Pumpkin season is officially here and that means lots of fun, family events.
Nothing says fall quite like a visit to a pumpkin patch. The Bay Area really embraces the season and you’ll find tons of fall festivals complete with corn mazes, hay rides and Instagram-worthy photo ops. Why not stop by a few while you’re out exploring the suburbs?
Grab a pumpkin spice latte and get ready for fall fun in the Bay Area…
North Bay
#1. Larkspur
Heirloom pumpkins are available at the Marin Country Mart throughout October. This outdoor shopping center features two “honor system” pumpkin patches where Larkspur locals can stock up on carving and eating pumpkins. You’ll find everything from traditional Jack-O-Lantern style gourds to green, striped and white pumpkins.
While you’re here, enter your guess for the weight of the huge pumpkin on display. On October 30th, they will announce the winner at the Halloween costume contest. And if you really do want to pick up a pumpkin spice latte, one of these pumpkin patches is right next to a Starbucks.
#2. Petaluma
With so many farms and pumpkin patches in Petaluma, you could easily plan a fall festival crawl. If you have little ones in your crew, Pronzini Farms is a great place to start. In addition to a pumpkin patch, they offer pony rides, bounce houses and a cafe.
A few miles away there’s the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch. This patch has been a local favorite for over 30 years, and the corn maze there is a huge delight.
The Mickelson Pumpkin Patch puts on another excellent fall festival in town. Here you can pick up unique Daybreak or Cinderella pumpkins before wandering through the hay maze or trying your hand at the apple cannon. Craft beer and snacks are available on-site. For something more low-key, stop by Green String Farm for carving pumpkins and colorful, decorative gourds.
#3. Santa Rosa
The Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch grows mini, specialty and traditional pumpkins. But these gourds are just the start. There’s also a huge corn maze, petting zoo and a pumpkin blaster – yes a pumpkin blaster!
If you’re looking for more, there’s the Muelrath Ranches Pumpkin Patch which is known for its sustainably grown and pesticide-free pumpkins. You can also hop on a hay ride or check out the haunted dungeon – if you dare.
East Bay
#4. Alameda
Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch has everything you need for a fall-filled afternoon. Families especially enjoy this one since there’s a petting zoo and jump houses. And if you just want to snap a few pics with the pumpkins, head to Almanac Beer Co after to relax with a seasonal Rocktoberfest brew.
#5. Berkeley
Berkeley locals look forward to the annual Harvest Festival all year long. If you’re checking out the town on October 15, stop by Cedar Rose Park to join in the fun. Expect live music, pumpkin decorating, carnival games and a celebration of locally grown food.
But the festival isn’t the only chance for fall fun in Berkeley. The small Westbrae Nursery Mini Patch is a cute stop for an autumnal photo op. Plus, you can pick out a pumpkin or two to take home.
#6. Brentwood
For a unique fall activity, pick pumpkins straight off the vine at G&S Pumpkin Patch. After finding the perfect gourd, see how long it takes you to get through the corn maze.
Three Nunns Farm also offers U-Pick pumpkins. Take a tractor ride to the patch and pick some pomegranates and wildflowers while you’re there.
Smith Family Farm puts on their Pumpkin Harvest festival throughout October complete with live music, seasonal photo ops and farm animal encounters. The admission fee includes any pumpkin from the patch.
#7. Livermore
Visiting G&M Farms Pumpkin Patch is a beloved fall tradition for Livermore locals. This spot (which has been featured on the David Letterman show) has a hayride, cow train and corn maze in addition to a great selection of carving pumpkins.
Moore Pumpkin Patch is a budget-friendly option and parking and tons of photo ops are included in the $5 admission fee. Pup parents can even bring their dogs to this one.
Joan’s Farm has everything from pumpkin bowling to a hay bale maze to a snack shack serving pumpkin pie. You may see a llama or donkey while you’re deciding which pumpkin to bring home with you.
#8. Fremont
Step back in time with a visit to the Ardenwood Historic Farm. Their annual Harvest Festival is taking place October 8-9 and you’ll get the chance to harvest corn, listen to old-time music and see a cider press in action.
If you won’t be in town for the Harvest Festival, visit the ABC Farms pumpkin patch at the Fremont Hub instead. Here you’ll be able to find the perfect Jack O’Lantern pumpkin plus there are inflatables if you have kids with you.
Peninsula and South Bay
#9. Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Art Center hosts a one-of-a-kind glass pumpkin patch each year. On October 1 and 2, wander through this impressive display of blown glass gourds. You can also watch glass-blowing demonstrations to see how these colorful pumpkins are created.
#10. Half Moon Bay
For 90 years, the Andreotti Family Farm has provided a variety of vegetables for the community. Today, the tradition continues with their seasonal pumpkin patch. And for a photo op, you can’t beat the farm’s gorgeous sunflower field. Stop by the nearby Cafe Society for a pumpkin spice latte to make it a perfect fall outing.
#11. San Mateo
San Mateo also hosts an outpost of the ABC Farms pumpkin patch (the same one you can visit in Fremont). Whether you just want to pick out some seasonal decorations or you’re bringing kids along, this spot has everything you need for fall fun. If you do have little ones, there’s an inflatable amusement park which is always a big hit.
Exploring the suburbs this fall? Let us help you find the town that checks all of your boxes. Reach out today to get started.