-Oct. 23; hours vary
Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd.
San Francisco
Online: pumpkinpatch.guardsmen.org
Related: Fall Road Trips from the Bay Area
The Best Pumpkin Patches in the East Bay
Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch: The Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch has everything you need for family fun. From local, valley-grown pumpkins to a petting zoo, bouncy houses and a four-story ship slide, this pumpkin patch is packed with activities for all ages.
Dates: Sept. 17-Nov. 1; daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
2453 Hancock St.
Alameda
Online: speerfamilyfarms.com
Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch: Stroll through the Halloween store on Piedmont into a Pumpkin Wonderland. They carry more than 15 varieties of pumpkins, corn stalks, corn, gourds, straw, and straw bales. After you pick out a pumpkin, come into the store and purchase a carving kit and candles to make your Jack-o-Lantern unique.
Dates: Sept.-Oct.; daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
4414 Piedmont Ave.,
Oakland, CA
Online: pumpkinpatch.info
Westbrae Nursery: For a charming, cozy pumpkin picking experience, head to the back of this nursery where the kids can pick out their favorite pumpkins. This community-minded nursery donates all proceeds to a local elementary school, which means you should definitely load up on as many pumpkins as your trunk can fit. Nearby Coffee Conscious is perfect for your hot cocoa and caffeine needs while Westbrae Biergarten is great for unwinding after.
Dates: Now through Oct. 31; daily 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
1272 Gilman St.
Berkeley
Online: westbrae-nursery.com
Related: 33 Pumpkin Carving Designs That’ll Wow the Neighborhood
G&S Farms: Get lost this October at G&S Farms as you navigate their large corn maze and pick your perfect pumpkin from the vine. Kids will especially love their pumpkin cannons and movie nights.
Dates:Â Oct. 1-31
1151 Chestnut St.
Brentwood
Online: gsfarms.net
Joan's Farm: Fall family fun awaits at Joan’s Farm. You can explore a variety of pumpkins big and small, try your hand at pumpkin bowling, conquer a hay bale maze, meet a few friendly goats, and more.
Dates: Oct. 1-30, closed Mon. except Oct. 10
4351 Mines Rd.
Livermore
Online: joansfarm.com
Related: Get Lost in These Bay Area Corn and Hay Mazes
Smith Family Farm’s Pumpkin Harvest: At Smith Family Farm are tons of pumpkins to take home and decorate, and their stand is stocked with a wide selection of summer and fall produce. Be sure to check out their special weekend events featuring live music and food trucks, too. An admission cost of $13.50 gets you one pumpkin and covers all activities on site such as visiting farm animals, a recreation area, and more. This spot is also a tomato farm, and for opening day of this year's pumpkin patch (Sat., Sept. 24) it will offer free samples of fresh tomato-based dishes to visitors.
Dates: Sept. 24-Oct. 31; daily 9. a.m.-5 p.m.
4350 Sellers Ave.
Brentwood
Online:Â smithfamilyfarm.wixsite.com
Three Nunns Farm: With more than 40 varieties of pumpkins at Three Nunns Farm, you’re sure to find the perfect orange table centerpiece or fall porch attraction. Stop by for u-pick pumpkins, a corn maze and tractor rides.Â
Dates: Sept. 17 - Oct. 31; daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
550 Walnut Blvd.
Brentwood
Online: threenunns.com
G&M Farms: G&M Farms offers a whole lot of autumn-time fun that goes beyond picking your perfect pumpkin from their field or festive farm stand. There's also a 6-acre corn maze and, on weekends: pony rides, pedal carts, a cow train, jumping pillows, and a brand-new hayride.
Dates: Oct. 1-31; hours vary
487 East Airway Blvd.
Livermore
Online:Â gmfarms.com
The Best Pumpkin Patches in the Peninsula
Lemos Farm: Right in the heart of Half Moon Bay, this just might be the grandest of all the area pumpkin patches. Why? Lemos Farm has a nice mix of fun for all ages in the form of a great selection of pumpkins, bounce houses, goat yoga, pony rides, and a haunted train ride. Costs vary by attraction but you also have the option of purchasing unlimited-access passes for $15 adults, $25-$30 kids.Â
Insider Tip: the haunted attractions have two scare zones: one for the younger ones and one for adults and older children.Â
Dates: Sept. 3 through Thanksgiving
12320 San Mateo Rd. (Hwy 92)
Half Moon Bay
Online:Â lemosfarm.com
Webb Ranch Pumpkin Patch: A quick drive down I-280 brings you to the home of this family-owned and operated farm featuring a pumpkin patch with more than 20 varieties of organic pumpkins. You can still expect the on-site hayrides, ponies and reptile exhibit but they have added a new farm-themed obstacle course and new haunted house in their corn maze.
Good to Know: The corn maze is free; all other extras require tickets. Reservations are required for weekends.
Dates: Sept. 23-Oct. 31; daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
2718 Alpine Rd.
Portola Valley
Online: webbranchinc.com
Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch: Enjoy rolling fields of more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash at Farmer John’s in Half Moon Bay. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, be sure to capture their specialty pumpkin, the Atlantic Giant, for the Gram. You will also find an astounding pumpkin display, an authentic Native American Teepee, and an animal exhibit.
Dates: Sept. 9-Oct. 31; daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
800 North Cabrillo Highway
Half Moon Bay
Online:Â farmerjohnspumpkins.com
Related: 16 Kid-Friendly Day Trips Worth the Time & Effort
Arata Pumpkin Farm: One of the oldest pumpkin farms in California, (their first pumpkin was sold in 1932), Arata's perks include a 6-acre corn field, pumpkin river, hay rides, and the infamous 2-acre Minotaur’s Labyrinth hay maze. Younger children can enjoy a small play land while adults and older kids can explore the haunted barn. Attractions range in price and you can buy tickets online.Â
Dates: Oct. 1-Oct. 31
185 Verde Rd.
Half Moon Bay
Online:Â aratapumpkinfarm.com
Blue House Farm: This lovely u-pick farm can be found between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero and currently offers u-pick strawberries, as well as other produce for purchase from the farmstand. Details on the pumpkin season are expected closer to October.
950 La Honda Rd.
San Gregorio
Online: bluehousefarm.com
Related: The Best U-Pick Apple Orchards
The Best Pumpkin Patches in the South Bay
Rodoni Farms: Come visit this third generation family farm on 100 acres of fun. You’ll find fields of pumpkins located along the beautiful California Coast on Highway 1. They also have hay bales, scary cutouts and a 5-acre corn maze! Grab some fresh Brussels sprouts on the stalk, artichokes, corn stalks, and gourds.
Dates: Sep. 24-Oct.31; daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
4444 Coast Road, Hwy 1
Santa Cruz
Online: rodonifarms.com
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch: Bordered by bright yellow sunflowers, this farm is filled with an abundance of pumpkins and sunflower fields. Families can enjoy a ride on the Spina Pumpkin Express Train, the Barrel Train, and the new Double Train, and take a hayride or get lost in the corn maze. And don’t worry—the pumpkin blasters are back this year.
Dates: Sept. 26-Nov. 6; hours vary
225 Laguna Ave.
Morgan Hill
Online: spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com
Queens Pumpkin Patch: Get those arms ready for pumpkin picking and a few rounds on the giant pumpkin slingshots for added fun. This modest spot in Saratoga has much to offer families in the fun arena including a cow train, paddle boats, and hayrides. This year they’ve added Puzzlemania and a climbing wall for the older kids.
Dates: Oct. 1-Oct. 31; daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
12985 Saratoga Ave.
Saratoga
Online: facebook.com/queenspumpkinpatch
Where to Go Pumpkin Picking in Marin / North Bay
Nicasio Valley Farms: This year marks 27 years for Nicasio Valley Farms, located just 35 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. From face painting and hayrides to live music and 12 acres of nature’s beauty, there is something for everyone. After you find your perfect pumpkin, grab a bite from Big Jim's BBQ on the weekend.
Good to Know: This spot is cash only.
Hours: Sep. 24-Oct. 31; hours vary
5300 Nicasio Valley Road
Nicasio
Online: nicasiovalleypumpkinpatch.net
Santa Rosa Patch: This award-winning pumpkin patch has 45 varieties of pumpkins available to go home with you along with an 5-acre corn maze, a hay pyramid, corn hole, John Deere pedal trike races and more. They even offer a petting zoo and giant inflatable pillow to tire the kids out before you head home.
Hours: Oct. 7-31; hours vary
5157 Stony Point Road
Santa Rosa
Online: santarosapumpkinpatch.com
The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch: The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch is all about fun on the farm. There are animals to pet, a corn kernel "sandbox" to explore, a 500-bale haystack pyramid to climb, and two corn mazes—one for little tykes and one for older kids. If you go for the big corn maze, make sure to take your toddlers to the potty beforehand, as most folks need around 45 minutes to find their way out!
Insider Tip: You can beat that 45 minute corn maze average by taking in the bird's eye view from the second-story viewing platform and mapping your way out beforehand.Â
Hours: Sep. 30-Oct. 31; hours vary
450 Stony Point Rd.
Petaluma
Online:Â petalumapumpkinpatch.com
The Great Peter Pumpkin Patch: Channel your inner farmer here. If choosing a pumpkin from beautiful varieties in the yard of a gorgeous farm house on a working dairy farm with your belly full of pumpkin ice cream is your idea of a good time, then get thee to the Great Peter Pumpkin Patch. Dig your own potatoes, ride a tractor, a free hay maze and cheese tastings (yes, we just said cheese!) are just a smattering of the joy that awaits you on this beloved Petaluma farm.
Hours: Oct. 8-Oct. 31; hours vary
4235 Spring Hill Road
Petaluma
Online: springhillcheese.com/pumpkin-patch
The Best Pumpkin Patches for Day Trips near San Francisco
Swank Farms: The hunt for the perfect pumpkin is only half the fun at Swank Farms. The pumpkin patch features two giant jumping pillows (one just for little kids), a double slide, a cow train, pig races, sunflower field, and a giant corn path. Admission to the pumpkin patch is free but you can purchase a pass for activities and to also experience for the Trail of Lights and Frights.Â
Dates: Oct. 1-Oct. 31; hours vary
4751 Pacheco Pass Hwy.
Hollister
Online:Â swankfarms.com
Dell’Osso Family Farm: There’s no shortage of Halloween spirit at this farm and we’re ready for it. Grab your general admission wristband to check out the massive corn maze, haunted castle, Dell’Osso Express Train, Hay Ride, Mystery Tour, Scarecrow Ride, Goat Walk, Duck Races, Tire Pyramid, and more. Add on adventures like pig races and pumpkin painting for the whole family.
Dates: Oct. 1-31; hours vary
501 Manthey Rd.
Lathrop
Online: dellossofarm.com
