Tucked away in idyllic farm settings, these pumpkin patches go beyond the squash and offer hay-filled play spaces, autumn treats and other fun in the fields
Check out these great pumpkin patches that are ready and waiting for you to help kick off San Diego’s Halloween season. Your only problem? Picking which pumpkin patch suits you best. In addition to the adorable gourds, many of these patches also have plenty of farm-inspired fun, from hayrides and petting zoos to corn mazes, and more. So, get ready to celebrate all things autumn—from nearby fall festivals and leaf peeping to the peak of spooky seasonal glory—here’s where to find a pumpkin patch near you.
Bates Nut Farm
From Big Macs to jack-o'-lanterns, acres of pumpkins are the hallmark of Bates Nut Farm. Located in Valley Center, Bates is known for its petting corral, pony rides, hayrides, straw maze and of course, their country store (hello, homemade fudge!). Make sure to check out their events page for upcoming Halloween-time fun like a pumpkin festival craft fair, pet and human costume contests, and a scarecrow contest.
Dates: Sept. 17-Oct. 31
15954 Woods Valley Rd.
Valley Center
Online: batesnutfarm.biz
Related: Insider’s Guide to ‘Falling’ in Love with Autumn in San Diego
Pumpkin Stations
There are five Pumpkin Stations to choose from all over San Diego, and each location has something unique that the others may not have. Some have living pumpkin patches while others have already harvested pumpkins to choose from (no mud involved!) while others have the addition of petting zoos, carnival rides or corn mazes.
Insider Tip: You can download a free ride coupon from their website.
Dates: Oct. 1-31; hours vary by location
Online: pumpkinstation.com
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Carve out some fun at Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkins in La Jolla and Pacific Beach. You’ll find pumpkin decorating, pumpkin bowling, jumpies and more. In addition to visiting in-person, you can also place a delivery order. That’s right, have your pumpkins, decorating and carving kits to-go.
Dates: Oct. 1-31
3190 Mission Blvd.
San Diego
6710 La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla
Online: mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
Related: 33 Pumpkin Carving Designs That’ll Wow the Neighborhood
PB Pumpkin Patch
This Pacific Beach pumpkin patch has been serving up local farm-fresh fun since 1992. Not only do they have a large selection of pumpkins ranging from mini gourds to 100-pound monsters, they also have a variety of fall accessories like straw bales, Indian corn, gourds, and other fall décor. The best part is you can keep your kitchen table clean and make all the mess there with their free pumpkin carving and painting tables that offer stencils, paint kits, stickers, and candles. Plus, there's free hot apple cider and free shaved ice for kids.
Insider Tip: Print out their online coupon for 10-percent off your total pumpkin purchases before you go.
Dates: Oct 1-31
870 Garnet Ave.
Pacific Beach
Online: pbpumpkinpatch.com
Julian Mining Company
Fall at the Farm is a beloved tradition for many families who make the drive out to Julian. During the rest of the year, many know it as a gold panning hot spot, but in the fall they have a pumpkin patch and other farm fun activities like apple picking. Other activities include hayrides, cider pressing, farm animals and even axe throwing.
Dates: Sept. 18–Oct. 31
4444 State Hwy. 78
Julian
Online: julianminingcompany.com
Related: The Best U-Pick Apple Orchards
Oma’s Pumpkin Patch
Oma’s Pumpkin Patch has been a San Diego tradition for many years. The farm features pumpkins, wagon rides, cottonseed mountain, a petting corral, a playground, and a lot more fun for the entire family. Admission gets you access to the farm, all play activities and, if you paid extra, kids will get a Jack Patch Pumpkin. Plan your time around the fun wagon ride that gives you a complete tour of the farm and even through the dairy barn; it departs on the half-hour until 6 p.m.
Insider Tip: All tickets must be purchased online before arrival.
Dates: Sept. 27–Oct. 29
14950 El Monte Rd.
Lakeside
Online: omaspumpkinpatch.com
Summers Past Farms
Pick a pumpkin in this idyllic farm setting with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Parents will love the free admission and kids will love making hay forts, but don’t get lost in the corn maze. Visit The Barn Shoppe and Herbal Soap Shoppe while you're there for handmade gifts and treats. This is a certified wildlife habitat recognized by the NWF, so you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature here, along with their cats, dogs and chickens running around.
Dates: Sept. 29–Oct. 31
15602 Olde Hwy. 80
Flinn Springs
Online: summerspastfarms.com
Related: Field Day! Crazy Fun Corn Mazes
Mountain Valley Ranch
Mountain Valley Ranch has everything kids love about a visit to the patch! Kids will find all kinds of fun here like the corn maze, corn cannon, and petting zoo (all of these are open daily), while the pony rides hours vary (call ahead to confirm).
Good to Know: Snacks and drinks are available on weekends.
Dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 31
842 Highway 78
Ramona
Online: mountainvalleyranch.com
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
This family-owned pumpkin farm is the ideal place for kids to roam the fields and find the perfect pumpkin to pick. Keep roaming and you’ll come across ponies and trains to ride, a petting farm, carnival games, mini ride-on tractors for kids and more.
Insider Tip: Check out their fun kids' pumpkin painting classes too.
Dates: Sept. 24–Oct. 21
39925 Calle Contento
Temecula
Online: peltzerfarms.com
