Even amid Southern California’s perpetual sunshine and coastal breezes, Orange County residents eagerly embrace the fall season. To help you get into the autumn spirit, here is a guide to some of the best pumpkin patches in the area. From real farm picking to lively rides and activities, these festive spots offer something for everyone.
Tanaka Farms (Irvine)
Tanaka Farms offers a true, working-farm experience that transforms into a lively pumpkin patch in September and October. You can take a tractor wagon ride through the 30-acre farm, pick pumpkins right off the vine, walk through the sunflower fields, visit the barnyard animals and watch the famous pumpkin cannon launch.
- Address: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
- Dates & Hours: Open September 12 – November 1 | Daily 9am – 6pm
- Highlights: U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, corn maze and petting zoo
- Visitor Tips: Weekend visits require online pre-purchased tickets and parking passes
Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch (Orange)
Set inside scenic Irvine Regional Park, this local favorite provides a traditional harvest atmosphere. Kids can ride the historic mini-train, navigate the hay maze, race John Deere tractors, enjoy face painting and pick out their ideal pumpkin behind the train depot.
- Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
- Dates & Hours: September 13 – October 31 | Weekdays 10am – 6pm, Weekends 8am – 6pm
- Highlights: Train rides, hayrides, carnival games, tractor races and hay maze
- Visitor Tips: Individual activities and the train ride require purchased tickets, arrive early on weekends to avoid park entrance lines. Reservations required on select weekends.
Pumpkin City (Laguna Hills)
Pumpkin City is a bustling carnival-style autumn village with dozens of amusement park rides, classic game booths, live entertainment and thousands of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes laid out across the lot. Adults can also relax at the on-site beer garden.*
- Address: 24203 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
- Dates & Hours: Open October 1 – October 31 | Monday-Thursday: 12:30pm-9pm, Friday-Sunday: 10am-10pm
- Highlights: Pumpkins, rides, mining, activities, game booths, family photo moments, daily live entertainment, free parking and an Oktoberfest beer garden
- Visitor Tips: Admission fees and activity ticket costs apply
Make the most of the fall season with a visit to one of these premier pumpkin patches. Are you looking to make a move to or within Orange County? Explore a variety of apartment homes and communities that fit every lifestyle.
*Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol and to participate in some events; valid, government-issued photo ID required. Consumption of an alcoholic beverage impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems. Please drink responsibly.
