Finding fall/autumn in San Diego is tricky. The months of September and October are considered the "Local's Summer" since the weather remains in the high 80s and the marine layer stays away creating beautiful blue skies; also the tourists are no longer flooding to the beach, which is a definite plus.
That being said, San Diegans can still experience autumn by visiting several pumpkin patches that pop up all around the city and county.
The Pumpkin Station is a group of pumpkin patches located around San Diego County, but the Rancho Bernardo location is one that has a sunflower field as well. Since sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers, I couldn't resist checking it out!
What to Expect
The Pumpkin Farm in Ranch Bernardo opens October 1 and closes on October 31, so it is the perfect place to get into the Halloween Season!
Hours of Operation
Oct. 1 - Oct. 16: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Oct. 17 - Oct. 31: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Admission and parking are free, but most of the activates within the pumpkin farm require tickets that can be purchased online or once you arrive at the farm.
What to Do
There are a couple of activities on the farm and it is a perfect place for some family fun. At the Pumpkin Farm in Rancho Bernardo, visitors can get lost in the 8' tall corn maze. This is one of the most common additions to a pumpkin patch and is a favorite of many.
The Sunflower Fields
Sunflowers always bring a little sunshine to a gloomy day and there are 3 separate fields to choose from while at the Pumpkin Farm. Since these fields allow you to cut your own flowers ($2 per stem), collect your clippers and head to the far back of the farm to find the best-looking sunflowers.
Tractor Hay Ride
Another Autumn trope at a Pumpkin Patch is the Tractor Hay Ride and the Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm does not disappoint. The Hayride is also $2 per person and takes a short trip around the circumference of the farm, giving visitors an exclusive tour of the Farm and its surrounding land. You will also be able to see the Christmas trees that are being prepared for the Holiday season.
Petting Zoo
Always a favorite for families with small children, the petting zoo is the best place to make a goat or sheep friend. There is a $2 charge per child, however, there is no charge for adults!
Pumpkin Patch
At the pumpkin farm, there are two locations to pick the perfect pumpkin. You can choose from the diverse selection of pumpkins on display at the front of the Farm or you can head to the pumpkin patch and choose your own.
Each pumpkin is individually priced and you can choose from x-small, small, medium, large, and even gigantic! Most of the pumpkins are grown to be carving pumpkins rather than for pies and other desserts, so you can pick up a carving kit at the check-out desk as well!
Is there anything more Autumn than heading out to a pumpkin farm, getting lost in a corn maze, riding a hayride, petting some farm animals, and taking home a bouquet of sunflowers?
You can find all of these activities at The Pumpkin Station locations all around San Diego. Check out their website for more information and even a free tractor ride coupon - The Pumpkin Station.
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