Did you know that San Diego is home to a few sunflower fields? While you might be wondering why this is listed as a fall activity idea (sunflower season in other parts of the world is in June/July), for San Diego, end of Sept – mid Oct is peak season! Today we’re talking about the U-Cut sunflower San Diego sunflower fields located in Rancho Bernardo. PS: this spot is also home to one of my favorite pumpkin patches (featured in this article).
What you need to know about visiting the U-Cut Sunflower Fields
The Pumpkin Station is also home to a petting zoo, corn maze, tractor ride, train ride, and of course a pumpkin farm! This spot is ideal for spending an afternoon doing traditional fall activities. While the farm isn’t huge, it’s easy to access, located about 30 min from downtown San Diego.
- Location: Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Station
- Address: 13421 Highland Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92128
- Season: Sept 30th – Oct 31st (visit the website for the hours as they change throughout the season.
- Admission: Free entrance to the farm, but there are costs (see below) for the various activities
- U-Cut Sunflowers: $2/stem
- Hayride: $5/pp
- Petting Zoo: $5/pp
- Train: $5/pp
- Pro Tip: One of the top questions I’ve received over on Instagram is if it’s dog friendly. It is as long as your furry friend is leashed!
Tips for Visiting the San Diego Sunflower Fields
Tip 1: Call before visiting
Last year, I missed the sunflowers altogether as I drove out to the farm on opening day and they hadn’t bloomed yet! The cashier recommended calling in the future for a status update. Based on past years, the sunflowers tend to be in full bloom around the first or second week of October.
Tip 2: Go early in the day
The farm provides shears for you to be able to cut your own flowers. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and there was quite the wait for shears. Go in the morning right when they open to avoid the crowds and the shear wait!
Tip 3: Walk to the far side of the field
This is a tip that really can apply to anything – pumpkin picking, apple picking, etc. Most people tend to beeline for the closest blooms. We walk to the further side of the field and found rows of tall sunflowers in perfect bloom (as opposed to the small ones towards the entrance).
Tip 4: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty
Another farm pro tip that applies to anything seasonal. You’ll be walking through dirt and fields so be sure to wear a boot or something you don’t mind getting dusty!
Looking for more San Diego fall activities?
5 Best San Diego Pumpkin Patches
