TL;DR: The best pumpkin patch in San Diego is the Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station, which offers over 10,000 pumpkins to choose from, along with activities like pumpkin carving, games, beer on tap, and fun family photo ops amidst the pumpkins and fall decor.
An excursion to the pumpkin patch is a fall season staple for folks of all ages.
There’s nothing quite like sipping hot apple cider and strolling through a local farm with the family, as the kids negotiate their perfect pumpkins for the front porch.
We all love a gorgeous fall-themed photoshoot with rolling hills. Pumpkin patches offer some of the best photo ops for social media or to send to relatives.
As a photographer, I love bringing my camera out on gorgeous fall days to capture memories. The seasonal harvest offers beautiful moments to look back on for years to come.
As you plan your weekends in Southern California through Halloween, you may wonder where to find the best pumpkin patches in San Diego. There are so many to choose from!
You may want some place with activity options for energetic young ones, or perhaps you prefer something adult-oriented if you’re planning to make a date of it.
Or you may just really want to find a place where you can bring your fur baby to share in the fun.
I’ve included a little something for everyone in this list. You can be sure you’ll have the best pumpkin patch experience available this fall in San Diego!
Looking for more Halloween events in San Diego? Check out our full list of recommendations!
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Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station San Diego
Where: Liberty Station, San Diego, CA
When: September 23rd -October 31st, Sunday-Thursday 9 am-8 pm / Friday-Saturday 9 am-9 pm
Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station is an annual San Diego pumpkin patch favorite.
This patch offers pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, games, family photo ops, and more festivities throughout the fall season. There will even be beer on tap.
You can find this pumpkin patch at the Sellers Plaza, featuring over 10,000 pumpkins for picking over the half-acre area.
Head down and find your very own pumpkins this season.
Coronado Pumpkin Patch
Where: Ferry Landing, Coronado, CA
When: TBA. See website for details.
The Coronado Pumpkin Patch takes place at the Coronado Ferry Landing Park with all your favorite Halloween fun activities.
The patch features tons of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, along with treats and drinks, including fresh popcorn, cotton candy, and hot apple cider– and that’s not to mention all the candy you’ll bring home.
Head to Coronado for pumpkin decorating, face painting, contests, balloon art, carnival games, and all the fall family fun you could dream of.
You can even swim in the Corn Box– an actual swimming pool filled with corn kernels!
The 2023 dates and details have not yet been released, but check the Ferry Landing website for details.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Where: Mr. Jack O’Lantern’s Pumpkins, La Jolla, CA
When: October 1st-31st, Sunday-Thursday 11 am-8 pm / Friday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm
Mr. Jack O’Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned pumpkin patch that has been operating since 2010 in multiple locations throughout the state.
The La Jolla location is closest to San Diego and one of the area’s favorite pumpkin patches.
The premium pumpkins at Mr. Jack’s range from small to over 50 pounds and everything in between.
Not only do they sell pumpkins in every shape and size, but also gourds, hay, squash, candy corn, and many more fall favorites,
They also offer games, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, petting zoos, farm animals, and wagon rides surrounded by festive Halloween decorations.
Pumpkin Station Mission Valley San Diego
Where: Westfield Mission Valley Shopping Center, San Diego, CA
When: September 29th-October 31st, Monday–Thursday, 11 am–9 pm / Friday-Sunday 9 am-9 pm
Pumpkin patches, petting zoos, train rides, bounce houses, a Ferris wheel, and a boat ride are among what awaits you at the Pumpkin Station in Mission Valley.
And, even better– there’s free admission.
The kiddie rides surround pumpkin stations. Treats, eats, and drinks are available as you choose a pumpkin and engage in family fun.
If you’re seeking dog-friendly pumpkin patches in San Diego, you can even bring your pup to this one– just make sure your fur baby is on a leash.
There are several Pumpkin Station locations, including ones in National City, Rancho Bernardo, and more (see below for more details).
Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Station
Where: Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm, Escondido, CA
When: September 29th-October 12th 9am-6pm / October 13th-October 31st 9am-7pm
Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm offers many activities with free admission to the farms daily through the fall just outside of San Diego, CA.
You can pick the perfect pumpkins to make a Jack O Lantern from the pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, visit the petting zoo, take a gorgeous hay ride, ride the train, and even cut your own sunflowers.
Snacks, refreshments, and fall fun will also be available at this family farm in San Diego County.
Pacific Beach Pumpkin Patch
Where: 870 Garnet Avenue (at Bayard Street), Pacific Beach, CA
When: October 1st-31st, Monday-Friday 10 am-10 pm / Saturday-Sunday 8 am-10 pm
The Pacific Beach Pumpkin Patch offers the largest selection of pumpkins in Pacific Beach. They have pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, from miniature up to 100 pounds.
You’ll also find Indian corn, gourds, corn stalks, straw bales, and fun for the entire family at PB Pumpkin Patch.
Enjoy a treat-filled family fun outing with free pumpkin carving, free hot apple cider, and shaved ice for kiddos at one of the best pumpkin patches San Diego has to offer.
There will also be lots of arts and crafts, with free decorating and paint kits at the pumpkin station.
Walk away with your perfect pumpkin, your belly full, and fond memories after a visit to PB Pumpkin Patch.
Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch
Where: Mountain Valley Ranch, Ramona, CA
When: September 23rd – October 31st, 9am-6pm
The Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch is a local, family-owned farm offering an annual pumpkin patch every fall season.
Not only do they offer lots of local farm fresh fun with their “choose your own pumpkin” experience throughout the pumpkin season, but they also offer pony rides, a petting zoo, a corn cannon, a corn maze, and lots more Halloween fun.
Mountain Valley Ranch is definitely one of the local favorites in terms of San Diego pumpkin patches.
You can also find their farm-fresh products at Farm Stand West.
Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center
Where: Bates Nut Farm, Valley Center, CA
When: September 16th-October 31st, Monday-Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm / Friday 9 am – 6:30 pm / Saturday-Sunday 8:30 am-6:00 pm
Bates Nut Farm offers an annual pumpkin patch with various activities on select days throughout the season.
San Diego County loves supporting local family farms like Bates Nut Farm.
If you like pumpkin picking, live music, pony rides, a straw maze, hay rides, a petting corral, rock climbing, bounce houses, slides, and balloon art, check out Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center outside San Diego.
Julian Mining Co. Fall at the Farm
Where: Julian Mining Company, Julian, CA
When: Throughout October, Saturdays 10 am-4 pm / Sundays 12 pm-4 pm
Since 2007, Julian Mining Company has offered a small pumpkin farm and apple orchard for U-Pick opportunities throughout the fall season just outside San Diego, CA.
They also specialize in gold panning, gem mining, and many other old-fashioned activities for family day trips, school field trips, and general historical fun.
After you’ve picked your own pumpkin, there’s no shortage of other activities here. You’ll find a dig pit, a mini train, tractor rides, gold panning, and gem sluicing.
Make sure you check out their general store to find old-fashioned keepsakes from your visit to this piece of living pumpkin patch history.
And, just like Mountain Valley Ranch, you’ll find Julian Mining Co. products at Farm Stand West.
Oma’s Pumpkin Patch
Where: Oma’s Family Farm, Lakeside, CA
When: September 27th-October 29th, Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm
Oma’s Family Farm becomes a large pumpkin farm in the fall, and it’s unlike any other San Diego pumpkin patch.
If you’re looking for something different on your San Diego pumpkin patch excursion, Oma’s Pumpkin Patch has been around for over 60 years.
They also offer a Christmas tree farm in the winter.
Wagon rides take you through the patches and the petting zoo to a straw maze. There are also live music sets, and guests can sample treats as they stroll through the many attractions at this San Diego favorite.
Kids under 13 will get a Jack Patch Pumpkin with their admission price.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch
Where: Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Carlsbad, CA
When: September 18th-November 6th, everyday 9 am-5 pm
If you’re looking for family photo ops for that perfect Instagram picture during the fall season, you’ll love the displays this Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company has in store.
You’ll find giant pumpkins set amidst family activities, including an interactive petting corral, tractor rides, a pumpkin station for pumpkin decorating, a small corn maze, and many more.
Bring your camera, get lost in the corn maze, and grab the perfect fall photos.
Julian Farm & Orchard
Where: Julian Farm & Orchard, Santa Ysabel, CA
When: September-October daily, 10 am-4 pm
There’s no shortage of fun family farm activities at Julian Farm & Orchard throughout the fall season, and it’s not just about pumpkins!
This family-owned pumpkin patch features a petting zoo, a U-Pick apple orchard, sunflowers, photobooths, games, axe throwing, rock climbing, hay rides, crafts, face painting, and more.
With all that variety, it’s one of the most diverse pumpkin patches in San Diego County has to offer.
The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum: Pumpkin Express & Pumpkin Patch
Where: Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, Campo, CA
When: weekends throughout October, 9 am-5 pm
The Pumpkin Express at The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum takes visitors through the gorgeous San Diego County Mountains to view the surrounding scenery outside the museum grounds.
After the ride, the train drops you off back at the museum to enjoy an outdoor pumpkin patch.
There, you can decorate pumpkins and enjoy multiple Halloween-themed scenes throughout the museum.
While this one is great for the whole family, it’s also one of the best pumpkin patches in San Diego for adults due to the extensive train excursion and historical elements.
What a fun day exploring the mountains with your loved ones!
Palomar Pumpkin Palooza
Where: Palomar Pumpkin Palooza, Carlsbad, CA
When: Throughout October, Monday-Thursday 2 pm-8 pm/Fridays 12 pm-9 pm / Saturday-Sunday 9 am-9 pm
For free admission to the pumpkin patches, lots of animals, ample treats and novelty eats, a corn cannon, pony rides, and a corn maze, check out the Pumpkin Palooza.
This seasonal Carlsbad patch offers family fun throughout the fall season, making it stand out from other San Diego pumpkin patches.
The fun doesn’t stop when the season changes– they also do a Christmas tree farm in the winter.
Summers Past Farms
Where: Summers Past Farms, Flinn Springs, CA
When: throughout October, 9 am-3 pm
Wander through the pumpkin patch at Summers Past Farms throughout October and choose the perfect pumpkin from a wide selection in a gorgeous farm setting. This one is such a treat!
At the pumpkin farm at Summers Past Farms just outside of San Diego, CA, you’ll get lots of Halloween decorating ideas.
There’s a corn maze, a hay fort, lots of photo ops, and many more activities to get into the fall spirit.
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
Where: Peltzer Pumpkin Farm, Temecula, CA
When: September 23rd-October 31st, Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday-Sunday 9 am-8 pm
Featuring ponies, train rides, a tractor garden, mini go-carts, and a giant pumpkin patch, the Peltzer Pumpkin Farm is an annual San Diego favorite!
Join them for pumpkin painting on Tuesdays and Thursdays, October Nights every Friday and Saturday through the month, The Peltzer Halloweenie Party on October 28th, and more seasonal events for all ages.
FAQs About San Diego Pumpkin Patches
How much should I pay for a pumpkin?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 for a U-Pick pumpkin, depending on the size and the pumpkin farm.
How do I know if a pumpkin patch is dog-friendly?
Check the FAQs on the pumpkin farm’s website; they usually specify if their pumpkin patch is dog-friendly!
What do you recommend for carving pumpkins?
I recommend a pumpkin carving kit like this one if you want to carve pumpkins at home.
These kits come with various sizes of knives and scoops for getting out the guts and carving your unique designs.
Essentially, if you have a fun idea, a scoop, and some safe knives for carving, you should be set to create.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Taylor Neal
Taylor is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, yoga instructor and frontline worker who spends most of her time in her van (Vannigan) winding through the coastal and mountain roads of California where she feels most at home. From navigating the realities of van-life to the fluctuations in diverse climates and landscapes, Taylor is excited to bring everything she’s learned about California to fellow wanderers seeking beauty and adventure.
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