As you stroll among Sonoma County’s majestic redwoods, you might notice a change in the air. Though the days are still warm, they’re growing shorter, and the morning breeze carries a crisp chill. Fall is nearly here, so there’s no better time to plan a day out at the nearby pumpkin patches.
Not only is visiting local pumpkin patches a great way to support local farmers, but it’s a chance for you to get into the autumnal mood as we head into the latter half of the year. Not to mention the little ones always love to pick out their own jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.
So to get into that fall spirit, here are the best pumpkin patches in Sonoma County for you and your family to explore.
1. Punky’s Pumpkin Patch
Punky’s Pumpkins, first opened in Santa Rosa in 1995 and has been a local institution ever since. This pumpkin patch is the work of business owner Mike Gutzman, known in Sonoma as Pumpkin Mike.
Mike started out growing pumpkins as a hobby, but his passion would grow into a thriving family business. Before long, what had started as a modest two-acre garden blossomed into a booming twenty-acre operation. And being the hands-on owners that they are, the Gutzamn family prides themselves on producing only the finest pumpkins and squash.
Besides, pumpkins, the local pumpkin patch offers daily train rides for the little ones and hay rides for families.
2. Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and Amazing Corn Maze
The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch raises over 50 varieties of squash and gourds on their property annualy, including 35 varieties of pumpkins alone. Whether you’re looking for miniature pumpkins, a pie pumpkin, or a massive jack-o-lantern pumpkin that will be the envy of your neighbors, Petaluma is bound to have the right squash for you.
But, the pumpkin patch is only half of the attraction.
Per their name, they also boast a 4-acre corn maze that promises a challenge for young and old alike. The maze usually takes 45 minutes to complete. But those who want an added challenge can try the maze out at night on Fridays and Saturdays.
3. Muelrath Ranches
In terms of attractions, Muelrath Ranches brings the most to the table. With their pumpkin patch being established in 1946, they have the longest history of any family farm with acres of pumpkins. Those generations’ worth of experience let them grow some of the finest varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds you’ll find anywhere.
In addition to the pumpkin patch, the ranch offers demonstrations of pumpkin slingshots and cannons, a toddler’s corn maze, a haunted house, and a hayride complete with hay bales. The attractions on offer make it your one-stop shop for getting into the fall mood.
4. Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch
The Santa Rosa Patch is located in the heart of Sonoma County, only 20 minutes from Petaluma. The patch boasts a farm animals petting zoo, pumpkin bowling, and an inflatable slide—to name a few!
Following the season’s grand opening on October 7th, Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch will be open daily with rotating hours. Visit their Stony Point Road location for pony rides, a fun bounce house, and a corn maze.
Get a wristband for access to the farm’s fun activities, or simply stop by to choose from classic orange pumpkins, Cinderella pumpkins, gourds, and more.
5. PaPa’s Pumpkin Patch
PaPa’s Pumpkin Patch, located in Sebastopol, is just 15 minutes from The Barlow and downtown Sebastopol. The patch offers many activities for children, including hay rides and face painting.
Open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. during the month of October, there are more than just U-pick pumpkins. PaPa’s Pumpkin Patch offers games, a picnic area, and a local farmstand. PaPa’s has a variety of pumpkins to choose from, all at different prices depending on size and quality.
Pumpkin Patches Are Only the Start of Your Fall Adventure in Sonoma County
A walk among the pumpkin patches in Sonoma County may be the best way to get into the fall mood, but it’s hardly the only enjoyment in wine country during the fall. Adults can sample some of the world’s finest wines, while youngsters enjoy all the adventurous activities the region offers.
There’s so much to do that you’d need an extended stay to fit it all in.
And we’re happy to oblige you. To see a range of luxury accommodations suitable for your distinguished tastes, check out our Sonoma County vacation rental collection to start planning your fall getaway.