Find a "Great Pumpkin" off San Francisco's Coast

The month of October marks the beginning of "Holiday Season"! There's excitement in the air as Halloween decorations and themed candy bags line store shelves, and Halloween shops appear in empty lots awaiting customers looking for the perfect costume.

While some may find excitement in decorating, making their own costume and dressing up for treats, my excitement lies in going to the pumpkin patch, finding the right pumpkin to take home and making a jack-o-lantern!

Since 2010, we've visited quite a few pumpkin patches–– each offering a unique experience to families. Pack the kiddos and some snacks for the road, and make it a day of adventure as you head along San Francisco's coast to one of these family-friendly pumpkin patches. 

Pumpkin Patches along San Francisco's Coast.

1.  Rodoni Farms, Santa Cruz

Rodoni is perfect if you have little ones. We came when our son was 9-months old, and we enjoyed roaming through their field of pumpkins with a Radio Flyer wagon (that they provide) in search for the perfect pumpkin. They also offer great photo opportunities, so if you go during a weekday, you're sure to capture precious moments without a busy background.

Location: 4444 Coast Rd, Davenport, CA 95017

Hours: Everyday from 9am-5pm from Oct.1 - Halloween
Cost: Free admission. Prices vary with pumpkin size. Corn Maze $5/pp.

2. Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm, Half Moon Bay

Pastorino's offers lots of smaller sized pumpkins for your little ones to actively choose and pick up with their own hands. They are also pet friendly so your family pet can come along and enjoy the festivities. 

Location: 12391 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm from Sept. 15- Halloween (Attractions available starting in Oct.)
Cost: Free admission. Pumpkin prices vary according to size. Attraction prices vary from $1/slide down on slide; $2/hay ride and jump house; $3/haunted house/train ride/petting zoo; $6/pony ride (Haunted house and face painting only on weekends)

3. Lemos Farm Pumpkin Patch, Half Moon Bay

Consider Lemos the Disneyland of pumpkin patches along California's coast! If you are looking to entertain the family for the day, they have plenty of attractions–train rides, pony rides, hay rides, car rides, a petting zoo, and a small playground to keep little ones busy for hours. 

Location:  12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Hours:  Everyday of October 9am-5pm
Cost:  Free parking and admission. Pumpkin prices vary according to size. Prices vary per attraction, but there are options to purchase an unlimited pass ($25/the kiddos and $10/adults) or individual tickets per attraction–– $10/pony ride; $5/train, hay, car rides, playtown and haunted house; $2/dig zone and $1/food at the free petting zoo.

4. Arata's Pumpkin Farm, Half Moon Bay

Arata's has something for everybody, so expect it to be busy! Luckily, they do an amazing job with accommodating guests with hay rides down to the entrance. You'll find pumpkins of all shapes and sizes sitting on top or along the edges of hay stacks. They also provide attractions that cater to the entire family, but their world famous two-acre Minotaur's Labyrinth hay maze is a must. If you have little ones in tow, a miniature version of their hay maze may be more suitable. 

Location:  185 Verde Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Hours:  For the month of Oct. Sun.-Thur. 9am-6:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 9am-10:30pm
Cost:  Free parking and admission into the farm. Pumpkin prices vary according to size. Day prices for attractions: $12/Minotaur’s Labyrinth Hay Maze; $10/haunted barn, playland and pony ride; $5/hay ride, petting zoo and train ride.