Rodoni Farms
It’s that time of year again— jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pies, and hay mazes, oh my!
Carve out some time this season to visit a pumpkin patch or two, from local favorites to family farms.
Here’s our guide to pumpkin patches in Santa Cruz County.
Before you dive into the Pumpkin Patch Guide we wanted to let you know we’ve also put together a full guide of local Halloween events.
So, after you’ve settled on your pumpkin patch plans, pop over to the 2020 Halloween Event Guide to find all the spooktacular events around town.
Highway 1
Fambrini’s Farm Fresh Produce Stand Located about 3 miles south of Davenport, Fambrini’s is a great stop for fresh produce, organic strawberries, and lavender bouquets. Plus, their pumpkins are all under $15!
Rodoni Farms With ocean views, a sprawling hill of pumpkins, stacked hay bales, wooden photo props, and a corn maze, there are endless photo opps at Rodoni’s. After capturing some family memories, enjoy the great selection of pumpkins, specialty squash, and fresh veggies—Brussels sprouts, artichokes, and leeks, oh my! Plus, dog-friendly.
4444 Coast Road (Highway 1) 831-426-0666
Seaside Pumpkins If you thought Rodoni’s ocean view was spectacular, try their second site just a 1/2 mile north of Davenport. Located on the sea side of Highway 1, the ocean backdrop and farm fields make for great pictures. Sometimes you can pick pumpkins off the vine.
Swanton Berry Farm After all your hard work pumpkin picking along Highway 1, some pumpkin pie to go from Swanton is in order, along with any other cobblers, shortcakes, and seasonal deliciousness on hand. While not an actual patch, sometimes there’s a selection of pumpkins at the farm stand. Paying cash via the honor system is still part of Swanton’s charm, but card payments are now accepted as well.
25 Swanton Rd., Davenport
Arata’s Pumpkin Farm About a 45 minute drive from Santa Cruz on Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, Arata’s is open during the day with plenty of activities including hay rides, a petting zoo, and children’s train rides. But, for something different and a little scary (think older kids), try the hay maze and haunted barn at night! Be sure to visit Arata’s online for a full list of attractions and prices.
185 Verde Rd., Half Moon Bay 650-726-7548
Around Town
Post Street Farm Don’t miss this hidden gem! Set in a lovely urban garden near Costco, variety is the pumpkin spice of life at Post Street Farm, where heirloom and unusual pumpkins reign supreme. Be sure to say hi to Speeder, the resident farm pup, and strike a pose with all the spooky Halloween decorations.
122 Post St., Santa Cruz (831) 251-2946
The Great Pumpkin Patch – Cuny Farms The Great Pumpkin Patch has moved from Daubenbiss Ave. in Soquel to the corner of Thurber Lane and Soquel Drive in Santa Cruz. This family-friendly patch packs in the fun with a cow train, hamsterball water ride, pumpkin painting, petting zoo, hay maze and more.
2125 Soquel Drive., Santa Cruz
Capitola Produce Pumpkin Patch Come for the pumpkins. Stay, or rather walk across the street, for Gayle’s Bakery. After wrangling the kids for a picture perfect smile, you deserve a treat!
700 Bay Ave., Capitola
Crystal Bay Farm If you haven’t already, get this one on your radar. Crystal Bay’s pumpkin patch gets bigger every year. In years past there has been a labyrinth, squash tower, mini corn maze, and lots of pumpkins. Be prepared for a $2 entry fee.
40 Zils Road, Watsonville (831) 724-4137
Save the Date
Santa Cruz Glass Pumpkin Patch Head to the Live Oak Grange for beautiful hand-made glass pumpkins and gourds created in the glass blowing studio of local artist Cris Johnson. The glass pumpkin patch is open Saturday and Sunday, October 24th and 25th, from 10am to 4pm.
Public Service Annoucement
Post-Halloween Public Service Announcement: Donate your pumpkins (carved, slightly rotten, broken, or even just guts!) to Wilder Ranch. They make a healthy, delicious treat for the chickens, goats, sheep, and cows.
If you want to donate pumpkins, you can drive directly down to the barn, tell the person at the parking lot kiosk that you are dropping off a donation and you won’t need to pay. Walk into the barn and the last stall on your right will have a sign for pumpkin donations. Collect your neighborhood jack-o’-lanterns and make one trip. The farm animals thank you in advance!
Did we miss your favorite pumpkin patch? Shoot us an email or comment below to let us know.
