Your Guide to the Greatest Pumpkin Patches in San Diego

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!).

Dates: Sept. 18-Oct. 31

Bates Nut Farm
15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center
760-749-3333
Online: batesnutfarm.biz

Pumpkin Stations

You’ll have 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 pre-cut pumpkins to choose from (no mud involved!) and others have petting zoos, carnival rides or corn mazes. Each has different operating hours and all require tickets for the activities and you can download a free ride coupon from their website.

Dates: Oct. 1-31, hours vary by location

Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Station: 13421 Highland Valley Dr., Escondido

Del Mar Pumpkin Station: 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar

Mission Valley Pumpkin Station: 1460 ½ Camino Del Rio N., Mission Valley

Plaza Bonita Pumpkin Station: 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., National City

Bonita Farm Pumpkin Station: 5354 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita

Pumpkin Stations
858-566-7466
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

Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
3190 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach
6710 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla
844-452-2567
Online: mrjackolanternspumpkins.com

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-100 lbs., 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 with stencils, paint kits, stickers and candles. Plus, there's free hot apple cider and free shaved ice for kids! TIP: Print out their online coupon for 10% off total pumpkin purchases before you go.

Dates: Oct 1-31

PB Pumpkin Patch
870 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach
858-361-4226
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 historical hotspot with Civil War Reenactments and gold panning, but in the fall they have a pumpkin patch and other farm fun activities. Choose from hayrides, cider pressing, farm animals and sometimes even axe throwing. NOTE: Their website says these activities are not available weekdays unless you have a field trip booked, so it’s best to plan on coming here for a weekend if you want to try out all the fun.

Dates: Sept. 19–Oct. 25

Julian Mining Company
4444 State Hwy. 78, Julian
951-313-0166
Online: julianminingcompany.com

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 lots 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 pm. NOTE: all tickets must be purchased online before arrival

Dates: Sept. 28–Oct. 30

Oma's Pumpkin Patch
14950 El Monte Rd., Lakeside
619-390-2929
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. 25–Oct. 31

Summers Past Farms
15602 Olde Hwy. 80, Flinn Springs
619-390-1523
Online: summerspastfarms.com

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 are only open all day on the weekends and from 3-6 pm Tue-Fri. Snacks and drinks are available on weekends.

Dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 31

Mountain Valley Ranch
842 Highway 78, Ramona
760-788-8703
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. Check out their fun kids' pumpkin painting classes too.

Dates: Sept. 25–Oct. 31

Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
39925 Calle Contento, Temecula
951-695-1115
Online: peltzerfarms.com