Whether You Seek the Perfect Photo or the Perfect Pie, These Two Patches Have the Pumpkins You Need
Autumn on the Monterey Peninsula brings more than crisp air and golden light—it brings pumpkin season, with fields of orange and the scents of cinnamon and hay. Whether you’re after a weekend family outing, a photo-worthy patch, or the perfect pumpkin for your front porch, two local spots stand out every year: The Patch in Salinas and Earthbound Farm in Carmel Valley. Each offers its own charm, atmosphere, and approach to celebrating fall on the Central Coast.
The Patch – A Homegrown Harvest in Salinas
Set against the agricultural backdrop of Salinas, The Patch is an authentic, down-to-earth pumpkin patch that embodies the heart of local farming. The experience starts as soon as you pull up: rows of pumpkins stretch toward the hills, and families wander through the fields choosing their perfect pick straight off the vine. It’s a true working farm, created by passionate local growers who bring a sense of authenticity and connection to the land.
Endless pumpkins at The Patch, with a play area for kids in the background that features bounce houses.
Kids running around the hay stacks at The Patch.
Visitors can expect u-pick pumpkins, seasonal produce, and family-friendly touches like a corn maze, hay bales, and photo ops set among the vines. The Patch captures the spirit of Salinas Valley agriculture—unpolished, beautiful, and full of heart. It’s where kids get dirt on their shoes, adults rediscover simple joys, and everyone leaves with a trunk full of pumpkins and a smile.
Earthbound Farm – A Fall Retreat in Mid-Valley
If The Patch is the rustic farm experience, Earthbound Farm in Carmel Valley is its polished, organic cousin—part pumpkin patch, part country market, and part outdoor café. The setting is serene, with rolling valley hills and shaded picnic areas surrounded by flowers and fresh herbs. Here, visitors can browse a curated selection of organic pumpkins, seasonal produce, and harvest-themed treats while sipping coffee or enjoying a fresh salad from the garden café.
A sunny day with different-colored pumpkins at Earthbound Farms, with their Pumpkin Shack gift shop in the background.
The pumpkin soft serve at Earthbound Farms is a big favorite.
Beyond the pumpkins, Earthbound offers an elevated fall experience with scenic photo spots, a kids’ garden maze, and shelves of local products—from preserves and honey to freshly baked goods. It’s a perfect stop for those who want a taste of fall in a refined, relaxed environment—ideal for couples, families, or anyone who loves an afternoon surrounded by organic beauty.
Two Local Favorites, One Perfect Season
Each patch captures a different side of autumn on the Central Coast. The Patch in Salinas is where tradition and community thrive, while Earthbound Farm offers a slower, more scenic way to celebrate the season. Together, they remind us that the Monterey Peninsula’s fall spirit is as diverse as its landscape—rustic fields, rolling valleys, and plenty of pumpkins to go around.
Visit The Pumpkin Patches
The Patch
10 River Rd, Salinas, CA 93908
Follow on Instagram @thepatchsalinas for updates and event info.
Earthbound Farm Stand
7250 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA 93923
Learn more at earthboundfarmstand.com
