From September 18 until Halloween, you can go find the perfect pumpkin in this picturesque pumpkin patch! The Bates Nut Farm is a lovely 50-year-old family farm, known to all San Diegans as a treasured local jewel. They’re known for an incredible variety of delicious nuts, but each fall they capture the spirit of the season with a timeless favorite: pumpkin patches. Just an hour away, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend adventure. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or starting a new one, don’t miss it. You’ll find yourself coming back year after year!
What to do at the Bates Nut Farm
Find your favorite from a wide range of produce, such as Big Macs, Ghost, Cinderella, Jack O’ Lantern, minis, squash, gourds, and more! You can also check out their tractor hayrides, straw mazes, or Snows pony rides. On weekends, there’s even more to explore: a bounce house, an inflatable slide, balloon art, kids’n’paint, and other fun activities.
The Bates Shop is a definite must-see spot, where you’ll find farm antiques and tools lining the walls. As you walk in, the scent of their freshly made fudge, delicious nuts, candies, dried fruits will fill the room and remind you of the best fall has to offer. They have a spectacular old-fashioned candy counter, covered with truffles, mammoth turtles, and many more goodies.
This is one of the few farms that allows dogs as long as they stay on a leash, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.
Schedule and activities
The Pumpkin Patch is open from September 18 through Halloween.
September hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
October hours:
Weekdays: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Weekends: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Halloween Contest Dates
- Scarecrow Contest – Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Annual Costume Contest – Saturday, October 25, 2025
- Doggie Costume Contest – Sunday, October 26, 2025
Fall Festival Fridays
October 10th, 17th and 24th: 3:30pm – 6:30pm – a great opportunity to avoid weekend crowds! Bring the kids after school to enjoy live music, great eats and fun Pumpkin Patch activities.
Live Music Schedule
September
27th Ash Street Ramblers 12-3pm
28th Bayou Brothers 12-3pm
October
4th VC High School Band 12-3pm
5th Heidi & The Hurricanes 12-3pm
10th Alias 3:30-6:30pm
11th The Smokin Guns 12-4pm
12th Cool Rush Band 12-3pm
17th Ash Street Ramblers 3:30-6:30pm
18th Alias 12-4pm
19th Bayou Brothers 12-3pm
24th Crimson Collar 3:30-6:30pm
25th The Smokin Guns 12-4pm
26th Whiskey Heat 12-3pm
$2.50 tickets can be used towards any vendor’s activity: hayride, straw maze, bounce, slide, face painting, rock climbing, petting zoo and kids ‘n paint. A cash difference may be necessary for some vendors.
Parking
Bates Nut Farm’s history
In 1921, husband and wife Gilbert and Beatrice Bates moved their family to the picturesque valley of Valley Center, where they purchased the Walnut Slope Ranch. The family of 7 lived and worked on the farm. Its lovely picnic and park areas, farm zoo, and pumpkin patch have provided locals with a gorgeous escape to simpler childhood-like memories that will last a lifetime!
Location: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA
Featured image: Shutterstock