Visiting a pumpkin patch in October is a quintessential California activity. Whether you’re going for family fun, a different kind of date, or for a killer photo shoot with friends, it’s the perfect seasonal to-do. More and more locations also feature haunted mazes, live music, food trucks, and more. So without further ado, here are our favorite pumpkin patches in San Diego.
1. The Bates Nut Farm
Maybe the most obvious or popular choice is The Bates Nut Farm. From now through Halloween, you can discover your ideal pumpkin at this charming patch. It’s a beloved family-owned farm with over 50 years of history, famous for their wide selection of tasty nuts. Here, fall brings a special magic – their iconic pumpkin patch, Halloween costume contests, fall festival days, live music, and more. Located just an hour’s drive away, it’s a perfect destination for a weekend outing. Learn more about this special spot here.
2. Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Don’t let the name fool you! When it’s not strawberry season, it’s full on pumpkin fun at this farm. Stroll through the vibrant Marigold fields, pet adorable Shetland Sheep and Nubian Goats, or hop on a tractor ride to enjoy scenic views of the lagoon, freeway, and pumpkin patch. For a little adventure, try the haunted corn maze, or brand-new Jurassic Fright. Read more about this pumpkin patch here.
3. Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm
This amazing spot is actually the largest pumpkin patch in SoCal, so if you’re looking for a wide variety of products…here you go. They’ve been hosting friends and family for more than 45 years, entertaining them with a petting zoo (there are over 400 animals!), Halloween events, slides, ponies, games, and more. All that fall fun is happening on an actual working farm. It’s also a great choice for a gorgeous photo shoot.
4. Oma’s Family Farm
One of the beloved pumpkin patches in San Diego, Oma’s farm offers a delightful mix of attractions, from a whimsical hay maze and an all-ages petting zoo to a relaxing hayride with beautiful views of the farm’s scenic grounds. Kids can enjoy fun, hands-on games and activities, while adults indulge in tasty pumpkin-inspired treats and seasonal fall favorites. The patch reopens on October 14 through November 1, and it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.
5. Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm
This pumpkin patch is another San Diego favorite, and it comes with an added bonus: free admission and parking (for the pumpkin stations only)! Besides the the obvious attraction, you can also enjoy the beautiful sunflower fields, a 8′ tall corn maze, a tractor hay-wagon, and an adorable petting zoo. You can even bring your furry friends, on a leash, for a complete family outing.
6. Fort Cross
Fort Cross is a family farm with hands-on outdoor education for all ages. It was originally centered around living history, but they’re now hosting events and activities that involve music, art, survival skills, team building, and agriculture workshops. However, during this season, The Little Pumpkin Patch adventure is on! It’s a 2 hour fall program, where guests can enjoy watching an Apple Lane Orchard cider pressing demonstration that includes cider tasting samples. The adventure also features a hayride around the 12-acre farm, a farm animal visit to see goats, pigs, and chickens, and a trip to the Fort Cross Pumpkin Patch where children can select a mini pumpkin to take home. It costs $15/child and $10/adult for day trip bookings.
There you have it – our top 6 pumpkin patches in San Diego, for seasonal fun. Happy fall!