Arata Farms

Located in Half Moon Bay, this 87-year-old farm offers attractions for the whole family. One of the original farms that made Half Moon Bay an agriculturally strong pumpkin town. Half Moon Bay ships over 3,000 tons of pumpkins all across the United States each year! At the farm, there are activities for the entire family including a hay maze, petting zoo, pony rides, haunted house, train rides, hayrides, and of course plenty of pumpkins to sort through. If you’re planning to go without the kids, head up to the farm at night where you can try to make it through the hay maze in the dark. Arata Farms is open Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 am-6:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am-10:30 pm. Get more information here.

Rodini Farms

Rodoni Farms, a family favorite, is located off Highway 1 just north of Santa Cruz and offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The pumpkin patch has numerous varieties of pumpkins and gourds, fun photo opportunities, and a five-acre corn maze. It is also dog friendly so be sure to bring the family pup along, too! The patch starts seasonal operations on September 26th and is open Monday to Friday 11:00 am- 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am- 6:00 pm. Details here.

Swank Farms

Just an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz and you can experience one of the best pumpkin patches in our area. Swank Farms originated as a dairy farm and has transformed over the years. Now Swank Farms is a fall destination with numerous attractions, offering something for everyone! Attractions included a corn maze, sunflower patch, ‘fishing for goats’, hamster wheel, jumping pillows, cow train and so much more. They also offer a nighttime event called the Trail of Lights and Frights as well as a farmer’s market on Saturdays. Beginning October first they are open on Thursdays from 10:00 am- 6:00 pm and Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm. For more information or to purchase tickets click here.