Ten local farms and pumpkin patches worth the drive this fall, from corn mazes to church patch traditions.
There is a particular kind of fall magic that only shows up once the Florida heat finally lets go: kids racing between rows of pumpkins, a hayride bumping along a dirt path, cider in hand while the light turns gold by 5pm. It does not last long here, so when it arrives, families make the most of it. Whether you are looking for a full farm day with a corn maze or a quick, photogenic pumpkin pick after school, this list covers ten of our favorite spots within a short drive of Ponte Vedra Beach.
We grouped them two ways: full farm experiences with mazes and hayrides, and community pumpkin patches that are perfect for a fast, festive stop. A few operate by reservation, so a quick call ahead is always a good idea before you load up the car.
Full Farm Days: Mazes, Hayrides & U-Pick Fun
Conner's A-Maize-Ing Acres
19856 County Road 121, Hilliard, FL 32046 | (904) 879-5453
Tucked out in Hilliard, this working farm is built for a full day out. It is one of the area's go-to spots for a corn maze, and the drive out of town is part of the fun, especially once the trees start turning along the way.
Amazing Grace Family Farms
4251 State Road 21, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 | (904) 284-2949
A Green Cove Springs favorite for families who want the classic fall farm combination: a corn maze, wide open rows for wandering, and plenty of pumpkins to choose from before you head home.
The Pumpkin Patch at Congaree and Penn
11830 Old Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32219 | (904) 604-5131
On Jacksonville's Northside, Congaree and Penn has built a reputation as a reliable fall farm stop, with the patch itself as the centerpiece for an easy weekend outing.
Wesley Wells Farms
3455 Joe Ashton Road, St. Augustine, FL 32092 | (904) 679-5660
Just southwest in St. Augustine, Wesley Wells Farms rounds out the farm-and-maze category. It is a solid pick for families near the west side of St. Johns County who want the full hayride-and-pumpkin experience without heading all the way into Jacksonville.
Sykes Family Farms
5995 Brough Road, Elkton, FL 32033
Down in Elkton, Sykes Family Farms offers the same farm-and-patch combination in a quieter, more rural setting. Call ahead to confirm hours, since farm schedules can shift week to week during peak season.
Quick & Charming: Community Pumpkin Patches
If your fall plans are more "let's grab pumpkins on the way home" than "let's spend the whole Saturday out," these five community patches, most hosted by local churches, are perfect for a fast, family-friendly stop and a few good photos.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church Pumpkin Patch
276 Roscoe Blvd N, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 | (904) 285-5347
The only patch on this list actually inside Ponte Vedra Beach, which makes it an easy, no-excuses stop for local families.
Christ United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch
400 Penman Road, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 | (904) 249-5370
A Beaches-area staple, close enough to make it part of a bigger day that includes the sand and a sunset.
Victory Lutheran Church Pumpkin Patch
4651 Kernan Blvd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 | (904) 642-8900
Convenient for families near the Southside and Intracoastal West area, and an easy add-on to weekend errands.
Jacksonville Pumpkin Patch at Isle of Faith
1821 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 | (904) 221-1700
One of the more established church patches in the area, sitting right along San Pablo Road for easy access from both Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra.
Mandarin United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch
11270 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 | (904) 268-5549
A longtime Mandarin tradition for many local families, and a great option if your fall plans take you toward the Southside.
Plan Your Fall Farm Day
A few tips before you go: call ahead, especially for the working farms, since hours and maze availability can change closer to peak season. Bring cash for smaller church patches, and dress for whatever Florida fall decides to throw at you that day, whether that is a crisp 65 degrees or still summer-warm by noon. However you spend it, fall in Northeast Florida is short and sweet, so get out and enjoy it while it lasts.
Posted by Jennifer Heller on
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