San Diego’s Pumpkin Patches: A Guide to Fall Fun
Updated: Oct 3
Fall in San Diego may not come with crisp, chilly mornings and changing leaves everywhere you look, but there is one tradition that lets us know the season has arrived: pumpkin patches!
As October rolls around, pumpkin patches and fall festivals pop up throughout San Diego County, giving families plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the season. From picking out the perfect pumpkin to wandering through a corn maze, meeting farm animals, or simply taking a few festive photos, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're planning a family weekend, looking for a fun date-day activity, or just want to get into the Halloween spirit, here are a few San Diego pumpkin patches and fall destinations to add to your October calendar.
🎃 Bates Nut Farm
Valley Center
Bates Nut Farm is one of those places that has become part of the San Diego fall tradition for many families. The farm has been celebrating pumpkin season for decades, and its annual pumpkin patch offers plenty of ways to spend a fall day outdoors.
Grab a wheelbarrow and choose from a variety of pumpkins, then enjoy activities such as tractor hayrides, a straw maze, a petting corral, pony rides, and more. Weekend visitors can also find additional seasonal activities, making this an easy place to turn pumpkin picking into a full family outing.
Quick Guide
📍 Address: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
📅 Dates: September 17–October 31, 2026
🕐 Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM in September; 9:00 AM–5:30 PM in October
🎟️ Admission: Free admission on weekdays; $10 parking on October weekends. Pumpkins and activities are priced separately.
🎃 Activities: Pumpkin picking, tractor hayrides, straw maze, petting corral, pony rides, corn pit, inflatable bounce house, and additional weekend activities
🌐 Website: Bates Nut Farm
Good for: Families, pumpkin picking, fall photos, and a classic farm experience.
🎃 Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station
Point Loma
If you're looking for a pumpkin patch closer to the heart of San Diego, Liberty Station is a convenient option. The Goff Family Pumpkin Patch returns to the Sellers Plaza putting green for another season of fall fun.
The pop-up features thousands of pumpkins, festive photo opportunities, lawn games, and food and drinks on select days. Since admission is free, families can stop by for a quick pumpkin-picking trip or make an afternoon of it by exploring Liberty Station afterward.
Quick Guide
📍 Address: 2830 Perry Road, San Diego, CA 92106
📅 Dates: September 18–October 31, 2026
🕐 Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; Friday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free admission; pumpkins are priced separately
🎃 Activities: Pumpkin picking, festive photo opportunities, lawn games, pizza on select days, and seasonal drinks
🌐 Website: Goff Family Pumpkin Patch
Good for: Families with young children, fall photos, and a convenient city location.
🎃 Pumpkin Station
Multiple San Diego County Locations
Don't want to drive too far for your fall fun? Pumpkin Station has several locations throughout San Diego County, making it easy to find a seasonal celebration close to home.
Families can choose between city locations and the larger farm locations in Rancho Bernardo and Bonita. The farm locations offer a more traditional fall experience with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, tractor rides, sunflower fields, and farm animals, while city locations offer rides, slides, play areas, and other family activities.
Quick Guide
📍 Locations:
Del Mar: 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Plaza Bonita: 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, National City, CA 91950
Bonita Pumpkin Farm: 5354 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, CA 91902
Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm: 13421 Highland Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92128
📅 Dates: September 25–October 31, 2026
🕐 Hours: Hours vary by location
🎟️ Admission: Free admission and parking; pumpkins and attractions are priced separately
🎃 Activities: Pumpkin picking, corn maze, tractor hayrides, sunflower fields, petting zoo, mechanical rides, slides, play centers, and more
🌐 Website: Pumpkin Station
Good for: Families looking for rides, games, farm activities, and entertainment along with their pumpkins.
🎃 Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Carlsbad
Carlsbad Strawberry Company is another North County destination that gets into the fall spirit. While the farm is well known for strawberries during other seasons, its pumpkin season brings plenty of autumn fun.
Visitors can explore the pumpkin patch, take photos among the flowers, and enjoy activities such as a corn maze and tractor ride. There are also additional attractions available for families who want to spend more time at the farm.
Quick Guide
📍 Address: 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008
📅 Dates: September 14–November 8, 2026
🕐 Hours: September: daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. October: Sunday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Friday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: September: $20. October: $20 Monday–Thursday and $25 Friday–Sunday
🎃 Activities: Pumpkin patch, flower fields, tricycle racetrack, hay pyramid, corn maze, tractor rides, farm animals, photo opportunities, and seasonal activities
🌐 Website: Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Good for: North County families, outdoor activities, fall photos, and a full day at the farm.
🎃 Oma's Pumpkin Patch
Lakeside
For a traditional country-style experience, Oma's Pumpkin Patch in Lakeside is another option for families looking to enjoy the season together.
The pumpkin patch includes plenty of activities for kids, from a petting corral and play areas to slides, a corn crib, trike track, and more. Families can also take a tractor-pulled wagon ride around the farm and stop by the café for a seasonal treat.
Quick Guide
📍 Address: 14950 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
📅 Dates: September 26–October 31, 2026, Thursday–Saturday
🕐 Hours: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
🎟️ Admission: Starting at $19.60 for ages 3 and up; children ages 2 and under are free
🎃 Activities: Pumpkin patch, petting corral, jumping pillow, corn crib, playgrounds, giant slides, trike track, wagon rides, farm games, and seasonal food🌐 Website: Oma's Pumpkin Patch
Good for: Families, farm experiences, younger children, and a relaxed fall outing.
Make a Day of It
One of the best things about pumpkin patch season is that you don't have to make it complicated. Pick a weekend, grab the family, put on some comfortable shoes, and head out for a few hours of fall fun.
Take pictures, let the kids choose their own pumpkins, try a seasonal treat, and enjoy some time outside. You might even discover a new favorite spot in your own part of San Diego.
And if you're new to the area, pumpkin season can be a fun way to explore different communities around the county. From coastal neighborhoods to North County farms and inland communities, there is always something happening around San Diego.
So grab your camera, bring your favorite people, and get ready for pumpkin season. 🎃
Before You Go
Pumpkin patch dates, admission prices, hours, and activities can change. Be sure to check each event's official website before heading out, especially if you're planning your visit around a specific weekend or activity.
Happy pumpkin hunting, San Diego!
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