For a quick, free pumpkin run close to the city, go to Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station. For the full farm-day experience with hayrides, a straw maze and pony rides, head to Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center. Carlsbad Strawberry Company is the pick if corn mazes are the point, while Oma's in Lakeside and Pumpkin Station cover several parts of the county.
October weekends bring the biggest crowds, so weekday mornings and the last week of September are usually the easiest times to visit. Always check the venue's website before leaving home because hours, activities and pumpkin availability can change during the season.
Six San Diego pumpkin patches at a glance
| Patch | Area | 2026 season | Entry | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goff Family Pumpkin Patch | Liberty Station, Point Loma | Sept. 18 to Oct. 31 | Free | A close-in stop and leashed dogs |
| Bates Nut Farm | Valley Center | Sept. 17 to Oct. 31 | Free; activities by ticket | A full farm day, hayrides and ponies |
| Carlsbad Strawberry Company | Carlsbad, Cannon Road | Sept. 14 to Nov. 8 | $20 in September; $20–$25 in October | Corn mazes and flower-field photos |
| Oma's Pumpkin Patch | Lakeside | Sept. 26 to Oct. 31, Thursday–Saturday | Paid timed ticket; ages 2 and under free | Farm activities and a petting zoo |
| Pumpkin Station | Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, National City and Bonita | Sept. 25 to Oct. 31 | Free parking and admission; activities extra | A convenient patch near home |
| Julian Farm & Orchard Harvest Fest | Julian | Sept. 4 to Nov. 15, Friday–Sunday | Paid admission | Pairing pumpkins with a mountain day |
Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station
This one is small, and that is the appeal. It sits on the putting green just inside the north entrance of Liberty Station at 2830 Perry Road, across from SparkCycle. Entry is free, and the patch is open September 18 through October 31. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
You can picnic, bring a leashed dog, and buy hand-tossed pizza Friday through Sunday. The Tap Truck serves cider, beer, wine and cocktails on weekends. The patch recommends using the Cushing Road parking lot by Sea Hive instead of circling the spaces closest to the green.
It works well at the end of a Liberty Station afternoon, after a run around the big lawn at NTC Park or dinner at Liberty Public Market. If you are curious about living nearby, explore the Point Loma neighborhood guide.
Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center
Families have been coming to Bates every fall since 1963, and it still feels like a working farm rather than a set. The 2026 patch opened September 17 at 15954 Woods Valley Road and runs through October 31. Admission is free. Tractor hayrides, the straw maze, corn pit and bounce house are among the activities available during the season, with activity tickets sold at the farm.
A few timing details make a real difference:
- September hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
- Parking is free on weekdays. A $10 parking fee applies September 26 and 27 and on weekends in October.
- Pony rides are scheduled September 26 and 27, then daily throughout October. The petting zoo follows the same schedule.
- The last three Fridays in October, October 9, 16 and 23, are Fall Friday Festivals. The patch stays open until 6:30 p.m., with additional food, activities and live music from 3:30 p.m.
- Bates closes at 4 p.m. on Halloween.
Leashed dogs are welcome. Budget about an hour's drive from central San Diego, and more on an October Saturday.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
The draw on Cannon Road is the corn: a maze, tractor ride, animal areas and flower fields that do much of the work for fall photos. The season runs September 14 through November 8. September hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. In October, the patch is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, although daytime activities close at 5:30 p.m.
General admission is $20 in September. In October, it is $20 Monday through Thursday and $25 Friday through Sunday. The corn maze, tractor ride and animal encounters cost extra, with a $25 farm activity bundle available. The $25 Haunted Corn Maze runs from 7 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October and is aimed at teenagers and adults.
Oma's Pumpkin Patch in Lakeside
Oma's is the East County option, with slides, a corn crib, trike track, petting zoo and plenty of play areas. The 2026 pumpkin patch runs September 26 through October 31, Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Everyone ages 3 through 79 needs a timed admission ticket, while children 2 and under are free. Parking is free. A tractor-pulled wagon ride is available for an additional $5 per person. Because animals live on the property, only certified service animals are allowed.
Pumpkin Station around San Diego County
Pumpkin Station has four 2026 locations: Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, Plaza Bonita in National City, and Bonita. All open September 25 and run through October 31, with free parking and free admission. Pumpkins and activities are priced separately.
The Rancho Bernardo and Bonita farms offer corn mazes, tractor rides, train rides and petting zoos. Del Mar and Plaza Bonita are convenient city locations with mechanical rides and inflatable attractions. Hours vary by location, so check the location page before heading out. Leashed dogs are welcome at all Pumpkin Station locations.
Julian Farm & Orchard Harvest Fest
Julian Farm & Orchard at 4381 Julian Highway runs Harvest Fest Friday through Sunday from September 4 through November 15. Farm hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., parking is free, and paid general admission is required.
The farm combines a pumpkin patch with seasonal activities including tractor-pulled hayrides, play areas, an animal sanctuary and cider-press demonstrations. Apple picking requires a separate Apple Tour reservation and depends on crop availability, so do not assume it is included with regular admission.
A few practical notes
Go early on weekends. By late morning on an October Saturday, the Valley Center and Carlsbad lots can get busy.
Bring cash and a card. Activity and food vendors may have different payment rules.
Wear closed-toe shoes. Straw, dirt and corn stubble are harder on sandals than you might expect, and at least one kid will want to run the maze twice.
If you are planning a full October, the SeaWorld Spooktacular family guide covers the theme-park side of the season. Start with the San Diego Communities Guide if a Saturday in Valley Center, Carlsbad or Julian has you wondering what living nearby is like.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free pumpkin patches in San Diego?
Yes. Goff Family Pumpkin Patch has free entry. Bates Nut Farm and Pumpkin Station also offer free admission, although pumpkins and many activities cost extra. Parking fees apply at Bates on September 26 and 27 and on October weekends.
Which San Diego pumpkin patches allow dogs?
Goff Family Pumpkin Patch, Bates Nut Farm and all Pumpkin Station locations welcome leashed dogs. Oma's allows certified service animals only.
What is the best pumpkin patch in San Diego for toddlers?
For toddlers, a short drive often matters more than a long activity list. Goff at Liberty Station is small, free and close to central San Diego. For animals and a hayride, Bates Nut Farm on a weekday morning is calmer than an October weekend.
When do San Diego pumpkin patches close for the season?
Goff, Bates, Oma's and Pumpkin Station run through October 31. Carlsbad Strawberry Company continues through November 8, and Julian Farm & Orchard runs through November 15. Hours and available activities vary, so check the venue's website before visiting.