There is no better way to get you into the fall spirit than visiting a pumpkin patch in San Diego. Since we technically don’t get fall weather, this is the next best thing to get into the spooky season mood. Fall is hands down my favorite time of year so below I’m sharing the best pumpkin patches and other fall activities in San Diego this season!
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
edited the sky in this sky actually looks like this hence the editing
Located in North County this pumpkin patch is the local favorite. Not only does it have the best selection of pumpkins to choose from but there are fall games for kids, fall-inspired food stands (get the corn and thank me later), tractor rides, a corn maze and so much more! It’s a great fall activity for everyone to enjoy (family-friendly and dog-friendly). It opens on September 18th and is open from 9 am-7 pm daily.
- Address: 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
- Cost $5 to enter kids under 5 free
Bates Nuts Farm
Located in Valley Center this pumpkin patch in San Diego is great for kids. Not only does it have plenty of pumpkins but you can enjoy farm animals and events throughout October as well. For a calendar of events check out their website. Finally, it opens September 18th-October 31st and is open from 9 am – 5 pm daily.
- Address: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
- Cost $5 to park during October but otherwise, admission is free.
Oma’s Family Farm
Located in East County this is another great option for a fun fall day trip (very family-friendly). They offer wagon rides, a play area for kids, and even a pedal cart tricycle race track. Finally, it opens September 28th-October 30th from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays).
- Address: 14950 El Monte Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040
- Tickets need to be purchased online prior to arriving for a time slot.
- No dogs allowed
- Cost $9 for adults ($11 on saturdays) and $17 for kids (includes a pumpkin and access to play areas)
Mr. Jack-o-lanterns
This family-owned pumpkin patch has two locations in San Diego. One in La Jolla and one in Mission Beach. They are both on the smaller side but that is what makes this place charming! They offer pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, and even rent out space for birthday parties (for all your October babies). Finally, they are open October 1st – October 31st from 11 am – 8 pm Monday-Thursday and 10 am to 9 pm Friday-Sunday.
- Mission Beach Address: 3190 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
- La Jolla Address: 6710 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Free parking and entrance
PB Pumpkin Patch
Another family-owned pumpkin patch is located in Pacific Beach. I would describe this lot as quality over quantity. It may be smaller than the other lots but the selection of pumpkins here is top-notch. They also offer free pumpkin carving and pumpkin painting for kids and are dog-friendly. Finally, they are open October 1st-October 31st Monday – Friday 1-0 am – 10 pm and Saturday & Sunday 8 am – 10 pm.
Mountain Valley Ranch
Located in Ramona this ranch offers many kid activities along with a huge selection of pumpkin picking. You can enjoy a petting zoo, corn mazes, and hayrides. It’s open from September 25th – October 31st every day from 9 am – 6 pm.
- Admission is free
- Address: 842 Highway 78, Ramona, CA 92065
Pumpkin Station
There are 5 pumpkin station locations to choose from in San Diego. All locations offer free admission and parking and an array of great quality pumpkins to choose from. The locations are:
- Mission Valley
- Del Mar
- Rancho Bernardo
- National City
- Bonita
For a full list of what they offer and individual addresses head to their website.
Fall Activities in San Diego
Finally, pumpkin patches are not the only way to get into the fall spirit here in San Diego. There are also some fun activities you can do for all my fall lovers.
- Visit the Japanse Friendship Garden in Balboa Park and admire the changing leaves
- Take a day-trip to Julain and go appple picking, wine tasting, or pick up an apple pie from Mom’s bakery
- Visit the haunted trail in Balboa Park for a spooky evening
- Visit Maryland Street in University Heights on Halloween, they go all out!
- Grab a pumpkin spice latte at The Invigatorium downtown (cool halloween-like decor)
- Attend Oktoberfest in La Mesa (usually the first weekend in October)
- Attend Oktoberfest in OB (usually the second weekend in October)
- Visit Old Town for Dia de Los Muertos decorations and make sure to check out the ofrenda (pictured above)
- Visit One Paseo in Del Mar for fall decor and fall inspired coffees at Parakeet Cafe
Well, there ya have it! Thank you for reading my “Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego + Best Fall Activities” post. I hope you have the best fall season and if there is anything fall-like that I missed please leave them below in the comments. For more things to do in San Diego head to my “Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide“.
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XO,
Courtney
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