SAN DIEGO — Fall has arrived, if you can believe it, and some of your favorite activities to celebrate the season are popping back up around San Diego.
That includes corn mazes — a great source of family fun that can also prove a satisfying challenge. When it’s time to head out and get lost in the maize (sorry), look no further than these local spots.
Trying to get spooky season started? Check out our list of Halloween activities here.
Click on the links for more information on each location, and when in doubt, call ahead:
Pumpkin Station – Rancho Bernardo, Bonita
Oct. 1 – 31, hours vary
Free parking and admission, $4 per person for maze
Pumpkin Station features smaller sites with activities around San Diego and more expansive farm locations in Rancho Bernardo and Bonita. Both of the farms feature an 8-foot-tall corn maze, plus a train ride, petting zoo and — of course — plenty of pumpkins.
COVID-19 Policy: Pumpkin Station says employees are required to wear masks on the job and that unvaccinated customers are recommended to wear masks, which will be available upon request.
Mountain Valley Ranch – Ramona
Sept. 25 – 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free parking and admission, $5 per person for maze (free for kids 4 andunder)
Mountain Valley Ranch, which you might also know for its annual Christmas tree farm or roping competitions, will feature a corn maze seven days a week this fall. There’s also a petting zoo, “corn cannon,” pumpkin patch and even pony rides some days of the week.
$5 per person, 4 and under are free
Carlsbad Strawberry Company – Carlsbad
Sept. 18 – Nov. 8, hours vary
Free parking, $5 admission, $10 per person for maze
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company, popular for picking with families all summer, converts for fall fun to feature a corn maze, pumpkin patch, “apple cannon” and more. The corn maze boasts a mile-and-a-half of trail and takes about 30 minutes to complete, according to the company. Feeling brave? Learn more about their haunted corn maze in our list of Halloween activities.
COVID-19 Policy: Everyone 2-and-up is required to wear a mask and temperatures are screened at entrance.
Bates Nut Farm – Valley Center
Sept. 18 – Oct. 31
Free parking and admission in September, on weekdays | $8 per car October weekends
$3 per person for straw maze
Bates Nut Farm’s pumpkin patch is back, with a more than 50-year history of celebrating fall traditions in Valley Center. Rather than a corn maze, this location features a “straw maze” stacked three bales high. That makes it a good choice for little ones who’d get a bit overwhelmed on larger trails, though adults enjoy the walk too.
This fall will also feature a petting zoo, tractor hay ride, live bands and food vendors, but the nights they’re all available will vary, so give them a call or check their website for updates.