A Visit to Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch
Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch is back this fall season with fun for everyone in the family. Located in the small west Marin village of Nicasio, the farm is just west of the Nicasio Village Square right on Nicasio Valley Road. Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch is open seven days a week through Halloween from 10 am to 6 pm weekends and 10 am to 4 pm during the week, and it's always worth a visit. They've been a Marin Halloween tradition for over 25 years. We paid a visit this week to check it out.
Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch offers a wide variety of pumpkins spread out in an expansive meadow on the farm. Pumpkin varieties ranged from your standard Halloween jack-o-lantern types to white ones, green Italian and Australian varieties, and flat European "Cinderella" style squash. The farmstand also offers of gourds, squash, and decorative cornstalks, as well as drinks and snacks. Pumpkins range in price from $5 to $40.
Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch offers a variety of activities for families: there are farm animals to visit, and there will be live music, hay rides, face painting, and food for sale from Big Jim's BBQ on weekends. In addition, the legendary Tim Cain will perform a one-hour set at 11 am on Sundays through October 24.
The rural Nicasio setting is, as always, lovely. There's an expansive shaded seating area with distanced picnic tables, straw bales, umbrellas, and tents, so you can relax and take in the scenery while you eat lunch.
We always have a great time at Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch, which is one of the reasons we've been coming here each fall for years. It's a must-visit Marin destination in the fall. For more information, call them at (415) 662-9100 or visit nicasiovalleypumpkinpatch.net.
After our pumpkin patch visit, we stopped in at the Nicasio Valley Cheese Company (located next door near the parking lot), run by the Lafranchi family, who also put on the pumpkin patch. Their Locarno brie-style cheese is one of our favorites!
If You Go
To get to Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch from northern Marin, take 101 to Lucas Valley Road. Head west on Lucas Valley Road until you get to Nicasio Valley Road. Turn right onto Nicasio Valley Road and follow it through the village of Nicasio. Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch will be on your immediate right as you head out of the village. You can also take Novato Boulevard west to Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. Turn left on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road and follow it until you get to Nicasio Valley Road. Turn left onto Nicasio Valley Road and follow it to Nicasio; you'll see the pumpkin patch just past Nicasio School.
From southern and central Marin, take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west to Nicasio Valley Road. Turn right onto Nicasio Valley Road (at San Geronimo Golf Course) and follow it until you get to Nicasio.
Parking is in a small lot near the farm entrance, along Nicasio Valley Road, and in an overflow lot behind the farm. Try to get there early, as this pumpkin patch is extremely popular!
They accept cash only and there's an ATM available on-site. First responders and active duty military and their families receive a 20% discount.
Restrooms are available in the form of port-a-potties with outdoor hand-washing stations. The picnic area has plenty of shade, but hats and sunscreen are a must. Make sure you wear something you don't mind getting dusty and dirty, too.
