It’s that time of year again – apples, pumpkins, and… pumpkin spice lattes? If you’re in the mood to pick your own pumpkins for Jack O’Lantern carvings this year, look no further! We’ve rounded up all of our favorite pumpkin patches in San Diego – from local favorites to family farms in Julian and Ramona. Pack a sandwich and make a road trip out of it!
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Starts Oct. 1
La Jolla finally has its own pumpkin patch! Mr. Jack O’Lantern’s offers premium pumpkins, games, activities, and attractions. Swing by on a weekend and you might catch live music or a food truck. Items such as spider webs, halloween decorations, pumpkin carving sets, novelties, and more are also available to make it a one-stop-shop for all things Halloween. Activities include a giant bounce house, haunted maze, corn hole, slides, bowling, ring toss, and tons more. 6710 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Visit their website for all the details.
Bates Nut Farm
Sept. 22 – Oct. 31
The Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch has been open for nearly 50 years and is a serious San Diego favorite! Along with a pumpkin-picking patch, visitors can enjoy tractor hayrides, a straw maze, petting corral, and Snows Pony Rides.
Grab a wheelbarrow and pick from variety of pumpkins: Big Macs, Ghost, Cinderella, Jack O’ Lantern, minis, squash, gourds and other fall décor. In addition, Saturdays and Sundays at Bates include live entertainment from 12pm-3pm, BBQ, kettle corn, food trucks, rock climb, bounce, slide and other family friendly events. 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. Open Monday through Friday 9am-5:30pm; weekends from 8:30am-6pm. Visit their website for complete details.
Julian Mining Company
Starts Sept. 22
Along with apples and pie, Julian is also known for its fall pumpkin patches! The pick-your-own pumpkin patch at Julian Mining Co. is open every Saturday and Sunday starting September 29. Prices are approximately $.50/lbs. If you’re looking to spend more time here, they also have gem sluicing, gold panning, a petting zoo, and tomahawk throwing. 4444 Hwy. 78, Wynola/Julian. Visit their website for more details.
Mountain Valley Ranch
Sept. 22 – Oct. 31
Free admission! The whole family can enjoy an assortment of pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn. There is also a corn maze, a corn cannon, petting zoo, hay rides (weekends only), and pony rides. Snacks and refreshments will be available on the weekends, as well. Open seven days a week from 9am-6pm. 842 CA-78, Ramona. Visit website for more information.
Farm Stand West & Fran’s Original Farm Stand
Starts October 1st
All throughout the month of October they’ll be hosting a you-pick Pumpkin Patch. Head over to the Farm Stand West or the Original Farm Stand and pick your own bunch of pumpkins for the season. Open weekends from 10am-6 pm. 2115 Miller Ave., Escondido; and 1980 Summit Dr., Escondido. Head here for more information.
Lavender Hill Pumpkins
Starts Sept. 29
Lavender Hill Pumpkins is a super popular spot in Fallbrook; their u-pick pumpkin patch is located on a beautiful family-owned farm on a hillside. They take pride in growing a selection of varieties that produce unusually large or unique pumpkins; this year’s crop includes about 10,000 pumpkins in three dozen varieties, ranging from the very large to the very small, from the mildly eccentric to the shamelessly grotesque. Fridays 2-5 pm; Sat. & Sun. 10am-5 pm. 1509 East Mission Rd., Fallbrook.
Pumpkin Station
Pumpkin Stations are in multiple locations throughout San Diego: Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, Mission Valley, El Cajon, National City, Bonita. Take the convenient route and pick some pumpkins in the city! Each spot also offers kiddie rides, giant slides, corn maze, inflatable play centers, petting zoos, game zones, and even school tours and party packages. All locations have free parking and admission. Pumpkins are priced individually on size.
Summers Past Farms
Starts October 1st
Summers Past has been a country favorite since they opened in 1987. Besides a large farm, the property also features an herbal soap shop, where they make their own in-house soap products. Wander through the pumpkin patch at Summers Past Farms throughout the month of October and pick your own pumpkin to take home. Other activities include a bounce house, crafts, and snacks for everyone like popcorn, coffee, and smoothies. Open Wednesday-Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sundays 10am-5pm. Located at 15602 Olde Highway 80, Flinn Springs 92021.
