Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego 2024

At the Pumpkin Patch at Carlsbad Strawberry Company in Carlsbad, autumn comes alive. Families and pets can relish the festive atmosphere, with free parking adding convenience.

The aroma from food stalls is tempting, and weekend artisans enhance the cultural vibe. A strawberry farm most of the year, for just over a month in 2024, visitors will be treated to one of the most beautiful pumpkin patches I could possibly recommend. They have pumpkins of all shapes and sizes yes, but also flowers, animals and more Instagram spots than I can count!

For a small general admission fee, usually around $10 per person, you and your family will get to enter a realm of pumpkins, Marigold fields, and picture-perfect spots, with giant pumpkins being a favorite.

The Goat & Sheep Petting Zoo is also a treat, with Shetland Sheep and Nubian Goats enjoying visitors' affection. I must say that the Rabbit Pen is a hit with kids.

The corn maze is always the standout for me! It provides a blend of fun and challenge over a pretty unbelievable 1.5 miles.

There is also a haunted corn maze for the older kids on Friday & Saturday nights from 7pm to 10pm. The price is $45 per person and the maze opens on October 4th, 2024.

With so much to do for kids and parents, a visit to this Carlsbad pumpkin patch easily makes the list as one of the standout seasonal activities for our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego, alongside being a standout pumpkin patch.

The pumpkin patch at Carlsbad Strawberry Company will be open for business from September 16th to November 4th, 2024.

Why We Love It

The corn maze here is just big enough to pose a challenge for families but not so big that you ever end up feeling hopelessly lost, which made it one of the most fun corn mazes on the list.

Plus you can’t go wrong with a petting zoo!

Our Insider Tip

This is a fairly popular pumpkin patch, so if you’re hoping to pick out the perfect gourd, you’ll want to go early in the season before all the best ones have been picked over.

Do note that in addition to the aforementioned haunted corn maze, some additional attractions like the sheep and goats, rabbits, standard corn maze, tractor rides, pony rides, miscellaneous food, activity vendors and bounce house have additional fees.

If you visit Liberty Station between September 20th and October 31st, 2024, you’ll have the opportunity to check out one of my personal favorite pumpkin patches in San Diego, the Goff Family Pumpkin Patch.

The Goff Family Pumpkin Patch has a large selection of pumpkins to choose from in varying colors, sizes, and shapes. So whether you’re looking for a small decoration for the front porch or a massive pumpkin for the whole family to carve and decorate together, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a pumpkin you love.

You can also take photographs among the pumpkins and other fall decor like tractors and hay bales. Admission is free for the whole family, and the patch is dog-friendly for leased pets!

I love my new dog, as I know many of you out there do as well, and was actually thinking of bringing him along this year for some fall pumpkin pictures!

We’ve given Goff Family Pumpkin Patch a special shoutout on our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego because it’s the perfect example of a classic pumpkin picking experience to get the whole family in the fall festival mindset.

For a family time bonus idea, the pumpkin patch is also a great spot for a picnic. And for the adults the Tap Truck, which is onsite every weekend from Friday to Sunday serves beer and wine!

The pumpkin patch opens September 20th in 2024 and will be open right up until Halloween on October 31st!

Why We Love It

OK, let’s start with the obvious - this pumpkin patch is centrally located in San Diego! Liberty Station is near the San Diego International Airport (SAN), so whether you’re coming from Pacific Beach like me, Chula Vista to the south, or even a bit further north in San Diego in say Miramar, you won’t have to go too far.

I visited this patch just last year and thought the setup was very charming. Thanks to the Tap Truck, this isn’t just a spot for kids and their families - adults can have a fun fall-themed day too!

Our Insider Tip

The location in the middle of Liberty Station is a huge plus which offers a lot more to do after you’re done at the pumpkin patch.

Be sure to check out the ARTS DISTRICT while you’re there to see sculptures, murals, and other pieces by a rotation of featured local artists.

Take your kids pumpkin picking at a family-owned business located right on the edge of San Diego’s foothills!

Summers Past Farms is in Flinn Springs in the Alpine area of California. While the farm hosts events throughout the year, it’s best known for its excellent pumpkin patch and other fall celebrations.

In addition to pumpkin picking, Summers Past Farms has a corn maze and hay fort, both offering hours of fun for kids of all ages. Seasonal events and a cozy farm atmosphere make this spot more than deserving of recognition on our list..

If you’re looking to pick up a few early holiday gifts, be sure to visit the on-site country store. Shop for home decor, seasonal treats, gift baskets, handmade soaps, and more.

For 2024, the pumpkin patch is open for the entire month of October, from the 1st until the 31st, while the gardens and store are open year-round. Hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm; and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Summers Past Farms is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Why We Love It

Pumpkins are the main attraction here, but you’ve got access to the whole farm. It’s a gorgeous spot to walk around and take some photos, especially by the lavender field when it’s in bloom.

Our Insider Tip

If you’ll still be in San Diego in early November, you’ll be just in time for Summers Past Farms’ bi-annual Antique & Craft Fair Vendors Day, which runs from November 2nd-3rd in 2024.

Fall fun awaits at Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch! locationed in Clairemont Mesa.

This pumpkin patch has a large field where you can select the perfect size pumpkin, from huge 50+ pound giants to little decorative gourds. In addition to pumpkins, Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch also sells squash, hay, and corn stalks.

You can enjoy family-friendly activities during your visit such as pumpkin decorating or pumpkin bowling. You can also see farm animals at the petting zoo.

Kids can play fall themed games and jump around in the bounce house. Adults and teens can snap a pic at the photo station, and play fall themed twists on classic games like “boo-loon” pop and candy corn hole.

Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch also offers bookings for birthday parties, field trips, and other celebrations. There is free admission and parking - only pay for your pumpkin and tickets for activities!

Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch is open for the 2024 season from October 1st to October 31st.

Why We Love It

The cute fall-themed games are the star attraction here. It’s nice that there’s more to do than simply buying a pumpkin, and parents will appreciate the opportunities to take photos to look back on when the kids are grown.

At any of the five Pumpkin Station location, you can do much more than just pick and carve pumpkins.

These locations offer some of the best kid friendly ways to celebrate Halloween and the fall season. The range of games, rides, and activities on offer makes a visit to one of Pumpkin Station’s incredible pumpkin patches a standout attraction.

While all five of the Pumpkin Station pumpkin patches are located in San Diego, Bonito and Rancho Bernando are on farms, while the National City, Del Mar and Mission Valley varieties are stations.

If you want the full experience of selecting your own pumpkin from the field, head to one of the farms! You’ll get to visit the animals at the petting zoo and solve a corn maze. To really get you in the holiday spirit, they offer train rides and hayrides through their Christmas tree farm!

At station locations, kids can enjoy a variety of holiday themed activities. Carving and decorating pumpkins is a must, but children can also go on kiddie rides, slide down giant slides, play in inflatable bounce castles, and visit a petting zoo. The stations also include train rides and a Ferris wheel at each so they are a solid pumpkin patch experience choice as well!

The Pumpkin Stations are open in 2024 from September 27th until October 27th with daily operating hours from 9am until 7 or 9pm depending on the day of the week!

Why We Love It

With rides, inflatable play centers, huge slides, and tons of games, visiting a Pumpkin Station is an attraction in its own right and well worth the trip for any families visiting San Diego in the fall.

Our Insider Tip

Admission and parking at all of the five Pumpkin Station locations is completely free. You’ll only have to pay for tickets which can be used for rides and experiences.

Bates Nut Farm operates year round in Valley Center. While it’s best known for its selections of nuts, dried fruits, and other snacks, during autumn it becomes a pumpkin paradise!

You can bring your family for the yearly Pumpkin Patch event for traditional fall activities and long lasting memories. Bates Nut Farm has hosted its Pumpkin Patch event for over 50 years now, and it’s only gotten bigger and better each season.

The main attraction is the pumpkin patch itself, where various types of gourds grow in the fields. Grab a wheelbarrow and pick from Jack O’Lantern, Big Mac, Cinderella, and Ghost pumpkin varieties, or pick up some squashes and gourds.

There are also plenty of activities for kids, such as a petting corral, pony rides, a straw maze, and a tractor hayride. Get henna or face and body painting from Fancy Nancy Faces. Live music performances are also scheduled throughout the season.

Pumpkin picking and other activities are available from September 19th to October 31st in 2024, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to get an early jump on fall festivities.

Why We Love It

Live music performances are the perfect complement to a day at a pumpkin patch. While there are lots of family-friendly activities here, we like that adults can enjoy themselves too, and it’s common to see couples here.

Our Insider Tip

Make sure to head inside the store during your visit, where you’ll find everything from seasonal baked goods to barrels filled with assorted candies, plus cute farm-themed home decor. Most food products sold here are locally made.

Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch in Ramona is a location I’d recommend if you’re celebrating the holidays in San Diego. This cozy little ranch offers visitors all the best traditional fall activities at its yearly pumpkin patch, which runs in 2024 from September 23rd through October 31st. Stop by any day of the week from 9am - 6pm for pumpkin picking and other fun and games.

There’s no cost for admission to Mountain Valley Ranch, so it’s a great addition to the Best Free Things to Do in San Diego. Walk through the barn and corn maze, take photos of the kids among the pumpkins, and see farm animals up close and personal at the petting zoo.

Of course, the main event here is the large pumpkin field where you can select a pumpkin to take home and decorate. The ranch always seems to have the perfect pumpkin for carving a spooky jack-o’-lantern or painting one with a creative design. Other activities at the ranch include pony rides and a corn cannon.

If you’re already thinking beyond Halloween, the Mountain Valley Ranch also has a Christmas tree farm later in the season. It’s never too early to think about Christmas in San Diego too?

Why We Love It

Fun additions like the corn canon and pony rides make this a standout pumpkin patch for parents with younger kids. We think it’s worth a visit even if you’ve already picked up a pumpkin from another farm this season.

Our Insider Tip

The weekends tend to draw bigger crowds, but the farm has snack and refreshment stands, and hayrides are only given on weekends too - so if you’re planning to stay for an hour or two, there’s a little more to do on Saturdays and Sundays.

If you live in southern San Diego, head to Chula Vista for pumpkin picking fun at Tom’s Adventures Pumpkin Patch. There you can select pumpkins for carving in the lead up to Halloween, or pick up some festive decorations perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.

The pumpkin patch has multiple varieties of pumpkins to choose from. These include pams, big macs, sugars, gourds, minis, and edible fresh-grown squashes. The smaller mystics variety of pumpkin is perfect for kids to decorate, but there are plenty of huge pumpkins available as well.

You can also host a special event at the pumpkin patch if you have a school trip or birthday party coming up. You’ll get to enjoy your own private corner of the farm with Halloween themed decor, plus the fun and games available to all visitors.

Tom’s Adventures Pumpkin Patch has free onsite parking and allows outside food and drink to be brought in for a scenic picnic. For the 2024 season, you can visit the pumpkin patch from October 1st to the 31st.

You can also visit the Christmas tree farm hosted in the same location later in the season!

Why We Love It

Of all the entries on this list, Tom’s Adventures has one of the greatest varieties of pumpkins and gourds. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for a more unusual type of pumpkin, though there are lots of classic big orange ones too.

Our Insider Tip

Tom’s Adventures has another location in Escondido that’s also open seasonally. Outside of San Diego, there are two more farm locations further north in Vista and San Marcos.

The family owned “U-Pick” Pumpkin Patch at The Farm Stand West in Escondido opens for business on October 1st in 2024, and remains open through October 31st. It’s the perfect Halloween attraction to get the kids excited for the holiday and to pick up some decorations.

Access to the pumpkin fields and other fall activities are available from 10 am - 5 pm every day. Classic fall treats like hot apple cider and pumpkin pie are available while you take a hayride around the farm.

Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are waiting to be picked out in the field on this incredibly scenic farm in northwest San Diego!

Why We Love It

This is a true local farmstand with a huge offering of seasonal baked goods (including a dedicated line of gluten-free desserts) and year-round fresh grown produce. You can feel good about supporting a family-owned local business while also celebrating the holidays.

Our Insider Tip

The Farm Stand West offers u-pick fresh persimmons during October and November, which is often running during pumpkin patch season and is another fun activity to do while you’re there.

I promised you a couple family-friendly fall activities and the Pumpkin Express is the first one I’d like to share!

The annual Pumpkin Express Halloween Celebration invites kids and parents to embark on a fall-themed train ride along the San Diego and Arizona Railway.

The event is put on each year by the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association. It begins with a train ride from the Campo Depot but also includes time to explore the rooms of the museum and learn about railway history on the West Coast.

This is a ticketed event with both Classic Coach and First Class seating available. In First Class, you’ll get access to a snack bar and even have a chance to step outside and admire the view while riding the rails.

Every toddler or child ticket also comes with a complimentary pumpkin, and kids can decorate their pumpkins in the Display Building after the train ride. The pumpkins are grown right outside the museum on their own pumpkin patch, and additional pumpkins can be purchased for $10 each.

As this is a Halloween celebration, riders are highly encouraged to come in costume. Both kids and adults can show off their creative, silly, and spooky costumes throughout October.

Why We Love It

Though I haven’t had a chance to check out the Halloween Celebration myself yet, I’ve heard from other parents that this is a lot of fun, especially if you have smaller kids who aren’t old enough for the rides and games at other farm stands.

Our Insider Tip

While the Pumpkin Express is a kid-friendly activity, the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association also offers an adults-only Halloween-themed activity.

The Sip & Scare Sunset Special that runs on Saturdays in October features spooky ghost stories and complimentary cocktails.

Climb aboard a themed ghost bus and listen to costumed actors weave tales from the spookier side of San Diego’s history on the San Diego Haunted Ghost Tour by Bus.

Though the tour starts in Old Town San Diego, you’ll get to see a number of locations around San Diego, each of which are alleged to have some ghostly activity. On the tour, we visited 5 different locations and got to hop off and go inside 4 of them.

We explored Villa Montezuma, Horton Grand Hotel, El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town, and the famous Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House. Though I didn’t glimpse any ghosts myself, the creepy atmosphere was noticeable, especially at the Gaslamp Museum. There was also a stop at the Whaley House though we didn’t go inside.

Unlike some of our other favorite ghost hunting tours in San Diego, the goal of this Haunted Ghost Tour wasn’t to scare us or to hunt for ghosts but to simply share stories. It’s a good choice for families with kids or anyone who might be a little too frightened for tours that promise genuine ghost encounters.

Why We Love It

When I went on this bus tour with my wife recently, our guide started by saying he wasn’t a ghost hunter but a storyteller, and that all of his stories are 100% true. We were entertained the whole time, and the way the tour leaned into the presentation aspect made it tons of fun.

Our Insider Tip

New this year is the Pale Hunter ghost bus which takes the theatricality to the next level. It aims to be the most immersive of the current fleet of buses and provide a new and improved experience for tour attendees.