The 7 BEST San Diego Pumpkin Patches For 2025: Dates, Prices, And Hidden Attractions Revealed
The 2025 fall season is officially here, and San Diego County is bursting with vibrant harvest celebrations, from sprawling farms in the backcountry to urban patches with ocean views. Forget the old, outdated guides—this is your definitive, up-to-the-minute resource for the absolute best pumpkin-picking adventures in Southern California.
Whether you're hunting for a massive carving pumpkin, navigating a thrilling corn maze, or simply looking for the perfect family photo opportunity, San Diego's pumpkin patches offer an unmatched variety of seasonal fun. We've gathered the most current 2025 dates, pricing details, and unique attractions for the seven must-visit locations across the county.
The Essential 2025 San Diego Pumpkin Patch Profiles
Each of San Diego’s major pumpkin patches offers a unique flavor of fall fun. Use this comprehensive guide to choose the ideal destination based on location, price, and the specific activities your family loves. This section acts as a detailed biography and profile for each top-tier venue, ensuring you have all the facts before you go.
1. Bates Nut Farm (Valley Center)
- Location: 15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082 (North County San Diego)
- 2025 Season Dates: Daily, September 18 through October 31, 2025.
- The Vibe: The quintessential, historic farm experience. Bates Nut Farm is a sprawling, authentic venue known for its massive selection of pumpkins and its famous Nut Farm store.
- Unique Attractions: Hayrides, straw maze, a petting zoo, and pony rides. The farm hosts popular weekend events, including the famous Doggie Costume Contest on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
- Pricing Note: Admission to the pumpkin patch itself is free, but there are fees for parking and individual attractions.
2. Pumpkin Station (Multiple Locations)
- Locations: Multiple sites, including Mission Valley (1288 Camino Del Rio N) and Del Mar (15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd).
- 2025 Season Dates: Daily, September 26 through October 31, 2025. The Del Mar location often closes a few days earlier.
- The Vibe: A classic, carnival-style patch perfect for younger children, offering high-energy fun and rides.
- Unique Attractions: This is the spot for rides! Expect giant slides, a carousel, a variety of kiddie rides, and a petting zoo.
- Pricing Note: Admission is free to enter the patch, but all attractions require separate tickets or an Attraction Ticket Package.
3. Carlsbad Strawberry Company (Carlsbad)
- Location: 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- 2025 Season Dates: Opening Friday, September 19, 2025.
- The Vibe: A coastal farm experience that blends traditional pumpkin picking with fantastic photo opportunities and a massive corn maze.
- Unique Attractions: A huge, exciting corn maze, tractor rides, bounce houses, and a variety of games. The location is known for its fresh food vendors and beautiful backdrop.
- Pricing Note: Check the website for 2025 admission and corn maze pricing, as they are separate from the pumpkin purchase.
4. Oma's Family Farm (Lakeside)
- Location: 14950 El Monte Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040 (East County San Diego)
- 2025 Season Dates: Typically opens late September.
- The Vibe: A true East County farm setting focused on hands-on agricultural fun and education for young children.
- Unique Attractions: A huge variety of unique activities, including a wagon ride, the famous Cottonseed Mountain for climbing, a jumping pillow, giant slides, pedal carts, duck racing, and a well-loved petting zoo.
- Pricing Note: Admission is charged to enter the farm, which includes most activities.
5. Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patch (Clairemont/La Jolla)
- Location: Multiple locations, including 3901 Clairemont Dr.
- 2025 Season Dates: Typically runs from early October through November 2.
- The Vibe: Focused on games, entertainment, and convenience, with a premium selection of pumpkins and unique carving kits.
- Unique Attractions: A thrilling Haunted Corn Maze, pumpkin bowling, candy corn hole, and a popular "Jack O' Pass" for unlimited access to games. They also offer online ordering and delivery services.
- Pricing Note: General admission is $10 Mon-Thurs and $12 Fri-Sun, with kids 4 and under free. Attractions have an additional cost.
6. Goff Family Pumpkin Patch (Liberty Station)
- Location: Sellers Plaza Putting Green, Liberty Station (Point Loma/Mid-San Diego)
- 2025 Season Dates: September 20 through October 31, 2025.
- The Vibe: An urban, centrally located patch that’s perfect for city dwellers and those looking for a quick, easy visit.
- Unique Attractions: Located next to the Loma Club putting green, this patch is known for its beautiful setting and is a favorite for private parties and fall photoshoots.
- Pricing Note: Admission is free for all ages.
7. Julian Farm and Orchard (Julian)
- Location: 4381 Julian Hwy, Julian, CA 92036
- 2025 Season Dates: Weekends in September and October for Harvest Fest.
- The Vibe: A mountain retreat offering a true "fall" feel with crisp air, stunning foliage, and a focus on harvest activities.
- Unique Attractions: The Harvest Fest is the main event, featuring a U-Cut Pumpkin Patch where you can pick your pumpkin right off the vine, a hay bale maze, and delicious seasonal treats like fresh apple cider slushies.
- Pricing Note: Weekend admission is typically $5 per person, with additional costs for pumpkins and certain activities.
Beyond the Patch: San Diego’s Top Fall Harvest Festivals and U-Pick Farms
To truly immerse yourself in the San Diego fall experience and increase your topical authority, you need to look beyond the pumpkins. The region offers a rich tapestry of seasonal events and U-Pick farms that perfectly complement your pumpkin patch visit, allowing you to sample local produce and enjoy artisan crafts.
These entities represent the best of the county's autumn offerings, from North County to East County San Diego, making your fall weekend a complete harvest celebration.
Must-Visit San Diego Fall Festivals (2025 Updates)
Fall festivals are a cornerstone of the San Diego seasonal calendar, offering everything from artisanal crafts to unique plant sales:
- San Diego Botanic Garden Fall Festival: Located in Encinitas, this event on Saturday, October 11, 2025, is a full-day celebration of autumn fun. It’s a great place to shop for unique houseplants, native plants, and spooky seasonal favorites.
- Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show: Held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from October 3-5, 2025, this massive event features hundreds of artisans selling American handmade items, making it a perfect stop for holiday shopping.
- Del Sur Fall Festival: This community tradition takes place at The Village Green Park in Del Sur on September 27-28, 2025, offering family-friendly activities in a beautiful suburban setting.
Expanding Your Harvest Haul: U-Pick Farms and Orchards
For a deeper dive into the farm-to-table experience, San Diego County is home to several U-Pick locations that are in full swing during the fall months. These provide a wonderful alternative or addition to the traditional pumpkin patch, allowing you to pick your own seasonal produce.
- Apple Picking in Julian: While Julian Farm and Orchard offers pumpkins, the greater Julian area is the epicenter of San Diego apple picking. Look for other renowned U-Pick entities like Riley's Farm, Stone Pantry Orchard, and Willowbrook Apple Farm for a true mountain harvest experience.
- U-Pick Persimmons: For a unique seasonal fruit, Shoemaker Farm (now known as Ramona Fresh Fruits) in Ramona typically opens in late October for persimmon picking. This is a favorite among local foodies for its unique harvest experience.
Tips for Navigating the San Diego Pumpkin Season
The San Diego pumpkin season is short and incredibly popular, so planning ahead is key to maximizing your fun and minimizing stress. Here are a few expert tips to ensure a perfect fall outing:
Arrive Early on Weekends: Popular spots like Bates Nut Farm and Carlsbad Strawberry Company see massive crowds, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Arriving right when they open (often 9 a.m.) will help you beat the lines for parking and popular attractions like hayrides and corn mazes.
Budget for Activities: Remember that many patches, particularly Pumpkin Station and Mr. Jack O' Lanterns, offer free admission but charge separately for attractions. Consider purchasing an all-access wristband or ticket package if you plan on spending the whole day enjoying the rides and games.
Check the Weather: While San Diego is known for its temperate climate, inland spots like Julian and Valley Center can get significantly hotter or cooler than the coastal areas. Dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Look for Free Admission Spots: If you are simply looking for a great photo op and a pumpkin, locations like Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station and the main patch areas of Pumpkin Station offer free entry, saving you money for your perfect pumpkin purchase.
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