It’s that time of the year again! The Autumn tradition is to head out to your favorite pumpkin patch, and pick your perfect pumpkin! Carve it up for Halloween or turn it into pumpkin pie! It’s something that everyone in the family can enjoy. Silicon Valley has many places for you to choose the best pumpkin, and entertain the kids as well. It’s as American as pumpkin – I mean – apple pie!
For more Halloween fun, please check my blogs Spookiest Haunted Houses in Silicon Valley and Best Trick or Treat Spots in Silicon Valley!
Have fun!
No list of best pumpkin patches would be complete without the including some from Half Moon Bay. After all Half Moon Bay hails as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World” and is home to the annual “Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival.” I’ve thrown in some at the end just for completeness! If you want some extra fun, check out the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival next year. Unfortunately 2020 festivities have been cancelled.
Covid-19 Response
In response to the coronavirus, all venues have implemented plans to maintain the the health and safety of their guests, including wearing personal protective equipment and physical distancing. Some may require that you wear a mask when on the property. Please check the venue website for more information.
12985 Saratoga Ave
Saratoga, CA
Tel: (408) 252-9820
Hours: daily 9 am – 9 pm
There so much too do at the Queens Pumpkin Patch in Saratoga. Ride the cow train or paddle around in their mini boats. There's also pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, and a hay maze. This year they've also added a giant pumpkin slingshot!
ABC Farms & Pick of the Patch Pumpkins
17 locations in the Bay Area including Los Gatos, San Mateo, Burlingame, with multiple locations in Santa Clara and San Jose.
Tel: (408) 393-6303
Hours: Oct 1st - 25th, Mon – Thu 3pm – 8pm & Fri – Sun 10am – 9pm | Oct 26 - 29th, 12 pm – 9 pm | Oct 30 - 31st, 10 am – 9 pm
You don't need to travel too far for your pumpkins. ABC Farms & Pick of the Patch Pumpkins has 17 locations in the Bay Area with eight in the South Bay. Each offers lots of different and fun activities, including “inflatable” amusements for children ages two to 12 years old, and beautifully decorated “memory lanes” for taking photos. You can also visit the haunted house at the San Jose, Tully Road location. Food and drinks available for purchase. Free admission to pumpkin patches, however there is a charge for some amusements. Check their website for a complete list of locations and hours. Some locations offer pumpkins for delivery. ABC Farms is family owned and operated.
Santa Teresa Blvd at Bailey Ave
San Jose, CA 95141
Tel: (650) 763-6935
Hours: Oct 1 - 30th Sun – Thu 9am – 8pm & Fri – Sat 9am – 9pm, Oct 31st 9am - 3pm
Spina Farms, one of the largest pumpkin patches in the Bay Area, is located in Coyote Valley between San Jose and Morgan Hill. Wander through the thousands of pumpkins. Select your pumpkins from over 25 unique varieties. (I know, I had no idea there were that many either!) Tour the pumpkin patch on the new Spina Pumpkin Express Trackless Train, or explore the Sunflower fields on an old-fashioned hay ride! If that’s not enough, get lost in the area 51 corn mazes and launch pumpkins from giant cannons! There is also live music and catering by Isabel’s catering on the weekend. Food and drinks available for purchase. Parking is free on weekdays, and $10 on the weekend.
2718 Alpine Road,
Portola Valley, CA 94028
Tel: (650) 854-6334
Hours: daily 10am - 6pm
The family-owned and operated farm has a pumpkin patch featuring more than 20 varieties of organic pumpkins. Open 7 days a week with additional activities on the weekend, including a hay ride, train ride, corn maze, petting zoo, and reptile exhibit. You must purchase your activity pass online before arriving at the farm as attendance is limited.
185 Verde Rd.
Half Moon Bay, CA
Tel: (650) 726-7548
Open: Sun – Thu 9am – 6:30pm & Fri – Sat 9am-10:30pm
Established in 1932, the Arata Pumpkin Farm is the oldest working pumpkin farm in Silicon Valley, and has something for everyone! Challenge yourself in their two-acre Minotaur’s Labyrinth hay maze. Scare yourself silly in their haunted barn. Or enjoy a hay ride. There are picnic areas throughout the farm, for when you want to relax and refuel. Lots of things for kids: Play Land playground with a miniature version of a hay maze, a train ride, guided pony rides and petting zoo! Bring your dog!
12320 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Tel. (650) 726-2342
Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm
There’s lots of fun to be had at Lemos Farm! Pick your pumpkins from an amazing pumpkin patch. Enjoy pony rides, train rides the petting zoo, petting zoo, bounce houses, Goat Yoga and more. Can your brave the Scare Zone? There are two versions. One is for small kids and is more fun than scary, and the other features live actors whose sole purpose is care you out of your wits! No wonder it’s considered a Halloween tradition! There is a live band and lots of Halloween-themed activities. You must purchase your admission pass prior to your visit to the farm here.
850 N Cabrillo Highway (1 mile North of Hwy 92)
Half Moon Bay, CA
Tel: (650) 726-4980
Open: Daily 9am – 5pm
Farmer John’s is a working farm where you can learn everything you wanted to know about pumpkins directly from Farmer John. If all you want is pumpkins without all the other activities, this is the place for you. You will find more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash, including their Atlantic Giant, which can weigh any where from 250 and 500 pounds! Farmer John's sells pumpkin seeds for the green thumb to plant in their own backyard. Take your camera for the many photo opportunities, including the giant pumpkin display, authentic Native American Teepee, vintage tractor and rolling fields of pumpkins. Dogs are welcome on the farm.
5560 Pacheco Pass Hwy
Gilroy, CA
Tel: (866) 996-7373
Hours: Fri - Mon 9 am - 5 pm
Find your perfect Halloween pumpkin in the Pumpkin Patch, then explore the farm at your own pace! You can make friends with the alpacas and goats, and marvel at the ostriches! They also have a fun hay maze. Come in costume and bring your camera. You'll find many opportunities for photos among the Halloween decorations. Save $3 by ordering your tickets online.
