Bates Nut Farm Day Trip Explore the History and Delights

Bates Nut Farm is in an oak-filled valley near Valley Center, California. The 100-acre farm was established in 1921 when Gilbert and Beatrice Bates purchased the property. The couple raised five children and an assortment of animals on the farm. Bates initially produced and sold walnuts grown on the property and expanded over the years to sell a variety of nuts from around the world. Nuts sold at Bates are roasted and packaged on-site to ensure freshness.

Bates Store and the Farmer’s Daughter Store

At Bates Nut Farm Store, you can choose from nuts, including almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, cashews, and peanuts. The fudge shop and candy counter offer a selection of regular and sugar-free candies, adding a sweet touch to your visit. Bates Nut Farm also provides a range of products such as teas, gift packs made with farm products and candies, as well as a variety of specialty food items, including sauces, pickles, jams & jellies, salsas, soup mixes, seasonings, dessert mixes, and seasonal items. Next door to the main store in the original barn is the Farmer’s Daughter store with gifts and collectibles, making your shopping experience even more delightful.

Petting Zoo at Bates Nut Farm

The farm zoo is home to goats, sheep, and llamas. The animals are friendly and enjoy interacting with visitors, so you can feed them, pet them, and even take selfies. Just be careful not to let the goats eat your phone. Bates Nut Farm is open to dog-friendly, except for the store or petting zoo area—service dogs are the exception.

A Brief History of Valley Center, California

Valley View, California, is located in San Diego County and is steeped in rich history. The area was originally called Bear Valley, and reportedly, the largest California grizzly bear ever taken there in 1866, weighing a whopping 2,200 pounds. The town’s name was changed to Valley in 1874, Valley Centre in 1878, and Valley Center in 1887. Valley Center is also home to the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, who have a reservation there. They are part of the Kumeyaay Nation, which originated in the area. The San Pasqual Band is proud of its heritage and history, which are important to the local community.

Seasonal Events at Bates

Bates Nut Farm hosts various special events on the 100-acre ranch annually.

• Bates Pumpkin Patch runs from September 19th to October 31st. It’s a classic fall tradition where you can pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving and baking. There is a $10 per vehicle charge for the Pumpkin Patch event.
• If you’re a car enthusiast, there are several car shows throughout the year, including classic cars and big rig tractors.
• The Annual Scarecrow Contest in October is perfect for those who enjoy a good scare. You can create and build your scarecrow to display in the Pumpkin Patch.
• Check out the Christmas on the Farm event in November and the Christmas in Valley Center in December for some holiday cheer. It’s a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with live music and more.

Getting to Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center, CA

Bates Nut Farm is a great day trip destination and an excellent place to buy delicious food. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful oak-filled Valley. Finding the farm is part of the adventure for first-time visitors because it’s 3 miles off the main road. When you turn onto Woods Valley from Valley Center Road, you’ll experience the rural atmosphere that Bates Nut Farm has retained—address: 15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, California. Visits Bates website for details. Pick a non-event weekend if you want a quiet day in the country.

Bates Nut Farm Area Points of Interest

After visiting Bates Nut Farm, you can enjoy a buffet lunch at nearby Indian casinos before your trip home. Valley View Casino & Hotel is only two miles away. Harrah’s Rincon is six miles away, and the Pala Casino Spa & Resort is 17 miles on Highway 76, connecting to Interstate 15.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Safari Park has 1800-plus acres of exotic animals and botanical gardens carved out of the picturesque San Pasqual Valley’s hills and canyons outside Escondido, California. Visitors get an up-close look at the animals that occupy the park’s five naturally landscaped habitats via the 25-minute Africa Tram ride. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California. Visit website.

Palomar Mountain Observatory

The main attraction at Palomar is the 200-inch Hale Telescope. When you visit, you can take a guided tour and learn all about the telescope’s construction and the important discoveries it has facilitated over the years. The Palomar Observatory museum houses displays of the telescopes and the engineering feats that allowed the observatory to be constructed.  35899 Canfield Rd, Palomar Mountain, California. Visit website.

---

You Might Like These Trips

Toms Farm Corona

Tanaka Farms Irvine

Underwood Family Farms

---