5 San Diego Pumpkin Patches
Whether for carving jack-o’-lanterns, making homemade breads and muffins, or just for decorating the front porch, nothing says “Fall is here” like pumpkins. Let picking out the perfect pumpkin be half the fun by heading to one of these local pumpkin patches.
The Farm Stand West and Fran’s Original Farm Stand
Through Oct. 31. Load up a wheelbarrow and trek into the pumpkin patch with fun varieties of pumpkins all grown on-site at this family farmstand. Save a trip to the grocery store and stock up on fresh fruits, veggies and nuts. Also join on Oct. 24-25 for the annual Fall Harvest Festival & Boutique with BBQ lunch, free hay rides, crafts, goods and more. 2115 Miller Ave.; 1980 Summit Dr., Escondido. thefarmstandwest.com
Bates Nut Farm
Through Oct. 31. Enjoy hunting for the perfect pumpkins, get lost in the straw maze and toss corn to the farm animals at Bates Nut Farm. Also enjoy shopping in the boutique “Farmer’s Daughter” for unique gift items. 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center, 760.749.3333. batesnutfarm.biz
Suzie’s Farm
Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For those in South County, head to Suzie’s Farm and choose your pumpkin right off the vine. Join for the annual Pumpkin Palooza on Oct. 17 from for even more fun and events with live music, food trucks, farm tours and more. 1856 Saturn Blvd., Imperial Beach, 619.662.1780. suziesfarm.com
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch
Through Oct. 31. While guests can pick out pumpkins every day, the weekends at Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch also offer pumpkin painting activities, a corn maze and hay rides. 1050 Cannon Rd., Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Julian Mining Company
Julian might be famous for its apple pies, but before filling up on dessert, make a whole day out of it by first stopping at the Julian Mining Company. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October, the fall-themed Harvest Tour package includes a hayride, cider press and petting zoo in addition to the pumpkin patch. 4444 State Hwy 78, Wynola/Julian, 951.313.0166. julianminingcompany.com
