Must-See Pumpkins in Los Angeles Perfect for Halloween Fun

1. Pumpkin Rock - Norco

Put on your hiking boots and hit the trails to find this iconic pumpkin set along a hiking trail in Norco, California. Yes, this pumpkin is a bit of a drive from LA, but it's one of the best on the list, and makes for a picture-perfect photo opportunity! The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip; however, it is uphill the whole way. The path is not very stroller-friendly, so if you make this a family affair with the littles, you may want to bring some baby carriers for tired little legs. Never forget the hats, sunscreen, snacks, and water when embarking on a hike under the SoCal sun!

2. Big Jack - Citadel Outlets 

Big Jack is the "World's Biggest Pumpkin"—no lies! This smiling jack-o'-lantern spends his days at the Citadel Outlets in Commerce from October 1st to November 1st, and hangs out with friends in the pumpkin zoo (i.e., pumpkin sculptures of amazing animals). A visit to Big Jack is totally free, unless you can't pass on a good deal at the outlets and decide to indulge in some retail therapy! 

3. Smilin' Jack - Wilmington 

Smilin' Jack is a beloved institution in Wilmington, and he always gets some extra attention in October. In 1952, some creative refinery workers transformed a giant storage tank by painting it to resemble a happy Halloween pumpkin. Once filled with gasoline, this pumpkin now serves as a yearly nod to Halloween cheer. Check him out and snap a Halloween photo. 

4. The Giant Mickey Pumpkin - Anaheim 

It's hard to miss the beloved Mickey Pumpkin during Disneyland's Main Street Pumpkin Festival. This cheery gourd resides in the center of the Main Street roundabout, and it's a prime photo op for Disney guests. Disneyland also sells plenty of Mickey pumpkin merchandise during October, but grab it before it's gone—quicker than a flicker, Mickey and his merch will disappear to make room for Disneyland's towering Christmas tree. 

Photo courtesy of Legoland California

5. The Halloween Tree - Legoland

There are plenty of bricktastic pumpkins all over Legoland for Brick or Treat, which takes place throughout October. Some of the most bricktastic gourds are hanging from Legoland's brand new (and very impressive) Halloween tree, which captures the spirit of the season one brick at a time. The Halloween tree isn't the only festive installation at Legoland. Brick or Treat is an annual event with trick-or-treating stations, Halloween-themed shows, and more. 

6. The Great Park Balloon - Irvine 

The Great Park Balloon is always orange, but during spooky season, it sports a jack-o'-lantern grin. A balloon ride costs $10 per adult, and kids under 12 ride for free. We just went up in the sky on this local attraction a few weeks ago (though unfortunately, Jack hadn't made his appearance yet, as the balloon resembled Pac-Man on our adventure). Check out our reel here! 

7. Carved at Descanso Gardens - La Canada Flintridge

All the pumpkins above are, admittedly, not grown and harvested pumpkins. If you want to see a real bounty, Carved at Descanso is the spot. Carved is filled with fake and illuminated jack-o'-lanterns, but towards the end of the Halloween trail, professional carvers work on real gourds before your eyes. Some of the most intricately carved pumpkins in the state are on display; you'll find pop culture references and creative masterpieces on pumpkins big and small. Check out a reel from our visit to Carved here.

Photo courtesy of Descanso Gardens

8. Pumpkin Village at Mr. Bones - Culver City

Wander over a charming footbridge and into a pumpkin at the charming pumpkin village, included with admission at one of our favorite pumpkin patches in the city, Mr. Bones! In addition to a pumpkin photo op, Mr. Bones is packed with bouncers, kids' activities, and plenty of pumpkins for the picking. 

9. San Martin Park (Pumpkin Park) - Lakewood 

Kiddos can play in a Cinderella-themed pumpkin coach at this adorable playground in Lakewood, California. This pumpkin is around all year long, but fall is the perfect time to make a special visit, snap a few photos, and imagine you're riding away from the ball. 

10. Pumpkin Ferris Wheel & Pumpkin Spin at Live Oak Canyon - Redlands 

If you've ever wanted to ride around in a pumpkin, Live Oak Canyon is the place to do so. It's the largest pumpkin patch in Southern California, and my personal favorite. Grab ride tickets to take a spin on some twirly pumpkins (imagine teacups at Disneyland... but the Halloween version) and go up, up, up on a pumpkin Ferris wheel. There's also no end to the photo ops and attractions at this must-do destination. We just wrote an entire article that tells you everything you need to know before you go, and we have a reel all about our visit.

11. Jack-O-Lynn at Discovery Cube Pumpkin Palooza - Santa Ana

Jack-O-Lynn is adorable, friendly, and really fond of dance parties- your kids are going to love her! She's at Pumpkin Palooza at the Discovery Cube, and she's the only pumpkin in our lineup that can talk. This digital projection pumpkin hosts an entire show for littles as a part of the Halloween festivities at Discovery Cube every October. It's one of our favorite not-so-spooky events of the season.