Best SoCal Pumpkin Patches 2021
Spooky season is among us and that means tons of new fall activities for all to enjoy! Visiting a pumpkin patch is a top priority during October. It’s the best way to kick off the festivities by finding your own unique pumpkin to take home to carve or decorate.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin or a great photo op, these spots in Southern California are worth the visit!
Tanaka Farms
Location: Irvine
Admission: $6
Tanaka Farms gets better and better each year! Southern California doesn’t offer pumpkins on the vine, but this is probably one of the closest pumpkin patches in SoCal to resemble a traditional pumpkin patch. The pumpkins are ready to pick up and go, but at least they are surrounded by greenery and vines to give the illusion of picking from an actual garden in order to keep the Halloween magic alive!
Tanaka Farms also offers wagon rides, an educational barnyard experience (great for animal lovers!), and plenty of photo opportunities. Remember to wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty! It is muddy around the farm, but plenty of fun.
Currently, reservations are needed for weekends and Friday afternoons. To avoid the crowds, early mornings during the week is the best option!
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
Location: Carlsbad
Admission: $5
Carlsbad Strawberry Company transforms into a Halloween wonderland during October. Go for the pumpkins, but stay for the corn maze. Literally! With 1.5 miles of trail, you will surely be challenged. Luckily you have the option to have a map, but even with one it took us about 50 minutes to complete. Although, to be fair, I am horrible with directions as it is.
Want something more spooky? Every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 10pm, the haunted corn maze opens up for a heart thumping experience. You’ll feel like you’re in a horror movie! Recommended only for teenagers and adults. Enter if you dare.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Location: Culver City
Admission: Prices Vary ($5 - $25), check site for details
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is probably the most insta-worthy pumpkin patch in Southern California. Every corner provides the perfect photo-op. The area is a bit small compared to other u-pick farms, but this is more of a pumpkin art display than anything else. You can really appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into building all the houses and displays.
And while the pumpkin village is definitely the star when visiting Mr. Bones, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy, such as pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo, and bouncy houses. Perfect for children and family outings.
It is definitely worth a visit if you are able to go during the week.
Honorable Mention
Lido Marina Village
Location: Newport Beach
Admission: Free
Not a pumpkin patch, but Lido Marina Village is a great spot to visit for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. Every few months, the entrance and surrounding area is decorated to match the seasonal festivities.
Visiting this spot always makes me so happy as I love decoration viewing and a good aesthetic! If you’re looking for an easy location to take photos, this is the place. Afterwards, grab a coffee or head to the beach!