The best pumpkin patches in the Bay Area right now

Half Moon Bay is famous for its annual Pumpkin Festival, and the area is full of worthy pumpkin farms leading up to Halloween. Arata’s isn’t your typical patch of land, though — it has everything on your fall bucket list (and more). Here at this historic farm, which has been operating since 1932, you'll find a massive Minotaur’s labyrinth hay maze made out of thousands of hay bales, a haunted barn, hay rides, a petting zoo, a train ride, and yes, plenty of pumpkins for sale. 

Many of the pumpkin patches in the Bay Area are quite over-the-top affairs — not Clancy's. This third-generation, family-run company has been a San Francisco tradition for decades — it's a place to pick out a pumpkin, without all the other fuss. It first opened in December 1949 to sell Christmas trees, which it did exclusively for 30 years. Clancy's opened San Francisco's first Pumpkin Patch in 1979, running ever since. When visiting the patch anytime in October, you'll find a stellar selection of pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and Indian corn are in abundance. Open from September 25, 2023. 

At Petaluma Pumpkin Patch there are animals to pet, a corn kernel sandbox to jump in, a 500 bale haystack pyramid to climb and two corn mazes—one for small children and one for older kids. This year, the festivities open on September 22 for its 30th season. Stop by for the activities, plus the pumpkins grown by fourth-generation farmer Jim that you can pick directly from the field.

Lemos Farm may be the pumpkin patch of all pumpkin patches — it truly has it all. Essentially, it's a farm-themed amusement park. Hop on the Ghost Train, take a hayride, or visit a haunted house. Kids will also enjoy the petting zoo (goats pigs, sheep, and bunnies), bounce houses, pony rides, and the non-scary version of the haunted house. Other attractions include a "car barn" where little ones can drive around in an automated mini car or the "dig zone," where they can operate a child-size excavator. Another perk: the farm also offers a deli with sandwiches to fuel you for the day.

Halloween in Alameda County wouldn’t be the same without Farmer Joe, proprietor of J.E. Perry Farms in Fremont. Visiting the organic pumpkin patch gives you the chance to see a real working farm, complete with tractor rides and forklifts.

Located in Petaluma — another spot with many patches to choose from — this pumpkin patch sits on a working cheese farm. It strikes a perfect balance, being small enough to not be overwhelming while also offering plenty to do. In addition to picking out a choice gourd, visitors can go through a corn maze, see a cow milking demonstration, dig for potatoes, listen to live music, and jump on a free hay wagon ride. The best part: you can taste homemade ice cream and cheese, both for sale. Dogs are welcome on a leash. 

The appeal of Farmer John's in Half Moon Bay lies in the literal abundance pumpkins. You'll find more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash including the famous Atlantic Giant, which ranges from 250 to 500 pounds! You'll also find hay rides and other pumpkin patch activities.

Speer Family Farms transforms Alameda’s waterfront Naval Air Station into a Halloween fun fest. While smaller and less elaborate than some of the other pumpkin patches further out from the city, this one is definitely closer and more convenient, with a lot of fun to offer. Look out for locally grown valley pumpkins, a petting zoo, a four-story ship slide, a play area, and more, and a mini train ride.

Explore sunflower fields, go on an old-fashioned hay ride adventure, or visit the petting zoo at this stunning pumpkin patch. Another unique attraction: this one is famous for its pumpkin blasters, where you can launch pumpkins into the sky from giant cannons. The farm, which has been around for more than 80 years, recently moved from San Jose to Morgan Hill, and this year's season runs from September 25 to October 31. 

Across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, Nicasio Valley Farms is comprised of more than 1,000 acres of land that's been farmed for generations by the same family since the early 1900's. Year-round, it is a sustainable ranch with pasture-raised cows that produce a wide range of delicious cheeses. Come fall, it transforms into a picturesque pumpkin patch with many attractions: face painting, hay rides, mazes, bounce houses, pony rides and a petting zoo. On weekends, you'll also find live music, barbecue and ice cream. Open from September 23, 2023.