Despite the recent heat wave, can’t you at least imagine the crispness in the air as fall arrives in the San Francisco Bay Area? After all, it’s the start of pumpkin season and that means fun for people of all ages. As the leaves begin to change, you’re drawn to exploring the Bay Area’s best pumpkin patches, where hayrides, corn mazes, and endless rows of pumpkins await. You imagine yourself strolling through colorful fields, surrounded by the rich scent of earth and the sights and sounds of families enjoying the autumn festivities. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve, getting lost in a corn maze, or simply seeking a place to soak in the charm of fall, there’s a farm for you. The Bay Area’s pumpkin farms offer everything from family-friendly activities to peaceful countryside experiences, giving you the perfect backdrop for your seasonal adventure. So grab your flannel and prepare to discover the best spots for pumpkin picking this autumn!
Top Pumpkin Farms in the San Francisco Bay Area
Arata’s Pumpkin Farm
185 Verde Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-7548
www.aratapumpkinfarm.com
When you step into Arata’s Pumpkin Farm, it feels like you’ve wandered into a magical autumn fairytale. For instance, the towering hay bale maze draws you in, challenging you to test your sense of direction. Next, wander through the pumpkin patch, filled with vibrant pumpkins scattered across the rolling landscape. The day feels picture-perfect with the hills as your backdrop and a festive atmosphere all around. After picking your pumpkins, you explore the farm’s pony rides and petting zoo, adding an extra touch of fun to your visit. That’s not to mention a walk through the farm’s popular Minotaur’s Labyrinth corn maze. Incidentally, Arata’s Pumpkin Farm has the distinction of being the oldest pumpkin farm in San Mateo County.
Clancy’s Pumpkins & Christmas Trees
1620 Seventh Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 753-2689
www.clancystrees.com
Right in the heart of the city, Clancy’s Pumpkins offers a charming, nostalgic escape. In fact, since 1979, it’s been a San Francisco favorite, drawing in families and pumpkin lovers alike. What’s more, you can explore the rows of pumpkins, ranging from small and quirky to impressively large. Then there are towering corn stalks and hay bales that create a countryside feel despite its urban location. That’s not to mention the petting zoo, with its friendly goats, which adds an extra festive touch as you wander the patch. Before you leave, you can’t resist taking a few photos, capturing the perfect fall moment in the middle of the city. In addition to its original location, Clancy’s has a second location next to the San Francisco Zoo. While you are welcome to bring your well-behaved dogs, you must have them on a leash.
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(credit: KCRA 3)
Cool Patch Pumpkins
6150 Dixon Ave. West
Dixon, CA 95620
(530) 746-8725
www.coolpatchpumpkins.com
Cool Patch Pumpkins greets you with its sprawling fields and particularly the famous corn maze, known as the world’s largest. The sheer scale of the patch amazes you, with pumpkins of every size and color dotting the landscape. In fact, the maze is so large it covers 63 acres and extends about three miles. Of course, you might prefer spending time picking the perfect pumpkin, feeling proud of your choices for decorating or carving. What’s more, there’s also plenty of more fun, from hayrides to climbing giant straw mountain, which is a hit for both kids and adults. In brief, this farm feels like an endless autumn adventure, with surprises waiting at every corner. By the time you leave, your arms are full of pumpkins, and your heart is full of fall memories.
Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm
850 North Cabrillo Highway
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 730-9258
www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com
Driving along the coast, you can spot Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm, framed by golden hills and a refreshing ocean breeze. The friendly atmosphere welcomes you, and if you’re lucky, you can meet the original owners, John and Eda Muller. However, Farmer John, the former mayor of Half Moon Bay, sold the family-friendly farm in 2021 to capable owners Danny Bretao and Danny Lopes. Just north of Half Moon Bay, the patch offers pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, from small decorative gourds to contest-worthy giants. While there, take your time exploring, enjoying the surrounding countryside’s peaceful setting and beauty. The vintage tractor is a must-see, perfect for a photo-op. Before leaving, soak in the calmness of the farm while your car is full of perfect pumpkins.
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G&M Farms
487 E. Airway Blvd.
Livermore, CA 94551
www.gmfarms.com
At G&M Farms, the lively fall atmosphere pulls you in right away. The pumpkin patch offers a wide selection of pumpkins, and you are surrounded by shapes and sizes perfect for any Halloween decoration. As you stroll through the field, you hear the playful sounds of kids enjoying games nearby. Soon, you head for the farm’s famous corn maze, eager to see if you can conquer its twists and turns. That’s not to mention the equally famous Cow Train on weekends and a new hay ride. Before you leave, you grab a pumpkin and a few treats from the farmstand, feeling satisfied with the festive day. Lastly, as you get closer to Halloween, try your luck walking through the Haunted Corn Maze on October 19 and 26. While it’s $10 to enter the corn maze, there is no charge for admission or parking.
Joan’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch
4351 Mines Road
Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 980-7772
www.joansfarm.com
Stepping into Joan’s Farm feels like you’re traveling back in time to the Old West. After all, the nostalgic charm is everywhere, with Western-style buildings and vintage wagons setting a rustic tone. The pumpkin patch offers a wide variety, from traditional to unique ghost pumpkins and decorative gourds. Walking through the farm, you notice kids enjoying the petting zoo and gold-panning activities, adding to the farm’s old-fashioned fun. You pause for a few photos with the vintage tractors before loading up your wheelbarrow. The laid-back atmosphere and wide pumpkin selection make it a perfect place for a relaxed fall day.
Lemos Farm
12320 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-2342
www.lemosfarm.com
Lemos Farm bursts with activity from the moment you arrive, filled with families enjoying the lively atmosphere. There’s more than just pumpkins here—train rides, hayrides, and even a haunted house await you. You pause to pet the friendly goats before heading to the pumpkin patch, where you select the perfect pumpkin for carving. Afterward, you hop on the farm’s famous train ride for a quick spin, enjoying views of the surrounding fields. The day is full of laughter and fun, with something for everyone. Before leaving, you explore the haunted house, adding an extra thrill to your visit. Please note that weekends are particularly busy, especially since the farm also hosts Goat Yoga classes on Saturdays and Sundays.
Moore Pumpkin Patch
19901 San Ramon Valley Blvd.
San Ramon, CA 94583
www.moorepumpkinsandtrees.com
Moore Pumpkin Patch in the Castro Valley welcomes you with its lively, family-friendly atmosphere. The sight of bounce houses and inflatable slides immediately captures your attention, and you can’t help but smile at the fun energy. As you grab a wheelbarrow and start browsing, you notice that the patch is filled with all shapes and sizes of pumpkins. Kids run past, racing through the patch, their laughter filling the air. After picking your pumpkins, you take a moment to enjoy the carnival games set up around the farm. The day feels playful and festive, and you leave with happy memories and the perfect pumpkins. Please note that Moore’s Livermore location is closed for the season.
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Nicasio Valley Farms
5300 Nicasio Valley Road
Nicasio, CA 94946
(415) 662-9100
www.nicasiovalleypumpkinpatch.net
Nicasio Valley Farms offers a delightful countryside experience in the heart of Marin County, with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a fall outing. As you wander through the pumpkin patch, you’ll find a great selection of pumpkins and gourds, all surrounded by the rolling hills of Nicasio. For added fun, there’s a hay maze where kids (and adults) can enjoy some lighthearted adventure. On weekends, live music fills the air, giving the farm a festive vibe. You can also visit the friendly farm animals, adding even more charm to your visit. With pumpkins, activities, and music, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a full fall day.
Pastorino Farms
12391 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA
www.facebook.com/pastorinosfarm
At Pastorino Farms, rows of bright orange pumpkins stretch beneath a clear, blue sky. The peaceful atmosphere, accented by swaying sunflowers, invites you to explore. You decide to hop on the scenic train ride, which offers stunning views of the farm and its animals. After the ride, you wander through the patch, selecting pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, from traditional to decorative varieties. The farm’s vintage tractor offers a nostalgic backdrop, perfect for photos. By the end of your visit, you leave with a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins and a sense of fall magic.
(credit: Petaluma360)
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
450 Story Point Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 781-3132
www.petalumapumpkinpatch.com
When you arrive at Petaluma Pumpkin Patch, your eyes are immediately drawn to the giant corn maze. You can’t resist the challenge and spend time navigating its twists and turns, getting delightfully lost. Afterward, you make your way to the pumpkin patch, where a variety of colorful pumpkins awaits you. The flat, open field makes it easy to browse and pick the best ones. Before you leave, you watch families laughing as they take on the maze. That’s not to mention free activities like photo opportunities of the straw mountain and the farm animals. The day feels festive and adventurous, leaving you with pumpkins and a sense of accomplishment. Not long ago, the New York Times listed Petaluma Pumpkin Patch among the Top 3 Pumpkin Patches in the U.S. to visit in the fall.
Queen’s Pumpkin Patch
12985 Saratoga Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
www.queenspumpkinpatch.com
Nestled in the hills around Saratoga, Queen’s Patch offers a quaint and peaceful pumpkin-picking experience. The intimate setting feels inviting, with beautifully arranged pumpkins and charming decor. As you browse the patch, you appreciate the personal touches of this family-run farm. There’s also a bounce house for kids and a few farm animals, adding a playful element to the day. After selecting your pumpkins, you take a moment to enjoy the scenic surroundings. It’s a perfect spot for a calm, relaxing fall afternoon.
Speer Family Farms Pumpkin Patch
2171 Monarch St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 705-2352
www.speerfamilyfarms.com
At Speer Family Farms, you’re greeted with a carnival-like atmosphere that makes the day feel like a festival. The smell of hay and the sight of bouncy houses set a playful tone from the moment you arrive. You explore the pumpkin patch, which offers a wide range of pumpkins, from small and quirky to large and ready for carving. The pumpkin cannon is hard to resist, and you enjoy the thrill of launching a few pumpkins. Before you leave, you hop inside a Zorb ball for some more fun. It’s a high-energy, exciting twist on the traditional pumpkin patch.
Spina Farms
225 Laguna Ave.
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
(650) 763-6935
www.spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com
Nestled in the scenic Coyote Valley, Spina Farms creates a picture-perfect fall experience from the moment you arrive. You wander through rows of vibrant pumpkins, the peaceful setting offering a relaxing escape from the hustle of daily life. The marigold fields glow golden in the sunlight, making for the perfect backdrop for photos. After picking your pumpkins, you hop on the hayride, enjoying a relaxing tour of the farm’s beautiful surroundings. The train ride and pony rides add extra fun for families, making it a great spot for visitors of all ages. That’s not to mention the Pumpkin Blasters and photos in front of the new 45-foot-tall Gourdzilla statue. Free parking is available on weekdays, while it’s $10 on Fridays and $20 on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note that it’s cash only for parking, although credit cards are accepted for activities, food and beverages.
Webb Ranch Pumpkin Patch
2178 Alpine Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
www.webbranchinc.com/pumpkin-patch
At Webb Ranch, you immediately feel connected to nature, surrounded by the beauty of the Portola Valley hills. The pumpkin patch offers a variety of organic pumpkins, making you feel good about your picks. As you stroll through the farm, the “haunted” trail ride beckons, adding a little thrill to your visit. Afterward, you hop on a tractor ride, enjoying the scenic views of the hills and trees. The day feels peaceful and relaxing, with just the right touch of fall fun. By the time you leave, you’re fully immersed in the season and ready to carve your perfect organic pumpkin.
Related: America’s Best Pumpkin Farms and Corn Mazes
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS for eight years. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
