Pumpkin Patches in California 2026: U-Pick Farms by Region
June 7, 2026 · 8 min read
California pumpkin season is a fall institution — from the Half Moon Bay coast to patches scattered across every region. Here's when to go and where to pick your own.
When is pumpkin season in California?
Pumpkin patches typically open in late September and run through Halloween. Half Moon Bay — the undisputed capital of California pumpkin culture — draws its biggest crowds the second and third weekends of October.
- Late September — Patches start opening; Sierra Foothills farms combine pumpkins with apple season.
- Early October — Peak patch season statewide.
- Mid-October — Half Moon Bay is at its busiest; arrive early on weekends.
- Late October — Patches still open; selection thins as Halloween approaches. Go early for best variety.
U-pick pumpkin patches by region
Bay Area
- Andreotti Family FarmsHalf Moon Bay
- Blue House FarmSan Gregorio
- G&S FarmsBrentwood
- Spina Farms Pumpkin PatchMorgan Hill
Andreotti and Blue House Farm are just south of Half Moon Bay — an easy pairing for a full Coastside pumpkin day.
Southern California
- Carlsbad Strawberry CompanyCarlsbad
- Julian Farm and OrchardJulian
- Los Rios RanchoOak Glen
- Prancer's FarmSanta Paula
- Riley's FarmOak Glen
- Underwood Family FarmsMoorpark
Oak Glen (Los Rios Rancho, Riley's Farm) is a natural SoCal pumpkin destination — it's also apple season, so you get both in one trip.
Sierra Foothills / Apple Hill
- Bolster's Hilltop RanchCamino
- Goyette's North Canyon RanchCamino
- High Hill RanchCamino
- Linda Grace's PlaceGrass Valley
- O'Halloran's Apple Trail RanchCamino
The Camino farms are part of the Apple Hill u-pick corridor — pumpkins here come alongside apples, cider, and one of California's best fall farm experiences.
Central Coast
- Avila Valley BarnSan Luis Obispo
- Cal Poly Fruit and Crops UnitSan Luis Obispo
- Crystal Bay FarmWatsonville
- Serendipity FarmsCarmel Valley
Cal Poly's Fruit and Crops Unit is a working teaching farm — call ahead to confirm public u-pick availability before visiting.
Central Valley
- Bishop's Pumpkin FarmWheatland
North Coast
- SRJC Shone FarmForestville
Shone Farm is a Santa Rosa Junior College teaching farm — call ahead to confirm public u-pick pumpkin availability before making the drive.
Planning tips
- Half Moon Bay books out. The Coastside draws big crowds on October weekends. If you're staying overnight, book months ahead. Day-trippers should go early Saturday or consider Sunday for thinner crowds.
- Go before the last week of October. Pumpkin selection at u-pick farms thins out the week before Halloween. The first two weekends of October offer the best variety.
- Sierra Foothills is the double-dip. Apple Hill and the surrounding Camino farms overlap pumpkin and apple season perfectly in October — one trip covers both.
- Check hours before driving. Smaller farms may be weekends-only, or close early when they sell out. A quick check on the farm's Instagram saves a wasted trip.
Frequently asked questions
When do pumpkin patches open in California?
Most open in late September and run through Halloween. Some, like Nicasio Valley in Marin, open as early as late September.
Where can I pick pumpkins near Los Angeles?
Oak Glen (Los Rios Rancho, Riley's Farm) is the closest California-style farm experience to LA — and because it's apple country too, pumpkin season overlaps with apple picking for a double-dip fall trip.
Where can I pick pumpkins near San Francisco?
The Half Moon Bay coast is the closest concentration of pumpkin patches to SF, with Andreotti Family Farms and Blue House Farm just south of town. Nicasio Valley in Marin is another nearby option.
Ready to pick?
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