The best pumpkin patches in Southern California are alive and well when summer gives way to fall. This fruit jumps into center stage. From morning lattes to breads and scones to many people’s favorite pie, the pumpkin is the star of the fall season. Pumpkin patches are not only places where you can pick up a fresh pumpkin but also where families can enjoy fun adventures and make epic memories. Right about now you are thinking, “So where are the best pumpkin patches near me?” Hopefully, on this list of some of the best pumpkin patches in Southern California, you will find your next favorite spot.

1. Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch: Irvine, opens Sept. 14, 2024

Tanaka Farms is one of Orange County’s only pumpkin patches where you can pick your own pumpkins right from the patch. And that’s just the beginning. Enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze, a produce and snack stand, and even a pumpkin canon at this popular pumpkin patch in Irvine. This year is the farm’s 26th anniversary. The complete itinerary takes about 1.5 to two hours.

2. Irvine Park Railroad: Orange, Sept. 14 - Oct. 31, 2024

If you are looking for the best pumpkin patches near Irvine, CA, this park belongs near the very top of the list. While the pumpkins don’t actually grow here, this is still a super-fun pumpkin patch families adore. Depending on the day, there are myriad of activities, such as face painting, a hay maze for littles, carnival games, pony rides, paddle boats, and lots and lots of picnic and photo opportunities. Discover more on the Irvine Park Railroad website.

3. Underwood Family Farms: Moorpark, Sept. 28 - Oct. 31, 2024

One of my favorite farms in general is also a local favorite when it comes to pumpkins. Underwood Farms is a large, picturesque farm with lots of activities for families, including pumpkin picking, live music on weekends, tractor rides, petting zoos, and more. This is definitely one place worth bringing your camera and spending some time. Find further details on the Underwood Family Farms website.

4. Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch: Culver City, Oct. 5 - 29, 2024

When it comes to pumpkin patches near Los Angeles, Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is anything but your typical low-key event. You will find a pumpkin village, a super slide, a tipi village, giant rocking horses, a tiny bounce house for the littlest guests and a bigger one for older kids, a straw maze, a petting zoo, face painting, and quite possibly a few L.A. faces you will recognize. Read all about it on the Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch website.

5. Greenspot Farms: Mentone, opens Sept. 23, 2024

This year expect to find Blue Ghost and Cinderella pumpkins among other colorful varieties. Purchase some autumn decorations, including corn stalks, gourds, hay bales, and Indian and strawberry corn. And smell what's cooking in the farm kitchen, such as warm pumpkin bread. For more information, visit Greenspot Farms website.

6. Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival at AGRIscapes: Pomona, Sept. 28 - Oct. 27, 2024

The Huntley College of Agriculture at Cal Poly Pomona grows some 40,000 pumpkins and attracts up to 120,000 visitors. This year marks the 31st anniversary for visitors to cut their own pumpkins from the vines, find their way through two corn mazes, wander through a sunflower maze, spend time in the petting farm, play games, take tractor-pulled hay wagon rides, listen to live music, and purchase food and beverages from on-site vendors. You could easily spend all day at one of the best pumpkin patches in SoCal. Tickets for this event usually sell out, so it is recommended to buy them online ahead of the date you plan to visit.

7. Frosty’s Forest: Chino, opens Sept. 27, 2024

Frosty’s Pumpkin Patch in Chino is another true pumpkin festival with lots of inflatables, carnival rides, pony rides, a sunflower labyrinth, a corn maze, an animal viewing zoo, a corn cob beach, and a one-of-a-kind photo op path featuring art, backdrops, and sculptures by local artists. You will also find any size, shape, and color of pumpkin, including heirloom pumpkins, for purchase. Find out more on the Frosty’s Forest website.

8. Palomar Pumpkin Polar Palooza: Carlsbad, opens Sept. 21, 2024

If you are farther south and looking for pumpkin patches near San Diego, there is a great one in Carlsbad, and I mean, the name alone suggests a uniquely good time. A thrilling 50-foot slide is just one of the exciting inflatables that include bounce houses, an obstacle course, and more slides. Visit the cuties at the petting zoo; take a wagon train hay ride, and play epic games like pumpkin bowling and a pumpkin slingshot. There is a snack shack daily and on weekends, grab a delicious meal from an on-site taco truck. The highlight may be “Movies in the Patch” every weekend; families can bring chairs and blankets and enjoy a flick under the stars every weekend night at sunset. Admission is free and wristbands and tickets can be purchased for inflatables and other attractions. Discover more on the Palomar Pumpkin Polar Palooza.

The Best pumpkin patches in Southern California prepare us for a pumpkin adventure. Are you ready? Pick one (or several) of these over-the-top spots in SoCal; pack up the family, and head out. We want to know which one is your favorite! So let us know in the comments below.

While you're traveling around, visit one of these seven beautiful fall destinations in Southern California. And for some good ideas, check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.

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