10 Pumpkin Patches in San Diego County to Visit This Fall
Fall is here, and that means it’s time for pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and plenty of family photo opportunities! While San Diego might not get the crisp fall weather other parts of the country enjoy, there are still plenty…
Fall is here, and that means it’s time for pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and plenty of family photo opportunities! While San Diego might not get the crisp fall weather other parts of the country enjoy, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the season with the kids.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional farm experience, a pumpkin patch close to the city or a fun-filled day with activities for little ones, these San Diego County pumpkin patches offer something for every family.
Here are 10 pumpkin patches to add to your fall bucket list for 2026!
1. Bates Nut Farm — Valley Center
Best for: A classic family pumpkin patch experience
Bates Nut Farm is a longtime San Diego fall tradition and a great place to spend the day with the family. This Valley Center farm offers a huge selection of pumpkins, including giant pumpkins, mini pumpkins, gourds and unique varieties perfect for decorating your front porch.
Kids can enjoy tractor hayrides, a straw maze, a petting corral and other seasonal activities. There are also food vendors and special fall events on select days.
- Where: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center
- When: September 17–October 31, 2026
- Hours: September, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; October hours vary by weekday and weekend.
- Cost: Free admission; pumpkins and activities cost extra. Weekend parking fees apply.
Visit the Bates Nut Farm website for the latest schedule and activities.
2. Oma’s Pumpkin Patch — Lakeside
Best for: Younger kids who love to play
If your kids would rather climb, slide and explore than simply pick a pumpkin, Oma’s Pumpkin Patch is worth a visit. This family farm transforms into a fall playground packed with activities for children.
Little ones can enjoy a petting corral, duck races, giant slides, a jumping pillow, playgrounds, a trike track and a large sand play area. Of course, there’s also a pumpkin patch where everyone can pick out a favorite pumpkin.
A tractor-pulled wagon ride is available for an additional fee, making this a fun option for families looking to turn pumpkin picking into a full-day outing.
- Where: 14950 El Monte Road, Lakeside
- When: September 26–October 31, 2026
- Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Cost: Admission starts at $19.60 for ages 3 and up; children 2 and younger are free. Parking is free.
Advance tickets are required, so check the Oma’s Pumpkin Patch event information before heading out.
3. Carlsbad Strawberry Company — Carlsbad
Best for: Pumpkin photos and farm activities
Known for its strawberry fields, Carlsbad Strawberry Company also becomes a fall destination with its annual pumpkin patch. Families can wander among the pumpkins, snap seasonal photos and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Admission includes access to the pumpkin patch, flower fields, photo opportunities, games, a tricycle racetrack, a hay pyramid and play areas. Additional activities may include a corn maze, tractor rides and animal encounters.
The farm also offers nighttime fall attractions on select dates for families with older kids who want a little extra Halloween excitement.
- Where: 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad
- When: September 14–November 8, 2026
- Hours: Sunday–Wednesday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Cost: $20 Monday–Thursday and $25 Friday–Sunday for general admission. Some activities cost extra.
Find admission details and activity information at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company website.
4. Goff Family Pumpkin Patch — Liberty Station
Best for: Families looking for a free fall outing
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a pumpkin patch! The Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station offers free admission, making it a great option for families who want to enjoy the fall atmosphere without paying an entrance fee.
The pop-up patch features thousands of pumpkins, festive photo spots and lawn games. Families can browse the pumpkins, take pictures and enjoy a relaxed outing. Food and drinks are available for purchase on select days, and visitors can bring their own food for a picnic.
It’s also a fun choice for families who want to combine pumpkin picking with a stroll around Liberty Station.
- Where: 2830 Perry Road, San Diego
- When: September 18–October 31, 2026
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Cost: Free admission; pumpkins and food cost extra.
Get more details at the Goff Family Pumpkin Patch website.
5. Mountain Valley Ranch — Ramona
Best for: Outdoor adventures and country fun
Head to Ramona for a pumpkin patch experience with a little country charm. Mountain Valley Ranch gives families the chance to search for the perfect pumpkin while enjoying a variety of seasonal attractions.
Kids can explore a giant corn maze, visit farm animals and try activities such as launching corn from a cannon. There are also antique farm equipment displays that make for fun family photos.
This is a great option for families who want to get out of the city and enjoy a fall day surrounded by the East County countryside.
- Where: 842 Highway 78, Ramona
- When: September 26–October 31, 2026
- Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Cost: Free admission; pumpkins and some activities cost extra.
Check the San Diego tourism pumpkin patch guide for current details.
6. Pumpkin Station — Multiple Locations
Best for: Convenient pumpkin picking around the county
Pumpkin Station makes it easy to find a fall activity without traveling too far. The seasonal attraction has locations around San Diego County, including farms in Rancho Bernardo and Bonita, plus pop-up locations in Del Mar and National City.
Depending on which location you visit, activities can include kiddie rides, inflatable play areas, slides, petting zoos, corn mazes and tractor-pulled hayrides.
The Rancho Bernardo and Bonita farm locations are especially worth considering if your family wants a more traditional farm atmosphere.
Locations include:
- Rancho Bernardo Farm: 13421 Highland Valley Road, Escondido
- Bonita Pumpkin Farm: 5354 Sweetwater Road, Bonita
- Del Mar: 15555 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
- Plaza Bonita: 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, National City
- When: September 25–October 31, 2026
- Cost: Free general admission at listed locations; pumpkins, rides and activities cost extra.
Hours and activity availability vary by location, so check the Pumpkin Station website before visiting.
7. The Farm Stand West Fall Festival — Escondido
Best for: A weekend fall outing
The Farm Stand West is another place to add to your autumn plans. Its 2026 Fall Festival includes a you-pick pumpkin patch, offering families an opportunity to enjoy a seasonal farm outing and find pumpkins for Halloween decorating.
This can be a nice option if you’re looking for a weekend activity without committing to a full day at a larger attraction.
- Where: 2115 Miller Avenue, Escondido
- When: October 1–31, 2026
- Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Cost: Free admission; pumpkins cost extra.
Check current event details before visiting, as activities and availability may vary.
8. Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch — Clairemont
Best for: Halloween fun closer to central San Diego
Want a pumpkin patch without a long drive to the countryside? Mr. Jack O’Lanterns in Clairemont offers a convenient spot to pick out pumpkins and enjoy Halloween-themed fun.
In addition to pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes, families can enjoy festive photo opportunities and seasonal games. Additional attractions have included pumpkin bowling, a petting zoo, bounce houses and other carnival-style activities.
It’s a good option for families who want to pair pumpkin shopping with some extra Halloween entertainment.
- Where: 3901 Clairemont Drive, San Diego
- When: October 2–November 1, 2026
- Hours: Monday–Friday, noon–8 p.m.; weekends, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Cost: Free admission; pumpkins and select activities cost extra.
Visit the Mr. Jack O’Lanterns website for current offerings and details.
9. Summers Past Farms — Flinn Springs
Best for: A quieter, scenic fall visit
For families who enjoy gardens, rustic scenery and a slower pace, Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs is a charming East County destination.
The farm is known for its gardens, country store and seasonal events. During pumpkin season, families can enjoy a pumpkin patch, a corn maze and other fall-themed attractions.
It’s also a lovely place to browse the rustic gift barn and enjoy the gardens, making it a different kind of outing from the larger, activity-packed pumpkin farms.
- Where: 15602 Olde Highway 80, Flinn Springs
- When: Check the farm’s current October pumpkin patch schedule.
- Hours: Seasonal activities and regular farm hours may differ.
- Cost: Check with the farm for current pumpkin patch admission and activity pricing.
Visit the Summers Past Farms website before making plans.
10. Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch — Fallbrook
Best for: A North County fall tradition
Families in North County can head to Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch for a seasonal outing filled with pumpkins and fall fun. It’s another option to consider if you’re looking for a pumpkin patch farther north in the county.
The patch typically operates on a limited weekly schedule, so it’s especially important to plan your visit around its opening days.
- Where: 1924 E. Mission Road, Fallbrook
- When: Through October 31, 2026, according to the published seasonal listing.
- Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 4–8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, noon–8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
- Cost: Check with the venue for current admission, pumpkin and activity prices.
Confirm the latest details on the Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch website before heading out.
Tips for Visiting San Diego Pumpkin Patches
Before packing up the kids and heading out for your fall adventure, keep these tips in mind:
- Go early when you can. Weekends can get busy, especially as Halloween approaches. Weekday visits may mean shorter lines and easier parking.
- Check admission costs. Some pumpkin patches offer free entry, while others charge per person. Rides, animal encounters and special attractions may cost extra.
- Dress for the weather. October in San Diego can still be warm, so bring sunscreen, hats and plenty of water.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Many farms have dirt paths, grassy areas and uneven ground.
- Bring a camera. Between the pumpkins, hay bales, corn mazes and fall decorations, there are plenty of opportunities for adorable family photos.
- Check the website before leaving home. Hours, ticket prices and activity schedules can change, and some locations require advance tickets.
Make a Fall Family Tradition
From classic farm adventures at Bates Nut Farm to free pumpkin picking at Liberty Station, San Diego County has plenty of ways to celebrate fall with the kids.
Whether you’re searching for the biggest pumpkin, navigating a corn maze or simply snapping a few cute family photos, a visit to a pumpkin patch is a fun way to make autumn memories together.
Which San Diego pumpkin patch is your family’s favorite? Pick one to visit this October and make it part of your family’s fall tradition!
