The Bay Area boasts an abundance of pumpkin patches, but what are they like? Is the journey to Half Moon Bay necessary for a worthwhile experience? I visited six different pumpkin patches to discover the best options for this fall.
4 C’s Pumpkin Patch: 7/10
4 C’s Pumpkin Patch is located right off San Mateo Road on the way to Half Moon Bay. Looking for an escape from busy, over-commercialized pumpkin patches? 4 C’s is the place to go. While seemingly lacking excitement without any flashy attractions, it’s perfect for those who prefer finding pumpkins without being overwhelmed by excess entertainment. However, 4 C’s is likely better suited for a quick visit rather than an all-day excursion.
Admission is free and pumpkins are grown on-site, allowing for the rewarding experience of finding the perfect pumpkin. With a food truck on the lot and a special deal of $50 for a wheelbarrow load of pumpkins, you are bound to have a delightful trip.
Bob’s Pumpkin Farm: 9/10
Down Highway 1, you can find Bob’s Pumpkin Farm, which offers a genuine and simple pumpkin-picking experience. With the largest space dedicated to pumpkin picking out of the patches I visited, it features a massive, uncrowded field to roam with the smell of ocean air in the breeze. Bob’s also showcases one of the widest selections of pumpkins that I found, ranging in a variety of colors and types, all grown right on-site.
A staple at Bob’s is the stack of hay bales in which children of all ages can play and jump off of. Adding onto the fenced goats, chicken, and pigs, Bob’s Pumpkin Farm is worth the drive from downtown Half Moon Bay to have an authentic and old-fashioned trip.
Repetto’s Pumpkins: 7/10
Also located off of San Mateo Road, Repetto’s Pumpkins offers a blend of traditional charm and modern attractions. It has a solid selection of pumpkins, including special “munchkin” pumpkins for $1 each. In addition to pumpkins, the patch features a fall-themed flower stand. The main highlight of Repetto’s is their corn maze, which, for $5, provides fun for visitors of all ages.
Pastorino Farms: 8/10
The exact opposite of 4 C’s in entertainment—but nearby in terms of location—is Pastorino’s. A short walk from 4 C’s, it is perfect for someone who wants a full day of fun activities. Pastorino’s offers free admission and a variety of attractions, though they come at an additional cost. Enjoy a hayride or train ride for $6, a haunted house for $5, take a pony ride for $12, or enjoy the petting zoo for $8. A wristband for $15 gives unlimited access for an hour to the bounce house, slide, and obstacle course.
Pastorino’s also includes a lovely greenhouse, delicious food options—including their special pumpkin pies— and a gift barn full of all things fall-themed. While pumpkins are available, their selection is lacking compared to other nearby pumpkin patches. Pastorino’s may not be for the traditionalist, but it’s an excellent choice to keep younger children entertained for hours.
Lemos Farm Pumpkin Farm: 7/10
Located directly across from Pastorino’s is Lemos Farms. Both share a similar commercialized atmosphere, emphasizing attractions over pumpkins. While it may appear small from the outside, stepping into the farm reveals its true size, with multiple parking lots and shuttle services to bring people to the entrance.
Entry is not free; tickets are priced at $17 for adults, $29 for children up to 70 pounds, and $34 for children up to 100 pounds. These tickets include access to numerous rides, such as pony rides, train rides, hay rides, the haunted house, and more. However, be prepared for lengthy lines for almost all attractions.
Lemos Farms is focused on rides and attractions, with a limited selection of pumpkins. If looking for a full day of activities for young children, Lemos Farms would be the place to go.
Webb Ranch: 8/10
Located off of Alpine Road in Portola Valley is Webb Ranch. Full of both attractions and a variety of pumpkins, Webb Ranch is an excellent pumpkin patch to visit. Admission is free, but access to activities like the bounce house, haunted house, corn maze, petting zoo, reptile zoo, and more requires an activity pass.
While Half Moon Bay contains various pumpkin patches that cater to different audiences, Webb Range provides an enjoyable alternative closer to home. With something for everyone, it ensures fun for visitors of all ages and interests.
