Your Perfect Pumpkin Awaits!
Fall can be difficult to spot sometimes here in Southern California since it is always mildly warm and sunny. We may not get the crisp autumn air and changing leaves as much as other parts of the country, but there’s one fall activity that is perfect no matter your location—going to the pumpkin patch! It is perhaps the most quintessential fall activity of them all. Thankfully, San Diego is home to several pumpkin patches perfect for a family day filled with tractor rides, corn mazes and pumpkin picking. Get your carving tools ready and head to these San Diego pumpkin patches this fall!
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch
Open: Sept. 22 through Nov. 5
You may recognize this location for its locally grown strawberries! The Carlsbad Strawberry Company has been growing fruits and vegetables for three generations now. But during the fall (when strawberries aren’t in season), the land transforms into a bountiful pumpkin patch, where, for $10 per person, guests can enjoy the pumpkin patch, photo ops, cornhole and games and the marigold field. Additional activities include petting sheep and goats, tractor rides and navigating the haunted corn maze.
Location: Carlsbad
Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
Open: Sept. 16 through Oct. 31
What originally started as a local nut farm over 50 years ago has blossomed into a farm for all sorts of interesting things. Bates Nut Farm grows their own pumpkins, and they have a petting zoo with friendly farm animals as well a retail shop where they sell all their goods. The farm becomes especially charming during the fall when they host their annual pumpkin patch, where guests can listen to live music, enjoy tractor hayrides and pony rides and wander through straw mazes. Grab a wheelbarrow and pick from a variety of pumpkins, including Big Macs, Ghosts, Cinderellas, Jack O’ Lanterns, minis, squash, gourds and more!
Location: Valley Center
Del Mar Pumpkin Station
Open: Sept. 29 through Oct. 31
There are various Pumpkin Station locations throughout San Diego, but the Del Mar station perhaps has the most to offer. Open daily until Halloween (check website for hours), this patch is a festive place to pick out the perfect pumpkin! Each one is sourced from local farms in San Diego and then transported to the patch for you to pick and choose. And if you plan to bring the kiddos along, there are two giant slides, a Ferris wheel, an antique carousel, a petting zoo and more to enjoy!
Location: Del Mar
Oma’s Pumpkin Patch
Open: Sept. 26 through Oct. 28 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Oma’s Pumpkin Patch is quaint and offers an abundance of activities for kids! From wagon rides and giant slides to hay bale mazes and a petting corral, your little ones are sure to have a ball! Pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving, and after you’ve found your soon-to-be Jack O’Lantern, be sure to stop by Oma’s charming on-site coffee shop for a seasonal beverage and browse around the market for local jam and honey.
Location: Lakeside
PB Pumpkin Patch
Open: Daily beginning Oct. 1
For a wide selection of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, visit the PB Pumpkin Patch. Here, the young (and young at heart) can enjoy free access to a pumpkin carving and painting area and free hot apple cider and shaved ice! Wander around the enchanting grounds, which are open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fall festivities await!
Location: Pacific Beach
11/16
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Open: Oct. 1-31
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned business with locations throughout San Diego and LA. The La Jolla location offers an abundance of games and activities, such as pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, candy-cornhole and more. Visit for a day of family fun and head home with your perfect pre-picked pumpkin! The patch also offers a Jack O’ Pass, which includes tickets for all five games, unlimited bounce house access and a painting kit with a mini pumpkin.
Location: La Jolla
