Fall in San Diego means crisp evenings, festive décor, and of course, pumpkin patches. Whether you’re looking for a full farm experience with hayrides and corn mazes or just a quick spot to pick the perfect pumpkin and snap a few photos, San Diego County has plenty of options for families. Here are eight of the best pumpkin patches to check out in 2025.
Bates Nut Farm
Valley Center
A beloved, North County staple, Bates Nut Farm has been serving San Diegans since 1963. Open from September 18 until Halloween, guests can check out everything from hay rides and rock climbing to face painting, live music, hayrides, a straw maze, bounce house, a petting zoo, and even costume contests for both humans and dogs.
Price: Free admission
Hours: September: 9:00 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sept.) | October: 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Weekdays); 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (Fridays); 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Weekends)
Address: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, 92082
Goff Family Pumpkin Patch
Liberty Station
Goff Family Pumpkin Patch is back for its fifth year at Liberty Station from September 19–October 31. This free, family- and pet-friendly event boasts a wide variety of pumpkins, perfect photo backdrops, and weekend food trucks providing bites and alcoholic beverages for those 21+. Its prime location also means you can stop into one of the many restaurants within walking distance including the Public Market, Dirty Birds and Corvette Diner.
Price: Free admission
Hours: Sundays-Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Address: 2830 Perry Rd, San Diego, 92106
Oma’s Pumpkin Patch
Lakeside
The photo opportunities are never-ending at Oma’s Pumpkin Patch in Lakeside, taking place from September 27–November 1. With antique farm equipment, a corn maze, wagon rides, giant slides, a petting zoo, and plenty of pumpkins to choose from—there’s no shortage of activities to keep you and your little ones entertained. Grab a pretzel or soft serve at OmaGoodness Cafe along with other bites when the hunger hits. Reservations are required, so be sure to plan your visit in advance. Pets not allowed.
Price: Starting at $22 for General Admission
Hours:
- September 27–October 11: Tuesdays to Thursdays: 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Fridays: 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturdays: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays
- October 14–November 1: Tuesdays–Wednesdays: 9:30 a.m–1 p.m.; Thursdays–Fridays: 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturdays: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Closed Sundays and Mondays
Address: 14950 El Monte Rd., Lakeside, 92040
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch
Carlsbad
Known for strawberries in spring and pumpkins in fall, the Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s pumpkin patch offers a festive farm with haunted and non-haunted corn mazes, tractor rides, animals, and plenty of photo spots from October 3 through November 1. The experience also includes Jurassic Fright, an open-air dinosaur exhibit set inside a cornfield. Expect crowds on weekends, but also extended hours and activities.
Price: $15, children three and under are free
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Address: 1050 Cannon Rd., Carlsbad, 92008
Mountain Valley Ranch
Ramona
Set against the hills of Ramona, Mountain Valley Ranch offers a rustic farm vibe for its fall pumpkin patch. Open September 27 through October 31, families can wander through the corn maze, visit farm animals, enjoy hay rides, and pick out pumpkins from a wide selection. It’s a relaxed and scenic outing for those wanting a “country” feel. On the weekends, visitors can also enjoy snacks and refreshments.
Price: Free admission
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Address: 842 Highway 78, Ramona
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns
Clairemont
If you want carnival energy with your pumpkin picking, Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns delivers. This patch includes pumpkin carving and decorating stations, pumpkin bowling, mini putt, carnival games, bounce houses, and more. General admission is free but game tickets are required for a variety of activities such as candy corn hole, animal feeding, and the haunted house.
Price: Free admission, $1 per game ticket
Hours: 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Address: 3901 Clairemont Dr., San Diego, 92117
Pumpkin Station
Various Locations
With several San Diego spots—including Mission Valley, Rancho Bernardo, Del Mar, and Bonita—Pumpkin Station makes pumpkin picking easy no matter where you live. The larger “farm” locations feature sunflowers, corn mazes, and petting zoos, while the city locations have carnival rides, inflatables, and photo ops. Most locations run from September 26–October 31 (Del Mar closes October 26) and admission is free. Game and ride tickets sold separately.
Price: Free admission
Hours: Vary by location
Address: Throughout San Diego
PARTNER CONTENT
Julian Farm and Orchard
Julian
Make a day trip to the mountains with a visit to Julian Farm & Orchard for its annual pumpkin patch now through October 26. Beyond pumpkins, kids can enjoy yard games, a hay bale maze, antique tractors, face painting, cider pressing demos, and photo-ready fall backdrops. Back for the third year in a row, they are holding a scarecrow building competition to put visitors’ creativity to the test. The small-town atmosphere of Julian adds to the charm, making this a perfect weekend outing. Reservations recommended but not required.
Price: $10
Hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Address: 4381 Julian Hwy, Julian, 92036
