Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Fall Activities in the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco Bay Area pumpkin patches–it is Halloween and Yes! There is a pumpkin patch IN San Francisco!
Here is a partial list of Halloween and other fall activities in the Bay Area. Living in a large city such as San Francisco or Oakland, we are removed from the bucolic existence of yesteryear. Fortunately, fall is one time of year when we can get back to nature and reconnect with our country roots. During autumn, we can visit local farms or a nearby pumpkin patch to experience a simpler time and enjoy some of the wonderful creations of Mother Nature! Plus have some good, old-fashioned fun for the entire family!
Beautiful pumpkin at a nearby pumpkin patch!
San Francisco Bay Area pumpkin patches and mazes:
Alameda
Speer Family Farms Pumpkin Patch
Clayton
Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm
The farm is now “retired” but they do have an online store with lots of Halloween items.
You may send a GOLD FAIRY-SPRINKLED MINI PUMPKIN to someone you love!
Half Moon Bay
Arata’s Pumpkin Farm (also a corn maze)
Lemos Farm
Livermore
Joan’s Farm & Pumpkin Patch
Moore’s Pumpkin Patch (also in San Ramon)
Oakland
Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch (also a haunted house)
Petaluma
The Great Peter Pumpkin Patch
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
San Francisco
Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch (and Christmas Trees)
Despite the name, this is a wonderful place tucked away on 7th Avenue in the Inner Sunset. (See homes for sale in the Inner Sunset and other great San Francisco neighborhoods.)
Clancy’s now has a second location on Sloat Blvd. by the San Francisco Zoo.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch
This isn’t a complete list. Be sure to comment if you know of another one you like or if you would like more information about any of these.
Have you ever ever to a corn maze? Several of the above farms also have corn mazes. Here are additional details on these along with a few others in the Bay Area:
Petaluma
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
Farmer Jim Groverman designs a new corn maze every year, planting nearly 160,000 seeds to create this four-acre labyrinth. The stalks rise to over 10 feet high! Finding your way through the full maze typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. (Maps are available if you’re anxious about wandering.) Bordered by sunflowers and hay bales, the maze rises beside a five-acre pumpkin patch filled with over 35 varieties of pumpkins!
Be sure to bring a flashlight on Fridays and Saturdays as the maze is open after dark.
Hollister
Swank Farms
This 20-acre maze is spookier than most—it’s open until midnight on weekends to attract thrill-seekers. The so-called Maniac Maze sprawls across 20 acres. Farm co-owner Bonnie Swank designs each year’s maze to be unique. Twenty-seven signs are hidden among the stalks to help guide your path and solve a progressive story. Go during the day to explore the maze without the spooks and browse 21 varieties of pumpkins. You’ll also find an “ugly pumpkin” slingshot, a train ride for kids, and corn cannon.
Maniac Maze at Swank Farms in Hollister
Lathrop
Dell’Osso Family Farm
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop.
Pacific Heights, San Francisco: Neighborhood Spotlight
Pacific Heights, San Francisco was first developed in the 1870’s, with small Victorian homes built. Starting around the start of the 20th century, and especially after the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, many of these small homes were replaced with period homes. Still predominantly residential, the neighborhood is characterized by painted Victorian-style architecture.
Many famous people and celebrities reside in Pacific Heights. The neighborhood is home to the billionaire Getty Family, Representative Nancy Pelosi and author Danielle Steel. Both the “Full House” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” homes are also located here.
Thanks to good schools, fine dining and incredible views, it is no wonder that this well-known neighborhood is often considered one of San Francisco’s finest and most desirable places to call home!
Pacific Heights is located within Bush Street (some say Pine Street), Presidio Avenue, Union Street to the north, and Van Ness Avenue. (Lower Pacific Heights is the area south of California Street down to Post St.)
Characteristics of Pacific Heights:
The oldest building in the neighborhood, located at 2475 Pacific Avenue, was built in 1853, although the majority of the neighborhood was built after the 1906 earthquake. The architecture of the neighborhood is varied. Victorian, Mission Revival, Edwardian, and Château styles are common. Several countries have their consulates located here.
Pacific Heights Mansion
There are a ton of options for dining and recreation. Small businesses, little bars and coffee shops, restaurants (see list below) and groceries can be found in beautiful and popular Pac Heights.
Residential-wise, single-family homes, condos, high- and mid-rise apartments can be found in this fabulous San Francisco neighborhood.
Most mansions come with their own garage which is good since Pacific Heights is hilly. Most of street parking is occupied because of the busy commercial options.
Here is a recent list of some of the best restaurants in Pacific Heights.
Which ones have you been to? Which is your favorite restaurant?
Events: (canceled the summer of 2020 due to COVID-19)
An annual highlight of the neighborhood is the Fillmore Jazz and Art Festival. Usually held around the 4th of July, this is my favorite of the summer street festivals!
Adjacent to Pac Heights in Cow Hollow, the Union Street Fair is especially popular with younger adults and families. Stay tuned for this annually the first weekend of June.
Rebecca’s Take:
Is Pacific Heights for you? Known as one of San Francisco’s most expensive neighborhoods, it’s undeniable that this is a small–or even large–family dream location. It’s safe and quiet yet still accessible.
IF you are curious about the value of your home compared to those in Pacific Heights, feel free to check it out at Your San Francisco Home Value.