4 fun pumpkin patches in San Diego

Pick pumpkins and enjoy fall festivities across the county.

Mom and son sitting together in pumpkin patch

Fall is here, and the pumpkin patches are open! Whether you want pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns or pie, you can pick your own at pumpkin patches across San Diego County. Once you find the perfect one, stick around for hayrides, mazes, costume contests and more. Check out some of our favorite places to pick pumpkins and celebrate the season.

1

Bates Nut Farm

Visit the century-old farm's pumpkin patch, hop on a hayride and dress up for a costume contest. On Oct. 10, 17 and 24, stop by for Fall Festival Fridays with live music and food. Fall activities run from September through October.

2

Carlsbad Strawberry Company

Strawberry season might be over, but it's a great time to pick your own pumpkins. Explore a corn maze, take a tractor ride and visit the petting zoo for a day of fall fun. If you're feeling brave, come back for the haunted corn maze on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Goff Family Pumpkin Patch at Liberty Station

Plan a picnic at the pumpkin patch! Bring your favorite foods or order from one of Liberty Station's delicious restaurants. Admission is free, dogs are welcome, and they're open every day in September and October.

4

Pumpkin Station

Visit a Pumpkin Station in Del Mar, Mission Valley, National City, Bonita and Rancho Bernardo and bring your little ones. There's no charge to visit the pumpkin patch, and there are plenty of rides and games to try.

How to recycle your pumpkins

At the end of the season, don't throw your pumpkins away. Try one of these options instead:

  • Eat them: Turn unpainted pumpkins into roasted pumpkin seeds or pumpkin muffins. They're a good source of protein, fiber and antioxidants.
  • Compost them: Add unpainted pumpkins to your compost or green bin.
  • Donate them: Find a community garden, local farm or other organization that accepts donations. They'll be used to feed animals and enrich the soil.
  • Plant them: Save the seeds and grow them in your garden next year.

Feel your best this fall

As the weather cools down and we head toward the holidays, find new ways to support your wellness with Best Health®. Start by creating a Best Health online account to join challenges, track your activity to meet your goals and more. Take the Wellness Assessment to understand your overall health and get personalized tips. And for one-on-one support, get free health coaching on a variety of topics online and over the phone.