7 Best Bay Area Pumpkin Patches
We rounded up our favorite worth-the-trip pumpkin patches that go beyond gourds.
You’re already planning to haul in a few pumpkins and gourds for Jack-O-Lanterns galore: why not make a day of it? This time of year, many of our producers transform their land into pumpkin patches with picnics, hayrides, and farm stand treats. After scouring the Bay, we rounded up our 7 favorite pumpkin patches we guarantee are worth the trip. (No loose pumpkins arranged on fake turf. We know, we’ve been there.) With only a few days left before Halloween, go beyond gourds with one of our picks:
950 La Honda Road, San Gregorio, 94074
Our friends at Blue House Farm offer pumpkin picking every weekend through the end of October. This certified organic farm is tucked away in Pescadero, with over 40 acres of berries, greens, and peppers. After you handpick the perfect pumpkin, stop by the farmstand for fresh flowers and vegetables.
4444 Coast Rd. (Hwy 1)
The pumpkin patch at Rodoni Farms is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Pick from ten varieties of pumpkin, ranging from classic bright orange sugar pie to ghost white polar bear pumpkins.
12320 San Mateo Road. (Hwy. 92), Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Lemos Farm is home to a smorgasbord of classic fall activities. Stroll through fields filled with hundreds of pumpkins, then undle up and hop in a hay ride, or snap a few pictures as the kids enjoy a pony ride. With so much to do, this is a great place to make a day of it and really celebrate all fall has to offer. The farm is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
185 Verde Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
This family farm in Half Moon Bay features a six acre corn field and a pumpkin river. It’s world renowned for the Minotaur’s Labyrinth Hay Maze, a challenging two acre adventure filled with twists and turns. Pack a lunch and spread out on the picnic grounds, then relax with a hay ride and a trip to the petting zoo. The haunted barn is perfect for horror-lovers, but little ones will probably have more fun on the playground or on the mini hay maze. Visit the farm between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, or stay out on Friday and Saturday when the farm stays open until 10:30 p.m
4351 Mines Rd, Livermore, CA
Check out a pumpkin patch with an Old West vibe that’s housed on a working cattle ranch. After you pick pumpkins, wander through an Old Western town and pan for gemstones, then explore the fort maze or corn maze. Hang out with the chickens, sheep, goats, and cattle that call this ranch home. There’s a cafe and “sweet and treat” shop, as well as plenty of space for a picnic. Joan’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They don’t accept credit cards, so make sure to pack some cash or use the ATMs available at the farm.
1620 7th Avenue, San Francisco CA, 94122
Did you ever dream of taking a hayride in the middle of San Francisco? It’s surreal, delightful, and an actual option when you visit Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch. This is a great spot for kids of all ages, but particularly families with really small kids. It’s conveniently located in San Francisco, big enough that there are plenty of pumpkins, and small enough that you could spend a cozy 30 minutes here and feel totally satisfied. Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day. Come back in November when this place becomes a forest of choose-your-own Christmas trees.
3160 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Looking for a twist on the classic pumpkin patch experience? Shoreline Lake Pumpkin Patch is right beside a lake, and you can buy passes that include activities on the water. Pick out a pumpkin, then spend time kayaking, canoeing, or stand up paddle boarding. There’s plenty of classic pumpkin patch fun too, including weekend pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, and special Halloween crafts.
