San Diego County Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards
Fall is on its way, and the realtors at San Diego Castles are ready to celebrate the season of change! Let’s be honest, there's no better way to embrace the autumn spirit than by visiting a local farm or apple orchard. From hayrides and corn mazes to fresh apple picking, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite local destinations that will provide the perfect backdrop for making autumn memories.
Check out these must-visit spots to embrace the magic of fall in San Diego.
📍15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082
Open: September 16th – October 31st
This beloved local farm is known for its extensive pumpkin patch that opens on September 16th and runs through Halloween. It offers plenty of activities for families including hay rides, a straw maze, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Each Friday, there’s a Fall Festival from 3:30 – 6:30 pm featuring face painting, crafts, a bouncy house, and more. Weekends are especially lively with additional attractions like rock climbing, photo booths, balloon art, and live music. Bates Nut Farm also has a large retail store filled with gourmet treats like nuts, dried fruits, and chocolates. While admission is free, there’s a $10 parking fee on weekends in October.
📍2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Open: September 29th – October 31st
The Del Mar Pumpkin Station is another top pick for families that opens on September 29th and runs through October 31st. It offers a variety of fun activities such as kid-sized amusement rides, a small petting zoo, and inflatables. It’s an excellent option for families looking for a convenient and entertaining spot to pick out their pumpkins. The Pumpkin Station also hosts party spaces, making it a great place to celebrate a fall birthday or event. Free parking is available right outside the patch, and the station is open late, making it easy for working families to visit during the week.
📍13421 Highland Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92025
Open: September 29th – October 31st
Mix up your pumpkin patch excursions with some sunflower picking! The Pumpkin Station (located in Ranch Bernardo) is perfect for a day of fall fun, featuring a fun train ride, an 8-foot-tall corn maze, a petting zoo, and tractor rides. A unique highlight of this location is the cut-your-own sunflower field, which is not only a fun activity but also provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos. The Pumpkin Station opens on September 29th and remains open daily throughout October. With free parking and restrooms available onsite, this patch offers a convenient and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
📍1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Open: September 18th – November 6th
While best known for its strawberries, Carlsbad Strawberry Company transforms into a fall wonderland as the season starts to shift. Located just over half an hour from San Diego, this patch offers a wide range of activities including hayrides, a corn maze, games, and an apple cannon. For those looking for a bit of a thrill, the haunted corn maze is a must-visit, offering a spooky adventure that’s sure to get your heart racing. Also, don’t forget the beautiful fields of marigold flowers that provide the perfect family photo opportunity.
📍1982 Wagonwheel Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Open: September – October
Pumpkin Polar Palooza is more than just a pumpkin patch—it’s a family-friendly fall festival! Past events have included food trucks, live music, bounce houses, petting zoos, and archery. On weekend nights, you can enjoy Halloween movies outdoors on a giant projector screen, making it a fun evening destination for families. Also, don’t forget there are hundreds of pumpkins to choose from, ranging from tiny decorative gourds to giant pumpkins that are perfect for carving.
📍1711 Hwy 78, Julian, CA 92036
Open: Late September – Veterans Day
Mesa Blooms Orchard in Julian is a charming apple orchard where visitors can enjoy picking their own apples in a beautiful rustic setting. Open from the last weekend of September through Veterans Day in November, this orchard offers a truly authentic farm experience. Mesa Blooms is a working orchard, so be sure to wear sturdy, close-toed shoes to navigate uneven ground. This is a great spot for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasure of picking fresh, ripe apples straight from the tree.
📍1020 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Open: September – October
This local orchard is another fantastic apple-picking destination in Julian, offering over 1,000 apple and pear trees for visitors to explore. The trees range in age from 20 to 70 years, with many low branches that are perfect for children to reach. This orchard is fully organic, using only certified products, and is inspected annually to maintain its certification. Apple Starr Orchard is a wonderful place for families to enjoy a day in the countryside, picking delicious, fresh fruit in a serene environment.
📍4381 Julian Hwy, Julian, CA 92036
Open: September – October
Spanning 25 acres in the picturesque Wynola neighborhood of Julian, this 25-acre sustainable farm is not only home to sprawling apple orchards but also features a variety of other attractions. Visitors can enjoy a petting zoo, tractor-pulled hayrides, axe throwing, picnic areas, hammocks, and a gift shop. Julian Farm & Orchard offers U-pick apples and pumpkins during September and October, making it a perfect fall destination. The friendly staff ensures a safe and memorable experience for all visitors, and the farm’s picturesque setting provides plenty of opportunities for family photos.
📍4444 CA-78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Open: September – October
Julian Mining Company adds a touch of rustic charm to your apple-picking experience, with U-pick pumpkins and apples available alongside other fun activities like apple cider pressing, axe throwing, and hayrides. The mining theme of the farm gives visitors a taste of California’s historic gold rush era, with activities like gold and gem mining, shopping at the mercantile, and the new mine tunnel ride. Located just outside Julian, the Julian Mining Company offers free parking, restrooms, and food stalls, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for a day of fall family fun.
After your adventure at one of these pumpkin patches or apple orchards, why not bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen? Here are a few delicious recipes to get you started:
These delicious treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying by yourself on a crisp fall day.
San Diego certainly comes alive in the fall with its abundance of local pumpkin patches and apple orchards. With so many options to explore, your autumn season is sure to be filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of family fun.
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Check out these must-visit spots to embrace the magic of fall in San Diego.
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