(updated September 2024)
From pumpkin spice lattes to Halloween decorations, there’s no question, pumpkins are a universal sign of fall. And, nothing will get you in the “fall spirit” quite like a visit to the pumpkin patch in Carlsbad, California. Everyone will enjoy searching for pumpkins at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch. This seasonal attraction is one of the best pumpkin patches in San Diego.
Visit the best pumpkin patch in Carlsbad, California for u-pick pumpkins this autumn. At the Carlsbad pumpkin patch, take fall-themed photos, wander the marigold fields, take tractor rides, and more. On weekends, those looking for Halloween haunts can brave the haunted corn maze!
As a Carlsbad resident for over 20 years, our family has enjoyed an annual trip to the pumpkin patch in Carlsbad. Nothing beats a day outdoors picking out the perfect pumpkin for Halloween or fall decor. Before you plan your day in one of San Diego’s best pumpkin patches, read this travel guide!
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW ARE AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
What Is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch?
Did you know that California farms produce an astounding 157 million pounds of pumpkins each year?! One of those farms near San Diego is The Carlsbad Strawberry Company. In spring and summer, this is the place to go for u-pick strawberries. However, once fall arrives, it’s all about pumpkins!
This family farm in Carlsbad has been owned and operated by the Ukegawa family for the last forty years. With 40 acres of open space and 25 acres of farmland, they have been growing crops since the 1950’s. In addition, the company supports the community by donating produce to local families.
Read About The Best Activities In Carlsbad, CA In This Blog Post!
When Can You Pick Pumpkins in Carlsbad in 2024?
Fall pumpkin season at the Carlsbad farm opens September 20th to November 3, 2024. The haunted corn maze is open on weekends starting on October 4th, 2024.
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday & Sunday 9:00 am-6:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday 9:00 am-10:00 pm
- Haunted Corn Maze hours are 7:00 pm-10:00 pm (check the website for October dates)
- Ticket booth closes at 5:30 pm
- Last tractor ride is 5:30 Pm
Seeking Stamps Tip: The fields close during rainy weather! When in doubt, call (760) 603-9608.
Read About the Best Halloween Neighborhood in Carlsbad!
Where Are U-Pick Pumpkins in Carlsbad?
The Carlsbad pumpkin fields are located in north San Diego County. They are easily accessible next to the 5 freeway. To reach the pumpkin patch, exit off of Cannon Road or Palomar Airport Road. If you are driving east, you have to make a u-turn near the car dealerships one light up to reach the entrance.
These pumpkin fields are close to the Carlsbad Flower Fields, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, beaches, fabulous Carlsbad restaurants and Legoland. Picking pumpkins in Carlsbad is a fun, family-friendly activity all ages can enjoy.
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch Address:
- 1050 Cannon Rd Carlsbad, CA 92008
Seeking Stamps Tip: If you are looking for an Oceanside Pumpkin Patch, this pumpkin patch in Carlsbad is only 11 minutes away!
Cost To Visit the Pumpkin Patch in Carlsbad, CA
General admission includes the pumpkin patch, pumpkin house, photo opportunities, field games, marigold and sunflower mazes.
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch Prices:
- General admission is $10 per person for ages 5 and older Monday-Thursday and $12 Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Children age 4 and enter for free
Pumpkin Patch Activities that cost additional: Tickets can be purchased for $5 each. Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable.
- Pumpkins (price as marked)
- Tractor rides are 2 tickets ($10) for ages 5 and older. Kids under 4 are free
- Petting zoo admission is 1 ticket ($5). Children under age 5 require adult supervision
- Bounceland is 3 tickets ($30/hour)
- Corn maze is 2 tickets ($10)
- The haunted corn maze is $25 or $45 for a front of the line pass.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Tickets are walk-in only. Cash, Apple Pay, and credit cards are accepted. Unfortunately, reservations are not accepted for the best pumpkin patch in Carlsbad tickets.
Read This Post Post For More Information About Living In Carlsbad, CA!
Steps For Picking Pumpkins at the Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch
- Visit the Carlsbad pumpkin patch and park for free in the lot off of Cannon Road in Carlsbad.
- Walk to the front ticket booth and pay for your general admission.
- Next, walk to the BACK side of the trailer to pay for additional fall-themed activities.
- Enjoy picking out the perfect pumpkin in the Carlsbad patch!
Tips For Picking the Perfect Carlsbad Pumpkin
While picking pumpkins, first assess the pumpkin stem. Look for pumpkins with a firm, dark green stem. Pumpkins should be free of damage, soft spots, mold and insects. Tap the pumpkin and listen for a hollow sound. Now you have the perfect pumpkin for Halloween!
Seeking Stamps Tip: Keep in mind that carved pumpkins only last 3-5 days, so don’t carve them too soon.
What To Wear To The Pumpkin Patch in Carlsbad
When you visit the pumpkin patch, wear sturdy closed-toed shoes. There are uneven surfaces throughout the pumpkin farm. You also want to avoid dusty and muddy feet. If you plan to visit the haunted corn maze, make sure to bring shoes you can run in!
There is very little shade at the pumpkin patch, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Carlsbad weather in September and October tends to be warm during the day. Evenings can be cool, so consider bringing a light jacket or sweater.
Best Time to Visit The Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch
If you want to avoid crowds, visit the pumpkin patch midweek. For a lively environment, visit on the weekends (but expect more crowds). Games and food are available on weekends.
Seeking Stamps Tip: The haunted corn maze gets very crowded, especially on weekends. Line up before 6:00 pm to avoid long lines.
Fall Activities at the Pumpkin Patch in Carlsbad
In addition to picking Halloween pumpkins, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Keep reading to learn all about the fun fall festivities for Halloween in Carlsbad!
Read This Blog Post for the Best Things to Do in Carlsbad at Thanksgiving!
Take a Tractor Ride Around the Farm:
Children and adults alike will enjoy bouncing around the farm on a tractor! The ride offers scenic views of the lagoon and expansive pumpkin patch.
- Tractor rides are an additional 2 tickets ($10). Kids under 5 are free.
Visit the Petting Zoo:
Next, interact with sheep and goats in the child-friendly petting zoo. Children under age 5 require adult supervision. No outside food/drinks are allowed inside the petting zoo.
- Petting zoo admission is an additional 1 ticket ($5)
- Children under age 5 require adult supervision
Jump in Bounce Land at the Pumpkin Patch Carlsbad, CA:
One of the best things to do at the pumpkin patch is visit Bounceland jumpy houses. Kids will have a ball and parents have a chance to rest their feet while the children play.
Need a Treat After the Pumpkin Patch? Check Out the Top Carlsbad Bakeries in This Article!
Admire Beautiful Carlsbad Marigold Fields & Sunflowers:
Next, stroll through rows of colorful orange and yellow blooms in the Carlsbad sunflower and marigold fields. Historically, marigolds are used in the celebration of the fall Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos. It is believed that the color and smell of the marigolds leads the souls to their families to reunify in celebration. Yet, you don’t have to celebrate this holiday to enjoy the marigold fields in Carlsbad. Admission to the Carlsbad marigold and sunflower mazes are included in your entrance ticket price.
Take Instagram-Worthy Fall Photos:
The pumpkin patch in Carlsbad offers plenty of Instagram-worthy photo spots. There are backdrops of brightly colored pumpkin fields and towering corn mazes. Plus, fun photo cut-outs that help you snap the perfect pic! You can find all sizes of pumpkins here, from small gourds to oversized jack-o-lanterns. They come in a variety of shapes and colors for every preference.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Check the time the sun sets before your visit. The Carlsbad area has gorgeous orange and pink sunsets in the fall that are the perfect for fall photos.
Hide in the Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze:
Get lost running through rows of towering corn stalks. You might even forget you are in San Diego for a minute! Kids will love running through the 1.5 miles of towering corn. Best of all, the standard corn maze is just 2 tickets ($10)!
Seeking Stamps Tip: Plan to spend about 30 minutes enjoying the Carlsbad corn maze.
Experience the Carlsbad Corn Maze After Dark:
On Friday and Saturday nights, get in the Halloween spirit with the terrifying haunted corn maze in Carlsbad! The spooky pumpkin patch teams up with the Carlsbad Agua Hedionda Foundation in a spine-tingling adventure that will leave you screaming (literally)!
The haunted Carlsbad corn maze has gruesome characters jumping out from the dark when you least expect them. When we visited the corn maze, the freaky music and screams got our heart racing while we waited for our turn.
From Michael Meyers to Pennywise the Clown there are plenty of terrifying actors waiting to chase you. This isn’t for the faint of heart! Once inside, I was completely frightened and running through the maze like a banshee. This is one of the scariest San Diego pumpkin patches and is geared for teens and adults.
Haunted Corn Maze Price: $25 (plus $10 entrance fee for the haunted pumpkin patch)
Seeking Stamps Tip: Lines can get very long at the Carlsbad corn maze. I suggest getting in line before dark to reduce your wait time.
For Another Scary San Diego Activity, Read This Post About the Haunted Whaley House in Old Town.
Additional Visitor Tips For the Pumpkin Patch in Carlsbad
Before you to the pumpkin patch in Carlsbad, please note:
- The pumpkin patches can be noisy since they are next to the freeway.
- Overhead power lines can obstruct photos.
- Go midweek to avoid crowds. On weekends the location is more lively but can get crowded.
Find the Best Places for Carlsbad Nightlife in This Blog!
Food and Drinks For Purchase While Picking Pumpkins
If you want something to eat, you can buy food and drinks from vendors. Items such as Mexican food, coffee drinks, kettle corn, ice cream are available. There is shade and a large seating area with tables and chairs for relaxation and dining. Check the events calendar for vendor information.
Find Out the Best Carlsbad Restaurants for Thanksgiving in This Blog . . .
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch: FAQs
1. What is the Best Month to Pick Pumpkins in Carlsbad?
Pumpkin picking season in San Diego depends on many factors such as temperature and precipitation. These factors fluctuate yearly, but generally, pumpkin season in San Diego is between September and November.
2. When Is the Pumpkin Patch at Carlsbad Open?
The Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch opens between September and November in 2024. The pumpkin patch is open Monday-Thursday & Sunday 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Friday & Saturday the pumpkin patch is open 9:00 am-10:00 pm during the fall season.
3. How Long Does It Take To Pick Pumpkins in Carlsbad?
When picking pumpkins, you can determine your own time frame. You can grab your pumpkin and go, or stroll through the area for hours. Plan for one hour as an estimate for the pumpkin patch experience.
4. Is the Pumpkin Patch in Carlsbad Kid-Friendly?
The pumpkin patch is a kid-friendly activity in Carlsbad. Picking pumpkins, the corn maze, tractor rides, bounce houses, and petting zoos are sure to delight young children.
5. Are Dogs Allowed at the Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch?
The Carlsbad pumpkin patch is a dog-friendly space in Carlsbad. Dogs are allowed on leash.
6. What Is the Best Time to Pick Pumpkins Before Halloween?
If you want your pumpkin to last for Halloween, buy it a maximum of two weeks before Halloween. Don’t carve your pumpkin until 3-5 days before Halloween. Rinsing your pumpkin after carving with a mild bleach solution and keeping it out of direct sun will prolong its life.
For More Family Fun- Visit the Skateboarding Parks in Carlsbad!
Pumpkin Patch in Carlsbad: Final Thoughts
Going to the pumpkin patch is one of the top things to do in Carlsbad in fall. Without a doubt, a visit to the pumpkin patch in Carlsbad should be a special Halloween tradition. There is plenty to do including pumpkin picking, fall photos, and tractor rides. After dark, the Halloween corn maze is sure to make you scream with delight. Make sure to plan your visit to the best pumpkin patch in San Diego before it’s too late!
For more local Halloween fun, check out Bates Nut Farm Pumpkins and Pumpkin Station in Carmel Valley!
