Autumn is finally here, and there’s no better way to embrace the season than by visiting a pumpkin patch in sunny San Diego! While our coastal city may not experience the classic fall weather, San Diego more than makes up for it with a wide array of festive pumpkin patches that capture the spirit of the season.
From picturesque farms to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, I’m sharing all the must-visit pumpkin patches and the best fall activities that will make your autumn in San Diego truly memorable. Whether you’re looking to pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy a hayride, or simply soak in the seasonal ambiance, I’ve got you covered!
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Located in North County, Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a 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 even a hidden speakeasy (shhhhh!). My personal favorite has to be the endless marigold field it’s truly stunning. It’s the perfect fall activity for everyone to enjoy and is not only family-friendly but dog-friendly as well. It opens on October 3rd and is open from 9 am – 6 pm daily.
- Address: 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, CA, 92008
- Cost $15 to enter kids under 3 free
Goff’s Family Pumpkin Patch
Goff’s Pumpkin Patch is located in Liberty Station and has multiple photo opportunities for your fall pictures. In my personal opinion, this is my favorite patch in the county because it’s centrally located and there are tons of other things to do in Liberty Station.
This year the season opens on September 20th and it runs through Halloween. They have a beautiful selection of pumpkins that range from $3-$40. Don’t miss the boat in the middle filled with gourds it’s incredible. Finally, it’s free to enter and open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
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. You can even hop on a tractor hay ride which is the perfect way to get in the fall spirit! Pick up delicious fall treats and make a day out of it. For a calendar of events check out their website. Finally, it opens this year on September 18th and runs through October 31st.
- Address: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
- Open everyday 9am – 5 pm
- 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. It’s extremely family-friendly and they offer endless activities for kids. Including wagon rides, a play area, and even a pedal cart tricycle race track. Finally, the pumpkin patch opens on September 27th – November 2nd, 2024.
- Address: 14950 El Monte Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040
- Tickets need to be purchased online before arriving for a time slot
- No dogs allowed
- 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays).
- Cost $16.50 for adults and children under 2 are free
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 24th – October 31st, 2022.
- Admission is free
- Open every day from 9 am – 6 pm.
- 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.
Well, there you have it! Thank you for reading my “Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego” guide. 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“.
pin this post for later
XO,
Courtney
Definitely bookmarking this for later this year! I plan on traveling to California & would love to see some of these cute pumpkin patches in person. (Also the editing skills on that sky is AWESOME!)