Southern California is known for its warm climate and abundance of fresh produce, making it a prime location for fruit picking. Whether you’re looking for strawberries, apples, or other seasonal fruits, there are several farms and orchards in the region where you can enjoy this fun and delicious activity. Children love going fruit picking, plus it’s a great way to educate the little ones on where their food comes from and how it grows.
From the coastal towns of Irvine and Carlsbad to the mountainous regions of Oak Glen and Bakersfield, there are plenty of options for fruit picking throughout Southern California. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to go fruit picking in the region and what fruits are available throughout the year. Make sure to call ahead to make sure the farms are open, and there are fruit picking options, as many of these fruits have short windows.
Tanaka Farms
Located in Irvine, California, Tanaka Farms is a family-owned farm that offers a variety of fruits and vegetables for visitors to pick. The farm also offers guided wagon tours that allow visitors to learn more about farming practices and the seasonal crops available. They have a variety of crops throughout the year, including strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Tanaka Farms also features a market stand where visitors can purchase fresh produce, including specialty Asian vegetables. Additionally, they offer seasonal events like a pumpkin patch and a holiday light display.
Address: 5380 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Website: https://www.tanakafarms.com/
Underwood Family Farms
Underwood Family Farms is a family-owned farm located in Moorpark, California, about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. The farm offers a variety of activities for families, including pick-your-own produce, animal shows, tractor rides, and a playground. They have a seasonal schedule of crops, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and various vegetables like pumpkins, tomatoes, and peppers. In addition to produce, the farm also offers fresh-baked goods, canned goods, and local honey. Underwood Family Farms is open year-round, and admission fees vary depending on the time of year and the activities available.
Address: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
Website: https://www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/
Riley’s Apple Farm
Riley’s Apple Farm is a family-owned and operated farm in Oak Glen, California, that has been providing a fun and educational apple picking experience for over three decades. The farm is home to more than 30 varieties of apples, ranging from the classic Red Delicious to more unique varieties like the Arkansas Black. In addition to apple picking, Riley’s also offers tractor rides, a petting zoo, and a farm store that sells fresh apple cider, homemade apple pies, and other seasonal goodies. Riley’s Apple Farm is a popular destination for families and apple enthusiasts alike
Address: 12201 S. Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, CA 92399
Website: https://www.rileysapplefarm.com/
Murray Family Farms
Murray Family Farms is a family-owned and operated farm in Bakersfield, California, that has been in business for over 30 years. The farm covers over 200 acres and offers a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown using sustainable farming methods. Visitors to the farm can enjoy picking their own produce, taking a tractor ride tour of the farm, visiting with the farm animals, and shopping for local products at the farm store. In addition, the farm hosts a number of events throughout the year, including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and Christmas tree farms.
Address: 6700 General Beale Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93307
Website: https://www.murrayfamilyfarms.com/
Julian Farm and Orchard
Julian is such a cute and quaint place to visit! This family-owned farm offers a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, including apples, pears, and pumpkins. In addition to fruit picking, visitors can enjoy a hayride, visit with farm animals, and explore the farm’s produce stand. Julian Farm and Orchard is a great spot for families to enjoy a day of outdoor fun and learn about agriculture.
Address: 4381 Highway 78, Julian, California
Website: https://julianminingcompany.com/farm-orchard
Livesay Orchards
Located in a neighborhood of Los Angeles called Porter Ranch, this family-owned orchard offers a variety of seasonal fruit-picking opportunities, including peaches, nectarines, and apples. Visitors can also purchase pre-picked fruits, homemade jams and preserves, and baked goods. The farm has been in operation for over 70 years, and they take pride in their commitment to sustainable agriculture and using environmentally friendly practices. Livesay Orchards is a great destination for families looking to experience the joys of picking fresh fruit and enjoying the beauty of the orchards.
Address: 8532 Sierra Hwy, Porter Ranch, California
Website: https://www.livesayorchards.com/
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
The farm offers a variety of activities for families, including U-pick strawberries, wagon rides, and a petting zoo. Visitors can pick their own strawberries directly from the fields or purchase pre-picked strawberries from the farm stand. In addition to strawberries, the farm also sells various produce and products, such as jams, honey, and fresh baked goods.
Address: 1000 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, California
Website: https://carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/
Snow-Line Orchard
Located in Oak Glen, Snow-Line Orchard is family owned apple farm, winery & cidery. Known for its apple picking experience, with over 20 varieties of apples available to pick, they also have a bakery and market with fresh apple cider, apple butter, and other apple products. Snow-Line Orchard also offers raspberry and cherry picking in the spring. They have several varieties of cherries available, including Bing, Rainier, and Lapin.
Address: 39400 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Website: https://snow-line.com/
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm
Kenny’s Strawberry Farm is a family-owned farm located in Fallbrook, Southern California. This farm offers strawberry picking from March to June, and pumpkin patch picking from October to November. They also offer farm tours for school groups, families, and other organizations. Visitors can purchase a variety of freshly picked berries and vegetables from their on-site store, which also sells homemade jams, honey, and other farm products.
Address: 953 Rainbow Valley Blvd, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Website: https://www.kennystrawberryfarm.com/
Leona Valley Cherry Company
The Leona Valley Cherry Company is a popular spot for cherry picking in Southern California, located in Leona Valley, just north of Los Angeles. This family-owned orchard offers visitors the opportunity to pick their own sweet cherries straight from the trees. The orchard is usually open for cherry picking from late May through June, depending on weather conditions and ripening times. In addition to cherry picking, the Leona Valley Cherry Company also sells a variety of other fresh produce and homemade goodies in their country store.
Address: 120 E Milling St, Lancaster, CA 93535
Website: http://www.leonavalleycherrycompany.com/
Julian Cherry Lane
Julian Cherry Lane is a family-owned and operated cherry orchard located in Julian, California, which is about 60 miles northeast of San Diego. The orchard features a variety of cherry trees, including Bing, Brooks, Rainier, and Tartarian. Visitors can come and pick their own cherries, purchase pre-picked cherries, or even have them shipped directly to their home. The orchard also offers picnic tables for visitors to enjoy their freshly picked cherries and a shop selling cherry-themed products.
Address: 1250 Julian Orchards Dr, Julian, CA 92036
Website: https://www.juliancherrylane.com/
Avila Valley Barn
Avila Valley Barn is a family-owned farm located in San Luis Obispo County, California. It offers a variety of farm-fresh produce, such as strawberries, raspberries, vegetables, and pumpkins. The farm also has a country store, bakery, and ice cream shop that sells homemade pies, fudge, and other treats. Visitors can enjoy a hayride or stroll through the pumpkin patch during the fall season. They do have a you-pick selection, but hours and availability varies, so it’s recommended to sign up for their newsletter.
Address: 560 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Website: https://www.avilavalleybarn.com/
Southern California has plenty of opportunities for families to experience the fun of fruit picking. From cherries, strawberries, and apples to oranges, avocados, and more, there is always something in season to pick and enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, these farms offer a chance to connect with nature and experience the joy of picking your own fresh, local produce. With so many farms to choose from, there is something for everyone, and many offer additional activities like hayrides, petting zoos, and farm stands. So pack up the family and head out to one of these great Southern California fruit picking destinations!