When it comes to California fall, visiting a pumpkin patch is an absolute must-do. Whether it’s a beloved family tradition, a cute date idea, or an outing with friends, there’s no better way to get into the fall mood. Best of all? This beautiful spot doesn’t just offer pumpkins…but a full array of seasonal activities. Let’s have a look!
Pumpkin patch at Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Every Halloween season needs a great photo session, and you know it. Visiting a pumpkin patch to make it happen is pretty much part of each San Diegan’s fall routine – so free your calendar and head to Carlsbad Strawberry Company. Don’t worry about the name, when strawberries aren’t in season, this place transforms into a true fall wonderland. Visit them on the weekends if you’d like the full experience, with games and food to remember. They open on September 19, and the tickets cost $15 per person. Children 3 and under go in for free.
What to do this fall at Carlsbad Strawberry Company
You can easily make a whole day trip out of this pumpkin patch visit – there’s so much to do!
- Check out the Marigolds field
- Pet the Shetland Sheep and Nubian Goats – $5 per person.
- Pet the rabbits – $5 per person.
- Catch a tractor ride – $10 per person – take a lap around the fields to see views of the property by the Lagoon, the Freeway and the Pumpkin Patch.
- Bounceland – nestled within the Carlsbad Strawberry Field, it’s a vibrant haven for children with jumping houses and slides. This is a private vendor, who charges separately.
- Explore the corn maze – $10 per person – Test out your puzzle solving skills with 1.5 miles of trail, where you can be sure that you’ll be challenged, but not so much so that’ll you’ll be stumped.
- Check out Jurassic Fright – a new experience with more info coming soon.
Find the speakeasy bar for seasonal sips
Inside the pumpkin patch, look for the blue butterfly and follow the path to a hidden door. Located in the corn field, you’ll find this super cute, seasonal speakeasy bar. Knock and give them the password, revealed every Friday on Instagram (here) – check their stories! Keep in mind that it’s 21+ and only open between 4 – 9 PM every Friday and Saturday night in October. All proceeds go to Kids for Peace and local farmers.
The Halloween experience
Ready to get less cutey, more spooky? The Haunted Corn Maze, open between October 3rd and November 11th (on weekends only) , is the perfect experience for teenagers and adults looking for a fright. This maze is packed with scares sure to get your pulse racing – so enter at your own risk! Admission is $25 per person.
A family (hi)story
Whenever we choose a farm to buy from – or in this case, to visit – it’s worth knowing their story and how they’ve shaped the community. And the Carlsbad Strawberry Company has a remarkable one. This family-run farm has been a cornerstone of local agriculture for nearly 100 years. The Ukegawa family first came to the U.S. in the early 1900s and have been farming ever since. By the 1950s, they established their roots in Carlsbad. Over time, rising water and labor costs, along with nearby competition, pushed them to shift focus and specialize in Albion strawberries. That change proved to be a turning point: the crop flourished at farmers markets and became the foundation of the success they enjoy today.