Fall is officially here, and Santa Barbara County is putting on tons of family fun! It’s a great time to head out on a quick road trip for the day: tourism has wound down, the weather is still gorgeous, and there’s plenty of space outside. You’ll get some great family memories plus cute fall décor for your home.
Here are some fun fall events and farms within 30 minutes of Vintage Ranch in Orcutt, California. Most pumpkin patches, farms and maze/activity spots are open from October 1-31. Check their sites for times!
Oct 1-29, Haunted Hills in Santa Maria
Photo by Santa Maria Elks
With fear-inducing scenes, creepy sounds, and scary interactions, the Cowboys of Rodeos past and restless equipment will come to life for a limited time. These frightful nights are not for the faint of heart!
NEW this year is a terrifying WALK-THROUGH portion of Haunted Hills. These tickets are Add-On tickets only and guests must arrive in a paid "Single Vehicle Entry." Cars will then be directed where to park once deep inside Haunted Hills!
Returning this year is the Ultimate Hayride VIP Experience where you will trade out the safety of your vehicle for an open air hayride, if you dare. You'll be treated to a special VIP Welcome Station where you'll receive a "shot" of courage before embarking on your ride.
Get more Haunted Hills info here.
Oct 1-31, Scarecrow Fest in Los Olivos
Photos: Los Olivos Chamber
The 2022 SYV Scarecrow Fest will for the 10th time, include the SYV communities of Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Come visit anytime in October to play, stay and enjoy the scarecrow sights and seasonal area activities. Los Olivos alone has over 24 scarecrows this year!
Get more Scarecrow Fest info here.
U-Pick Blueberries (and Pumpkins) in Santa Maria
Photos by U-Pick Blueberries
During the summer, this is a u-pick blueberry farm, and in October it transforms into a family pumpkin patch, scarecrow fest and craft spot for all ages. Check out their succulent workshops, hayrides, tractor rides, gallery of scarecrows, kid snacks, upcoming costume and jack-o-lantern contests and more. Make sure to watch their Facebook page for event and workshop announcements. Open Fridays – Sundays from 10am – 5pm through October.
Get more U-Pick Blueberries info here.
The Patch Santa Maria + Corn Maze
Photo: The Patch Santa Maria
The Patch in Santa Maria provides an affordable, family-friendly fall attraction as well as free agricultural programs to high school students in Santa Maria. With the support of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and Betteravia Farms, The Patch has provided local high school students with leadership opportunities and agricultural experiences that directly benefits the community of Santa Maria.
Attractions include:
Corny Corn Maze – Find your way through our acre corn maze. follow the friendly monsters as they help you find your way out!
Educational Exhibit – Take a walk through our educational exhibit created by local high school students. from butterflies to pumpkins – there is an exhibit for everyone to enjoy.
Photo Areas – Visit our many photo areas for your seasonal photos with your family.
House Of Terrors – Enjoy a student coordinated free spooky walk through…if you dare!
Get The Patch Santa Maria info here.
Nipomo Pumpkin Patch
Photo by Nipomo Pumpkin Patch
This down-home, relaxed farm has 50 kinds of pumpkins, specializing in Giant pumpkins and winter squash. They still have plenty of beauties out in the field looking for forever homes. Carvers come in all sizes, even super impressive, extra-large ones. Whether you need to decorate, carve or just eat them, they’ve got a pumpkin for you.
Get more Nipomo Pumpkin Patch info here.
The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch + Corn Maze
Photos: Liz Dodder, CaliCoastWineCountry.com
One of the best corn mazes around is the 10-acre maze at the Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch. It’s a fun challenge, so make sure you have allotted enough time to find your way out! They have a field of pumpkins, gourds, squash, corn stalks, hay bales and even a maze for kids. They grow everything they sell, and restock the pumpkins and gourds weekly to ensure you have access to the best selection. Open every day through November 1.
Get more Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch info here.