Okay, so it’s true that Southern California is not your quintessential white winter wonderland (although you can absolutely find a couple of surprisingly magical and snowy places to enjoy!) However, it is our nearly year-round moderate temperatures and sunny weather that make for some truly incomparable winter experiences - things you can only find and do here. A perfect example is ice skating in Coronado, CA.
Ice skating in itself is something that can be found throughout the country, but on Coronado island, just off the coast in San Diego, you can go skating right on one of the prettiest beaches in Southern California. Where else are you going to find that?!
Take a spin on the ice while enjoying sweeping views of the golden sandy beach, ocean breezes, gorgeous beach sunsets, and the stunning hotel with its iconic red roof.
Want to take a break from skating or simply sit in a cozy spot and watch the fun while snacking and sipping drinks next to a fire? During winter months, guests can rent a rinkside or oceanside booth at the Frostbite Lounge and enjoy a special menu of bites and cocktails.
The winter season also brings a few other delightful surprises to the beach at Coronado, such as Beachside Igloos featuring a cozy living room setting with a private fire pit for roasting S’mores with your toes in the sand.
Want a little preview of Skating by the Sea? Check out this video:
Winter in Southern California brings some very special adventures. Have you ever been ice skating in Coronado? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Find more information and tickets for Skating by the Sea on the Hotel del Coronado website. Whether you spend a couple of hours, a day, or an unforgettable weekend at Hotel del Coronado, it is one of the best winter attractions in Southern California.
If you are on the hunt for the best apple cider donuts in Northern California, then you have to check out Vierra Farms, home to Dave's Pumpkin Patch! This family-run farm in West Sacramento has been a local favorite since David Vierra, following in his grandfather’s footsteps, started growing pumpkins as a teenager. They’re known for their fresh produce stand and have been a community staple for years.
One of the biggest draws is Dave’s famous apple cider cinnamon donuts. Once you've tasted them, you'll understand the hype. And because they're only available for a limited time during the holidays, it makes them that much more special.
While Dave’s apple cider cinnamon donuts are a crowd favorite, the farm also offers a variety of other delicious and festive foods. At Dave’s Backyard BBQ, you can enjoy juicy burgers and pulled pork sandwiches, along with fun fall snacks like churros, pretzels, and garlic fries.
For those with a sweet tooth, Sugar Boos Bakery serves up everything from waffles topped with fresh fruit to Dave’s signature apple cider donuts, served hot and fresh. Don’t forget to pair your treats with a piping hot apple cider, too!
Dave's Pumpkin Patch is also packed with family-friendly activities. The corn maze is a must-try for those up for a challenge. Bigger kids and adults will love the pig races, pony rides, and hayrides, while the littlest ones will have a blast in the kiddie hay maze or on the giant jumping pillow. After a day of fun, a bag of Dave's warm apple cider donuts is the perfect way to top off the farm experience.
Admission for food and pumpkin picking is free, though certain attractions require a wristband. Please note that only cash or checks are accepted on-site due to the rural location, but online ticket purchases and ATMs are available.
Whether you’re local or just visiting the Sacramento area, it’s easy to see why families return year after year for fall fun and those famous apple cider donuts.
For the latest information about this enjoyable autumn activity, please visit the website of Vierra Farms or the Facebook page of Dave's Pumpkin Patch.
Have you been to Dave's Pumpkin Patch? Do you think they have some of the best apple cider donuts in Northern California? Let me know! I'd love to hear about your favorite local spots. If you're looking for more fall activities in NorCal, check out these unique experiences.
One of the most enjoyable fall activities is visiting a pumpkin patch. The best pumpkin patches in Northern California include rows of pumpkins (of course), plus fun activities such as a corn maze, face painting, pony rides, and games. Many of these pumpkin patches also sell food during big weekend events. If you’ve been searching, “pumpkin patches near me” look no further– there’s likely a pumpkin patch (or three) near you on this list. For those living in one of NorCal’s cities, there are several pumpkin patches near Sacramento and San Jose, plus many others throughout the state. Go with a group of friends, bring your little ones, and have a fun and memorable day at one of these 14 Northern California pumpkin patches.
Open daily beginning September 30, Nash Ranch Pumpkin Patch is a sprawling 20-acre ranch where you can pick your perfect Halloween pumpkins. Weekends come alive with a petting zoo, a 3-mile corn maze, train rides, and more. Don't miss the haunted corn maze and spooky haunted house. Visit the website for more details and updates on the current season as made available.
Country Pumpkins in Orland boasts a five-acre pumpkin patch, a ten-acre corn maze, a friendly petting zoo, and an exciting hay pyramid with a slide. While the kids explore, make sure to wander through the country store where you can buy local food products, nuts, and other treats. You can enjoy the farm's attractions daily from October 1 through October 31.
Enjoy a unique pumpkin-picking experience and navigate the world record corn maze at Cool Pumpkin Patch. The opening date in September is yet to be confirmed, but the fun continues until October 31. This pumpkin patch near Sacramento is one you don't want to miss!
Established in 1973, Bishop's Pumpkin Farm is a cherished family-run destination. In addition to the sprawling Bay area pumpkin patch, the farm offers an array of fall farm games for the whole family. Enjoy a merry-go-round, explore the corn maze, and get up close with adorable farm animals at the petting zoo. And when it's time to choose your pumpkin, you'll be in awe of the world's largest U-pick field. Don't forget to visit the beautiful flower garden, a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. Bishop's is open daily from September 7 to November 11.
Opening sometime in mid-September (check website for updates as available), this pumpkin farm in Placer County promises a bigger and better experience than ever. Alongside its pumpkin patch, the farm offers a corn maze, numerous photo opportunities, and a mini-pumpkin sling shot, making it an ideal spot for fall family outings.
If you're seeking pumpkin patches near Sacramento, Dave's Pumpkin Patch on the Vierra Farms property in West Sacramento is a must-visit. The patch features a pumpkin wonderland, corn maze adventures, hayrides, and even entertaining pig races. Starting September 21, it's open daily and offers a delicious assortment of food, including hot sandwiches, hamburgers, waffles, and the famous apple cider cinnamon donuts. Please note that Dave's Pumpkin Patch accepts cash or check payments only.
Starting its fall season on September 28, Fog Willow Farms offers a delightful countryside experience with a pumpkin patch and family-friendly activities. Spanning nine acres, this farm is perfect for little ones, as it skips the scary Halloween decor, focusing instead on fun and "edu-tainment."
8. Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and Amazing Corn Maze– Petaluma
Kick off your fall season at Petaluma Pumpkin Patch, opening its doors on September 20 for its 32nd season. This beloved spot offers homegrown pumpkins that you can pick right from the field. Explore the Amazing Corn Maze, which has earned a top-9 spot in the world according to Readers Digest. From pony rides to face-painting, there's fun for all ages.
Located in the East Bay Area suburb of Brentwood, Smith Family Farm's Pumpkin Harvest returns with live entertainment, fall art, barnyard animal encounters, and pumpkin-picking fun. The patch opens daily starting September 28.
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10. ABC Tree Farms & Pick of the Patch Pumpkins–Fremont
Located at the Fremont Hub Shopping Center, this lively pumpkin patch welcomes visitors during the season, when kids will have a blast on all the inflatable structures, while you'll have plenty of time to choose your pumpkins and savor the fall atmosphere. Check the website for updates for this year's dates as available.
G&M Farms in Livermore opens its pumpkin patch and corn maze seasonally from Wednesday to Sunday. Weekends bring extra excitement with hayrides, pedal carts, pony rides, and delightful treats like mini donuts and Kettle Corn. Check the website for updates as available on this season's dates.
Explore the pumpkin field, enjoy hayrides, train rides, pony rides, and more at Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm. Open during the month of October, all the exciting attractions come to life.
Beloved Lemos Farm is open during the fall season offering pumpkin picking and fun activities. Check the website for the current season's operating hours and to secure your tickets for an unforgettable day. You may also be able to get tickets at the gate.
Right off Highway 1, Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm has a warm, family-friendly vibe. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome, making it a fantastic outing for the whole family. Check the farm's Facebook page for updates on this season's dates open.
These 14 best pumpkin patches in Northern California not only promise rows of pumpkins but also a fun fall activity. So make a day of it, and visit one of these family-friendly pumpkin patches. We love this fall activity!
