Best Pumpkin Patches Near Sacramento: Top Farms and Corn Mazes to Visit this Fall

When I was a kid, nothing felt more like fall than heading out to the pumpkin patch. I grew up in Citrus Heights and we'd make our annual trip to The Pumpkin Farm on Old Auburn Road (which has unfortunately closed, sigh). 

The thrill of finding and choosing the pumpkin that would become my jack-o’-lantern was pure magic. Then scooping out seeds and carving it with one of those special dull pumpkin knives was so fun! Now, as an adult, I have gotten to experience the magic through the eyes of the kiddos in my family. There’s something super cool about chaperoning kids through corn mazes, watching them climb hay bales, or hearing their absolute excitement when they spot a pumpkin that’s “the one” no matter how imperfect it is. 

The greater Sacramento region is blessed with plenty of pumpkin patches that capture that same childhood wonder. Here are some of the best spots to explore this fall: 

• Dave’s Pumpkin Patch / Vierra Farms (West Sacramento): A local favorite with something for everyone, like hay rides, a corn maze, pig races, and even pumpkin chunkin’. I went to my good friend's 30th birthday party here (in like 2008, don't judge!) and it is full of adult fun opportunities too.
• Nick & Ray’s Pumpkin Patch (Sacramento) Set on historic Bastiao Farms, this spot offers more than just pumpkins. Kids love the haunted “mining town,” corn maze, corn cannons (!), and giant straw bale pyramid. 
• Cool Patch Pumpkins (Dixon): Home to the world’s largest corn maze, this is the patch to visit if you’re up for adventure. I am not ashamed to admit I have been lost in this corn maze a few times in my life. Beyond the record-setting maze, there’s a “you-pick” pumpkin field, hayrides, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops (as evidenced by my pic above).
• Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm (Wheatland): A true fall destination. Bishop’s has it all—U-Pick pumpkin fields, petting zoo, carousel, corn maze, hayrides, and a bakery filled with seasonal treats. It’s the kind of place you can spend the whole day and still not do it all. 
• Keema’s Pumpkin Farm (Elk Grove): A smaller, family-owned farm that feels more personal and low-key. With tractor rides, farm animals, and a cozy corn maze, it’s perfect if you want a quieter, less crowded patch experience. 
• Rickey Ranch (Granite Bay): Rustic charm defines this patch. Vintage tractors, farm animals, and a hay pyramid set the stage, while hidden skeletons among the vines add a playful twist to the search for pumpkins. 
• Boa Vista Orchards (Apple Hill, Placerville): Pair pumpkin picking with apple cider, pies, and gorgeous orchard views. This stop turns into a full fall day trip, especially if you want both pumpkins and the full Apple Hill harvest vibe. 
• Fog Willow Farms (Wilton): A charming farm with a picture-perfect setting. Visitors enjoy hayrides, friendly farm animals, and a climbing haystack. The on-site sugar shed with fudge and lemonade is a sweet bonus.

Not on public sewer? Be sure to get a septic inspection...

Occasionally I help clients buy or sell property that is not hooked up to public utilities. These properties tend not to be located in urban or suburban areas, and are usually a bit more rural -- like Elverta, Rio Linda, Elk Grove or unincorporated Sacramento County or Placer County areas.

Recently I helped a buyer purchase a horse property home on acreage in Elverta, and while MLS stated that the home was on all public utilities, we observed that there were indeed septic tanks on the property.

Septic systems must be pumped and drained in order to be fully inspected. Do yourself a favor and do not stand downwind of the septic while it is being drained. It's pretty disgusting to smell.

In cases where the septic is easily accessible -- meaning that the location to the access points of the underground tanks is known, and the access points are not buried or require excavation -- pumping is approximately $350 and then the inspection itself is approximately $125.

Assuming the septic system is in good, functioning condition, having a septic company issue a "certification" may cost another $250. A certification means that the company will guarantee the system is operable for the next 2 years. Some lenders may require as a condition of funding a loan that buyers obtain a septic certification for homes not on public sewer. So if you are buying (or selling) a home on a septic system, I would be sure to budget at least $725 for a septic certification. Maybe more.

For homes on septic systems where the tanks, wells, leach lines, etc. are NOT in good condition, a certification may not be issued without repairs. This can get pretty expensive (thousands of dollars!) depending on what the issues are.

The costs of inspection, repairs, and certification are negotiable between buyer and seller.

Ready for Halloween?

Fog Willow Pumpkin Farm; 11011 Cecatra Drive, Wilton, CA 95693. Phone: 916 687-4547

Gibson Ranch; 8556 Gibson Ranch Road, Elverta, CA. Phone: 916-991-2686.

Pumpkin Acres; 3101 El Centro Road, South Natomas, CA. Phone: 916-929-7546.

Pumpkin Paul's; 5910 Hazel Ave, Orangevale, CA Phone: 916-988-7727.

Vern's Pumpkin Patch; 5415 Kenneth Ave., Fair Oaks, CA. Phone: 916-256-5069 .

Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Patch & Corn Mazes; 210 S. Harding Blvd., Roseville, CA 95678. Phone: 877-672-2624.

Cool Patch Pumpkins; 38140 Russell Blvd., Davis, CA. Phone: 530-304-0163.

Dave's Pumpkin Patch; 3010 Burrows Ave, West Sacramento, CA 95691. Phone: 916-849-9450.

Ugly Ray's Pumpkin Patch & Petting Zoo; 19376 Old River Road, West Sacramento, CA, 95691. Phone: 916-997-8573.

Woodland Cornmaze & Pumpkins; County Road 103 and East Main Street, Woodland, CA. Phone: 530-666-7194.

http://www.ErinAttardi.com • http://Erin.Golyon.com